How to Shop for Women’s Underwear

You don’t have to sign up for a life-changing journey in the style of Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love” to be able to improve your mood, lift your spirits, and get a sense of inner joy. Sometimes, it can be as simple as treating yourself to a new set of underwear.

The way to make this work, however, the key is in finding the pieces that promise on fit and comfort as a little discomfort from clothing (even if it’s not visible) can ruin your day. When it comes to women, things can get pretty overwhelming in a short matter of time what with all the options of quality women’s undergarments available in a variety of cuts, colours, fabrics and sizes. To make shopping easier when faced with so many choices, there are some essential factors to consider.

Know Your Exact Size

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While we may think we know the size based on our previous purchases, it’s necessary to point out that sizes can differ between brands and models. To be certain you get something suitable for you, it’s best to get the measuring tape and check your exact numbers.

This is especially important if you’re shopping for women’s underwear from online retailers, as then you can easily check the products’ size chart and find the perfect match. With the bra, there are two numbers you have to know: the one of the band, and the one of the cups. To get the band size, measure below the bust at the ribcage.

To get the cup size, measure around the fullest part of the bust, and then you can subtract the number from that of the band. This would give you the idea of your correct size, and help you avoid issues like discomfort and chafing. For the panties, measure around the narrowest part of the waist, then move on to measuring the fullest part of the hips (i.e. widest buttocks area).

Pick Your Ideal Design

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Sometimes, when we think of design, the colour and pattern are those aspects that first come to mind, however in the case with women’s undergarments it’s different. With the bras, for example, you should choose between supportive, i.e. with underwire, or not. Some women find the underwire uncomfortable, others find it essential, so be sure you know your preference. Also, supportive designs are better for women with larger busts, as opposed to there being no need for underwire for smaller busts.

This is also where you should consider whether you’re up for more coverage or not, depending on what it is you plan on using the bra with in terms of clothing. For more coverage, pick the full-cup option fit for D cups and above. Balconettes offer slightly less coverage, same as the low-cut plunge bra though this doesn’t come at the expense of support. A t-shirt bra is that basic choice you can wear with casual shirts as implied by the name.

Another option is the sports bra, fit for active women as it’s made from non-stretch fabrics chosen to reduce the jiggle effect. More specific bras include the front fastening easy to get on an off, the strapless for outfit flexibility, and the nursing bra suitable for pregnant women and those breastfeeding. There are different options when it comes to panties as well.

Based on the occasion you plan on using them for, you’ve got a range of styles to choose from. For full coverage and utmost comfort, briefs are an ideal choice, followed by shorts. Hipster panties offer moderate to full coverage, and then you’ve got bikini panties that show off more of the belly and buttocks though not as much as the thong.

The in-between is the cheeky panty for medium to low coverage. Thongs are a thing of their own, available in all sorts of variations, from high-rise retro thong and thong briefs, to Brazilian thongs and open-gusset low-rise thongs, so you’re spoiled for choice with these products of underwear for women. For something more specialised, you’ve got shapewear panties that can firm and shape your abdomen. Some even have a light ruching to give you a thong effect.

Find the Best Material

As mentioned, comfort is mandatory to feel confident and great in your skin as much as the right fit can be. With this in mind, it’s crucial to pay attention to the fabrics, same way you would with the designs. And then, there’s also the fact fabrics matter if you want to pick out something that’s easy to care for and maintain clean.

Besides cotton and silk as the natural choices that are great on the skin, you’ve got synthetics like polyester, nylon, and spandex that make for breathability and quick drying even if they’re not exactly ideal to be washed in a machine. When you find quality designs, they’re worth investing in because it gives you the chance to make the most of the purchase. Lycra designs are an example, especially when this fabric is woven in the mesh bottom as it provides you with seamless and mark-free panties.