When it comes to knowing how to pick out the best lingerie for yourself, the pressure of finding something that'll feel good while you're wearing it and fit your specific style preferences can make for a headache-filled shopping nightmare. You might worry you're wearing the wrong lingerie pieces if something fits funny or you feel uncomfortable. And if you're buying lingerie for the first time, venturing down the crazy lingerie rabbit hole could make you question everything you thought you knew about bras and underwear.
But contrary to the so-called laws of 'sexy' undergarments, sexiness doesn't have to be measured by the amount of lace you wear, skin you reveal, or padding you flaunt. After all, a woman's ultimate beauty derives itself from the three C's — confidence, comfort, and the courage to be her fine ass self. So when choosing the right lingerie for you, really be honest with yourself by understanding what your body feels most comfortable wearing. So, how do you really know enough about your lingerie to make the buy?
Whether it’s lace or seamless, underwire or unpadded — it’s the right fit unless you and your body feel comfortable and happy while wearing it. Here are nine signs to look out for when choosing your lingerie. Though Beyoncé may be right about many things, pretty shouldn’t have to hurt.
1. When You're Constantly Readjusting & Fidgeting With Small Fabric Bits, Try Higher-Coverage Pieces That Don't Sacrifice Style
Wacoal Embrace Lace Bra (Sizes 32B-38DDD) , $20-$90, Amazon
Whether you're looking for extra support or just want some more all around coverage, a full coverage bra like this semi-sheer contour bra is great for holdin' all the goods while providing a nice natural shape — especially if you're not about that push-up life. It's so easy to pair with your favorite bottoms, so you can create the comfiest, cutest lingerie ensemble on your own. Plus, you can check out this scalloped floral piece in 14 other color pairings.
High Waist Undies With Stretchy Lace Detailing
Wacoal Bodysuede Lace Waist Brief Panty (Sizes 6-10), $15, Amazon
For your bottoms, you can opt for some high waisted brief panties like these lace waist briefs. The nylon, spandex, and sewn-in cotton panel make for a super comfy wear that's still sexy, and hugs you nice and comfortably. And yes, sexy 'granny' panties are definitely a thing.
2. When Your Light-Coverage Lingerie Isn't Giving You The Lift You Want, Try Demi Bras
Montelle Intimates Flirt Demi Lace Bra (Sizes 34A-36E), $44, Amazon
For a comfortable bra that adds a little boost without creating a weird gap, look no further. Demi bras are one of the easiest ways to get an enhanced shape for a small bust. Their tilted cups push the breasts toward the center instead of up the way that heavy padding does. See you never, awkward gaps.
3. When Thongs Dig Into Your Hips (But You Love Wearing Them), Snag One With A Wider Band
Calvin Klein Stretch Lace Thong Panty (Sizes S-L), $9, Amazon
If you're team thong/g-string but you like comfortable coverage, try pairing these lace thong panties with any one of the variety of different coverage bra styles. Play with all of the six color combinations to get the lingerie look you want — and the coverage you feel comfortable in.
4. When Sleeping In Your Lingerie Irritates Your Skin, Opt For Chemises With Breathable Fabrics
MINKPINK Women's Save Tonight Nightie Chemise (Sizes XS-L), $22-$42, Amazon
You've gotta let that beautiful body of yours breathe. Especially if you have sensitive skin and want to avoid any unwanted chafing, itching, pinching, etc. — look for fabrics like rayon (or viscose). They're soft, breathable, and can come in super fun patterns like MINKPINK's hex-shaped mixed pattern print.
...Or If You're More Relaxed With Length, Bring The Silkiness Past Your Knee
N Natori Peony Bouquet Gown (Sizes XS-XL), $58, Amazon
Who says lingerie always has to be so short and minimal? N Natori's bouquet gown adds a little more of an elegant flare with its added length, in addition to a bright design to keep it light.
5. When Your Lingerie Feels Too Modern, Seek Out A Revamped Vintage Feel With A Longline Balconette Bra
Cleo Breeze Longline Balconnette (Sizes 30D-38H), $52-$62, Amazon
Inspired by the vintage pinup style of the '50s, longline bras make for a classier and more delicate feel than your average bra, and they can also provide ample coverage. Made with stretchier fabrics and more movable underwire, they offer great support, and are a nice alternative to the classic push-up.
6. When Weird Padding Makes Your Boobs Uncomfortable, Go Unlined
Smart & Sexy Signature Lace Unlined Underwire Bra (Sizes 32C-42DDD), $10, Amazon
Whether you want to keep it natural, or you just don't want to go for all the padding and push-ups, try an unlined bra to eliminate any unwanted bulk.
7. If You Want to Dress Up (Without Actually Putting Much Effort In), Silk Chemises Are Your Friend
Cinema Etoile Satin Chemise Slip (Sizes S-XL), $6-$22, Amazon
You can still get your sexy on and keep it subtle with the classic silk slip. No frills, lace, buttons, or sequins to get in your way of feeling free and fabulous. Plus, one reviewer said the slip is so comfy, she'd even wear it on its own as a slip dress.
8. If You're Comfiest In A Short Set But Think Yours Are Too Casual, Dress Them Up
Betsey Johnson Washed Satin Short Set (Sizes XS-L), $23-$22, Amazon
Maybe you like the fuller coverage and free-flowing element of the slips and chemises, but you're tied to your favorite PJ shorts. Well, FYI: PJ shorts can still be very sultry. Betsey Johnson's matching short set adds a subtly sexy eyelash lace and bow, and an elastic band that makes for a very cute comfortable fit. How adorable is that back?
...Or Keep Your Short Set Simple With Thoughtful Detailing
Steve Madden Eyelash Lace Short Set (Sizes S-L), $58, Amazon
This Steve Madden short set offers the same coverage with a more straightforward design. Just as cute, though!
9. When You're Not Seeing The Lift You Want Up Top & Your Bottoms Aren't Giving You Comfortable Coverage, Upgrade Them
Lunaire Santorini Seamless Lace Underwire Bra and Hipster Set (Sizes 34C-34DDD), $45, Amazon
If you're not a fan of the push-up and thong combo, but you definitely dig the look and feel of the push-up, try a nice lace push-up with a pair of matching hipsters to go. It'll offer just the right amount of balanced coverage, and the thin, flexible wire offers the needed support to cups for that extra boost.
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Images: Bustle (1), Amazon (13)
