Underclub subscription box review: the Luxe plan

Underclub couldn’t have caught me at a better time. With long-standing lingerie giants like Victoria’s Secret losing ground in the retail sphere, and indiscriminate Shopify-powered startups all over my Instagram feed, I found myself without a clue to where to buy underwear.

I’d been used to relying on that semiannual mailer offering a free VS panty for years. But when confronted with one particularly sad, fraying pair of boy shorts one morning, I realized finally it was time to buy some new, well-fitting underwear.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to dig through indie brands or mainstream department store offerings. Underclub does the work for you, taking into account your panty preferences and sending you designer picks to match

Underclub sent me three pairs of underwear for free so that I could try out the service. You can rest assured you’re getting my honest, unbiased opinion.

Read the final verdict

First impressions

I really loved my first pair, a lacy, navy-blue pair of boy shorts made by Blush. They fit impeccably and looked smooth and seamless under leggings — my top two criteria. They pulled on easily thanks to the silky, swishy material — not like the overly stiff fabric that’s signature to cheap lace underwear.

I wasn’t a fan of my second delivery, Only Hearts Whisper Cage Back High Brief. These were just too high-waisted for me.

And in white, they looked very old-fashioned from the front — except that they were 100% sheer. The cage back was a cool detail, but not enough to save this pair from falling into bulky bloomer territory, albeit bare bulky bloomers.

The third pair I received based on the feedback from the first two pairs, I assume, and they were cute: fuchsia lacy-floral briefs designed by Natori.

All in all, the first pair was most on par with underwear I usually purchase.

My thoughts on Underclub

I was excited to try my first pair — after a fairly lengthy style quiz, I was certain Underclub would nail my style preferences. I also chose the Luxe service, which sends options from boutique brands. Although I can’t speak to the Signature service, I liked that I was branching out from mass-produced garments.

But since the service prides itself on selecting underwear for you based on what your likes and dislikes, I think it’s telling that my first pair was the closest match.

For me, it was too hit or miss to pay for a subscription, though I appreciated being introduced to new brands! I now have two lines I’ll definitely shop from next time I rifle through a drawer of free underwear past its prime.

How’s the value?

The Luxe service is $19.95 per month. An average pair of undies from Natori is $20, $22 from Blush and $53 from Only Hearts, making it a decent value. Plus, you don’t have to pay for shipping.

Underclub also offers seriously discounted lingerie in its members-only one-time shop, like the keyhole bralette by Thistle and Spire — normally $62 on the brand’s website.

Pros and cons

How it works

Sign up for Signature or Luxe, which Underclub says offers boutique as well as seasonal collections. After entering your size information, you’ll answer questions about your style, such as whether or not you want to receive thongs and what kind of coverage you prefer. You can even opt to exclude certain colors or patterns from your order.

You’ll receive one pair of underwear each month on a subscription basis. You can pay annually, every six months or on a monthly basis.

Underclub also offers add-ons at checkout, like matching bralet sets or a six-pack of cotton basic undies.

After you receive your pair for the month, you can provide feedback and note any sizing issues to update future orders.

Bottom line

If you’re looking to spend your pocket change on something fun — and you hate shopping for underwear — Underclub may be a fit for you.

You may not get styles that flawlessly match your aesthetic, but you will get to try brands you may not have heard of otherwise.