Lingerie Shopping? Read This First.

Lingerie shopping can be a blast, or it can be a nightmare. Nobody likes leaving empty-handed when they set out to buy something specific, so if you've got lingerie shopping on your calendar sometime soon, read this before you begin.

There are a few things you should know before shopping for lingerie—whether it's online or in-store. Being fully prepared for your retail therapy will allow you to purchase with no regrets, and most importantly, no returns.

What to know before you go lingerie shopping

Finding lingerie that's the right fit can feel like searching for your soulmate. With that being said, you wouldn't show up to a first date unprepared, would you? The same goes for lingerie shopping—always know these five things before browsing for new bras and panties. You'll be glad you did.

Tip: Where to Shop for Plus-Sized Lingerie

1. Your Bra Size

Perhaps one of the biggest mysteries of the modern world is bra sizing. Women everywhere have been told they've been wearing the wrong bra size for years. While this has certainly been frustrating, the year 2019 has ushered in some hope for ill-fitting bra-wearers.

Ever since this bra-size snafu has taken the lingerie industry by storm, people have started to think twice about their bra size. And that means we're finally taking the steps necessary to buy bras that actually fit!

Before you go lingerie shopping, be sure to measure your bra size. Especially if you have gained or lost weight recently, it's important to have an updated bra cup and band size before you do any browsing.

Related: Bra Cup Sizes—What to Know for a Perfect Fit

2. Your Other Sizes

In case you've been living under a rock, there are many different kinds of lingerie you can buy besides your basic bra-and-panty sets. Before shopping for lingerie, it's smart to do some research on the sizing of different lingerie types.

No matter if you plan on buying other types of lingerie or not, it's always best to know your sizes just in case. You'd hate to fall in love with a gorgeous, affordable corset but not know which size to buy it in.

Read Now: How to Choose Lingerie for Your Body Type

3. Your Budget

Are you a big spender or budget-friendly babe? If you fall under the latter category, safe yourself from sticker shock and do a little research before shopping for lingerie. If you plan on going into a brick-and-mortar boutique, try to search for their prices online. If you want to do your lingerie shopping online, know all your options for finding great lingerie. Lingerie Diva, for example, is a gold mine for affordable lingerie that doesn't sacrifice quality.

4. Your Style

Obviously, lingerie is naturally sexy, but beyond that, there are a lot of styles of lingerie to suit many personalities! Maybe you're a bit more conservative and like high-neck details, or perhaps you're on the opposite end of the scale and prefer cupless and crotchless unmentionables. Knowing your style is crucial for building a lingerie collection that you love and love to wear.

5. Your Dealbreakers

Because we've all been sold something we absolutely hate.

We said finding lingerie was like finding your life partner, and lingerie dealbreakers are no exception. Before you start shopping for lingerie, know what you're looking for. Anything specific? Great. Nothing in particular? Fine. Whatever your situation, just know what you definitely do and definitely don't want in your lingerie.

Consider types of fabrics (silk, lace, polyester) as well as comfort levels and details before seeking out new sexy underthings. Having your mind prepared before you see all the products will help you make better buying decisions in the moment. 

OK, now you should feel confident picking out new pretty little pieces.

Click here to shop Lingerie Diva's full collection of sexy unmentionables.