The most important thing with buying lingerie is that it must be comfortable. Spending a whole day with a stray bit of wire poking into you or feeling like your buttocks are being flossed is unbearable.

 One of the key things to check is that the item fits you correctly. Buying underwear over the Internet means it is not always possible to try items on but measuring yourself first and having a good idea of what styles suit you can help.

 Bear in mind though, sizes can vary from store to store, and even for different styles. Bras need to fit comfortably with no wrinkles or bulges over the top or sides. The back strap shouldn't ride up the back, this means it is not supporting you properly, and you may need to adjust shoulder straps so they don't cut into you or slide down your shoulders.

 To get an idea of what your bra size should be, see the bra-measurement guide. The strap across your back should be done up on the largest setting when new, as the bra will stretch over time, so you will then be able to do the strap up on a tighter setting.

Pants size is usually determined by your hip measurement. When measuring round the hips, measure the fullest part of the hips/buttocks and keep the tape measure level. It is important pants are not too tight as they can dig into the skin, leaving red marks, and feeling uncomfortable, and can also increase the risk of yeast infections. Too loose, and you are always having to pull them up. See the size chart for UK, US and European sizes.

Buy underwear that suits your personality and body shape — see the lingerie guide for different styles available. Feeling good from the inside will help you look good on the outside. Fashions tend to vary but bear in mind that what looks good on your favourite pop star or actress may not look so good on you if you have a completely different body shape.

Different underwear for different moods.

Men are known to have pulling pants but women also tend to have their favourite set of undies for a night out. Just as we have everyday clothes for work and glitzier clothes for going out, it is also nice to have more appealing underwear for a night out. Generally darker colours give more definition and are considered sexier but do not look so good under light-coloured clothing.

Something else to consider is how you want the evening to end up — for instance in the film, Bridget Jones' Secret Diary, Bridget faces the dilemma of which knickers to wear on a date with her boss. Body-shaping pants, which flatten your stomach and increase your chances of getting lucky, unfortunately may not look as sexy when you take your clothes off.

If you do a lot of sports it is worth buying a sports bra to give you more support and cotton knickers which absorb sweat more easily, let your skin breathe and help prevent infections. Breast tissue is delicate and once it is stretched, it never regains it elasticity so sports bras are designed to minimise "bounce" which makes them more comfortable to wear while exercising.

Follow the washing instructions for your lingerie, as some more delicate items may need to be washed by hand, or materials such as leather may need specialist cleaning.

