How to Choose Lingerie You'll Want to Keep On, at Least for a While

You walk out of the bathroom. They stop mid-sentence and put their phone down. You've got on the pearl string, the lace and that look you've been practising, and you've never felt this good in your life. That's the idea, anyway. Last time, you spent the entire evening rescuing a strap, and the outfit ended up on the floor mostly out of relief.

Lingerie should make you want to show yourself off, not give you three new things to worry about. Here's how to pick a piece you'll love wearing, and they'll love taking off.

How much do you want to show?

Sheer mesh and lace let your skin do a lot of the work. More coverage gives a different kind of tease, as there's still something left to find. A bra-and-knicker set gives you a familiar shape with a lot less everyday attitude.

The Opulence Bra & Panty with Pearl Harness has an underwire bra and g-string with a removable, adjustable pearl harness. Wear it under a shirt, then let them discover what's under there. If you like the idea of crotchless lingerie, the opening's only one part of the choice. Start with the pieces you love in the lingerie collection.

A good fit leaves you free to flirt

A bra band should feel secure, with cups that hold you without squeezing painfully. With a teddy or bodystocking, torso length matters as much as width, as you don't want it trying to saw you in half. Stretch gives you some flexibility, and adjustable straps or ties let you fine-tune it. You should be able to sit, move around and enjoy being looked at without constantly adjusting. Try it all on, then walk around in it, sit down and climb on the bed.

Padded, or soft and barely there?

If you like a lifted look, go for structure. If you prefer to feel soft and natural, an unlined lace bra shows much more. Both are great, and it's just a matter of what makes you stand differently. Be honest about how long you plan to wear it, too. Something chosen for twenty minutes doesn't have to be comfortable for dinner. For more structured styles, our corset, bustier and basque guide explains the differences.

Choose what you want to show off

Pick something you want to see yourself in, and not what you think someone else expects. It can be soft, bold or ridiculously strappy. The Lapdance Mirage Bodystocking does the whole look in one piece, and you don't have to clip anything. Want to dress differently for a night? Our couples roleplay guide has ideas.

Give it a little care between outings, and our lingerie washing guide handles that. Then let yourself enjoy it. Great lingerie's allowed to have some fun before it ends up on the lamp.