Common Lingerie Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Shopping for lingerie and shapewear can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. You walk into a store or browse online, overwhelmed by endless options, different sizes, and conflicting advice. The result? You end up making common lingerie buying mistakes that leave you uncomfortable, frustrated, and often poorer.
The truth is, most women make the same shopping errors over and over again. We grab the wrong size because we haven't measured ourselves in years. We pick pretty pieces that look great on the hanger but feel terrible on our bodies. We buy shapewear that promises miracles but delivers discomfort instead.
These mistakes aren't just annoying—they're expensive. When you buy the wrong lingerie, you're not just wasting money on that particular item. You're also missing out on the confidence and comfort that comes from wearing properly fitting undergarments.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Proper Measurements
The biggest mistake women make when buying lingerie is assuming they know their size. You might have been wearing the same size for years, but bodies change. Weight fluctuations, aging, pregnancy, and even seasonal changes can affect your measurements.
Most women are wearing the wrong bra size. Studies show that up to 80% of women wear bras that don't fit properly. This mistake doesn't just apply to bras—it affects shapewear, panties, and bodysuits too.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Get professionally measured at least once a year
Learn to measure yourself at home with a soft measuring tape
Measure different parts of your body: bust, underbust, waist, hips, and thighs
Take measurements at different times of the month since your body can fluctuate
Don't rely on old measurements or assume sizes are consistent across brands
When shopping for shapewear like the All Day Control Shaper, proper measurements become even more important. Shapewear that's too tight can create bulges and discomfort, while pieces that are too loose won't provide the support you need.
Mistake 2: Choosing Style Over Comfort
We've all done it—fallen in love with a gorgeous piece of lingerie only to discover it's a nightmare to wear. Maybe it's a lacy bra that scratches your skin, or a bodysuit that's so tight you can barely breathe. When you prioritize looks over comfort, you end up with expensive pieces that sit unused in your drawer.
This mistake becomes especially problematic with shapewear. You might choose a piece because it promises dramatic results, but if it's uncomfortable, you won't want to wear it. The most beautiful shapewear in the world is useless if it makes you miserable.
Finding the Balance:
Read reviews from other customers about comfort
Look for features like seamless construction and soft fabrics
Consider how long you'll be wearing the piece
Choose brands that prioritize both style and comfort
Test the return policy before buying
The SculptFit Mid-Thigh Shaper Shorts from Krvvy are designed with this balance in mind, offering both shaping benefits and all-day comfort.
Mistake 3: Not Considering Your Daily Activities
Your lingerie needs to match your lifestyle. If you spend your days sitting at a desk, you need different shapewear than someone who's constantly moving around. If you work out regularly, your bra needs are different from someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle.
Many women make the mistake of buying lingerie without thinking about their daily routine. They choose pieces based on how they look or what promises they make, but they don't consider practical factors like:
How many hours they'll be wearing the piece
What type of physical activity they'll be doing
What kind of clothing they'll wear over it
Whether they need easy bathroom access
How often they'll need to wash the item
Match Your Lingerie to Your Life:
Office workers: Look for comfortable, breathable pieces that won't dig in when sitting
Active individuals: Choose moisture-wicking fabrics and secure fits
New mothers: Prioritize easy nursing access and gentle support
Evening events: Consider special occasion pieces that offer temporary comfort and dramatic results
The SculptEase High Rise Shaper works well for women who need versatile shapewear that transitions from work to evening activities.
Mistake 4: Buying Without Trying Different Brands
Brand loyalty can be great, but it can also limit your options. Different brands fit differently, even in the same size. One brand's medium might be another brand's large. More importantly, different brands specialize in different body types and needs.
Some brands are better for curvy figures, while others work better for athletic builds. Some focus on maximum control, while others prioritize comfort. When you stick to just one brand, you might miss out on options that work better for your body.
Expand Your Horizons:
Try at least three different brands when shopping for a new type of lingerie
Read reviews from women with similar body types
Take advantage of return policies to test different options
Don't be afraid to mix and match brands for different occasions
Consider newer brands that might offer innovative solutions
Brands like Krvvy offer innovative shapewear solutions that might work better for your needs than traditional options. Their shapewear collection includes various styles designed for different body types and preferences.
