10 Essential Tips For Picking Out The Perfect Lingerie

Lingerie is a fantastic way to hand your man a sexy surprise and flip his mood switch instantly. Most guys are suckers for how lingerie looks and feels against a woman's skin, whether it's lace, chiffon, or satin. The right piece can breathe life into a stagnant sex life or push an already-great one even further.

That said, picking the right lingerie can feel like a chore, especially if you're new to it. With endless options out there, it's easy to feel lost. Below are ten guidelines to help you land on lingerie your man will love — and that makes you look and feel incredible. For more on stepping outside your comfort zone, check out this article on sexual adventurousness.

1. Does It Have Good Craftsmanship?

Quality matters when picking lingerie. You don't need the priciest item on the rack, but flimsy, poorly-made lingerie neither feels good nor looks good. Skip the cheap stuff just to say you bought something — and remember, affordable doesn't have to mean low-quality.

Check the construction closely: no frayed seams or tears. The fabric should feel substantial and look like it was made with care. Spending a bit extra on something that holds up and looks great is money well spent.

2. Does It Fit Your Budget?

Regardless of craftsmanship, the price tag needs to work for your wallet. The cost should also reflect the actual quality of the piece.

An expensive item that looks and feels cheap isn't worth your money. Plenty of budget-friendly lingerie looks fantastic, and if something catches your eye outside your price range, consider saving up for it later or asking a sales associate about similar, more affordable options.

3. Does It Flatter Your Shape?

The single most important factor with any piece of lingerie is whether it flatters your body. You can rock lingerie and look amazing whether you're athletic or curvy — it just depends on choosing the right cut. Great lingerie plays up your best features while softening areas you're less confident about. Whatever your size, the right piece fitted to you will look fantastic.

For instance, if you're self-conscious about your midsection but proud of your chest, look for something that lifts your bust while draping longer fabric over your belly — an empire-waist teddy, for example.

If you've got a smaller chest but killer curves below, go for lingerie that shapes your bust while showing off what's working below. Whatever the style, fit matters most — it keeps your man's eyes on your body while downplaying whatever you'd rather not highlight. For more on dressing to turn heads, check out this article.

4. Is It Actually Comfortable?

Great lingerie should feel as good as it looks. Anything itchy, too warm, or too tight will make wearing it miserable — and your man is likely to notice your discomfort and get distracted instead of turned on.

The last thing you want is to be tugging at straps or squirming when you should be focused entirely on him.

Always try lingerie on before buying, and make sure it would still feel comfortable hours later. You probably won't wear it that long, but it should look and feel great the moment you put it on.

5. Do You Feel Sexy Wearing It?

Lingerie should always make you feel amazing. That's the entire point.

Any piece that doesn't make you feel like the gorgeous woman you are isn't worth buying, full stop. Before you check out, make sure you feel like an absolute bombshell in it.

Skin coverage doesn't matter, nor does how it looked on someone else's Instagram — if it makes you feel frumpy or underwhelmed, put it back. Only take home lingerie that makes you feel like a million bucks.

And if buying or wearing lingerie makes you anxious, try these tips for easing sexual anxiety.

6. Can You Actually Have Sex In It?

Your man will absolutely enjoy watching you strip out of your lingerie before sex, but keeping it on during can be even hotter.

So ask yourself: can you actually move in this? A skin-tight leather bodysuit that restricts movement won't cut it, and neither will something tangled in straps that limits flexibility. Look for lingerie that lets you shift freely between positions without constant adjusting.

Try it on and picture yourself in the middle of sex. If it seems like it would move naturally with you, you're good to go.

7. Are The Colors Understated?

Neon barely works at the club, and it definitely won't work in the bedroom. Skip the loud, colorful pieces. Simple colors without busy patterns tend to look best, and basic black is a reliable classic — it's flattering across every body type and skin tone.

Red works well too, and white lends a playful "innocent" vibe that isn't limited to your wedding night. Mixing these colors together is fine, but steer clear of nude or skin-toned pieces — at that point you might as well skip the lingerie entirely.

8. Does It Work With Accessories?

Men often zero in on your heels or jewelry when you're in lingerie, so use that to your advantage and pick pieces that pair well with accessories.

Does the neckline leave room for a necklace that draws attention to your cleavage? Does it look good paired with heels or thigh-high boots? Think through what you'd wear alongside it before buying — a few well-chosen accessories complete the look.

9. Does It Show Enough?

Long nightgowns might technically count as lingerie, but they're unlikely to get your man worked up.

He'll mostly just want it off. Most men prefer lingerie that reveals more rather than less, leaving little to guesswork. Go for pieces that expose plenty of skin while covering only what needs covering. Even better: sheer lace or chiffon that gives him a teasing glimpse of everything underneath.

10. Will It Actually Turn Him On?

Second only to flattering your figure, this is the most important factor: does it turn your man on? If not, leave it on the rack — otherwise it's a wasted purchase. Plenty of women assume any lingerie automatically does the trick, but that's not always true.

Every guy has his own preferences, so factor in what he specifically likes before buying. Has he mentioned loving garter belts? Does he seem drawn to push-up bras? Build his preferences into your purchase so you're guaranteed to wow him the moment he sees your new outfit.

Lingerie can be an investment that pays off for years and keeps your sex life sizzling, as long as you stick to these guidelines: pick pieces that turn your man on, make you feel incredible, and flatter your body. The right lingerie doesn't just capture his attention — it can make you feel like an absolute goddess.

Just remember, confidence is the ultimate accessory when wearing lingerie. More than any push-up bra or sexy heels, confidence is what really gets him going. Flash him a knowing smile when you reveal your new look, and let him see that you already know exactly how amazing you look.

January 12, 2021