Walking into a lingerie store or browsing online for the first time can feel overwhelming. With so many styles, fabrics, sizes, and brands, where do you even start? Whether you’re building your first real lingerie collection or finally investing in quality pieces, this guide will help you navigate the world of intimate apparel with confidence.
Start With Why You’re Shopping
Before you start clicking “add to cart,” take a moment to think about what you actually need. Are you looking for everyday comfort, something special for a date night, or pieces that work under specific outfits? Your purpose will guide every other decision.
Everyday lingerie should prioritize comfort and practicality. You’ll want pieces that feel good for 8-12 hours, provide proper support, and hold up to regular washing. Special occasion pieces can prioritize aesthetics over all-day comfort. And if you’re shopping for lingerie to wear under specific clothing, consider factors like visible lines, strap placement, and coverage.
There’s no wrong reason to buy lingerie, but knowing your purpose helps narrow down the overwhelming number of options.
Understanding Your Measurements
This is the single most important step, especially when shopping online. Most women are wearing the wrong bra size, and the difference between a good fit and a bad one is dramatic—both in comfort and appearance.
Get a soft measuring tape and measure around your ribcage just under your bust (this is your band size), and around the fullest part of your bust (this determines your cup size). The difference between these measurements indicates your cup size.
But here’s the tricky part: sizing varies between brands. What fits perfectly in one brand might not work in another due to differences in construction, materials, and design. Always check each brand’s specific size chart before ordering.
For bras, the band should fit snugly on the loosest hook (you’ll tighten it as the elastic stretches over time), lie parallel to the ground without riding up, and stay in place when you move your arms. The cups should fully contain your breasts with no spillage or gaps. Straps should stay in place without digging into your shoulders.
If you’re shopping in-store, don’t be shy about asking for a fitting. Professional fitters can help you find your correct size across different brands and styles.
Fabric Matters More Than You Think
The material of your lingerie affects everything: how it feels, how it looks, how long it lasts, and how you’ll feel wearing it.
Cotton is breathable, comfortable, and perfect for everyday wear. It’s durable, easy to care for, and ideal if you prioritize function over frills. Lace adds romance and visual interest but requires gentle handling. It’s gorgeous but less practical for daily wear.
Silk and satin feel luxurious against the skin and have that unmistakable elegance. They require more careful washing and are worth the investment for special pieces. Microfiber and synthetic blends are great for smoothing under clothing—they’re invisible under fitted clothes and usually very affordable.
Mesh adds visual interest and breathability, often combined with other materials for structure and support.
Consider what makes you feel most comfortable and confident. There’s no “right” fabric—just what works for you and your lifestyle.
Navigating Different Styles
The lingerie world has its own vocabulary, and understanding basic styles helps you find what you’re looking for:
Bras: T-shirt bras have smooth, molded cups that create a seamless look under clothing. Balconette bras have lower cups and wider-set straps, creating a lifted, rounded shape. Push-up bras have padding to enhance cleavage. Bralettes are unstructured, often wireless options perfect for smaller busts or casual wear. Sports bras provide support during physical activity.
Bottoms: Briefs offer full coverage and comfortable everyday wear. Bikini sits lower on the hips with less coverage. Thongs and G-strings minimize visible panty lines. Boyshorts provide more coverage with a sporty aesthetic.
One-Pieces: Bodysuits and teddies are all-in-one pieces that can double as tops. Chemises and slips are lightweight, dress-like pieces perfect for layering or sleeping.
Don’t feel pressured to try everything. Start with styles that appeal to your aesthetic and comfort level, then branch out as you get more confident.
Quality Over Quantity
When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to buy lots of inexpensive pieces. But investing in a few high-quality items will serve you better in the long run.
Quality lingerie fits better, feels more comfortable, lasts significantly longer, and makes you feel more confident. The construction is superior—reinforced seams, quality elastic, and thoughtful design details make a huge difference.
Start with a small, versatile collection: 3-5 everyday bras in neutral colors that you can rotate, matching panties for your regular wardrobe, one special set that makes you feel amazing, and appropriate options for any specific wardrobe needs (like strapless or seamless).
You can always add more pieces later. Beginning with quality basics means you’ll actually wear and enjoy what you buy.
Shopping Online vs. In-Store
Both have advantages. Online shopping offers massive selection, the comfort of browsing at home, easy price comparison, and often better deals. Many sites now offer detailed size guides, customer reviews, and virtual try-on tools.
In-store shopping lets you feel fabrics, try before you buy, get professional fitting help, and take pieces home immediately.
If you’re new to lingerie shopping, consider starting in-store to get fitted and understand what works for your body. Once you know your size and preferred styles, online shopping becomes much easier and less risky.
Always check return policies before buying, especially online. Good return policies give you confidence to try new styles or sizes without financial risk.
Don’t Let Size Intimidate You
This is crucial: lingerie is for every body, regardless of size. Don’t wait until you “lose ten pounds” or reach some imaginary ideal. You deserve to feel beautiful and comfortable in your lingerie right now, as you are.
Focus on finding styles that make you feel confident and comfortable in your current body. The number on the tag means nothing—what matters is how you feel wearing it.
If something doesn’t fit right, it’s not your body that’s the problem. It’s just the wrong size or style for you. Keep trying until you find pieces that make you feel amazing.
Building Confidence as You Shop
Shopping for lingerie should be fun, not stressful. Take your time, don’t feel pressured by sales or trends, and trust your instincts. The pieces that immediately catch your eye are often the ones you’ll actually wear and love.
Bring a friend if shopping in person makes you nervous—someone who makes you feel confident and supported. Set a realistic budget based on quality pieces you actually want, not just what’s on sale.
Remember that lingerie is about you and how you feel. Whether you prefer practical cotton basics or elaborate lace creations, the right choice is whatever makes you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
Start your lingerie journey with these basics in mind, and you’ll build a collection that serves you well for years. Welcome to a whole new world of confidence and self-expression!