You might not think twice about ordering a T-shirt or a pair of jeans off the Internet, but it’s harder to be so blasé about shopping online when it comes to lingerie. Lingerie is a very personal item, and finding the right pieces that flatter your figure and help you feel sexy and confident is hard when you can’t actually see the lingerie in person.

However, that doesn’t mean you should avoid online lingerie shopping altogether. Buying sexy lingerie online gives you the freedom to explore a wider range of styles from the comfort of your own living room without feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious in a brick-and-mortar lingerie store. If you’re smart about your online shopping habits, you might be surprised at how quickly online lingerie stores become your favorite source of new sexy nightwear.

  1. Take Your Measurements

If you want to buy lingerie online successfully, you have to be on top of your own measurements. Knowing your exact measurements can make or break your online lingerie purchase.

Measure your bust, waist, and hips carefully before you make any online lingerie purchases. Also, re-measure yourself regularly to make sure the numbers you’re using stay up to date with your body. Knowing your measurements can help you choose the right size and prevent the frustration of waiting a week for a new bra to arrive on your doorstep just to discover that it doesn’t fit you.

  1. Read the Fine Print

Always read the description—the full description—of a piece of lingerie before you buy it online. Check washing instructions, material description, size information, etc.

The tiny lines of text underneath a product name might not be as interesting as the flashy picture next to it, but reading them thoroughly is crucial for making sure the real design of a piece of lingerie meets your expectations for it in your head.

  1. Branch Out

One of the worst disservices you can do yourself when shopping online for lingerie is only shopping at mainstream online stores founded by mega-brands. It’s tempting to fall into the habit of only buying from these stores because they are well-known and have an established reputation. However, buying lingerie from less established online stores is a great way to support smaller brands and develop a super unique collection of sexy lingerie that flatters your figure.

Shopping at smaller, little-known boutique lingerie brands is high-risk, but it can also be high-reward. Just be smart about your shopping habits. Do your research and find as many reviews as you can about an online store and its products before you make a purchase. Also, check up on the return policy of an online store before you buy anything from it. While returning lingerie can be tricky, many online lingerie stores still offer fair refund or exchange options to ensure their customers’ satisfaction.