By Terre Poppe
From UnderWire
There’s nothing quite like the feel of fine lingerie against your skin. Intimate apparel is sexy, whether it’s silk, lace, Spandex or faux silk. It can also be practical and serviceable — a good, solid foundation garment. No matter what kind of lingerie you’re looking for, you can find it on the Web.
Most of the stores famous for their lingerie have Web sites, from Victoria’s Secret to Frederick’s of Hollywood. If you are familiar with the store, you have a head start on lingerie shopping, especially when it comes to knowing what size you need to order. Otherwise, consult the sizing charts online. And don’t forget: Lingerie makes a wonderful gift.
Shopping tips
Get details about the garment. Since the Web is strictly a “look, don’t touch” place, make sure you know what fabric the garment is made of. Where was it manufactured? Is it washable? What colors are available?
Be clear about the price. Don’t forget to factor in the delivery cost. Can you get the same lingerie more cheaply at your local mall? Also check out the delivery policy: How long do you have to wait for that special something?
Check out the company’s credentials. Go to the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been registered.
Understand the return policy. What restrictions are there for returning lingerie that doesn’t fit, or isn’t what you expected? How long do you have to try out the product? Can you get your money back — or only credit at the site?
Take your measurements correctly. For accuracy, it’s best to have a friend perform this task. Measure with your bra on for garments that go over the chest. Then carefully check out the sizing charts for each company. The variation in size is incredible. Victoria’s Secret has a size extra large, but its extra large is the equivalent of a size medium on the FantasiaWear chart. Decent Exposures has its own sizing chart altogether, with cup sizes going to size L, which provides a better fit for its customers.
Here are some tips for getting a good fit:
- For shapewear all-in-one garments, measure around your rib cage directly underneath the bust, holding the tape straight around the body. Measure completely around the fullest part of the bust, holding the tape straight without pulling tight. Measure around the fullest part of your hips, making sure the tape remains level all the way around. Finally, measure your waist, placing the tape around the natural indentation of your body. Bend to the side if you need help finding that spot.
- For panties, measure around the fullest part of your hips, making sure the tape measure remains level all the way around. Then measure your waist, placing the tape measure around the natural indentation of your body. Follow the same procedure for shapewear panties.
- For bras, measure around your rib cage directly underneath the bust, holding the measuring tape straight around the body. Measure completely around the fullest part of the bust, holding the tape measure straight without pulling tight. Before you buy, think about what level of support you need. Even if women wear the same size bra, they may have different breast shapes. In fact, between 70 and 85 percent of women are not wearing a proper-fitting bra. They're wearing either the wrong size or the wrong style for their figures. So measure carefully!
Links to click
Victoria’s Secret: Complete with videos of top fashion models sharing “secrets,” this online shop features the same items available in Victoria’s stores. Not for the large-bodied. Check out the gift services page, where you can select what you want, then let your significant other do the ordering (and pick up the tab!).
eShop on MSN: Look here for great specials on lingerie. Vendors range from
Bluefly.com to Eddie Bauer and
Gap.com.
FantasiaWear: This mega-site offers 600 pages of lingerie, dresses, shoes, boots, fantasy costumes and beach wear for every body type. You’ll find small to plus sizes, lace to leather, sizzling to conservative.
Frederick’s of Hollywood: Supplying lingerie since 1946, Frederick’s is a cornerstone for those who want to be/look/act sexy — the more intimate the better. You’ll find water bras, shapewear, panties, sportswear, fantasy items, plus sizes, gift ideas, wigs and more. Check out the clearance closet.
Decent Exposures: Bras, underpants, leggings and more! 100 percent cotton comfort designed by women for women. All kinds of sizes and colors. My favorite source for bras!
4Lingerie.com: A mini-guide to Web lingerie. More than 50 sites listed here, for all kinds of intimate apparel, not to mention costumes and “play” outfits for women and men. Check out the links for the full-figured.
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