	Daydream
	The funky floral lace Deep Plunge Push-Up Bra has removable cleavage-enhancing air pads and partially detachable straps for 3-way convertibility. Also available is the matching double tanga-side Thong with asymmetric cutout at front and hipster brazilian ...
	£22.00	La Senza
	3 Way Gel Seamfree
	A 3-Way padded Plunge T-shirt Bra you can wear every day with smooth hook and eye fastening making it even more comfortable. Graduated gel padding concealed in the smooth moulded cups will boost your assets and aid shape definition. Transparent and self-c...
	£16.00	La Senza
	Sexy Ultra Mesh
	A stretch mesh set featuring a smooth and seamfree moulded-cup 3-Way T-shirt Bra with satin criss-cross centre front detail and convertible functionality. The mesh tanga Thong and brazilian Brief have a slight V-shape dipped waist at the front and back. ...
	£16.00	La Senza
	2 Tone Deep V Air Classic
	The Two Tone range features tonal embroidery on mesh fabric. The cleavage enhancing Deep Plunge Padded Bra and Basque offer removable air pads. The Basque has detachable suspender straps. Also available are matching tanga Brief, hi leg Brief, Thong and Su...
	£8.00	La Senza
	Animal Print Thong
	Style-setting lingerie, this stunning Animal Print thong from Italian designer Sielei is impossible to resist. Sexy style & fantastic quality at an incredible low price. ...
	£7.99	Samantha Lingerie
	Delicious Matching Lingerie Set
	Gorgeous Delicious matching lingerie set from Discover Mademoiselle. This stunning scarlet set includes both the exquisite underwired padded bra and the sensual short. A truly amazing set that is sure to be a winner every time. ...
	£36.00	Samantha Lingerie
	Venice Matching Lingerie Set
	The Venice Matching Lingerie Set is a sophisticated collection providing luxurious everyday comfort. Velvet ribbon trim and oriental-style detailing complete the look. This stunning set includes the exquisite strapless bra (detachable straps) and short. ...
	£28.00	Samantha Lingerie
	French Lingerie - Cindirella String
	Soft, sheer and playful lingerie set in delicate pink and black or ivory and black which is definitely not just for the bedroom! Comfortable, underwired and moulded balcony bra is finished with a delicate baby pink or ivory frill and pretty bow. The match...
	£9.80	Flirty or Dirty
	Over Bust Leather Corset
	Cotton lined over bust Axefords corset in soft, strong leather or suede. Lifts and supports the bust. Suits a wide range of figures ...
	£250.00	Flirty or Dirty
	Pure Silk Pajama Set
	Shirley of Hollywood 30060 PURE SILK PAJAMA SET with sexy Lace trim on button-down shirt, and along the cuffs of our amply cut drawstring pants. ...
	£88.20	Lingerie Confidential
	Cette Athena Footless Tights
	Legs are back in the limelight with baggy jeans and combats being replaced by micro minis and vintage skirts. Footless tights are the perfect accessory for any truly stylish fashion follower. ...
	£4.99	Tightsplease
	Pretty Polly Perfectly Natural Sun-Oil Sheen Tights
	The soft oil sheen lengthens, slims, and gives your legs a sexy just oiled look. The flattering barely there 8-denier leg is available in natural shades, giving your legs a flawless sun-kissed appearance. The breathable body has a cotton gusset for fr...
	£3.99	Tightsplease
	Trinny and Susannah Magic Knickers
	These Magic Knicker called The Bum, Tum and Thigh reducer are like magic! They will hold everything firmly in place, lifting and firming your bum and flattening your tum. The finish is smooth, static free and with no VPL. It's like magic. Add thes...
	£35.00	Tightsplease
	Feather Fan & Satin Shorts Gift Set
	Fantastic stretch satin shorts with shirred sides and tassel trim. Includes matching neckband and feather fan. ...
	£24.99	Samantha Lingerie
	Leg Avenue Deep Bow Garterbelt
	If you like wearing suspender belts and stockings, as so many ladies do, you'll adore this beautiful deep lace garterbelt from Leg Avenue. Four suspenders that are adjustable to your leg length, sit neatly against your thighs. Metal clasps so your sto...
	£24.90	UK Tights
	Leg Avenue Lace Bodystocking With Chain Link Straps
	This bodystocking from Leg Avenue is so pretty you'll just love it. It has the most gorgeous leaf design that entwines all the way up the legs right through to the bust. Open crotched so it's easy to use the little girls room, its both femi...
	£15.45	UK Tights
	Leg Avenue Wet Look Bodysuit
	For the woman who means business... this wet look bodysuit is not for the faint hearted! Long sleeved with a high neck and mesh lining all finished off with a lace up front. This bodysuit also comes with removeable suspenders so can be worn with either st...
