Need some help or advice choosing the right item? Check out the information below. (see also our mens buying advice pages)

Buying Online

When buying underwear online it is always best to check the following details;

• How long will delivery take? This can vary greatly from site to site, and if you need something in a rush you may need to pay extra.
• Size. This can vary by manufacturer and country, so be sure to compare the sizes given to actual measurements to make sure you are getting the right one.
• Returns Policy. This is especially important if you are buying a gift for someone else, so be sure to check the websites terms and conditions.
• Packaging. Gift Boxes can provide a nice touch if you are giving underwear as a gift, so check if they come as standard or if you want to buy one additionally.
• Import Taxes / Duty. When buying from overseas you may find that you need to pay extra taxes when the products arrive. It is advisable to check with the company or your national tax revenue authority first.

Women's Underwear Buying Advice

This section aims to provide some basic information for anyone new to buying lingerie as a gift - it's a kind of dummies (Men's) Guide!

• Size - You need to find out what size of lingerie you need to buy. Bra's need a size consisting of 2 numbers followed by letters (ie. 36C). Other underwear normally go by waist or dress size. Check the labels on other items of clothing and use the charts above for guidance. If buying a gift and you really don't know her size, why not try a beautiful camisole (Top) or Babydoll / chemise. The great thing with these lingerie items is that they are sized in Small, Medium or Large, which is much easier to figure out and they can make a beautiful present.
• Style - What type of underwear does she like? What is the occasion? How conservative / flirtatious / romantic is she? If you are not sure a Negligee or Peignoir set can be a great place to start. If you're more confident why not check out our kinky section!
• Shape - It's important to consider her body shape and size before choosing an item. If she thinks she has a 'problem' area, you can always chose a style that flatters another area of the body.
• Colour - Once again check her existing clothes to get an idea of which colours she likes. Black and white are favourite choices but you may want to surprise her with something colourful. If you are choosing visible lingerie (like a camisole) be sure to select a colour and style that will go with the other clothes she wears.
• Fabric - If you are looking for something for a romantic occasion, satins and silks add a touch of class.
• Roll Play - Before going out and buying a nurse outfit, it's probably best to subtly (if possible!) check with your partner that she would be happy to wear it.
• Don't know your thongs from your bloomers? Check out out dictionary of underwear terms below!
• If none of this helps, why not consider Lingerie Gift Vouchers. Many of the online shops listed on our site offer these, and then your partner can chose the perfect underwear for the occasion.

Women's Size Guide

Your Bra Size

Measure around your back and directly underneath your bust, ensuring the measure tape is held firmly in place. The first table below then shows how this measurement converts into a your bra size.

Your Cup Size

Measure around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring that the tape is held firmly in place. Work out the difference between your underbust measurement and your overbust measurement. Then using the second table below use this measurement to get your Cup Size letter.

Hosiery sizes

Sizes of hosiery (tights/stockings etc.) can vary between manufacturer and retailer, so you really need to check the size of each product before buying. If you have your height and hip measurements to hand you can normally work out which is the right size product for you.

Other sizes

Other types of underwear (panty's, nightwear, briefs etc.) normally use the dress sizing system. We have provided a sizing table below in order to help, but please note this is just for guidance and can vary from manufacturer and retailer. Please check their size charts before you order.

Women's Underwear Dictionary of terms

Baby Doll Nightgown - a short nightgown (just to the thighs) or negligee intended as nightwear for women

Backless bras - These are bras designed to be worn with low back dresses to hide the straps.

Basque - A basque is an updated version of a corset, being a tight, form-fitting bodice or coat

Bikini - A type of panty that comes up to the hip line not the waist line.

Bloomers - An old fashioned form of feminine underwear consisting of loose fitting underpants with short legs

Bodystocking - A one-piece garment that covers from neck or upper body down to the toes. This takes the place of all other underwear

Bodysuit - Similar to a leotard this is a snug fitting one piece garment.

Brassiere - A general term for an item of clothing that covers, supports, and elevates the breasts.

Briefs - A type of panty that rise to the waist or just below the navel and have full coverage in the rear.

Bustier - A cross between a basque and a bra that extends beneath the breasts to the waist to provide additional support, control and to push up the bust.

Cami-bra -  A bra with a piece of fabric or lace that stretched from one bra cup to the other to look similar to a camisole. It is often worn with suits to give the impression that another garment is being worn underneath

Camisole - Like a basque or a long-line bra, this covers from the bust to the hips, but usually offering little support for the breasts. However, some camisoles come with a built-in underwire bra which eliminates the need for a bra.

