Buying Lingerie Online - 3 Ways to Make Sure You Get the Right Size

Many woman worry about buying lingerie on the web because they can't see feel or try on the items before they buy. In Europe internet shopping for lingerie is common and provides no problems for the customer who enjoys the greater choice, 24 hour shopping and privacy of an online store. So, how should you go about it?

Accurate Measurements: Before you sit down at your computer, have someone take your measurements. Ideally you'll need bust waist and hips, but with lingerie it's useful to know the underbust measurement as well. Once you've taken these measurements check your bra size. The difference between your underbust and bust gives you your cup size, so it's useful to get this right. If you are in doubt go along to almost any store that sells bras and ask to be measured, Sometimes it's just easier to have someone else do it.

The majority of store bought lingerie can cope with up to a C or D cup, beyond that you need to think carefully. If you buy a bigger size the cups may be big enough but the under bust will be too big and you wont get the effect you are looking for.

Look also at the difference between your bust and your hips. Most standard sizes allow for two inches difference. If you are 4 inches of more greater in the hips that the bust be careful in your choice of size. Some items have wide skirts and as long as the bust fits you will be fine. In general slinky styles will not work because if you buy a size big enough for your hips (and after all if you don't it wont fit at all) the bust will be too big, and once again will not give the effect you are looking for. If you want something slinky you'll need to choose pajamas or get something custom made.

Remember to take into account how you will wear the item you are buying. If a nightgown, do you plan to wear a bra underneath? If not, don't measure your bust size while wearing a bra, and don't measure your waist and hips while wearing a girdle. If you plan to purchase a camisole and shorts, is this for daywear beneath your clothes (when you probably will wear a bra) or for bed when you wont? In small sizes there may be little difference, but as sizes get larger, the with bra/without bra measurement varies a lot.

Check the Sizes. Be careful to check the sizes offered on the web site. Lingerie is often sold in very vague size terms. One persons large can be another persons small and the precise meanings of 1X 2X and 3X seems to vary considerably. Most stores have a web chat facility of phone number. If in doubt about sizes, use them! A great deal of high end luxury comes from Europe where sizes are quite different. Check that the sizes shown are US sizes and if not find out what they mean. If the numbers look ridiculously large it's probably because they are in centimetres and not in inches. Divide by 5 and multiply by two to get the 'real' figure. If you find yourself uncertain of the size, check the stores return policy and confirm that you can return the item if it doesn't fit. Then buy two, one in each size you think may be suitable and send back the one that doesn't fit as soon as you try it on.

Have It Made. Not that long ago almost all clothes, from lingerie upwards, were custom made. There were no standard sizes, these are an invention of the modern age along with the entire fashion industry. There are still companies who specialise in providing beautifully made modern garments customised to their clients measurements and in addition to the custom sizing can provide other customizations such as color and sometimes trim. While these services are more expensive, they typically provide a great deal more choice allowing you to purchase what you want, rather than what the store has to offer, and the garments are typically far better quality, made from luxury fabrics and beautifully finished. As any image consultant will tell you, the right garment, though expensive to buy, is worn often and over time often ends up cheaper than the wrong garment, bought once and left to age in a drawer.

The internet offers far more choice and convenience than high street stores. Keep the above three points in mind while you are shopping and you'll be sure of having fun while buying feminine lingerie. It's one of the pleasures of being female.

Calvin Klein Steel Bras - Fabulous Style, Delicious Comfort

A steel bra? What could be more uncomfortable. When it comes to clever marketing - and outstanding fashion design - Calvin Klein is always ready to shock the world a little. The new line of Calvin Klein Steel bras is just one example among many. But, oh, what an example! Names aside, you'll get the most comfortable, sexiest, feminine-looking bra you can imagine.

The CK Steel Microfibre Contour Bra is a superb example. The blend of 86% Nylon and 14% Elastane is unbelievably comfortable. Slide one on and prove to yourself just how misleading a name can be. Then get ready to examine how there's nothing misleading about the great styling of this bra.

Moulded cups with graduated padding shape and enhance to give you the most feminine contour you could wish for. Smooth lines let you wear this instead of your usual T shirt bra under the thinnest-fabric blouse you own. Even getting dressed you'll already fall in love, thanks to the gorgeous hot pink color and contrasting black straps. Those straps carry subtle Calvin Klein branding so you know you're getting the real deal.

CK gives you a clue about the source of that name when you take a look at another of their models: the Calvin Klein Steel Push Up Bra. Metal integrated into the straps ensures long wear, superb support, and yet - amazingly - unbeatable comfort. Smooth cotton cups lined with graduated foam padding give you enhancement you can see, in a bra you can barely feel.

