Getting The Size Right When Buying Lingerie

Lingerie shopping (as opposed to underwear shopping, which is just grabbing your everyday undergarments) is supposed to be fun. It's an indulgence and a chance to make yourself feel attractive. Too often though it turns into a miserable experience as you find the articles don't fit.

Whether shopping in the real world, or online, the trick is to get accurate measurements before you start so that you can see whether something that catches your eye is available in your size before you go any further.

How to measure yourself
Stand in front of a mirror with a cloth tape measure. Take the tape measure firmly around your chest just under, or at the crease, behind your breasts. It should be horizontal around your back and firm, but not overly taut. Note this measurement down in inches. If the measurement number is even, add 4 -- that is your band size. If the number is odd, add 5 and that is your band size.

Now repeat and measure this time around the fullest part of your bust. Again keep the tape firm, but not tight.

If the measurement is the same as the first measurement, you are an A cup. If the measurement is:
1" greater then your are a B cup.
2" greater then your are a C cup.
3" greater then your are a D cup.
4" greater then your are a DD/E cup.
5" greater then your are a F cup
and so on.

Manufacturers' Sizing
We're all sorted then? No, wait, come back! Nothing is ever that simple, because you will find that different manufacturers have different sizes for their lingerie, especially if you get to the larger sizes and plus size lingerie. Some include delicate, but not particularly useful terminology such as "Queen Size".

Try and find the website for the manufacturer of the lingerie you are looking at, and hopefully they will have a sizing guide that fits your measurements to their sizes. It has to be said that some manufacturers are not particularly helpful, and even if they do have a sizing guide, it's hidden away.

The best thing to do is find a lingerie website that includes sizing guides for all the different manufacturers they sell. On any site, any piece of lingerie you look at should have some sort of item ID with it which tells you what the manufacturer or range is, and you can then use that information together with your measurements and the right sizing guide to get the correct fit. If the site you find only has one sizing guide (or none) and yet sells from different ranges, then either don't shop there or ask them for guidance.

A good lingerie site should ensure that it is clear which sizing information you need to use for each individual product. Only that way can you avoid taking chances on sizing when you purchase.

Lastly, if you're thinking of buying lingerie as a present for someone, don't try and guess their size! It's almost impossible. You'll only either hurt their feelings or offend them. If you can, sneak a look in their underwear drawer and find the sizing from a piece of lingerie you know they wear a lot -- if it's not worn often, the reason might be that it doesn't fit, so beware. If you can't do that, consider a gift voucher from your favourite site. It's better than buying something that's not going to fit.

Many standard retailers stop their sizes for lingerie at very small sizes. BigSmalls is a UK retailer specialising in plus size lingerie.

Established in 2006, BigSmalls sells attractive underwear in sizes 18-36, and supplied corsets, babydolls, bodystockings, hosiery and more from multiple high quality manufacturers, rather than relying on a single range. It enables BigSmalls to offer an incredible range of over 500 different pieces of lingerie for the larger woman. Since its launch, BigSmalls has grown to be one of the UK's leading site for plus size lingerie, and it continues to add to its range regularly.

Sexy Asian Lingerie

Lingerie makes a woman feel sexy and feminine. There are a vast array of styles and patterns from the most risque to the more discreet. If you are looking for sexy Asian lingerie, you have a lot of delicate and delicious varieties to choose from.

Origins of Lingerie

Lingerie as a sexually appealing undergarment began during the nineteenth century. Prior to that, undergarments were purely for practical uses. Undergarments were designed for style and protection. They were to enhance the female figure, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Lady Duff-Gordon of Lucille changed all that.

As a pioneer in creating lingerie, Lady Duff-Gordon developed lingerie to free women from restrictive corsets. During the early 20th century, underwear were basically worn for three main reasons: alter the shape with the use of corsets, girdles and bras, for hygienic purposes and for modesty.

Throughout the nineteenth century, undergarments gradually became smaller and less bulky. As women began taking on jobs traditionally thought of as man's work, the demand for more practical underwear was created. Manufacturers started using lighter materials and making panties smaller to fit better under clothing. Working women were no longer wearing layers of petticoats, so smaller undergarments were needed.

By the 1960s, lingerie manufacturers brought lingerie to the forefront and began glamorizing sleek and sexy undergarments. As the industry progressed and new lingerie designs became increasingly appealing, women didn't want to hide these fabulous creations any longer and began wearing lingerie as outer wear.

Styles

Designers are putting greater emphasis on rich-looking silk fabrics, delicate lace designs, exotic embroideries and vibrant, daring colors. The baby doll is one of the most popular styles of lingerie. The modest little nightie looks great on women of all shapes and sizes. It is not too revealing, but alluring enough to heat up any bedroom.

Lingerie is either sexy or comfortable, rarely is one design both.

• The basque is a tight, form enhancing bodice designed for looks than comfort
• The bikini is just what it sounds like, a matching bra and pantie set
• Bloomers are puffy underpants designed more for comfort than fashion
• Bodystockings are often used as outwear or with a sheer dress over top
• The bodysuit is very similar to the bodystocking and used in the same manner
• A bodice covers the body from neck to waist, designed to sculpt your shape
• Camisole is a cute little top that looks and feels great, too
• The French Maid is strictly used in fantasy play

Gone are the days when all women wore the exact same undergarments. Today, you can choose from daring, sexy Asian lingerie or a more modest design.