In our store we see girls shopping for lingerie for the first time and although to the casual observer it may seem easy for a girl to shop for lingerie, quite the opposite is true. We often assume that just because a girl is a woman, she naturally knows how to shop for clothes and especially lingerie. What could be further from the truth? Shopping for lingerie, particularly sexy lingerie, is not something most mothers teach their daughters. Mothers often go with their daughters to shop for their first bra, but that may be the last time many girls have any guidance in shopping for lingerie, particularly sexy lingerie.
When should a girl buy lingerie? Let’s first define our terms. Bras, panties, and stockings are technically lingerie, as they are undergarments, and 15- or 16-year-old girls can purchase these items on their own or without much or no adult supervision. Age varies between families and how independent she is and wants to be the young one. However, keep in mind that surveys reveal that over 80% of women wear poorly fitting bras, and this remarkable number started somewhere. Mothers are free to help their daughters as much as they want, but keep in mind that young women have a lot to say about how much help they need from their mothers. Shopping for bras and panties for everyday wear is often done in department stores, and due to the very nature of the unmentionable, proper guidance may be lacking. On the other hand, how much help does a young person need to buy underwear? She’s likely to buy a four-pack of tight whites and carry on her business if her mom doesn’t pick up a couple dozen at the local Costco.
When it comes to buying bras, things are a bit more complicated, as a girl can mature and along with that maturity or weight gain comes a larger bra size and the need for additional adjustments. Most young women aren’t going to get one test let alone two or more, so they’re often left to their own devices, like taking a pair of bras to the dressing room and fend for themselves. Buying the right bras in terms of size is so important when it comes to comfort, posture, and how a girl looks in clothes that it can’t be overemphasized, but most stores don’t have employees who can properly measure your bras. a woman’s bra anyway. Look in your local papers and you’ll notice that from time to time department stores have “bra fitting specialists” visiting their stores. This suggests that full-time staff are not trained to properly fit the bra. Such is the nature of the lingerie business as a whole. Women are conditioned to try on clothes to determine the correct size, but in the case of bras it is not so easy.
Price: As in most garments, the higher the cost, many times the higher the quality of the garment. Most would agree that certain brands are more expensive, better made, and sizing can be more accurate. It is always important to buy quality if you can afford to buy the best, then this can solve some problems when shopping for lingerie for the first time. The difference in cost can and should result in greater attention to detail, finer materials, and longer lasting garments. However, don’t be fooled by the idea that you have to pay more to get the best quality. Also, be sure to shop during sales and clearance times to get the best value for your money.
Service: Even if you pay more, it’s always best to shop at a full-service store or boutique, especially when shopping for lingerie for the first time. The cost of the goods and the amount of service you receive usually go hand in hand. Buying lingerie or anything else for the first time should raise more questions about fit, material, and what to look for in a quality piece of clothing. Salespeople at a high-end store can often, not always, help you with any questions you may have. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can learn about what you’re buying and what to look for. You can pay too much for lingerie considering the use it will get. If you are paying $250.00 for a pair of panties, consider how durable the panties are, how often they will be worn, and perhaps 5 pairs of panties at $50.00 is a better value. On the other hand, a robe that will keep you warm, useful for 2-5 years, and worn every day, is perhaps a worthwhile investment.
Purpose: Lingerie can be something sexy to wear under your work attire or something to wear on your wedding night or honeymoon. Work underwear should be more durable, functional, and comfortable than attire that will be worn for a few precious minutes or an hour once a month or less. Consider purpose as you would a pair of work or running shoes. Purpose is important and when combined with price, you can make informed decisions. Often a pair of panties and a sexy lace bra can be worn to work as well as being a sexy outfit for a romantic evening. Don’t think outside the box; throw out the box when it comes to lingerie. Many of these items of clothing can and should serve a dual purpose.
Where to shop: Do you think that time is money and there are lingerie stores and then there are lingerie stores? What do I mean? Department stores offer little sexy lingerie but a lot in the area of bases, a term used to refer to bras, shapewear and panties. Consider what you are looking to buy? If you are looking for a sexy little number to get your heart rate up, then the lingerie boutique may be your best bet. There’s nothing wrong with buying everywhere, but if time is short, plan where you’re most likely to find land.
When to Buy: When shopping for lingerie for the first time, it’s best to determine what’s available. If you live in Manhattan, just hop on the bus or subway and shop. Many other areas do not have this unlimited shopping access and your purchases may require you to shop online or at a mall. Shopping online offers the anonymous experience you may want, but the inability to prove anything, so be careful. First time buyers really need the ability to try things on first before they buy.
Since this is your first time shopping for lingerie, be sure to consider bringing someone with you for the hell of it. Be it a boyfriend, husband, girlfriend or your mother. Shopping is always more fun when you have someone to share the experience with. They can be invaluable when it comes to advice, but listen to your instincts as it is you who has to use it, so enjoy the experience.
