Purchasing lingerie from the comfort of your own home has many benefits. There are no awkward dressing room encounters, no fumbling with hooks and straps under the harsh store lighting. Instead, you simply click a few buttons, and your underwear arrives at your doorstep after a few days. However, when you’re shopping online it’s often challenging to find the perfect fit and style.
These days, there seems to be an endless range of options to choose from, some with conflicting sizing charts and varying quality. It can be overwhelming to navigate through different websites, trying to find the perfect lingerie that will make you feel confident and comfortable. But fear not, there are a few simple tell-tale signs that will help you determine whether or not a particular piece is worth purchasing.
Know Your Size
Before you hit that “Add to Cart” button, you should always know your bra sizing measurements. Your bra is the foundation of your outfit. It should fit you like a glove, offering both comfort and support. A well-fitted model can make you feel confident, while an ill-fitting one is a constant source of discomfort.
Now, how do you find your size? It starts with precise measurements. Grab a soft tape measure and take two crucial measurements: your band size and your cup size. To ensure accurate sizing, wrap the measuring tape snugly around your ribcage, below your bust. Keep it parallel to the ground and avoid pulling too tightly. That measurement is your band size, either in centimetres or inches. Next up, your bust sizing. Measure around the fullest part of your bust and make sure the tape measure is parallel to the ground. You get your cup size by deducting your band size from this measurement.
Check the Size Chart
Bra sizes often vary slightly between brands, and even different designs within the same brand. That’s why you should use a reliable bra sizing calculator before making a purchase to be sure! Many online stores conveniently offer this type of calculator that’s like your own fitting room at your fingertips. All you need to do is input the measurements for your band size and your cup size, and the website will calculate your ideal bra size for you.
Now, you can also use a bra size conversion chart for this purpose. Once you have your band and cup measurements, you can compare them to the chart on the website. It will tell you your perfect bra size. For instance, if your band measurement is 34 inches (86 cm) and your bust measurement is 36 inches (91 cm), the chart will recommend a 34B.
What Are the Different Bra Types?
When you enter your measurements into the bra sizing calculator, the website will display a list of designs in your ideal size. So, now it’s time to select the one that best suits your needs and preferences:
-T-shirt bra: This is like your everyday all-rounder piece of lingerie. It’s seamless and smooth, so it won’t show under your snug-fitting T-shirts or other fitted tops. They’re often lightly padded for extra comfort and a bit of shaping;
-Sports bra: If you’re working out, this one’s your best friend. They provide extra support and minimise bounce during physical activities. They come in different levels of support, so whether you’re doing yoga or running a marathon, there’s a model for you;
-Full-coverage bra: These bras have cups that fully encase your breasts, minimising spillage. They offer ample support and coverage, making them an excellent choice for ladies over 50 to style with various outfits;
-Backless bra: These models have a unique design that provides support without a traditional back band. This is a fantastic choice for when you’re wearing an elegant silk dress, as they often have adhesive sides that stick to your skin, keeping everything in place;
-Bralette: These are wire-free, often unlined, and incredibly comfortable. Bralettes are perfect for lounging around or for wearing under loose-fitting tops when you want a more relaxed, laid-back feel;
-Strapless: These are the go-to choice when you’re wearing an off-the-shoulder outfit. They have special grip and support to stay in place without straps.
Read Reviews
Customer reviews are like little treasure troves of information left by ladies who have already worn the product you’re eyeing. These reviews can give you insights you won’t find in the product description alone. They can clue you in on how comfy a particular model is. They can also help you get a sense of how true to size a piece of lingerie runs, whether the band is snug, or if the cups provide a good fit.
Now, keep in mind that not every review will be glowing. What’s important is to look for patterns. If several reviewers mention the same issue or praise the same aspect, it’s a good indicator of what to expect.
Fabric
When you’re browsing through that wide selection of bras on your favourite online store, it’s easy to get swept away by the design, colour, and style. But the fabric is a crucial aspect that deserves your attention. This is in direct contact with your skin all day long, so it plays a significant role in how comfortable and supportive your bra feels.
-Cotton is a classic choice because of its breathability and softness. Cotton lingerie is perfect for everyday wear, especially in hot weather, as it helps keep you cool and dry;
-Lace is a beautiful and feminine option. Lace lingerie is stunning to look at, however, it may not be the most comfortable for all-day wear, especially if the lace is scratchy;
-Microfibre is a popular choice because it’s incredibly soft and smooth against your skin;
-To add stretch and flexibility to other materials, manufacturers often combine them with spandex or elastane. It helps your lingerie maintain its shape and move with you.
Return Policy
Online shopping is super convenient, but it comes with a little uncertainty, especially when it comes to clothing and underwear. The fit and comfort can vary, and that’s where the return policy comes into play. Before you hit that “Buy Now” button, check out the store’s return policy. Even if you’ve measured yourself accurately, there’s still a chance that the bra might not fit as expected when you try it on at home. Maybe the band is too tight, or the cups aren’t just right. A good return policy gives you peace of mind that you can exchange or return the product if it doesn’t fit like a glove.
Additionally, sometimes, you might receive a damaged or defective bra, even though the store’s quality control is usually excellent. A good return policy ensures you’re covered in such cases, and you won’t be stuck with a faulty piece of lingerie.
Now, each store has a slightly different return policy, so I recommend that you take a few minutes to read through it. Pay attention to the return window (how many days you need to make a return), whether they offer free return shipping and any specific conditions like keeping the tags on or returning the product in its original packaging.
