Agent Provocateur   (Photo: Carmen Lopez and AJ Wilhelm)

Agent Provocateur
133 Mercer St., nr. Prince St.; 212-965-0229
In contrast to cookie-cutter chains, AP sports a more openly naughty attitude. Inventive designs like trimmed-satin corsets and transparent-tulle baby-doll slips have helped attract a star-studded clientele.

La Perla
93 Greene St., nr. Prince St.; 212-219-0999
You may associate this legendary Italian lingerie store with sexy, lacy black underthings, but big-name wedding designers swear by its corsets, which come in a range of styles with pretty panties to match.

Kiki de Montparnasse
79 Greene St., nr. Spring St.; 212-965-8150
An erotic version of Eres or La Perla, Kiki carries beautiful lace bras, teddies, and peekaboo panties alongside a host of toys.

La Petite Coquette
51 University Pl., nr. 9th St.; 212-473-2478
This popular boutique carries sexy high-end lingerie, swimsuits, loungewear, and hosiery from famous European makers and its own sharp, stylish line.

Journelle
3 E. 17th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-255-7800
Located just off a retail chain-packed stretch of Fifth Avenue, this charming shop stocks everything from perennial favorites Hanky Panky and Cosabella to lesser-known finds from Alicia Wade’s Sommes Chic and The Lake & Stars.