Lingerie doesn’t have to live at the very back of your closet for special occasions. it also doesn’t have to be intimidating for first-timers or those who may have some insecurities about their body shape.
You don’t have to have a partner to buy lingerie, either, as simply wearing something fabulous under your clothes can imbue your entire day with fun and confidence.
Here are five tips for how to consider your shape, including fit and bra cup sizes, when lingerie shopping online.
Assessing Your Body Shape
Wondering what lingerie might look good on you while browsing pages of options can be confusing. Trying on everything in-store isn’t always possible.
Instead, get familiar with your body shape, and you’ll find plenty of tips for what looks best on you. The five primary body shapes for women are:
- Rectangle: hips, shoulders and waistline are all even
- Inverted triangle: shoulders are widest and the waist and hips are smaller
- Apple: waist is widest and the hips and shoulders are smaller
- Pear: hips are widest and the waist and shoulders are smaller
- Hourglass: shoulders and hips are even and the waist is smallest
Don’t listen to any source claiming that one body type is better, more attractive or healthier than the others. All five types are beautiful and all five types can find flattering lingerie!
Measure Your Bra Size Accurately
After you know your body shape, break out a tape measure to be sure you’re in a bra that actually fits. To make this process easier and more fun at the same time, try an accessible bra quiz.
A bra quiz or calculator will ask you for two measurements: a band size and a bust size. If you have larger breasts, you may want to wear an unlined bra while measuring.
Without sucking in or holding your breath, measure an even circle below your breasts and around your ribcage for the band measurement.
Wrap the tape measure around the widest and fullest part of your bust for the bust measurement. Plug these numbers into the prompts to find your perfect size.
Selecting a Silhouette
Now that you know your body shape and bra size, look at style guides to see which silhouettes look best on your body shape. See which lingerie items fit these silhouettes.
For example, high-waisted bottoms work beautifully with inverted triangle proportions. A high-cut leg is ideal to accentuate the hips of pear-shaped women.
A waistline that dips down in a v-shaped cut rather than straight across is perfect for rectangle shapes.
Looking at Fabric
Silhouette is the most important consideration, but fabric is a close second.
Underwear for women comes in a variety of skin-friendly fabrics. Some, like satin-esque blends and ponte, are stiffer and provide more structure.
Cotton blends, including cotton and poly lace, are looser and stretchier for everyday wear.
Factor in Fun
Lingerie is practical, but it should be personal as well. The right underwear can make you feel sexy and fully realized at any point in your life.
Don’t hyperfocus so much on fit and body shape rules that you forget to listen to your inner voice. Embrace your personal style and find the pieces that put a smile on your face while getting ready for the day.
