Buying designer lingerie is not always easy. Sure, there is a large selection of quality undergarments on the market, but how do you know which bikini briefs or pair of French knickers is perfect for you? The following tips may help.

1. Research today’s styles

As part of the fashion industry, lingerie styles changes frequently. Designers are always at work to create different styles and incorporate new materials. Before actually starting your shopping spree, visit a few lingerie boutiques, check out several magazines, and do a little research online.

2. Know your size

When buying lingerie, make sure you know your size. You may have gained or lost some weight since you last bought bras, jumpsuits or other lingerie essentials. Take your measurements, and don’t cheat. If you do, your designer lingerie will not fit comfortably, nor will it look attractive when you reveal it to your lover.

3. Study the materials

There is quite a range of materials used for lingerie. Read the descriptions on the merchandise labels or lingerie boutique websites carefully. This can prevent a lot of irritation, especially for women with skin conditions, or who are prone to allergic reactions. Lingerie can be made from materials such as silk, satin, nylon, synthetic materials, or a blend of polyester and spandex.

4. Determine the occasion

Are you buying your bra and panty sets for every-day use, or are they for a special event? Most women do buy new lingerie for Valentine’s Day, when they go on vacation, or for their wedding day. Whatever the occasion, make sure your underwear will match the rest of your clothing. Wearing a black bra under a white lacy wedding dress may not be very appealing!

5. Set your budget

If your budget is tight, it may be more economical to wait for a lingerie sale. Designer corsets, boy shorts and plunge bras can be a bit pricy. When time is pressing and you need your lingerie right away, comparison-shop online. Type the brand and name of the briefs you want into your search engine’s search box. In seconds the search results will appear. Check the various websites offering your lingerie and buy it from the one offering you the best deal.

6. Familiarize yourself with online shopping

When ordering your lingerie from an online vendor, be careful. Some merchants have appealing prices, but will charge extremely high shipping and handling fees. Be smart, and inform yourself about all the charges before finalizing your order. Also, read the return policy, just in case the pieces do not fit properly, or in case you change your mind. To avoid returns, check out the size/measurement tables most lingerie boutiques post on their website. Be aware that some sites do not allow returns.

7. Choose the right color

The color of your lingerie can often set the mood. Everyone will associate the color red with ‘love.’ Brides will generally wear white, while black stands for ‘mystery.’ Although color is important, it does not matter as much as keeping your entire set color coordinated. Although you do not leave the house in the morning with the intention of showing off your underwear, you never know in what kind of situation you may end up. Embarrassment can be avoided!