How to choose lingerie: a complete guide to size, fit and styles

Where to start when choosing lingerie

Do not start with lace, colour or your favourite style. First, take your current measurements: bust, underbust, waist and hips. Do not automatically rely on the size of your old lingerie, as sizing can vary between brands.

The next question is what you need the lingerie for. For an everyday wardrobe, a comfortable fit usually comes first. Under close-fitting clothing, styles without pronounced texture are often more practical, while decorative details can take greater priority when lingerie is part of the overall look.

A simple selection process is: measurements → size guide → purpose → style → colour → product details → exchange policy.

How to determine your bra size

The size of lingerie for the upper part of a set cannot be determined from a single measurement. To choose a bra correctly, you need at least your underbust and bust measurements, which should then be compared with the size guide of the specific brand.

Underbust measurement

Place the measuring tape horizontally directly beneath the bust. It should sit close to the body without feeling restrictive. This measurement helps determine the bra band size.

When trying on a bra, check the band while moving. It should not ride noticeably up the back or cause discomfort.

Bust measurement and cup size

Measure around the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape horizontal. The relationship between this measurement and the underbust measurement is used to determine the cup size according to the brand’s size guide.

The number and letter on the label work together. This is why how to choose a bra should not be reduced to relying on your usual cup letter alone.

How to choose briefs by fit

For briefs, start with the hip measurement and the size guide. A good fit should not restrict movement, dig into the body or keep shifting during wear.

Then choose the rise and level of coverage according to your comfort and clothing. Different styles may work better with different waistlines on trousers, skirts or dresses. The Anabel Arto range includes Brazilian briefs, thongs and other styles, allowing you to compare not only the design but also the type of fit.

Which styles work best for everyday wear

There is no single universal style - everyday lingerie should suit your routine, clothing and personal comfort.

When choosing a bra, assess the cup shape, band, straps and how the style looks under the clothes you normally wear. The current Anabel Arto range includes different constructions, including soft-cup bras, push-up styles, balconette bras and bralettes. This makes it possible to choose according to your wardrobe and preferred fit rather than looking for one style for every occasion.

If you are putting together a lingerie set, the top and bottom can coordinate in colour and style, but the comfort of each item should still be assessed separately.

When to choose seamless lingerie

Seamless lingerie is particularly useful when you want the outline of your underwear to be less visible beneath clothing. This is especially relevant with close-fitting garments.

However, the word “seamless” does not automatically guarantee invisibility. Fit, the thickness of the outer fabric, the construction of the lingerie and its colour all matter. Under light-coloured clothing, it is often more practical to choose a lingerie shade based on how discreet it looks beneath the specific fabric.

What to check before ordering

Before placing an order, compare your measurements with the current size guide once again. On the product page, check the details of the specific style, available sizes and colours, as these may change.

It is also important to review the exchange and returns policy. Special conditions may apply to lingerie, so it is better to check them before payment rather than after receiving the order.

A practical pre-purchase checklist is: measurements → size guide → intended use → style → colour → product page → exchange policy.

Frequently asked questions

Should you take new measurements before buying lingerie?

Yes, especially if your previous measurements were taken some time ago. You should not assume that your usual size will remain unchanged or transfer directly between different brands. Before ordering, it is better to take fresh measurements and compare them with the size guide of the specific manufacturer.

How should you choose lingerie colour under light clothing?

If you want the lingerie to be less visible, consider not only its colour but also how it looks beneath the specific fabric. A white set under white clothing is not always the most discreet choice because of the contrast with the skin. Before going out, it is worth checking the overall look in natural or sufficiently bright light.

Do a bra and briefs have to be the same size?

No. The top and bottom of a set are chosen using different body measurements, so their size labels may differ. The main criterion is that each item fits correctly and comfortably, rather than having the same number or letter on the label.

Conclusion

A good fit starts not with the style, but with up-to-date measurements. Determine your size, consider what clothing and situations you need the lingerie for, and only then choose the construction and design. The next step is to use the size guide and compare suitable bras, briefs or lingerie sets in the Anabel Arto collection.