Should You Buy Your Lingerie Online or In Store?
Recently, I covered some tips on how to shop for lingerie online. Before you read that though, the question to ask yourself is, “Should I be turning to the internet to buy my next bra?”
Personally, I buy almost all of my lingerie online. It’s what works for me because I value convenience over finding that perfect fit. Everyone has their own lingerie priorities though, and depending on yours, you may have a better shopping experience if you head on down to a local boutique.
To help you make your mind up, pick out what’s most important to you when lingerie shopping from the list below, and see whether I’d recommend shopping online or in store for each.
You value: a perfect fit
If nothing sets your heart aflame like finding that Holy Grail bra that fits like it was made just for you, then you’ll want to go to a boutique where you can try things on before you buy. You can also have a professional bra fitting if you’re unsure which size you should be going for.
Many online lingerie stores do offer helpful fitting guides, but even if you do have a tape measure at home, it can only tell you so much about the size you’ll need. Factors like your breast shape and density make a difference too, as well as simple personal preference on things like whether you find a firm band supportive or restrictive.
You value: quality
With bras, you do tend to get what you pay for – but above a certain point, a higher price tag doesn’t always correlate with increased quality. If you’re shopping online, you can try to gauge a product’s quality by searching for reviews, but nothing compares to seeing it for yourself. In a boutique, you can take a close-up look at the stitching for example, and feel the fabric to see if it’s soft or scratchy.
You value: instant gratification
Let’s say you want a bra right now. Perhaps you’ve bought a chic dress for a date you’ll be going on tonight, and have just realised that none of your current bras work with the plunge neckline. Although a lot of online lingerie boutiques do offer express shipping, that may exclude weekends, and same-day delivery is practically unheard of. If you need a bra fast, a trip to a physical store is the only way to go.
You value: convenience
Conversely, if you are in no immediate rush to receive your intimates and just want an easy, hassle-free shopping experience, then I would say buy online. When you’re already rushed off your feet juggling housework, dinner parties and ferrying the kids to their extracurricular activities, finding the time to actually go shopping can be tough. Buying lingerie online is something you can do whilst the little one is taking a nap, or even from your smartphone on your lunchbreak at work!
Plus, why deal with inclement weather, public transport or parking fees, when you can simply type a URL into your browser and ‘arrive’ at a lingerie store in seconds, for free?
Related: Buying Lingerie Online? Here’s What To Do When Your Order Arrives
You value: variety or a unique design
Most lingerie boutiques are fairly small, so there’s a limit to the number of brands and styles that they can carry. If you’re shopping for a beige t-shirt bra, chances are you won’t have any issues finding that in store. If you’re in the market for something a bit more special though, then you have a lot more choice to browse through online until you find that set that’s just perfectly ‘you’.
You value: saving money
With fewer overheads to pay for, online retailers are able to pass those savings on to you in the form of lower prices. Plus, with so many other lingerie boutiques on the web (unlike in the real world, where a lingerie boutique may be the only one in town) there is a lot of price competition.
I’m not saying you can’t get a great deal in store. But if you’re on a tight budget and want to be absolutely sure you’re getting that bra for the best price around, it’s a lot quicker and easier to do a spot of price comparison online.
You value: a relaxed shopping environment
Some lingerie boutiques have absolutely lovely staff, but let’s face it, others have pushy salespeople! And if you’re anything like me, once you’ve had a bra fitting, you may feel pressured to buy a bra you’re not totally in love with just to avoid feeling like you ‘wasted’ the store assistant or owner’s time.
When you look for lingerie online, from the comfort of your own home, you have all the time in the world to make your mind up before you press that pay button.
Remember:
There is one other factor to think about when deciding where to go lingerie shopping, and that’s your bra size. If you don’t fall in the ‘standard’ 32-38 A-DD range, you may find it difficult to find the size you need in a store. Though you can always call ahead to check before you make the journey.
Related: Here’s How To Find A Local Lingerie Store You Will Love
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