Chemise - Short loose-fitting under dress or slip, often worn as nightwear

Control Panties - A type of panty briefs designed to offer support and give a slimmer appearance

Corset - A snug fitting garment designed to cinch the waist and push up the breasts. Lacing in the back allows the corset to be adjusted for comfort.

Crop top - A very short top or t-shirt extending to just below the breasts

Crotchless - An opening in the fabric covering the crotch area

Cupless Bra - a brassiere frame with no support cups which exposes the nipples. Generally found in erotic lingerie.

Demi-Bra / Demi-cup / Half-cup - A bra that has a lower cup line, therefore revealing more of the upper breasts

Denier - Measures how sheer stockings/tights are. Stockings knitted with a higher denier tend to be less sheer but more durable.

French Cut / High Cut - A type of panty similar to briefs but where the leg openings come up high to the hip.

Full support bra - a type of bra designed to offer support for the whole of the breasts.

G-String - underwear consisting of a triangular patch of fabric connected with thin, elastic straps in back and around the waist completely exposing the buttocks. Worn by men and women.

Garter - a narrow band of fabric fastened about the leg, originally used to keep stockings up, but now generally used to add sex appeal.

Garter Belt / Suspender Belt - A belt worn around the waist with straps, called garters, that clasp onto stockings in order to keep them up.

Hold-ups - Stockings that have a band of elastic sewn into the top to keep them in place and remove the need of a garter belt. 

Hosiery - A general term to describe a tight-fitting garment worn directly on the feet and legs. These are normally Tights or Stocking. 

Hot Pants - a very short pair of pants or shorts.

Leggings - a general term for a skin-tight trouser-type garment. These are often lycra-blend are typically ankle-length. They can be used for exercise or worn under clothes for extra warmth. They are now often worn instead of trousers or as a fashion item under a mini-skirt.

Leotard - a skin-tight one-piece garment that covers the torso and body but leaves the legs free. Normally worn for exercise or by dancers.

Minimizer bras - Designed to de-emphasize the bust. For women with larger brests these can help to create the illusion of being a cup size or two smaller.

Negligee / Peignoir set - A lightweight nightgown often rather glamorous. Sheer and semi-translucent versions are common.

Nightshirt - A loose fitting longer version of a shirt for sleeping in.

Padded bra / Padded cups - A bra that that contain padding, sometimes removable, for those with smaller breasts that might not otherwise fill out the cups.

Panties / Knickers - A general term for women's pants.

Plunge bras - Bras that are designed to push the breasts together in order to enhance the cleavage area. They are a good idea when worn under a low-cut top.

Push-up bras - Bras in which thebreasts are lifted and placed closer together in order to enhance the cleavage. If you want cleavage then get a push-up bra

Seamfree - A type of briefs that are designed to create a smooth silhouette and minimise the VPL (Visible Panty Line) that can often be seen under close fitting clothes. Seamfree Bra's are also available that are specifically designed to be virtually invisible under clothing

Slip - A slip is a woman's undergarment normally made from silk or nylon. It is worn beneath a dress or skirt to help it hang smoothly and to prevent chafing of the skin. A Half Slip hangs from the waist down. A Full Slip hangs from the sholders down to the length of a normal dress.

Sports bras - Designed to give good support and comfort while running or working out.

Stockings - These are a form of women's hosiery configured as two pieces, one for each leg. They can have an elastic top (see Hold-ups) or require a Garter Belt to hold them up.

Strapless bras -  Basically a bra with no shoulder straps. Designed for wearing with clothes that reveal the shoulders.

Tangas - Similar to a Thong, but with more rear coverage

Tap Pants / French Knickers - A type of women's panty that cover the pelvic area and the upper part of the upper legs.

Teddy - A loose fitting undergarment which combines a camisole and panty in one piece. They sometimes have a thong back to expose the buttocks. A Sleep teddy is a type of teddy designed as nightwear.

Tights / Pantyhose - A close fitting covering of the body from the waist to the feet, often made from nylon.

Thong - Similar to a G-String with more coverage in the front, but with the buttocks normally exposed.

T-shirt bra - A type of bra that offers support, but eliminates seams and lines and creates a smooth silhouette (see Seamfree)

Underwire Bra / Shelf Bra - These have a stiffener under each bra cup to provide more support. Often a desirable feature for larger breasted women.

Unitard - A form of leotard with long legs.