You spend a lot of time and money on women's clothing because you want to look your best, so invest some time and money on lingerie to complete the wardrobe. A foundation of the right bras, shapewear, panties and slips creates a smooth silhouette and graceful draping of fabric. Overstock.com's clothing store carries a variety of this most intimate apparel. This lingerie buying guide will help you sort through the options.
The term "lingerie" refers to the foundation garments worn under women's clothes, but it also includes sleepwear such as pajamas. Possessing some information on styles and materials before purchasing intimate apparel will help you make a more informed buying decision.
Bras are the staple of any lingerie collection and come in a variety of styles. When choosing one, consider which shirts you'll be wearing over it. Make sure you have the right bras for all the different shirts and blouses in your wardrobe.
A convertible bra with detachable straps is the most versatile design. A quick rearrangement of the straps makes the convertible bra suitable for halter tops, racer back tops, sleeveless shirts and plunging necklines.
Strapless bras and push-up bras, usually with underwire support in the cups, create a flattering silhouette for your dressiest fashions.
T-shirt bras have seamless cups, perfect for wearing under a tee shirt or tight blouse for a natural look.
Shelf-top camisoles offer an even more comfortable style. With an extra layer of fabric for modesty and support, this cami is a great alternative to a standard bra.
Sports bras offer essential support during exercise and feature durable design and breathable fabrics.
Underwear design features several levels of comfort and modesty. The most common styles of panties include briefs, bikini and boy leg.
Briefs are the most modest with a waistband that rests just below the navel.
Bikini panties have a waistband that rests at the hips.
Boy leg (or boy short) panties are briefs with leg openings at the top of the thighs. For more coverage under fitted clothing, look for boy shorts without side seams and with thin or non-existent hems.
Thong panties, with a narrow back panel and no side panels, prevent unsightly "panty lines" and are often worn under slinky or tight-fitting clothes.
Slips and shapewear create a smooth line under fine clothes, making them hang better and fit more beautifully.
Slips: A fine silk or nylon slip greatly improves the drape of a dress or skirt. A fitted slip is made of a stretchy fabric and fits snugly against the body; wear it under that little black cocktail dress.
Shapewear: Shapewear provides slenderizing support under your best outfits. These garments include control brief panties made with firm yet stretchy panels, body suits that take the place of bras and underwear, and long-line bras or bustiers that include a full bodice. Made of modern fabrics such as spandex and microfibers, today's shapewear offers support yet is lighter and more comfortable than those girdles that grandma wore.
As with all clothing, follow the care instructions on the manufacturer's label to keep your lingerie in good condition. These care instructions are tailored to the garment's fabric and design. In general, lingerie should be hand-washed in cold water (these are your "fine washables"). To clean bras, panties or slips in a washing machine, place the items in a lingerie bag, choose the delicate cycle and wash in cold water. Air drying is optimal for most delicate clothing; machine dryers can damage the elastic. For your convenience, all Overstock.com clothing product descriptions include care instructions.
How can I make sure my new lingerie will fit?
The best way to ensure a good fit is to know your measurements before you start shopping. Take your measurements at home or have a tailor help you. If you shop for clothes online often, keep a measuring tape near your computer. You can purchase one at most grocery stores for under $5, and it will save you a lot wondering when you shop for clothes online. Compare your measurements with the Overstock.com sizing charts every time you shop to get the most accurate sizing information for you and remember that every product description in our clothing store links directly to our sizing guides for your convenience.
If your lingerie, especially your bra, is uncomfortable, you may be wearing the wrong size. Many women wear the wrong size bra for their figures. Here is a general guide to measuring your body for a bra size.
First, measure the circumference of the rib cage right under the bust. Add 5 inches to the rib cage measurement to obtain the band size. Thus, a 27-inch measurement equals a 32-inch band. Second, measure the circumference of the body at the fullest part of the bust. The difference between the bust measurement and the band measurement determines the cup size.
1 inch = A
2 inches = B
3 inches = C
4 inches = D
5 inches = DD
For example, a 27-inch rib cage measurement and a 34-inch bust measurement equal a bra size of 32B (32-inch band + 2 inches = B size cup).
How often should I purchase new pieces?
Ideally, you need to buy new lingerie every time you shop for new clothes. Realistically, an everyday bra lasts about six months, and underwear lasts about three to six months (though we wouldn't recommend wearing the same pair for three months straight!). Extend the life of bras by rotating at least a week's supply of pieces through your current wardrobe. Check your intimate clothing after laundering and plan to replace pieces with worn elastics and frayed or thinning fabrics.
Consider purchasing new lingerie whenever you buy a new fancy outfit, such as a cocktail dress or designer clothes. It is especially important to pick out bridal lingerie and shapewear when you choose a wedding dress.
Basics for everyday
Every versatile wardrobe includes basics to wear for a day at the office and a night on the town. Keep your intimate apparel collection in ready-to-wear condition with several styles of bras and underwear. The most basic lingerie drawer has seamless bras to wear under most shirts, strapless bras for more revealing styles and sports bras for gym workouts. Choose several styles of panties to find the best combination of style and comfort for any outfit. One or two slips and a great piece of shapewear will make the best clothes look even better. Buy a few pieces at a time and you'll always have the lingerie you need. And remember, Overstock.com has below retail prices every day for brand-name apparel.
Sweet and sassy
Of course, you need more than underwear in your lingerie drawer. Sometimes you're in the mood for the comfort of a favorite pair of pajamas. Overstock.com sells wonderful sleepwear, such as comfortable cotton pajamas, nightgowns and sleep tees. Pick up a terry bathrobe for warmth and a satiny robe for luxurious style.
If you're looking for special lingerie, browse our selection of bedroom outfits with sexy bras, corsets and garters. Our relationships and intimacy category offers a variety of this unique apparel.
Shopping for women's clothing has never been so easy and affordable. Take advantage of Overstock.com's prices on lingerie and build the foundation of a great wardrobe.
