Lingerie

Shopping for lingerie online can incredibly fun--if you keep a few guidelines in mind. Before you spend hundreds of dollars on silky negligees for yourself or someone special, consider the following pointers. First of all, you need to know your size. To determine your band size for bras and negligees, measure underneath the bust and then add four or five inches (the final number should be even).

To find your cup size, measure above the bust, under the arms. Next, measure the full bust circumference (the largest measurement). Subtract the first above-the-bust measurement from this one. The difference, in inches, determines the cup size. For example, a difference of one inch equals an 'A' cup, a difference of two inches is a 'B' cup, and so on.

Also, keep in mind that there are a ton of different pieces of lingerie that are out there beyond simple bras and underwear. Pieces like pajamas feel good as well as look good. Exposed undergarments like thongs and negligees may look sexy but can feel slightly uncomfortable to wear--it's truly a matter of personal style. Liz Claiborne, Victoria's Secret, and Nick & Nora all put out fine, versatile arrays of lingerie. If you want something more up-market, check out La Perla.

Unless you are a veteran lingerie buyer, err on the side of comfort. You might want to go with fabrics you trust, like satin and velvet. The right bras, panties, and negligees can highlight your best features. For example, hi-cut bottoms can make legs look longer, while low-rise bottoms can visually add torso length to short-waisted women.