Mistake 5: Focusing Only on Appearance
It's natural to want lingerie that makes you look great, but focusing only on appearance can lead to poor choices. When you're trying on lingerie, you might be tempted to choose pieces that create the most dramatic visual change, even if they're uncomfortable or impractical.
This mistake is especially common with shapewear. You might choose the piece that makes you look the smallest in the fitting room, but if it's so tight that you can't move comfortably or breathe properly, it's not the right choice.
Look Beyond the Mirror:
Pay attention to how the piece feels when you move
Consider how it will feel after wearing it for several hours
Think about whether you can eat, sit, and walk comfortably
Check if the piece creates any unflattering lines or bulges when worn under clothing
Consider whether the results look natural or too obvious
The Seamless Brief Bodysuit offers shaping benefits while maintaining a natural silhouette, avoiding the "too obvious" shapewear look.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Fabric Quality and Care
The fabric of your lingerie affects everything from comfort to durability to how it looks under clothing. Cheap fabrics might save you money upfront, but they often don't last long, don't feel comfortable, and can even damage your skin.
Different fabrics also have different care requirements. Some need special washing, air drying, or gentle handling. If you don't consider these factors when shopping, you might end up with pieces that are too high-maintenance for your lifestyle.
Fabric Considerations:
For Everyday Comfort:
Look for breathable materials like cotton blends
Avoid fabrics that don't stretch or recover well
Choose moisture-wicking materials if you're active
For Shapewear:
Nylon and spandex blends offer good control and recovery
Seamless construction reduces irritation
Anti-microbial treatments help with hygiene
For Special Occasions:
Silk feels luxurious but requires careful care
Lace looks beautiful but can be scratchy
Synthetic blends often offer the best of both worlds
Care Requirements:
Hand washing vs. machine washing
Air drying vs. tumble drying
Special storage needs
Frequency of replacement
Mistake 7: Not Building a Proper Foundation Wardrobe
Many women approach lingerie shopping randomly, buying pieces as they need them or as they catch their eye. This approach leads to a collection of mismatched items that don't work well together or cover all your needs.
A proper lingerie wardrobe should include essentials for different occasions, outfits, and activities. Just like you wouldn't build a regular wardrobe by only buying party dresses, you shouldn't build a lingerie wardrobe without considering your full range of needs.
Essential Pieces for Every Woman:
Basic Bras:
One well-fitting nude/beige bra for light colored clothing
One black bra for dark clothing
One strapless or convertible bra for special outfits
One sports bra for physical activities
Shapewear Basics:
One full-body shaper for special occasions like the Sculpting Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
One high-waisted brief for everyday smoothing
One thigh shaper for dresses and skirts
One open-bust option like the UltraFit Open-Bust Bodysuit for when you want to wear your own bra
Panties:
Several pairs of comfortable, seamless briefs for daily wear
A few thongs for tight-fitting clothing
Boy shorts for comfort and coverage
Special occasion pieces in silk or lace
Building Your Collection:
Start with the basics and add specialty pieces gradually
Choose versatile pieces that work with multiple outfits
Invest in quality for pieces you'll wear frequently
Replace items as they wear out rather than waiting until everything needs replacing
How to Shop Smart for Shapewear and Lingerie
Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, let's talk about how to shop smart. Good lingerie shopping is part science, part art. You need to understand the technical aspects like fit and fabric, but you also need to trust your instincts about what feels right for your body.
Before You Shop:
Do Your Research:
Read reviews from customers with similar body types
Look up size charts and measurement guides
Research different brands and their specialties
Set a realistic budget that allows for quality pieces
Know Your Measurements:
Measure yourself or get professionally measured
Write down your measurements for different brands
Update measurements regularly as your body changes
Consider measurements at different times of the month
Identify Your Needs:
List the types of clothing you wear regularly
Consider your daily activities and lifestyle
Think about any problem areas you want to address
Decide which occasions require special lingerie
While Shopping:
Online Shopping Tips:
Read the return policy carefully before buying
Check if the company offers virtual fitting consultations
Look for detailed product descriptions and size guides
Read both positive and negative reviews
In-Store Shopping Tips:
Don't be embarrassed to ask for help from sales associates
Try on multiple sizes if you're between measurements
Move around in the fitting room to test comfort
Bring the types of clothing you'll wear over the lingerie
Testing Your Choices:
Wear new pieces for short periods first to test comfort
Check how they look under different types of clothing
Pay attention to any irritation or discomfort
Give yourself time to adjust to new styles or levels of support
When to Return or Exchange:
If the piece leaves marks after normal wear
If it creates unflattering lines under clothing
If it's uncomfortable after a reasonable break-in period
If it doesn't provide the support or shaping you expected
Building Confidence Through Better Choices
The right lingerie and shapewear can boost your confidence dramatically. When your undergarments fit properly and feel comfortable, you carry yourself differently. You don't spend your day tugging, adjusting, or worrying about how you look.
