They say that buying jeans or a cossie is intimidating – well, when it comes to buying lingerie and knowing what styles suit you, the experience can be downright excruciating!
While researching and browsing in private online can feel more comfortable, many of us still have so many questions: what suits my shape? How will the fit be, whether I’m plus-size, petite or have areas of my body I want to cover? Will I feel sexy in it – and how do I choose pieces that boost my assets and my confidence?
Knowledge is power, so in our beginner’s guide to buying lingerie online, compiled in partnership with our friends at leading online lingerie retailer lovehoney.com.au we share the different styles on offer and what each does, so you can help work out what’s right for you. After all, we ALL deserve body confidence – and the chance to feel sexy in the skin we’re in.
Style basics
Lingerie comes in a range of different shapes and styles, with each flattering your figure in different ways. From structured lingerie that sucks in some things and boosts others, like corsets, basques, and other figure-hugging styles, to looser-fitting, floatier, unstructured garments, like camisoles and babydolls, there’s truly something for everyone.
Structured lingerie: shop styles that hug those curves!
Corset:
Designed to snatch your waist and boost your bust, corsets are a major turn-on when they’re laced up nice and tight. While most corsets cover the bust, others like underbust corsets leave very little to the imagination!
Check out this Lovehoney Coquette Zip Front Longline Corset with suspenders
Bustier:
These look much the same as a long-line bra but don’t sit as far down on the body as a corset. Some feature figure-sculpting boning while others are less structured, but still shape the upper part of the torso and boost the bust.
Check out this Lovehoney Red Peek-A-Boo Merry Widow Bustier Set
Basque:
Similar to a corset or bustier, a basque features built-in cups, and is made from more lacey material. Although this piece may also feature some extra boning to enhance your shape, it won’t reduce your waist in the same way that a corset will.
Check out this Lovehoney Plus Size Boudoir Belle Blush Pink Push-up Basque Set
Merry Widow:
A merry widow is basque-like with built-in suspender straps extending from the hemline. Merry widows pair perfectly with sexy stockings and heels.
Check out this Exposed Liquid Onyx Cupless Merry Widow Bustier Set
Catsuit:
Catsuits are a full-bodied, skin-tight suit that often features a zip along the front, and are sometimes crotchless!
Check out this Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Zip-Around Catsuit
Mini Dress:
As the name suggests, a mini dress is simply a dress with a cheekily short hemline, often worn tight-fitting.
Check out this Lovehoney Black Halterneck Mini Dress
Unstructured lingerie: comfy, flirty and feminine
Fun, flirty, and with the ability to properly BREATHE, unstructured lingerie offers a sexy but less restrictive option.
Babydoll:
With cups and a full skirt, the flowy material flares out from under the bust, making it ideal for drawing attention away from the midriff area and emphasising other assets. Not to mention it’s comfy enough to catch a little sleep in!
Check out this Lovehoney Late Night Liaison Wine Lace Babydoll Set
Flyaway:
If you love the look of a babydoll but still want to show off your tum, then opt for a flyaway. It has a cheeky split front, back, or both so you can show off your abs.
Check out this Lovehoney Plus Size Unwrap Me Red Lace Babydoll
Chemise:
Chemises combine practicality with sex-appeal. Loose-fitting with gentle tailoring at the waist and slim fit through the hips for a sexy, slinky look. Chemises are flattering on all body-types and make excellent gifts.
Check out this Lovehoney Parisienne Light Pink Lace Plunge Chemise
Body:
Shaped like a traditional one-piece swimsuit, with a vest top and bikini shaped bottoms, a body is perfect for showing off your curves in a cozy, figure-hugging, all-in-one garment.
Check out this Lovehoney Fierce Plunging Mesh and Leather-Look Body
Cut-Out Body:
A slinkier, skimpier version of the one-piece body, it features daring cut-outs and open sections to show off your skin in all the right places. The perfect alternative to a traditional bra and panties combo, a cut-out body also helps to create the illusion of curves if you have a more athletic body shape.
Check out this Lovehoney Seduce Me Red Push-Up Crotchless Cut-Out Body
Teddy:
Also known as a playsuit, a teddy is a one-piece garment that combines a vest top with cute little booty shorts on the bottom. They’re flattering for all figures, creating a sensual silhouette for curvy and athletic body shapes alike. They come in a huge range from pieces that have more coverage to more revealing suits that leave very little to the imagination.
Check out this Lovehoney Jewel Satin Black Plunging Teddy
For more expert lingerie advice head to Lovehoney
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