In our store we see girls shopping for lingerie for the first time and while to the casual observer it may seem easy for a girl to shop for lingerie, 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 take their daughters to shop for their first bra, but that may be the last time many girls have any guidance on 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 any adult supervision. The age varies between families and how independent she is and wants to be the young one. Keep in mind, however, that surveys reveal that over 80% of women wear ill-fitting bras, and this remarkable figure started somewhere. Mothers are free to help their daughters as much as they want, but keep in mind that young girls have a lot to say about how much help they need from their mothers. Purchasing bras and panties for everyday use is often done in department stores, and due to the very nature of nameless, proper guidance may be lacking. On the other hand, how much help does a young man need to buy underwear? She’s likely to buy a four-pack of form-fitting whites and continue her business if her mom doesn’t pick up a couple dozen at the local Costco.

When it comes to shopping for bras, the matter is 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 try on let alone two or more so they are often left to their own devices like taking a pair of bras to the dressing room and fending for themselves. Shopping for sizing-appropriate bras 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 correctly measure the bra. a woman’s bra anyway. Look in your local papers and you’ll notice that from time to time department stores offer “bra fitting specialists” to visit 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 may be more accurate in sizing. It is always important to buy quality if you can afford to buy the best then this can solve some problems when buying lingerie for the first time. The difference in cost can and should result in greater attention to detail, finer materials, and a longer lasting garment. However, don’t get carried away with 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 better to shop at a full-service store or boutique, especially when shopping for lingerie for the first time. The cost of 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 garment. Salespeople at a high end store are often, not always, able to help you with any questions you may have. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can learn about what you are buying and what to look for. You can pay too much for lingerie considering the use it will have. 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 gown 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 outfit or something to wear on your wedding night or honeymoon. Work underwear should be more durable, functional and comfortable than the outfit that will be worn for a few precious minutes or an hour once a month or less. Consider the purpose as you would a pair of running or work 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: Consider 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 plenty in the bottoms area, 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 warm up your heart rate, then the lingerie boutique may be your best bet. There’s nothing wrong with shopping 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 try anything on, so be careful. First time buyers really need the ability to try things on first before buying.

Since this is your first time shopping for lingerie, be sure to consider taking someone with you for the hell of it. Whether it’s 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 you’re the one to use it, so enjoy the experience.