Buying Lingerie Online

“Don't assume you wear the same band and cup size across all bra brands and styles. Construction, materials, and quality of design all factor into how well a bra fits you. Remember that you likely have a "zone" of sizes and be open to trying new styles and brands to find the perfect fit.”

“Be sure to know your measurements or get fitted before going, but that's not enough! It can be cumbersome, but you need to try on as many undergarments as it takes for you to get the right ones. It's important to get the right fit, but it's also important to get the right style you're trying to achieve as well. No matter your size, you shouldn't settle for less than what you want AND need!”

“The first tip I would give to anyone shopping for lingerie online is to find your correct bra size. You don’t need to go into a store to do this—it’s easy to do yourself. Once you have your size, do a little research into brands and styles that other women with your size love (or don’t love). If you find something you think you might like, read the reviews—especially from women in the same size. Remember, not all breasts are the same, so what works for one woman may fit you differently. Don’t be afraid to try a few different bras to find your perfect fit.”

“Measure your body at home! This will definitely help you to buy the perfect size when you shop online!”

“Know your REAL size. Have a professional fitting in-person, with an expert, and take those numbers to the internet to find what's best for you.”

“Know your measurements.”

“Follow the store's size chart for best fit and make sure they accept returns.”

“The key to online shopping for lingerie is to know your measurements! Make sure you order the correct size for your measurements not necessarily the size you typically wear. Brands tend to size differently so knowing your measurements will help ensure you get the correct fit.”

“First, measure yourself to know your accurate size. Then, be sure to stick to styles that have worked in the past for your body. Sometimes we get dazzled by the pretty and it might not be practical to how we want to look and feel. If you are venturing out, be sure to know what the return policy is!”

“Keep in mind that your size can vary between brands - or even between styles! Be open to trying the size or sizes that fit you best...even if they're not you're "usual."”

“The first, and perhaps most important thing you can do before you really spend money buying clothes online is to get proper measurements of yourself. Always check the [online store’s] sizing charts.”

“Make sure to check with an expert to get the proper fit.”

“I find that ordering a few sizes of bras helps a lot. Dependant on the brand, the sizes do differ. It might also be an idea to get measured before hand to know your size.”

“My advice would always to be sure of your bra size. Places like John Lewis, Bravissimo and Debenhams will measure you for a variety of brands as they can often be different depending on brand and style. When you are sure of your size you can snap up some lovely lingerie online! Stock up in the sales as there are often some real bargains to be had!”

“If you are shopping for a new brand of lingerie, always remember the sizes can vary from brand to brand, so be sure to check out sizing guides and measurements. It's always a good idea to even take your measurements again, so you can compare them with the size guides. I recommend reading customer reviews, especially when opting for a new brand, as this can really help you make a decision.”

“Always go for an expert fitting service at your local lingerie store (such as Boux Avenue, Victoria's Secret etc) before buying online. This way you can find out your correct bust size and its give you a piece of mind when shopping online for lingerie.”

“Get your measurements right! It is extremely important to get the correct size when shopping for lingerie. Most online shops have a size guide, which can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming and confusing if you don't know your measurements. There are plenty of instructions online on how to do it. All you need is a tape-measure and 5min of your free time! If you get this step right, you will never face the struggle of your lingerie not fitting well.”

“It's normal to wear a different bra size in different brands, or even different styles from the same brand, which makes it more or less impossible to guess your size correctly EVERY time you buy lingerie online. It's very common to buy two or three sizes to try on at home and then return all but one, and lingerie retailers are used to it so don't feel bad about doing it! Just be sure to check the returns policy and reviews of the retailer before buying to make sure you won't run into problems sending stuff back, especially if the bra is heavily discounted.”

“Make sure to measure yourself properly - even if you think you know your size - and use the online size guide to make sure you're getting the correct back and cup size from each individual store.”

“Measure! Know your measurements and check the seller's size chart. Also, sizing up is always better than sizing down if buying from a new seller.”

“Make sure you know your size. Shop somewhere with free returns. If possible, shop with online stores who have trained bra fitters on their customer services team who can assist you.”

“As far as bras, fit really matters. I would suggest that the customer has a proper personal fitting at a respected bra fitting store before assuming her size. Yes, sites claim to have innovative methods of discerning fit, but the success of these algorithms is random. Once the fit is properly determined, it is easy to buy on line. But remember, a bra is a complex garment, highly engineered. Even if one bra fits well in your size, don’t expect every brand to fit exactly the same. There is always a bit of trial and error.”

“Some key tips and advice I would give got shopping for lingerie online would be, pay attention to your size and the fit. The shape of the undergarments. Pay attention to the wiring, for comfort and flattering fit. Make sure you know your size well! Get your measurements done early on before shopping online. Including bust, hips etc. You want to make sure everything lays right and doesn't look lumpy or frumpy. Or even feel uncomfortable. Pay attention as well to the fabric or design of the bra if it's something you would wear. You want to be comfortable! Happy shopping!”

“My key tip when buying lingerie online is to know your measurements. All of them. A recent bra fitting is the best, but a tape measure, a notepad and a friend works too. From there you have what you need to get the right fit. There's so much variation in sizing, you can't just reach for your 'usual' size and have it fit. Measure, measure, measure.”

“Make sure you pay attention to each brand and stay true to your measurements. Fitting bras is like fitting jeans: each brand has a different fit, especially when you are a size DD or higher. You might be a G in one brand, an H in another. At Trusst Lingerie, we have built our sizing calculator to help you find your Trusst size.”

