There are a number of advantages to buying lingerie online — starting with the fact that you can literally shop in your underwear from the comfort of your own home.
On top of that, you have a wider selection to choose from, can avoid waiting in long lines at the fitting room or cash wrap, and have the luxury of peeking in your drawers to compare options with your current collection.
Provided you already know your proper size (we recommend getting fitted once a year, as it can change), you don’t have to fret about not trying bras and panties on before you buy them. And even if an item doesn’t work out, most retailers have made their return and exchange policies increasingly hassle-free.
Perhaps one of the best perks to purchasing lingerie online is that you can take advantage of discounts and promotions you may not have gotten in a store.
Sold on the idea? You may be overwhelmed as to where you can begin shopping for some new undergarments — which is why we rounded up some of the best options for buying them online.
Specialty Stores
If you’re looking for something akin to a boutique shopping experience, look no further than specialty stores.
Because these stores specialize specifically in selling lingerie, they might have a wider selection of hard-to-find pieces, which when it comes to lingerie, is key: after all, what’s sexy about looking like everyone else? Foundation 45 and Time For Me, two specialty store examples, also happen to sell beauty and skincare products in addition to lingerie, so you can snag some of your other essentials all in one place.
A Sophisticated Pair boasts an assortment of shapewear, swimwear, and hosiery as well to complete your ensembles and a blog with helpful resources and product reviews so you can order with confidence. If you’re a curvy gal, look no further than Hourglass Lingerie — the Baltimore-based boutique was founded by a woman with the same kind of figure, so she stocks it specifically with products that will flatter your figure. You can even contact their sizing specialists before making a purchase if you’re uncertain.
Mass retailers
Don’t overlook department stores and other mass retailers like Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor and Kohl’s when it comes to lingerie shopping — since they have a larger inventory, it may be easier to find what you need. While browsing both Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor, you can chat with a customer service agent if you have questions about a specific product.
All three of these retailers offer in-store pickup, meaning if the location closest to you has the product in stock, you can purchase it online (to ensure it doesn’t sell out before you can buy it) and then pick it up in-person to avoid a shipping charge (plus try it on).
Related: 5 Shopping Tips That Will Change The Way You Buy Bras Online
Parfait Marion Contour Padded Bra P5391 in Lapis Blue | Parfait Lydie Contour Padded Bra P5441 in Silver Blue | Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra P5351 in French Blue
Lingerie subscription boxes
If you’re just trying to spice up your lingerie collection and like surprises, you might want to consider subscription services, such as SkivvieBox or Wantable. After offering some information about your preferences, the service will craft a box of unmentionables that will regularly arrive on your doorstep (typically on a monthly basis), and you can simply send back whichever pieces you don’t want to keep.
With The Lingerie Box, for example, you fill out a style quiz, and then the knowledgeable staff will hand-pick items based on your answers. All of the items carried on the site come from small, high-end designers, and your box could include a matching bra and panty set, chemise, babydoll, among other pieces.
Resale sites
On the hunt for a deal? You can hardly beat resale sites like eBay and Poshmark when it comes to saving cash on products, and that includes lingerie. Of course, with intimates, it’s always advisable for safety reasons to purchase pieces that have never been worn, so look for auctions that have NWT (new with tags) or NWOT (new without tags) in the title.
And make sure to familiarize yourself with the seller’s return policy before bidding or buying if you aren’t absolutely certain of your size. One of the primary advantages to shopping on resale sites is that you can often find those styles you adore that for whatever reason, have been discontinued.
Etsy: Custom and bespoke lingerie
When you find yourself searching high and low for the perfect bra or panties, and you simply can’t seem to find your dream undergarments, it might be worth investing in custom designs. Custom-made and bespoke lingerie on Etsy can be constructed to your specifications in terms of color, fabric, print, and detailing.
There are thousands of items to customize, from corsets and bralettes to wedding garter sets and panties in a vast range of cuts. Many shops even allow you to submit your measurements with your order, so you can ensure a perfect fit. The best part? You can be sure that your underthings don’t look like anyone else’s. After all, lingerie is meant to be sexy, and what’s sexier than standing out?
Related: When Is The Best Time Of The Year To Buy Lingerie?
Parfait Lucie Unlined Wire Bra P5202 in Mood Indigo
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!