How to choose lingerie you’ll actually wear
Ever open up your lingerie drawer and spot something with the tag still dangling? Maybe you thought you’d wear that extravagant lace 3-piece set, but somehow months have passed by, and it’s still untouched! You’re not alone.
Building a lingerie wardrobe that’s both beautiful and practical is an art form in itself. At Angela Friedman, we believe lingerie should be pure joy and make you feel incredible, whether it’s hidden under your favorite work ensemble or paired with a silk robe for a relaxing evening at home. But above all else, it should be worn! All the beautiful, joyful lingerie in the world is no good to you if it remains in the back of your drawer. So here are our favorite tips for buying lingerie you’ll reach for again and again.
Discover your lingerie style
Before you click “add to cart,” take a moment to think about your personal style. What’s hanging in your closet? Do you reach for tailored blazers and sleek trousers, or is your wardrobe filled with flowing dresses and romantic prints? Your outerwear says a lot about what kind of lingerie you’ll truly enjoy.
Your lingerie personality might lean toward structured, minimalist designs, or you might be drawn to delicate floral embroidery and soft ruffles. Aligning your lingerie shopping with your everyday style means you’ll always feel like yourself, and you’ll actually wear what you buy.
That said, your lingerie personality might include a lot of fun things that your outerwear can't. Maybe you have to stick with all black for work, but your lingerie can be fun-colored and exciting beneath! Just make sure that the practicality remains: If your outerwear tends towards slim, fitted silhouettes, then ruffly or textured lingerie sets might show through. On the other hand, if you wear lots of multi-layered dresses, then you can indulge more in lace textures, diaphanous floaty layers, and ruffled knickers.
What does your personal style tell you? Are you an all-black lingerie kind of babe, do you focus on soft fabrics like 100% silk, or do you need practical wardrobe solutions like seamless panties and shapewear?
Know your measurements (they’re more important than size tags!)
You probably already know that a poor fit is going to relegate even the prettiest underwear to the back of the drawer. So forget what your "usual size" is or the size that you were 10 years ago, and shop for pieces that fit the body you have right now.
Take 5 key measurements:
- Bust - around the fullest part
- Underbust - around the ribs, just below the bust
- Natural Waist - at the narrowest point, slightly above the navel
- High hip - around the hip bones (where a low rise waistband sits)
- Low hip - around the fullest part of the bottom
Need more help with finding these numbers? Read our expert guide on How to Measure Yourself At Home for a photo and video guide.
Keep these measurements handy on your phone or a small card in your wallet. Sizing varies widely between designers and countries, so knowing your measurements will allow you to shop with confidence, whether you’re eyeing UK-made silk bras or exquisite French lace. And don’t skip a professional bra fitting! Specialty boutiques and department stores often have expert fitters who can transform not just your comfort, but how your clothes look overall.
Read our expert guide on How to Measure Yourself At Home for more tips.
Shop with your lifestyle in mind
Those strappy cage bras might look stunning online, but will they work under your favorite silk blouses? Aim for a balance of a few special statement pieces alongside plenty of versatile, everyday staples. Lingerie that transitions effortlessly from morning meetings to evening plans will always get the most wear.
Seek out designs that feel special yet practical. Many Angela Friedman pieces are created with this in mind: luxurious details like fine lace lingerie sets in classic colors or sleek stretch silk that lies smoothly under clothing. Remember that you can also mix and match your lingerie sets for more wearing options, so consider your usual color palette when shopping for new pieces. Classic black is the easiest to cross-match, but you can also mix various pastels and textures too! Read our article on 6 Ways to Mix and Match Your Lingerie for more tips.
Pro tip: Shop with a clear color palette in mind, like neutral tones or only brights.
Only buy what makes you say “wow”
If it doesn’t make your heart skip a beat, why bring it home? Even for everyday staples, don't settle for boring or disappointing styles like a beige t-shirt bra. Look for colors that light up your complexion, lace that feels soft and decadent against the skin, or silhouettes that highlight your favorite features. That can be something as simple as choosing a soft pink color instead of dull beige, or opting for panties that feature a little bit of lace edging or a pretty colorful bow. Lingerie should excite you, even if it’s something you wear on an ordinary Tuesday.
This goes for investment pieces too. If you find a highly-detailed, embroidered bralette in a uniquely stunning color, or a decadent silk robe that feels like it was made just for you, don’t hesitate. You’ll reach for it again and again, and feel amazing every single time.
Look for a few special investment pieces like our internet-famous Camellia range.
Focus on quality over hype
It’s tempting to snap up a bargain simply because of the price, or splurge on a brand name just because it’s trending on social media... But the true value of lingerie comes down to how often you actually wear it and how beautifully it holds up over time.
Think of it this way: a pair of Wolford stockings might seem expensive up front, but if you wear them dozens of times, they become only pennies per wear. Meanwhile, that clearance-bin bra that never sees the light of day? That’s money wasted, no matter how little it cost at the time. Learn more about how investing in luxury lingerie can actually save you money and time in our article: "Is Luxury Lingerie Worth It?" You might be surprised by how many beautiful and ethically-made pieces you can afford when you stop shopping for quantity and instead look for real quality.
Luxury textiles like 100% silk satin can save you in the long-run because they're so durable through years of wear, unlike cheap fast fashion styles that fall apart and rip easily.
Notice your repeat favorites
We all have that one bra we practically live in, while others sit at the back of the drawer. That’s your clue! Don’t be afraid to buy multiples when you find something you really love. You never know when a brand will stop making your favorite style, so stock up on every color if you love it, or even buy 2 of the exact same hue if it's really your top pick.
Also remember to buy extra knickers to match your favorite bras. Since bras usually don't need to be washed as frequently as underwear, buying a few of bottoms for every top will mean that you can put off laundry day a little bit longer while still wearing matched sets. Lingerie that fits perfectly and brings you joy is definitely worth doubling (or tripling!) up on.
When you find something you love, it's always worth buying a few extra pieces.
Read reviews and share your own
Before making a big purchase, take a few minutes to read reviews or see how others style similar pieces. Lingerie blogs are great for styling tips and real input on fit, durability, and overall customer experience.
At Angela Friedman, we love hearing how our clients wear their lingerie, from secret boosts of confidence under workwear to slow weekend mornings in silk and lace. (There's a reason we have hundreds of verified 5 star reviews!) Your reviews also help us to improve future designs and bring you more of what you love the most! Plus if you’re ever uncertain about fit or style, reach out - We’re always here to help.
Build a lingerie wardrobe that truly delights
At the end of the day, lingerie shopping should be fun, not a chore! It’s about treating yourself to pieces that celebrate your personal style and make you feel special, every single day. So take your measurements, trust your instincts, and only buy what truly excites you.
Ready to find lingerie you’ll actually love wearing? Explore our bestselling collections at Angela Friedman and discover timeless, luxurious pieces you’ll reach for again and again.
Shop bestselling lingerie sets by Angela Friedman