	£41.95	UK Tights
	Cervin Rive Gauche Silk Hold Ups
	Silk Hold Ups by Cervin are our most luxurious hold ups. Feeling and seeing really is believing! A mythical fabric, a true symbol of refinement and luxury. These precious hold ups are 100% silk 20 denier with deep attractive lace 110 mm. Sheer indulg...
	£25.99	UK Tights
	Loba Total Body Control
	Have the silhouette you've always dreamed of with the fantastic Loba Total Body Control. This will not only slim your body and thighs but will give you a seamless look under the lightest of dresses. This will slim your tummy and waist whilst smoothing...
	£34.99	UK Tights
	Kama Sutra - Bedside Box
	The Bedside Box makes a beautiful addition to any bedside table. The beautiful wooden box is delicately painted and embellished with an antique gold covering, then subtly embossed with the Kama Sutra name. The keepsake collection includes sweet, lickable ...
	£45.00	Flirty or Dirty
	Mesh And Lace Shorts
	Stretchy and soft. A really flattering shape that is perfect under trousers and cute around the bedroom. 83% polyamide, 17% elastane. Gusset 100% cotton ...
	£5.00	Charlotte & Co
	Wonderbra Smokin Moulded T-Shirt Bra
	Look “hot and smokin” with this fabulous T-Shirt Bra. A new addition to the Wonderbra collection this bra is a great everyday basic. Great fit, fabulous cleavage and perfect under tight fitting tops and shirts. Smooth, lightly padded cups ...
	£19.99	Lingerie Please
	Panache Tango II Balcony Bra
	If you are looking for some support and a great shape then the Tango II Balconnet Bra is perfect. You can also buy the matching brief or the thong as well. ...
	£23.99	Lingerie Please
	Panache Romany Balcony Bra
	The Romany Balcony bra has a fantastic finish and is available in two goregous colours, purple and carnation (pink). It provides some much needed glamour to the larger cup sizes. ...
	£14.00	Lingerie Please
	Panache Harmony Balconnet Bra
	The Panache Harmony bra provides perfect support, shape and fit for the larger cup. And best of all it looks feminine and attractive, making it an ideal choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. The cups are beautifully em...
	£24.99	Lingerie Please
	Triumph Amourette 300 Bra
	The Amourette 300 Bra by Triumph provides a comfortable fit and excellent support whilst remaining beautifully feminine. A perfect choice for everyday wear and a true bestseller, this underwired bra provides a natural shape and is extremely so...
	£23.99	Lingerie Please
	Panache Inferno Multi-Way Plunge Bra
	The Inferno Multi Way Plunge Bra offers great shape, support and most importantly a stunning cleavage thanks to the deep neckline. You can wear it as normal or adjust the length of the straps to wear it as a halterneck or with crossover straps. Specia...
	£22.99	Lingerie Please
	Panache Fiesta Balcony Bra
	Bring out the southern bell in you with this gorgeous chequered bra from Panache. The cute pinks and purples in the chequered pattern are sexy and cute. The bra itself is incredibly comfortable and reliable; it is a firm favourite in the lingerieplease of...
	£14.00	Lingerie Please
	Triumph Amourette 300 Padded Bra
	Part of the incredibly succesful Amourette 300 collection this underwired has some padding for extra size and shape. As well as a sophisticated and fashionable design this underwired bra has gentle support to give a flattering shape....
	£23.99	Lingerie Please
	Triumph Supersoft T-Shirt Bra
	Flexible and uniquely designed underwires mould close to your shape which will make this T-Shirt bra look good for you. The seamless and soft fabric also has a wide underband which provides extra comfort and support. As it is virtually invisible under...
	£24.99	Lingerie Please
	Gossard Enchant Non-Padded Bra
	Spring/Summer 08 is all about colour. In this spirit, Gossard have created the wonderful Enchant bra in a serene shade of aqua. This underwired beauty features full cups made up of layers of lace and soft sheer mesh. Cream ribbon detailing tra...
	£25.99	Lingerie Please
	2PC Lace Babydoll
	Glamour laced with sensuality on a flyaway babydoll with daringly balconet neckline. Includes bow thong. ...
	£21.27	Lingerie Express
	Multi Fiber Chiffon & Stretch Lace Baby Doll
	Sexy multi fiber chiffon and stretch lace baby doll with halter tie neck, full hankerchief hem skirt. Comes with g-string. ...
	£36.59	Lingerie Express
	Padded Push Up Babydoll
	Alluring, sexy padded push up baby doll with chopper bar lace, padded under-wired cups with removable push up pads. Sheer net skirt and adjustable straps. ...
	£35.74	Lingerie Express