This confidence boost isn't just about appearance. When you're comfortable in your undergarments, you can focus on other things. You're not distracted by digging straps, rolling waistbands, or pieces that don't stay in place.
The Psychological Impact:
Good-fitting lingerie affects your posture, your comfort level, and your overall confidence. When you know you look good underneath your clothes, you feel more confident in your outer clothing too.
Poor-fitting lingerie has the opposite effect. It can make you self-conscious, uncomfortable, and constantly aware of your undergarments. This distraction can affect your performance at work, your enjoyment of social activities, and your overall quality of life.
Making Smart Investments:
Quality lingerie is an investment in your daily comfort and confidence. While it might cost more upfront, good pieces last longer, fit better, and make you feel better about yourself.
When you consider the cost per wear of a well-made bra or shapewear piece, the investment makes sense. A $50 bra that you wear twice a week for two years costs less per wear than a $20 bra that you replace every few months.
Understanding Your Body Changes
Your lingerie needs will change over time. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, and lifestyle changes all affect what works best for your body. The key is staying aware of these changes and adjusting your lingerie wardrobe accordingly.
Life Stage Considerations:
Young Adults:
Focus on building a basic wardrobe with versatile pieces
Prioritize comfort for long days at school or starting careers
Choose pieces that work with current fashion trends
Career Women:
Invest in professional-looking pieces that work under work clothes
Choose comfort for long office days
Consider pieces that transition from work to evening activities
Mothers:
Prioritize easy care and practical features
Look for pieces that accommodate changing body shapes
Consider nursing-friendly options when applicable
Mature Women:
Focus on comfort and support as skin becomes more sensitive
Look for pieces that accommodate changing body shapes
Choose quality over quantity for a refined wardrobe
Seasonal Considerations:
Your lingerie needs might change with the seasons too. Summer might require more breathable fabrics and lighter colors that don't show through summer clothes. Winter might call for more coverage and warmth.
Different seasons also bring different social activities, which might require different types of shapewear or lingerie. Holiday parties might call for special occasion pieces, while summer vacations might require different types of support.
The Role of Professional Fitting
Professional fittings can be incredibly valuable, especially if you've been struggling to find well-fitting lingerie. A good fitter can help you understand your body shape, identify the right size across different brands, and recommend styles that work best for your needs.
What to Expect from a Professional Fitting:
Accurate measurements taken with proper techniques
Education about how different brands and styles fit
Recommendations based on your body type and needs
Help identifying and solving fit problems
Guidance on building a well-rounded lingerie wardrobe
When to Seek Professional Help:
When you're consistently uncomfortable in your current lingerie
After significant weight changes or body changes
When you're trying a new type of shapewear or lingerie
If you're preparing for a special event or occasion
When you want to upgrade the quality of your lingerie wardrobe
Final Thoughts
Avoiding common lingerie buying mistakes comes down to being informed, taking your time, and prioritizing your comfort and needs over fleeting trends or unrealistic promises. The right lingerie and shapewear should enhance your natural beauty while providing the support and comfort you need for your daily activities.
Remember that good lingerie shopping is a skill that improves with practice. The more you learn about your body, your needs, and what works best for you, the better your choices will become. Don't be afraid to try new brands, styles, or approaches if your current routine isn't working.
Your comfort and confidence are worth the investment in quality pieces that fit properly and make you feel great. Whether you're shopping for everyday essentials or special occasion pieces, take the time to make informed choices that you'll be happy with long-term.
Ready to upgrade your shapewear collection? Explore Krvvy's shapewear collection to find pieces designed with both style and comfort in mind. From everyday smoothing to special occasion shaping, you'll find options that help you avoid the most common shopping mistakes while looking and feeling your best.