To paraphrase Klaus Wowereit, the current mayor, Berlin may be poor but at least it’s sexy. From classic to kinky, this is a city where intimate apparel is taken seriously. Germans are generally liberal in their approach to displays of the human body, and, particularly in Berlin, the prudish may find some shop window displays and billboard advertising confronting.

At one end of the spectrum, Fishbelly’s motto, ‘sexy wear for sexy women’, says it all. As well as its own highly desirable designs it also stocks international labels, such as Dior and Versace. A big hit with locals, Koerpernah in Schöneberg has slightly raunchier lingerie for him and her in sizes from A to G. It also stocks Prima Donna, Simone Perele and Marie Jo, and is the best address in town if you require expert guidance on sizing.

Agent Provocateur is accurately named, with a provocative selection available exclusively at Galeries Lafayette, which also has a range of lingerie that spans budget to high end.
For practical and pretty items, Palmers is a chain store that can be found in most major shopping streets and arcades, with mid-range prices and a good selection. Renowned for comfort and practicality, Triumph has opened its own flagship store in the brand new Alexa am Alexanderplatz.

For those seeking something more adventurous in their choice of undergarments, Hautnah in Charlottenburg displays some of the kinkiest lingerie in town (think peep-show knickers, vinyl-wear and sheer bodysuits). Schöneberg is the place to go for fetish gear for fellas, including a selection of leather, rubber and vinyl at Mr B, while Schwarze Mode has every latex and leather outfit imaginable. For women, La Luna has some raunchy undergarments in among its prominent displays of body chocolate, body oils and body jewellery (Dunckerstrasse 90, 030 4432 8488).