Thanks to a blend of 91% Cotton and 9% Elastane you're sure to feel great wearing this model, though. Contrasting gray, logo-branded straps work perfectly with the black cups for an ultra-stylish, supremely subtle look. There's nothing subtle about the overall effect, however. You'll be obviously stunning.

For even more sexy shaping, consider the Steel Microfibre Push Up Bra. Super smooth fabric overlays super comfortable moulding that lets you feel great while it makes you look fabulous. That's only a warm-up act for Calvin Klein, of course.

This push up bra provides an underwire that you'll never feel. But you'll know it's there because everything is supported just the way you want. If you also want stylish logo detailing on the straps you'll love this model. Is there actually steel in this bra? CK will never tell. Who cares? It's the Superwoman of bras anyway.

Just to prove how contrasting a name and a bra can be, feel the Calvin Klein Steel Cotton Push Up. You might find some metal in the underwire that provides stellar support - though you'll never feel it. You certainly will feel the soft jersey cotton, a blend of 87% Cotton and 13% Elastane so soft you'll never want to take it off. Thanks to the ultra-feminine shaping provided by graduated foam, a special someone might want to do that for you, though.

Recent Trends in Fashionable Lingerie to Suit Your Tastes

Different lingerie styles have come into fashion to spice up the relationship between a man and woman. To look sensuous, you need to feel that sensuousness within you. Different styles in modern lingerie clothing will certainly make it more exciting for both men and women. Like any other apparel, lingerie also changes in fashion and utility. Designers are mastering this art to help you create that frenzied effect on your partner.

There are different styles in the latest lingerie trends. Black, of course, is a color that can never go wrong; be it a lacy bra, corset, or camisole. You need to choose that perfect fitting and style that will go best with your clothes. There are different types available in the market to match with your different types of apparel. Retro style cotton sets with high-waist panties or knickers are back in fashion in various shapes and sizes. They look classic yet romantic; however, these cannot be worn in your regular working life.

With satin and silk floor kissing gowns and dresses, a self-bra can provide that extra push to slimmer girls and be their best friend for parties. Chick panties, to traditional bra sets in satin, to sensuous lacy ones - all of them are in vogue. Other colors that will never go out of style are traditional and classic white and beige lingerie. They will go with anything and everything. A black and white combination is another hot trend that is here to stay, whether it is stripes or polka dots. You can also go for different shades of blue like indigo, azure or turquoise. This will exude a sense of cool comfort in those warm sunny spring and summer months.

Some of the other styles include cami-garters, baby doll nighties, chemises, camisoles, slips, garter skirts and many more. Colors, laces and ruffles will add to that a touch of elegance. There is nothing to be embarrassed. In fact, your partner will also appear in sexy lingerie to make it an exciting night for both of you! To surprise him, opt for a bold look, like an open bust or some cup-less lingerie.

However, before picking anything up that catches your fancy, just check it out once if that suits your style or fits you well. At the end of the day its all about that perfect fit - be it in fashion or not. To make that night most romantic with style you need to check out that comfort level.

Men's Support Underwear 101 - Men Should Not Wear Ladies Girdles

If you're just like the majority of the American population, chances are that you could stand to lose a little weight, especially around your midsection. It is probably common knowledge that women wear girdles - as matter of fact, you can easily find them in most major department stores - but what about men's girdles?

While some men actually wear ladies girdles, this situation is far from ideal. Men's girdles are a target specialty market and they are especially designed to minimize the appearance of a soft belly while giving off a masculine shape. Women's girdles, on the other hand, are designed to nip in at the waist to create the feminine hourglass figure. Naturally, most men will steer clear of wearing women's girdles.

Where to Find Men's Girdles

As previously mentioned, girdles for men still exists as a very small niche in the underwear market. Sometimes you find them labeled as men's underwear and other times as support briefs. Either way, just know that these undergarments are very effective at reducing the appearance of excess stomach fat and love handles while also providing much needed back support.

You probably will not be able to find a male girdle just with a simple visit to your department store. Instead, you can easily find men's girdles online. Most retailers will have a variety of sizes available, so no matter if you're a medium or extra extra large, you can find your perfect fit. Speaking of fit, most men's girdles will be the same size as you would normally wear in pants.

There are two major brand names of men's girdles that receive great reviews: Underworks and Equmen. Underworks has several styles from your brief girdle to long leg girdles that resemble boxer shorts. You can easily buy them via Amazon or from a specialty online underwear store like Fresh Pair.

Equmen calls it line of men's girdles "performance underwear." These support underwear are designed to streamline your body, provide gluteal support, and improve posture. You can also buy these underwear online from Amazon or the Fresh Pair website. Customer reviews give these performance underwear great ratings for good fit, support, comfort, and appropriate for everyday wear.