As someone who lives and breathes lingerie during my work time, I sometimes have to make an active effort to stop thinking about it during my off hours. Sometimes I’m more successful than others. The exception is when a new lingerie book comes out or I get a recommendation for one that involves lingerie and fashion. I’ve read a huge list of books that involve lingerie and fashion over the past few years, so today I thought I’d share a few of my favorites. If you run out of reading this summer and want to learn more about your lingerie (or just be entertained by something lingerie themed) then something on this list is probably for you.

These books include everything from a serious textbook to a cozy mystery so you can pick and choose your time and investment level! What they all have in common is that they are good, entertaining and worth taking the time to read.

1.  An Intimate Affair: Women, Lingerie, and Sexuality by Jill Fields

If you read one book about lingerie history it should be this one. It’s comprehensive, huge, and covers lingerie history starting back in the Middle Ages. Lingerie trends have always been about a battle between women and society’s expectations of them, with a big sprinkle of advertising and commercial influence on the side.

Lingerie options changed drastically over time as women demanded access to a wider range of activities. You’ll see how lingerie was used to hold women back, to further their ability to participate in society and to create a picture-perfect version of women and their lives. If you consider yourself a lingerie collector at all, then you should read this book to understand why we’re all consistently drawn to it over time.

2.  Paris Undressed: The Secrets of French Lingerie by Kathryn Kemp Griffin

This book has a breezy tone and combines lingerie history with modern day French inspired shopping tips. It’s more useful if you’re smaller busted and not especially curvy. That said, I enjoyed it as a plus-size woman for its deep dive into aspects of the industry like lace.

I’m not a huge fan of the ‘French women are effortlessly perfect’ genre of non-fiction books as a rule, but this book has a purpose beyond that and is genuinely entertaining. If you can’t go lingerie shopping in Paris then this book is the next best thing.

3.  Vintage Lingerie: Historical Patterns and Techniques by Jill Salen

The popularity of sewing has exploded recently! This book focuses on historic lingerie patterns and techniques. It’s an invaluable resource for people into costuming or anyone focused on the technical details of lingerie who wants to learn more.

This book not only offers annotated historical patterns for personal use but also talks about ways to alter them to suit various body shapes! The patterns go back to the 1890s with a focus on corsetry and goes up to the 1950s. It’s a great resource for fans of vintage and retro lingerie from all time periods.

4.  Murder Unmentionable by Meg London

Now we get to one of my favorite literary genres: the cozy murder mystery! I read a ton of these in my free time so I was thrilled to find a series that involved a lingerie shop. It’s set in Paris, Tennessee and involves a fun cast of characters and a satisfying amount of romance. If you like this one there are two more in the series for you to enjoy!

This would make a great lingerie related beach read this summer. It’s the perfect brainless vacation novel.

5.  The Breast Life Guide to The Bra Zone: How to Find Your Size, Style, and Support by Elisabeth Dale

I have to admit my bias here: Elisabeth is one of my editors and also a fabulous human being. That said, her book would be on this list even if I didn’t send her emails every week! If you’re still looking for your perfect bra or bra brand to be loyal to then this is your book.

What I love about this book is that it focuses on finding a bra that feels right to you rather than on the lingerie “rules” that so many books emphasize. It talks about sister sizing and finding your personal fit, but also doesn’t pressure you to adopt some idea of what you should wear based on your age or size. I think of Elisabeth as a rule breaker, so it’s fitting that she’s written a book that encourages others to do the same.

Are you going to pick up any of these books this summer? Let us know which ones in the comments? Did you learn about any new books from this article? If so, make sure to share it with your friends!

{Editor’s Note: The Amazon links featured in this blog post are not affiliate links. We don’t make any money if you buy any of the books on this page.}