Ten Tips for Buying Lingerie

There's a difference between the underwear we wear every day and lingerie. We're not all in the movies, where we're wearing a matching set of size 8 lingerie that cost thousands. Guess what - we rather suspect the same is true of those movie stars off camera, but that's another story.

However, from time time, we all like to make the effort and dress up, and that can include lingerie. But how many times have you gone looking for a special piece of lingerie and come away disappointed?

Now that could simply be because the stores you visited didn't include your sizes, so if you're a larger lady, take a look at a specialist plus size lingerie retailer.

It's not just sizing that disappoints us though, it's often not finding something that makes us feel attractive when we wear it. Here's our top ten tips to avoid that disappointment.

1. Make sure you get the right size, and to do that, make sure you have your up to date measurements before you start shopping, whether online or in the real world. If you're not sure, follow our lingerie sizing guide.
2. Make sure you're in the right mood before you start. There's no point going lingerie shopping if you're tired or stressed, etc. You might buy something, but it's unlikely to be something that you actually wanted - in fact, you more likely to just grab something so that it's all over quickly. It's supposed to be fun and enjoyable, so wait until you're actually interested in the lingerie before you go to buy some.
3. Set yourself a reasonable budget. As we said, lingerie is not for everyday, so you're looking to buy something that is going to costs a little bit more than usual. Be prepared for it.
4. Don't buy cheap. Sure, you can search on "discount" or "cheap", but unless the lingerie is on offer, then it's cheap for a reason, and that's normally either a) horrible material that will feel unpleasant and not last or b) poorly made and won't last.
   
   On this note, believe or not there are places that sell imitation lingerie, ie fakes. So if you find somewhere selling something you've been looking for at a price that's too good to be true, then it probably is and will probably fall foul of both points a) and b) above.
5. Build an outfit. If, for example, you choose to get a corset, then don't just buy that, because when you get it, you'll not have anything suitable to go with it. So, take a look for a pair of attractive knickers and some stockings to go with it. Make sure that they all go together.
6. Look for value. Now, we said don't buy cheap, but that doesn't mean you can't be sensible. For example, quite a few corsets are reversible, and some have detachable garters. So, look for something like this and you've got four options in one garment.
7. Accessorise well - so, get several different types of stockings and/or knickers to go with whatever you've chosen for your top half. If you do this, then you'll be able to wear the lingerie again and again in different combinations, getting a different look each time.
8. Buy in bulk. If you find something you like and that fits, particularly if it's stockings, buy several sets. Lingerie manufacturers update their ranges once or twice a year, so it's quite possible that you won't be able to get extra sets next time you go shopping. Of course, you might find something different that you might like more, but better to avoid disappointment.
9. Don't be afraid to ask. Good websites will reply to any query, and stores should have knowledgeable assistants. There's no point being embarrassed about asking and ending up spending significant money on something that's not right. Better to say "What should I get to go with this?" and come away happy.
   
   Likewise, if you're shopping from home on either a normal retail website or a plus size lingerie website, ask your partner for their opinion on what you're looking at. They are likely to be more than willing to help you choose.
10. Finally, and especially given the last tip, don't buy something you're not going to wear. Sounds obvious, but if you've never liked stockings or a thong, then don't buy them. You won't suddenly want to wear them, and there are plenty of attractive alternatives. Suspender stockings exist which are stockings without the hassle of a garter belt. There are cute boy shorts that are attractive. Go for items you want to wear, because you'll feel much more relaxed and attractive wearing them.
11. Bonus Tip! Consider getting a robe as part of your purchase. It's all well and good to get a whole new range of lingerie, but then you put it on and discover the only thing you have to cover up with is a towelling dressing gown, which ruins the effect. There's plenty of great slinky robes available.