Finding Quality Lingerie

While any undergarment worn by women falls into the category of lingerie, there two very different classes of lingerie:

• Lingerie worn for purposes of modesty and function. Some examples of this type of lingerie are slips and camisoles, bras, panties or underpants, and nightclothes such as pajamas, nightgowns, bed jackets, and robes. Most lingerie in this category is made with flannel, cotton, and other comfort fabrics.
• Lingerie worn for the express purpose of being seen and sparking interest such as fancy bra-and-panty sets, elegant nightgowns, frilly or sheer camisoles and slips, and corsets and bustiers. Most of this type of lingerie is fashioned from lace, silk, and synthetic material to make them lightweight, shiny, and sheer.

If you're looking for lingerie from the first category, you're most likely looking for comfort and proper fit, and nothing could be more comfortable next to the skin than cotton and cotton blends. Choose trusted brands such as Hanes and Fruit of the Loom for panties, underpants, and tank tops, and take your measurements so that you can identify what size to buy. Those brands have size charts clearly marked on the back of the package. If you're a plus size, choose a brand such as Just My Size brand, since they make quality lingerie specifically geared for the larger woman. You can find all of those brands at any department store such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, Sears, and JC Penney.

Most department stores have racks of bras, categorized by size. If you know your size, simply choose from the offerings. It is a good idea to try on a bra before buying it, since some sizes differ from one manufacturer to the other. The best way to determine your bra size is to have a bra fitting done. Most high-end department stores offer bra fittings a few times each year in their lingerie departments. Those stores are also the best place to find slips, camisoles, robes, bed jackets, and nightgowns, since those garments are usually made of synthetic materials combined with spandex. While the department stores mentioned earlier do carry those garments, the high-end department stores carry garments of higher quality. If you have a Kohl's, Macy's, Marshall's, or Dillard's in your area, visit those stores for your synthetic lingerie.

As for fancy, elegant, and sexy lingerie, visit a specialty shop that sells only lingerie, such as Victoria's Secret and Frederick's of Hollywood. You can find those two stores in any mall, since they are national chains. However, there are many local lingerie stores in each city. Perform an online search to find local lingerie stores. You can even order lingerie online and have it shipped to your home discretely and privately, but make certain that you order the correct size according to the size charts on the site. If there isn't a size chart, and if there isn't a clear refund or return policy stated, then choose another site.