⏱️ 7 min read
The right lingerie isn't about changing your body. It's about finding pieces that make you feel fabulous in the body you already have.
Whether you're searching for your first beautiful lingerie set, updating your everyday underwear drawer or looking for something a little more “well, hello…” for a special night, choosing lingerie can sometimes feel surprisingly complicated.
What's the right size?
Which style suits you?
Do you need a matching set?
And what on earth do you do when the size chart says one thing and your body says another?
Don't worry, gorgeous.
Welcome to the LubeLady Guide to Lingerie. 🖤
We're talking fit, body shape, styles, fabrics, everyday essentials, special occasion pieces and how to keep your favourite lingerie looking fabulous for longer.
Because lingerie isn't about dressing for someone else's idea of sexy.
It's about finding what makes you feel sexy.
First Things First: Get the Fit Right
Let's start with the least glamorous but arguably most important part of lingerie shopping:
Fit.
The most beautiful lace set in the world isn't going to feel fabulous if the straps are digging into your shoulders, the band is riding up your back or the cups aren't sitting correctly.
For bras, your band should sit comfortably and relatively level around your torso, rather than creeping upwards at the back.
The straps should support the fit without carrying all the weight themselves.
The cups should comfortably contain your breasts without excessive spilling, gaping or uncomfortable pressure.
And if you're wearing an underwired style, the wire should sit around the breast rather than directly on breast tissue.
If something feels uncomfortable when you try it on, don't assume you simply need to “get used to it”.
Your lingerie should work with your body - not battle it.
Shopping online?
Always check the individual brand's size guide.
Don't automatically assume that a 12C in one brand will fit exactly like a 12C in another.
Sizing can vary between brands, styles and countries, so grab your measurements and compare them with the retailer's own chart whenever possible.
And remember:
The label is not the goal. The fit is.
How Should Lingerie Feel?
A good fit should feel supportive without feeling restrictive.
You should be able to move comfortably.
Your bra shouldn't constantly need adjusting.
Your briefs shouldn't dig into your skin.
And your gorgeous new bodysuit shouldn't have you secretly planning its escape route halfway through the evening.
If you're uncomfortable before you've even left the bedroom, it's probably not the right piece.
Try different sizes, cuts and styles.
Sometimes the answer isn't changing your body.
It's changing the garment.
Lingerie for Different Body Shapes
Let's get one thing straight.
There is no “correct” body shape for lingerie.
Hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, petite, curvy, tall, soft, athletic or somewhere beautifully in between - lingerie is for everybody.
Body-shape guides can be useful when you're looking for styling inspiration, but they're not rules.
Think of them as suggestions rather than instructions.
Hourglass Shapes
If your bust and hips are relatively balanced with a defined waist, pieces that highlight the waist can look gorgeous.
Try:
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Corsets,
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Waist-cinching styles,
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High-cut briefs,
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Garter belts,
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Fitted bodysuits,
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Matching sets that follow your natural curves,
But don't feel like you have to emphasise your waist.
If a loose satin slip makes you feel incredible, wear the slip.
That's the rule.
Pear Shapes
If your hips are fuller than your shoulders, you might enjoy lingerie that adds detail or visual interest around the bust.
Think:
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Lace bralettes,
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Detailed cups,
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Plunging necklines,
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Embellished straps,
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Statement bodices,
You can also keep the bottom half beautifully simple and let your favourite top do the flirting.
Or do the complete opposite.
There are no lingerie police.
Apple Shapes
If you carry more fullness around your middle, look for pieces that feel comfortable and supportive while giving you the freedom to move.
You might love:
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High-waisted briefs,
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Longline bras,
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Empire-waist slips,
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Babydolls,
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Supportive bodysuits,
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Soft satin chemises,
And if you adore a strappy, barely-there set?
Wear that too.
Rectangle Shapes
If your waist, hips and shoulders have a more similar width, you can have fun creating visual curves with lingerie details.
Try:
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Strappy designs,
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Plunge styles,
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Waist-defining pieces,
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Cut-outs,
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Lace detailing,
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Garter belts,
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Bodysuits,
The key is to experiment with shapes and details that make you feel fantastic.
Lingerie Isn't Just Bras and Knickers
Oh no, darling.
There's a whole lingerie playground waiting for you. 😉
Babydolls
Floaty, flirty and wonderfully forgiving, babydolls are a great choice when you want something playful and feminine.
Bodysuits
A bodysuit can be anything from delicate lace to seriously daring.
They're also fantastic if you want a piece that feels like an entire outfit rather than having to coordinate separate pieces.
Chemises & Slips
Soft, elegant and effortlessly sexy, satin or lace slips can be perfect for a more relaxed kind of seduction.
Bralettes
Comfortable, pretty and often wonderfully versatile, bralettes are an excellent option when you want support without a traditional structured bra.
Corsets
For a more dramatic silhouette, corsets can bring a delicious dose of old-school glamour.
Garter Belts
If stockings and suspenders are your idea of fun, a garter belt can instantly transform a simple lingerie set into something a little more theatrical.
