The red underwear meaning at New Year is one of the most charming traditions of the season. In many countries, slipping into something red before midnight is said to bring love, luck and passion in the year ahead. Here is where the custom comes from, the questions everyone asks about it and our favourite red lingerie for New Year's Eve.
Red underwear meaning at New Year
Where the tradition comes from (Italy, Spain, Latin America)
Wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve is a well-loved custom in Italy, where it is thought to date back centuries, with red long associated with good fortune. In Spain, it is often paired with another tradition: eating twelve grapes as the clock strikes midnight, one for each month of the coming year. Across much of Latin America, the colour of your underwear on New Year's Eve is chosen with care, as each shade is believed to bring something different.
Today, the tradition has spread well beyond those countries, and many people in the UK enjoy it as a playful, romantic way to see in the year.
Love, luck and a fresh start
Red is the colour of love, passion and vitality, so wearing it at midnight is said to invite romance into the new year. For some, it simply stands for good luck and a bold, confident start. Whatever you hope for, red underwear is a private wish, worn close to the skin.
Does it have to be new? Does it have to be a gift?
In some versions of the tradition, the red underwear should be new, worn for the first time on New Year's Eve to symbolise a fresh start. In others, it brings the most luck if it is given to you as a gift rather than bought for yourself. Some even say it should be thrown away on New Year's Day, though most people happily keep a beautiful set.
There are no strict rules. If you love the idea of a gift, drop a gentle hint to a partner or friend. If not, choosing a new set for yourself is a lovely ritual in its own right.
What to wear: red lingerie for New Year's Eve
Our Red Lingerie collection brings together our favourite pieces for the occasion, from simple lace sets to statement bodysuits.
Lace sets under a party dress
If you are heading out, a red lace set worn under your party dress is a secret that makes the whole evening feel special. The Scarlet Seduction Lace Lingerie Set in Red pairs delicate floral lace in a bold red hue with eyelash lace trim, an underwired bra and a matching thong. It is simple enough to wear under most dresses.
For something more romantic, the Amora Blossom Embroidered Lace Lingerie Set in Red brings bold red blossom embroidery to soft nude-toned sheer mesh, with scalloped edges and strappy thigh garters. If your dress is sheer or close-fitting, try everything on together before the night.
A red bodysuit as a top
A red lace bodysuit worn as a top makes a confident, festive outfit. The Ruby Lace Cut-Out Bodysuit in Red traces the body in sheer floral stretch lace, with a plunging neckline, a front cut-out and criss-cross straps. Wear it as standout lingerie, or layer it under a black blazer with tailored trousers for a flash of colour at midnight.
The Evangeline Lace Garter Bodysuit in Red is bold and sculpted, with floral embroidered lace cups, satin-trimmed seams and built-in garter straps ready for your favourite stockings. For styling ideas, read our guide to wearing the Evangeline red lace bodysuit, or browse our garter bodysuits.
A 3-piece set for the evening at home
If you are seeing in the new year at home, a complete set feels celebratory. The Nicola Lingerie Set in Red is a sultry three-piece, with floral lace and intricate embroidery framed by decorative straps and gold-tone hardware. The underwired bra gives natural lift without padding, and the suspender belt and leg straps complete the look. Explore more in our 3-piece lingerie sets.
If red is not quite you, burgundy offers a deeper, more muted alternative, and our burgundy pieces are a lovely choice for the festive season in their own right.
Other colour traditions at New Year
Red is not the only colour with a meaning. In parts of Latin America, yellow underwear is worn for prosperity and happiness in the year ahead. White is chosen for peace and a fresh start, pink for gentle love and friendship, and green for health. Some people even wear two colours, one over the other, to cover two wishes at once.
Whichever colour you choose, the tradition is really about hope: a small, private ritual to welcome the new year with intention. If your wish is love and passion, red will always be the classic choice. And if you are planning ahead, our Valentine's collection is waiting for February.
Frequently asked questions
What does wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve mean?
In Italy, Spain and much of Latin America, red underwear is worn to welcome love, passion and good luck in the year ahead.
Does New Year red underwear have to be new?
Many versions of the tradition say yes, and some say it should be a gift; most people simply choose a new set they love.
What does yellow underwear mean at New Year?
In parts of Latin America yellow is worn for wealth and happiness, while red is chosen for love.
Can I wear red lingerie under a party dress?
Choose a smooth set or a bodysuit that suits the neckline, and check it does not show through lighter fabrics.