The Internet has changed the way we buy. Yet, buying some products online can be more difficult than others. And shopping for lingerie online can definitely feel like a leap of faith! Without the luxury of touch, fit rooms, or expert in-store assistance, many shoppers are left with one big question. How can I be sure I’m buying high-quality lingerie online? The good news is that with some guidance you can shop with confidence, knowing that you have the right knowledge and strategy, at your side.
So, whether you're investing in a special piece or revamping your everyday essentials, here are 10 things you need to know to find high-quality lingerie online.
#1. Start at the beginning & get your measurement right
Did you know that 80% of women wear the wrong size? While this is a problem when you are shopping offline, it can become an even bigger challenge online without the luxury of trial rooms. But fortunately, you do have online tools to help you, and you could use Wacoal’s Fit Guide to get your size right.
What we recommend:
#1. Measure yourself frequently. A women’s size changes through her life.
#2. Get professionally measured occasionally. Lingerie boutiques offer this service.
Read out this article for more details and explore the products accordingly: The Importance of Fit: How to Find the Perfect Bra for Your Body
#2. Research every brand carefully.
Not all lingerie brands are created equal. When in doubt, research the label. But even when you are buying a brand you trust, it’s important to make sure that you are buying an authentic product and not just an expensive imitation. One way to ensure this is to buy lingerie at the brand’s own online store.
Four questions to ask:
#1. How long has the brand been around?
#2. Do they specialize in lingerie?
#3. Do they offer transparent details about the product?
#4. What do fashion bloggers and reviewers say?
Want to get more details about the shopping, read out this article: 6 Tips for Smart Bra Shopping
#3. Read fabric details carefully.
Quality lingerie starts with quality materials. Look for breathable, durable fabrics that offer stretch and support without irritation. Also avoid lingerie that uses cheap synthetic blends, and has not undergone rigorous testing.
Four materials to buy:
#1. Cotton: It’s always great for everyday wear and sensitive skin.
#2. Lace: While it’s often used in high-end designs, make sure it's soft lace.
#3. Mesh: It adds to the design and breathability, but it should feel soft, not stiff.
#4. Silk: It’s a luxurious symbol, but it should be soft, and breathable.
#5. Microfiber: This synthetic fabric is known for its softness, moisture-wicking capabilities, and seamless construction, making it ideal for comfortable everyday wear.
Need to know more about the fabrics, Kindly read this article: Why Breathable Fabrics Are Important in Everyday Lingerie
#4. Check the stitching and construction.
While you can’t physically inspect online lingerie, close-up images and customer reviews can offer important clues. You could also read the product description carefully. For example, high-end lingerie brands often mention hand-finished touches or use techniques like flatlock stitching for comfort and durability. At Wacoal, our product descriptions will give you an insight into the materials we’ve used and how these are brought together.
Three questions to ask:
#1. Are seams even and secure?
#2. Are straps and closures adjustable and reinforced?
#3. How snug and strong are elastic bands?
#5. Don’t ignore customer reviews.
Customer reviews are a goldmine. Look beyond the star ratings and read what people are actually saying about the product. When available, look for "Verified Purchase" tags. Also watch out for how reviewers match your preferences in terms of age, size, and purpose.
Five red flags to watch out for:
#1. Are there complaints about fit and sizing accuracy?
#2. How comfortable does it stay after several wears?
#3. Is it durable after it’s washed?
#4. Any complaints about fabric feel and quality?
#5. Does it look like the photos?
This article will help you to know more about what to keep in mind while shopping: Looking to buy a bra online Here's what to keep in mind
#6. Know the return policy.
Even with the best research, sometimes lingerie doesn’t fit as expected. A fair return policy is a sign of a brand that stands behind its products. At Wacoal, the detailed description for each product always states our return policy as well.
Four red flags to watch out for:
#1. Does the brand have a return policy?
#2. Are returns free or is there a fee?
#3. Can you return worn items after you’ve tried them on?
#4. Are sale or clearance items final?
#7. Start with the basics, then build up.
When testing a new online lingerie store, start with something simple. It could be a basic bra, everyday underwear, or a camisole. Once you’re confident about the brand’s fit and quality, explore their more elaborate or luxury pieces like bodysuits, corsets, or bralettes.
Bonus tip!
Keep an eye on how independent pieces make matching sets, and you can slowly build a cohesive, elegant lingerie wardrobe.
Read this article about the right basics: How to Choose the Right Basics Lite Push-Up Bra for Your Breast Shape: A Comprehensive Guide
#8. Look for real photos.
High-quality online stores often use diverse models and provide multiple angles. At Wacoal, we recognize the value of sharing this information with our customers so that they can make an informed choice. In addition, don’t stop at the brand website. Social media can also be helpful in searching the brand's hashtag on Instagram or Facebook to see how real people wear the items. At Wacoal, both our Facebook and Instagram pages are alive with such stories.
Three ways visuals help you:
#1. See how the piece drapes, stretches, and fits.
#2. Imagine how it looks on your body type.
#3. Spot design flaws or unexpected perks, like built-in support or stretch panels.
#9. Learn to decode product descriptions.
It’s important to read product descriptions closely and understand what they mean. Brands that go into detail about design and fit are more likely to care about how their lingerie performs. At Wacoal, we understand this, and our product descriptions are detailed. They tell you everything you need to know to make a buy.
Five terms you need to know:
#1. Underwired vs. wire-free
#2. Lightly lined vs. padded
#3. Sheer vs. opaque
#4. Full coverage vs. 3/4th coverage
#5. Low wait vs. high waist
#10. Follow quality, not big sales.
While everyone loves a deal, ultra-cheap lingerie can signal low-quality materials and poor craftsmanship. It may look nice at first glance, but it likely won’t last more than a few wears or washes. Instead of bulk-buying budget pieces, invest in a few high-quality staples. They’ll fit better, feel better, and wear longer.
Three things to know if you are on a budget:
#1. Shop at outlet sections on premium brand sites.
#2. Use price alerts or seasonal sales.
3. Subscribe to newsletters for first-order discounts.
Check out this article, it will help you to get more details on bra: Bra Basics: A Guide on How to Wear a Bra for Beginners
Explore few breathable products here for plus size bras:
Retro Chic Non Padded Wired Full Coverage Full Support Everyday Comfort Bra - Blue
Curvy Confidence Non-Padded Non-Wired Full Cup Plus Size Minimizer Bra - Black
Awareness Non Padded Wired Full Coverage Full Support Plus Size Bra-Light Purple
Visual Effects Non Padded Wired Full Cup Everyday Wear Plus Size Full Support Minimizer Bra -Purple