Everyday Lingerie vs. Something a Little More… Extra
Your lingerie drawer doesn't have to be exclusively practical.
But it doesn't have to be exclusively extravagant either.
Think capsule wardrobe - but make it sexy.
Your Everyday Essentials
A few reliable basics can make getting dressed much easier.
Look for:
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Comfortable everyday bras,
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Seamless underwear,
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Neutral shades,
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Smooth fabrics,
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Supportive styles,
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Pieces that work beneath your everyday clothing,
A nude or skin-tone seamless set can be particularly useful under fitted or lighter-coloured clothing.
Your “Tonight” Pieces
And then there are the pieces that make you stop halfway through getting dressed and think:
“Ohhhh. I look GOOD.”
That might be:
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Black lace,
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Satin,
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A dramatic bodysuit,
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A corset,
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A strappy set,
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Sheer fabrics,
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A gorgeous red number,
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Something completely outside your usual style,
Keep a few pieces that are simply for fun.
Because lingerie doesn't always need a practical purpose.
Sometimes the purpose is to make you feel delicious.
Choosing Lingerie Colours
Black is timeless.
White can feel fresh and romantic.
Red brings the drama.
Soft pinks and neutrals can feel delicate and feminine.
Deep jewel tones can be incredibly luxurious.
But here's the real secret:
Choose colours you actually enjoy wearing.
If you feel fantastic in emerald green, don't buy beige because somebody told you it's more flattering.
If black makes you feel like a mysterious femme fatale, embrace it.
If hot pink makes you grin every time you see it, put it in the basket.
Your lingerie drawer should look like you.
Don't Forget the Fabric
Different fabrics create completely different moods.
Lace
Delicate, romantic and timeless.
Satin
Smooth, glossy and luxurious.
Mesh
Sheer, playful and a little mischievous.
Velvet
Rich, tactile and perfect when you want something more dramatic.
Cotton
Comfortable, breathable and ideal for everyday wear.
Think about both how a fabric looks and how it feels against your skin.
Because lingerie is something you wear on your body.
It needs to feel as good as it looks.
How to Care for Your Lingerie
You've found the perfect set.
Now let's keep it looking gorgeous.
Delicate lingerie generally benefits from gentle care.
Where the care label allows, hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent can help protect delicate fabrics and elastic.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing, twisting or wringing.
Instead, gently press out excess water.
For drying, air drying is generally kinder to delicate lingerie than high heat.
Lay delicate pieces flat or dry them according to the garment's care instructions, and avoid leaving them in harsh direct sunlight for extended periods.
And yes…
The tumble dryer might be convenient - but your favourite lace bra would probably prefer you didn't.
Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions first, particularly for specialised fabrics or embellished pieces.
How Often Should You Replace Lingerie?
There's no magic expiry date.
It depends on how often you wear the piece, how well you care for it and how quickly the fabric and elastic lose their shape.
Look for signs such as:
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Stretched elastic,
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A band that no longer fits correctly,
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Fabric becoming thin or damaged,
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Underwires poking through,
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Hooks becoming unreliable,
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Cups losing their shape,
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General loss of support,
If your favourite bra has started behaving more like a decorative suggestion than supportive underwear…
It might be time for retirement.
The Most Important Lingerie Advice of All…
Forget the rules.
Seriously.
Lingerie should not be about hiding your tummy, disguising your hips, making your breasts look “better” or squeezing yourself into a size because you think you should fit into it.
The best lingerie is the lingerie that makes you look in the mirror and think:
“Bloody hell. I look fabulous.”
Maybe that's a tiny lace set.
Maybe it's a silky chemise.
Maybe it's a pair of gorgeous knickers and absolutely nothing else.
Maybe it's something bold you've never dared to try before.
And maybe your favourite lingerie is actually the incredibly comfortable set you wear on a Tuesday afternoon because it makes you feel good.
All of those count.
Your LubeLady Lingerie Checklist
Before you buy, ask yourself:
Does it fit comfortably?
Do I actually like how it looks?
Does the fabric feel good against my skin?
Can I move comfortably?
Will I actually wear it?
Does it make me feel confident?
If the answer is yes…
Into the basket it goes. 🛍️
Final Thought: Wear It For You
The most seductive thing you can put on isn't a particular colour, size or style.
It's confidence.
Lingerie can be playful.
It can be romantic.
It can be daring.
It can be comfortable.
It can be completely outrageous.
But it should always belong to you.
So forget dressing for a particular body type.
Forget waiting until you've lost weight.
Forget thinking you need a special occasion.
Put on the beautiful lingerie.
Admire yourself.
Take the photo.
Dance around the bedroom.
Wear it under your favourite outfit.
Or save it for someone special.
Because you don't need an excuse to feel gorgeous.
And at LubeLady, we're firmly of the opinion that your lingerie drawer should contain at least one piece that makes you feel just a little bit naughty. 😉
Your body. Your style. Your lingerie. Your rules. 🖤