Take the Complication Out of Lingerie Shopping
Sep 25th, 2011 Wynter Stark
Underwear should be so simple. It's just a garment worn under your clothes that protects your clothing from normal bodily excretions. It also can help to shape, support, and smooth your form, thus allowing for a greater range of personal expression through fashion. Call underwear lingerie and it suddenly becomes complicated. Questions arise. Personal identity is called into question. Social expectations and stigmas may even come into play.
If you find yourself wondering if you're the kind of gal who wears lingerie, just stop. You are. "Lingerie" translates from the French as "linens." In the European tradition, quality ladies' underwear was made of linen prior to the dominance of cotton. It's really that simple. There are very few women left on earth who do not wear underwear. For good or bad, as a woman reading this article, you are likely one of them. And guess what? "Underwear" equals "lingerie". So don't let it get complicated.
Complications of Comfort
Your anatomy is not entirely like anyone else's. Nor is it entirely different. Unfortunately, most of the clothing you purchase will be sewn to prefab sizes and specifications. We all do our very best to choose well and fit ourselves into the clothes sizes available but that doesn't mean we have to settle. When it comes to purchasing clothing most ladies have some idea of what fashions, sizes, and brands they find comfortable and flattering. Fewer of us have a good handle on what works for our bodies in lingerie. Trial and error have resulted in your current wardrobe. Dabbling with brands and styles will help you reach your conclusions about lingerie as well. Don't give up until you are entirely happy with what you wear!
If your lingerie is uncomfortable it can ruin your look, your attitude, and frankly, your whole day. This should seem obvious, but the norm in women's undergarments is discomfort and so we are all fairly well versed in it. Underwire anyone? Getting to the point where you love your lingerie is not as difficult as you might think though. It begins with loving and knowing your body. It ends with looking good because you feel good. Not settling for anything less than beauty and comfort is the simplest thing in the world. The world is full of fashion options. Shop around and just say no to discomfort!
Complications of Image
Loving yourself sounds complicated doesn't it? But it really isn't, it just takes practice. All relationships take some level of work and commitment. The relationship you have with yourself is no exception. Remember, every single day, that you love yourself and act out of that love with every single decision you make. Would you hurt someone you love? Would you constantly criticize them? Would you buy them gifts just because? Would you pay them compliments? Would you love their funny ears? Treat yourself kindly and hold yourself in high regard. You only have so much time with the people who are most important to you in this life, treasure them all and don't forget to put yourself at the very top of that list.
Love yourself first and any problems you might have with your self-image will be resolved with ease. Say for instance that you don't like your butt. It's too flat, round, wide, narrow, pale, dark, lumpy, or bony. Whatever, scratch that. You love yourself and your butt is cute. Fashion serves you and not the other way around. You will find the perfect pair of jeans for your butt. You will find the perfect panty. Thongs, g-strings, boy shorts, bikinis, French cut panties -- there is a style that looks best on your butt. You will find it and you will always love the way you sit and wiggle when you walk.
Complications of Budget
Okay. So shopping around sounds great but what about mistakes? What about the price of quality garments? Some of us can afford to lose or waste some cash but most of us can't and moreover don't want to. Following these guidelines will save you a lot of nickels and dimes.
* If possible, try it before you buy it!
* When shopping online, read the return policy and sizing charts thoroughly!
* When you find a brand or boutique that you like, stay loyal! You can save on combined shipping and receive regular deals and coupons if you're savvy.
* Natural fabrics are more comfortable and easier to care for. They will see more use as a result and the more a garment is used the more worthwhile the initial cost becomes!
* Select classic, timeless styles and fabric patterns. There's no need to replace your wardrobe every season or year! Shop when you are inspired to, not when the magazines tell you it's time.
* A well made garment will be pricier up front. You shouldn't skimp on lingerie with structure such as bras, corsets, and bustiers. If you want your lingerie to linger don't hesitate to buy double stitched, lined underclothes made of the finer fabrics and featuring durable non-invasive hardware.
* If you're shopping for sexy and inexpensive lingerie, nothing compares to garments made without structure, such as bodystockings, camisoles, slips, mini dresses, chemises, panties, tank tops, stockings, garters etc. There is no need to overspend in this category.
* Shop according to your taste, needs and budget - not necessarily a name on a tag. Quality is the only reason to spend the extra cash. Name brands can indicate quality, but they can just as easily indicate nothing more than an inflated price tag.
* Stay away from purchasing anything with a credit card that you cannot pay off at the end of the month! No matter how good of a deal you snag, the bank will tack on the interest charge hassle.
* It's okay to build a wardrobe one piece at a time! Getting caught up in a wardrobe building frenzy can lead to regrettable purchases. If you're not sure - don't buy it!
Complications of Timing
The issue of intimacy can't be avoided in any truthful discussion of lingerie. A sexy bra and panty, teddy or hose and a garter can transition seamlessly from date to boudoir. There's no denying though that there are some lingerie ensembles which only come out to play when romance is on the agenda. Timing your transition from date wear to sexy costume can be problematic. The good news is that intimacy can be planned. Well, kind of. Choreographing every detail isn't recommended unless, of course, you're making a movie. And if that's the case, we're not really discussing intimacy anymore.
Dressing up for your partner can and should be a lot of fun. Fantasy costumes and fancy lingerie will likely require some kind of a launch strategy. Surprising your partner is difficult and can too easily lead to crossed communication. It's too risky. If you find yourself in mind for romance and ready to present your special underwear, it's best to make sure that your partner knows what's coming. Work it into dinner conversation. Build anticipation. Make it into foreplay. Treat the lingerie like the candles or the wine - an element of the romance and not the end goal.
Also, don't take it for granted that both you and your partner have the same definition of what's sexy! A really fun way to make sure that you agree on what to wear is to turn lingerie shopping into a date or at least part of it. Perhaps you might try tandem lingerie shopping for one date and save the private showing for your next encounter. If you're shy or don't live near a good lingerie store or fantasy boutique, try browsing together online. Including your partner in the decision making process not only guarantees a costume hit, it can also bring you closer to your mate.
Keeping It Simple
To sum up, when it comes to lingerie, keep it simple. Be comfortable, stay true to your self-image, don't go for broke and remember that if you live sexy you'll feel sexy. If you overcomplicate matters you will loathe your underwear. Hating your clothing is like despising your own skin! You only get this body and you only get this life. Love yourself and embrace good feelings wherever you can cultivate them. Why not begin with your lingerie?About the Author:
In addition to her freelance projects, Wynter Stark is a copyright writer for Touch of That Lingerie. A student of both fashion and life, her approach to both is all about the journey.
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