Lingerie first became popular in the 1800s and was a sign of social status only affordable to a few. It was designed by couturiers, hand-sewn using the fabric of your choice, and then your camisoles, corsets, petticoats, and peignoirs were delivered to your doorstep in a matter of weeks to months depending on the wait-list. Nowadays with the click of a button we can order something for delivery the same or next day.
The lingerie we know today is made out of materials like silk, satin, lycra, chiffons, various kinds of laces, and charmeuse. While lingerie was a sign of social status before, it does not necessarily mean that the cheap intimates we wear today are of lesser quality. In fact, with the introduction of artificial fibres and artificial silks such as rayon in the 1920s, this pretty much revolutionised the way our intimates were being created. All of them are now marketed to be made out of luxury fabrics. So, whether you got your cheap lingerie online at Victoria's Secret, Amazon or other lingerie websites, remember that every piece is considered a luxury piece
So where should you go to buy the best lingerie for your body type at a reasonable price?
Banana Shape - If you don't have defined curves and your shoulders, bust, and hips are in a straight line, you are a banana/rectangle/ straight body type. Women who are also more athletic tend to fall into this category.
The best lingerie pieces for you are push up bras with high rise panties. Make sure your bra has plenty of padding to create extra volume above, and wear a sexy pair of high heels with those high rise panties to elongate those legs.
Hourglass Shape –If your shoulders and hips are the same size and you have a slender waist line, then you've got curves in all the right places.
Almost all styles look good on you but the best lingerie pieces for you are corsets that clinch your waist and tight body suits. They accentuate those amazing curves both above and below in an instant.
Pear Shape –Pear shaped women tend to have a smaller upper body with wider hips. Your thighs and booty are also on the thicker side.
The best lingerie pieces for you are babydolls and lace and ruffled bras. While babydolls are pretty cute, the flare will make your hips appear smaller while the lace and ruffled bras give emphasis to your upper half creating a more proportional look.
Apple Shape –Apples tend to be top heavy with slimmer legs and hips.
The best lingerie pieces for you are lacy panties and a full coverage bra. Draw attention to the bottom half of your body by wearing beautiful lacy panties.
Where to shop for affordable lingerie:
1 .Boohoo
Boohoo has been around since 2006 and they are hugely popular. They have clothing, accessories, and shoes for both men and women, and they always have something new in store. They drop over a hundred stylish new pieces every day on their website so they never miss what's trending.
Lingerie sizes: 26 to 36D
Price range: $13 to $36
Glitter Lace & Strapping Super Push Up Bra
$21.60
Polly Cross Lace High Waist Knicker & Bralet Set
Price: $10.80
2. Bras N Things
With 172 stores across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, Bras N Things seem to have female bodies all figured out. They stock a wide range of styles for everybody whether you are after something sexy, comfortable or playful. They promise to provide the perfect fit when you get measured in their stores and they also offer a lot of discount lingerie like 50% off your second item or 4 knickers for $24.
Lingerie sizes: Carries 8A to 22G/ XS to XXL.
Price range: $5 to $89.99
3. ASOS
Straight out of London, ASOS brings us the freshest clothing, shoes, and accessories. They also carry a wide selection of styles for different body shapes through their lines ASOS Curve, Tall, Petite and Maternity.
Lingerie sizes: AU 4 to AU 30
Price range: $5 to $130
Curvaceously Yours is a plus size lingerie company based in Melbourne, Australia. Their mission is to remind each one of us that we need to invest in ourselves, spice things up in the bedroom, make love, and have fun no matter how busy we are in our lives. They carry a range of styles including camisoles, robes, garter belts and boudoir treats. Look in their 'Sexy styles under $40 for some bargains
Lingerie sizes: 14 to 24
Price range: $15.95 to $99.95
Best n Less do a nice job with a good selection of cheap and cheerful lingerie. They offer a plus size range and cheap lingerie sets pitched specifically at Lady Tradies.
They also have some fun novelty bras like this Santa Christmas bra for just $6.
Their website offers a useful bra style guide as well. A good place to look for underwear for teens and tweenies.
6. Cotton On
Cotton On is committed to creating positive change in the world through ethical sourcing and their designs are well designed to be practical, supportive, and comfortable at a really reasonable price point.
Lingerie sizes: XS to XL
Price range: $5 to $24.95
Maddie Bralette
$16.95
7. Spicy Lingerie
www.spicylingerie.com
Spicy Lingerie have been in business since 2003 and have continued to expand their catalogue. They now carry more than 15,000 styles of sexy lingerie from costumes to shoes and even accessories. There are some fun finds here for a Hen's party or to spice up life in the bedroom.
Lingerie sizes: XS to XL.
Price range: $6.95 to $139.95
So In Love Open Bust Lace Chemise
$13.95
8. Kayser Lingerie
Kayser Lingerie has various collections depending on your mood. They have the Curve It Up collection for fuller figures, the Brazilian for those feeling festive, and the After Dark when you need to wear seductive lingerie.
Lingerie sizes: XS to XL
Price range: $10.95 to $19.95
9. Victoria's Secret
Famous for their 'angels' that float down their runway 'Victoria's Secret is the first name many people think of when it comes to lingerie though they also stock swimwear, sleepwear and leisure wear as well as beauty products.
Their website is easy to use with useful tips on how to find the right bra for you and how to work out what size you are, including videos
Sizes: XS-XL and 32AA-40DDD
Dream Angels crush velvet lace trim slip dress
Amazon recently launched their Australian operations. The new website boasts 50,000 products in the lingerie section.
Whilst products are clearly sorted according to size the presentation is basic – this is no romantic lingerie shopping experience.
Amazon do promise one day delivery in metro areas and free returns