“Make sure you have some measuring tape handy or better yet your measurements mortised. All the best brands will have their measurements ready so its easier for you to compare and make the best selects for your shape.”

“My best advice would be to contact the online shop customer service and let them do most of the work. A good lingerie online store will have knowledgeable CS who can advice you with a particular brand or a style you are looking to buy - simply asking help will save you the hassle of exchange and returns or at least keep them to minimum! Also, doing your research on basic bra fit 101 is important so you can tell a good and a bad fit apart when trying on the bras at home.”

“My advice is always to consider making your own [lingerie] if you have been disappointed in the fit of ready-to-wear. There are issues that RTW just cannot accommodate, such as uneven breast sizes. If you can sew - consider making your own bra. Then you can look to the RTW brands for inspiration only!”

“When buying lingerie online I would recommend checking the returns policy of a brand (some lingerie brands will not receive knickers back due to hygiene, so it is best to be decisive when buying knickers online) and I would recommend buying more then one bra size if you are unsure or buying from a brand you're not familiar with, so you can try them on and return whatever doesn't work for you. Also check the size guides featured on most lingerie sites for more clarity.”

“I'd tell them to order at least three times as many items as they actually plan to buy, so that they only keep the best fitting ones and return the rest! This is usually much more frugal and time-saving than buying an item or two that don't fit perfectly, then exchanging them, and maybe exchanging them again, spending time and money on shipping. Personally, I often order the same bra in several similar sizes, so that I can keep the one that fits perfectly. Lingerie, especially bras, have to fit really well to be comfortable and supportive, yet so many of us settle for sorta-fits bras. Accessing the correct fit through a computer screen can be tricky, not only are many bra models not true to size, but also may or may not be compatible with the different breast and body shapes. Ordering a whole box of bras means you are much more likely to find something that works perfectly. Oh, and make notes when trying bras on, what works and what doesn't, which brands, cuts, fabrics; this will help you pick out well-fitting bras much easier in the future.”

"Go with your gut! Or lack thereof! It is always tempting to search through every option available, but the pieces that highlight what you love about your body - your chest, stomach, back, etc - will be the ones you wear time and time again. First instincts are almost always right in lingerie world!”

“Comfort and support [are key]! Your underwear will be worn all day long so it needs to be comfortable, but it also needs to give support as it's your foundation for your outfit!”

“I always say know what suits you and what make you feel sexy and comfortable. It's also not a bad thing to go a little out of your comfort zone of your shopping for Valentine's Day or anniversaries.”

“My advice would be to pick out pieces that they truly love. If they see a piece of lingerie online that they absolutely adore and they have it in their size, then buy it. There's nothing worse than saying you will go back for something online and it's sold out. I would also say to be daring. I know a lot of people who say that they would never wear something and never give it a try, but you never know. It may turn into your favorite piece of lingerie.”

“Look for styles similar to your favourite underwear that you have at home - that way you know the shape of the lingerie will flatter you.”

“The most empowering and authentic things are usually not seen. Your lingerie is your amour: it’s not always exposed but it’s there, giving you confidence. I choose lingerie that is delicate and ethically produced, which makes me feel beautiful and feminine. Select natural silhouettes that draw into your shape so you can practice self-love, because you are worthy and you're always enough!”

“Know your body type and research lingerie that will flatter your figure.”

“The right lingerie has the ability to make you feel empowered in any situation. So choose something that makes you look polished on the outside and feel confident on the inside. Your lingerie drawer should have at least two sets of bras and panties for each type of outfit you own—whether you need seamless garments, push-up, or multiway straps. Diversity is key.”

“Find something that makes you feel sexy. It doesn't matter if it is what society says is sexy. When you put the lingerie on, it should make you feel empowered whether your significant other is seeing it or it's just under your clothing. Comfort is also key, it's hard to feel sexy when you are uncomfortable.”

“Make use of the websites search engine to narrow down what you're looking for, otherwise the scope of choice can be overwhelming. Read the returns policy so you know what to expect if you don't like the item. Make use of customer reviews-they are normally really helpful. Only buy online if you know your size and how it varies across brands.”

“Read reviews! There's no better way to determine if an online product is great or not than by reading other people's thoughts on it!”

“Know your body type! It is important that you accentuate what you love about yourself so that you feel your best while wearing the clothes.”

“Consider the details when shopping for lingerie right after fit. If you intend on wearing it during the day under your clothes, lace, bows, and bulky clasps are distracting from your outfit. Keep the mystery and make sure any lingerie you wear is suited for the occasion.”

“Look at fabric content.”

“Always buy [from] secure websites, use the filters to narrow options and read the product description and reviews.”

"I have two pieces of advice: seek out reviews, and don't be afraid to ask questions before you buy! As an on-the-cusp-of-plus sized gal, I use Instagram as a resource for checking out how various brands look on different body types. Sometimes a simple hashtag search can lead to lingerie gold, especially if you have a curvier body type. (Added bonus? You've now filled your Instagram feed with new follows and fabulous styling!) Have a question about sizing? Don’t hesitate to ask! Most companies have a live chat or email customer service feature, and they WANT to help you make the best buying decisions! (Especially if you're buying from a new or smaller biz.) These folks are pouring their hearts into a business and want to make sure their customers are informed, happy, and buying lingerie that they'll love to wear!”

“One of the most foolproof ways to determine the true quality of a product is by looking at reviews previous customers have already written. Don’t ever buy from a site that doesn’t include plenty of on-site reviews. Also, make sure you read through a range of reviews to make sure you have access to a wide cross-section of opinions on the products you’re looking to buy.”