	Charmeuse & Contrasting Scalloped Lace Bustier
	With under wired cups, pretty lace up front, charmeuse ruffles on straps and hem, stretch mesh back with hook & eye back closure and adjustable straps and garters. Comes with G-string. ...
	£51.06	Lingerie Express
	Satin Tapestry Flowered Basque
	Stunning, tapestry feeling satin flower jacquard basque with lightly padded underwired cups, hook and eye front, body controlling side, front and back boning plus a waist cinching lace-up back and removable garters. Comes with matching G-string. Co-or...
	£53.61	Lingerie Express
	Underwire Demi Cup Bustier And G-String
	Underwire demi cup bustier and G-String. Co-ordinates with sheer stretch stockings 5027. ...
	£34.03	Lingerie Express
	3/4 Inch Push-up Enhancer Pad
	Add a full size to your bust with our best selling 3/4 inch push-up enhancer pad covered in tricot with a contour shelf. Packaged in a hanger bag with photo insert. ...
	£8.50	Lingerie Express
	Candy cane stripe tapestry shelf bra
	Candy cane stripe tapestry shelf bra with under wired support, stretch mesh back featuring hook and eye closure, and ajustable straps. Trimmed with beautiful venice and cute rosebuds. Co-ordinates with thong panty product number 20275 and waist cinche...
	£24.67	Lingerie Express
	Flirtatious Charmeuse & Sheer Net Bridal Baby Doll
	With sequin embellished Venice front, low back tied in a flirtatious bow, and adjustable straps. Comes with matching G-String. ...
	£27.23	Lingerie Express
	Charmeuse and Sheer Net Chemise
	Gorgeous charmeuse chemise with sequin applique, adjustable straps, low back with sheer net kick pleat. ...
	£27.23	Lingerie Express
	Embroidered Open Crotch G-String
	Embroidered Open crotch G-String with Lace-Up lace trim back detail. ...
	£12.76	Lingerie Express
	Hustler Thong Logo Elastic
	Hustler thong with HUSTLER logo elastic. Shown with Hustler bra HU21161 ...
	£9.35	Lingerie Express
	Black Pearl String Thong With Organza Gift Bag
	An extremely alluring combination - lace 'n' pearls. A simple and very sexy lace panel at the front and rear with a single pearl string connecting front and back. Each pearl string thong comes presented in a matching drawstring organza pouch. ...
	£12.76	Lingerie Express
	Boudoir Rose Lace Chemise
	Boudoir Rose Lace deep V Chemise with scalloped lace trim & G-String.(Also avalable in Plus size) ...
	£15.31	Lingerie Express
	Sheer Stretch Mesh Chemise PJ Set
	Enchanting sheer stretch mesh chemise pj set with 'PLEASE ME' embroidered across the front. Comes complete with g-string. ...
	£17.01	Lingerie Express
	Asian Reversible Robe
	Shirley of Hollywood Asian inspired reversible Robe. The back side of the robe is expertly embroidered with a lovely Peacock in repose and the front side has embroidered Chinese Characters which translate to: Long Life, Prosperity and Good Health. Turn ...
	£63.82	Lingerie Express
	Candy Cane Stripe Tapestry Lingerie Set
	Candy cane stripe tapestry shelf bra with under wired support, stretch mesh back featuring hook and eye closure, and ajustable straps. Trimmed with beautiful venice and cute rosebuds. Sexy candy cane stripe tapestry thong panty trimmed with beautiful veni...
	£38.29	Lingerine Express
	Calvin Klein - 365 - Light Foam Bra - Poppy Red
	The Calvin Klein 365 Cotton Lycra Underwired Bra is styled in a soft, cotton rich fabric for subliminal comfort. The straps are convertable and the underwired cups provide great shape and support and have a small Calvin Klein logo set in between. ...
	£14.95	Rivet Online
	Calvin Klein - Perfectly Fit - Lace Thong - Ivory
	Calvin Klein underwear - this perfectly fit thong is made from a sheer mesh lace (85% Nylon and 15% Elastane) with an overlay of floral embroidery. It has a slight elasticated waistband and is cut high at the leg for a truly flattering fit. ...
	£9.95	Rivet Online
	Calvin Klein - Plunge Bra - Jungle Floral
	This Calvin Klein plunge bra has underwired cups designed to offer great cleavage and support. The cups are edged with a lace trim and have a tropical looking all over print and floral detail set in between. ...
	£14.95	Rivet Online
	Calvin Klein - Hipster - Lace Black
	This great little hipster from Calvin Klein is styled in a lightweight sheer mesh with all over floral detailing. The legs and waist are lightly elasticated for a sexy, snug fit. ...
	£9.95	Rivet Online
	Fortuna Royal Blue Satin
	The Fortuna is a beautiful overbust style corset featuring fully adjustable straps and a deep scoop neckline.  The scooped hemline nestles on the the hips to create gorgeous sweeping curves. Lightly boned, the&nbs...
	£119.00	Corset Curves