by Anne Violette

Created on: June 13, 2008

One of the most expensive, yet least used items in any sex kitten's wardrobe is the delicious collection of lingerie. She may get to wear it for anywhere between two and ten minutes, before the show is over and the purpose of the modeling it pays off with her happy partner. It may be found the next day, balled up in a disrespectful mess on the bedroom floor.

Why then, is women's lingerie so darned costly? They may acquire the lacy, racy numbers from an intrigued male, or perhaps as a gift at a bridal shower. Many women purchase it for themselves. Contrary to society's belief, women are in control of their sexuality and thirst for more attention in the bedroom any way they can think of.

Rather than buying more and more of these tiny threads of apparel, some women have found tricks to increase the longevity of their existing pieces.

1. Hand Washing: Lingerie, including bras, panties, teddies, garters, stockings, bustiers and the like, must be hand washed within a day or two of wear. Why? Washers and dryers take a toll on fancy threads and fibers. Lace, in particular can be easily shredded without proper care. Woolite makes a delicate soap for this very reason. After gently soaking in a warm rinse, the lingerie must be towel dried and hung.
2. Lay Flat or Hang: In order to keep its shape, certain lingerie pieces should be hung, rather than bunched up in a drawer. Hanging will make it stay newer longer because the fibers get much wrinkled, especially if not worn for a long time. For underwear and stockings; they should lay flat in drawers to prevent snagging, tearing or wrinkling.
3. Pick out Classic Styles: Just like the latest trend in fashion, the latest trend in lingerie ranges from the slutty to the girl-next-door; or the moderately mysterious to the Vixen. Choose styles that will still be a turn-on in a year, two, and three especially if you don't wear the stuff very often except for special occasions. Black, red and white is always sexy and will stay in style much longer than seasonal colors. Try to avoid lingerie that is sparse because it will tear easier.
4. Choose Quality: Wal-Mart lingerie vs. Victoria Secret? Is paying $50 for a bra really necessary when a department store bra will do the same trick? The answer is undoubtedly, yes. Any woman who has spent more money on intimate apparel will tell you that her $50 splurge is justified. It could be compared to a pair of shoes; the cheaper the shoes are, the more painful they will be. Expensive shoes feel like walking on air. Believe it or not, most clothes that are made with higher quality threads, fabrics, hooks, zippers and whatnot will withstand longer wear and higher comfort.

Those tips cover care, but how can a woman keep the pieces lasting longer in the eyes of her partner? After all, the guy may be only able to look at that same sexy outfit so many times before he is wondering if it's the only one she has. A woman can mix it up to keep his interest. Wearing pieces that are versatile, rather than one-piece designs will keep him entertained and satisfied with her hot little number(s) for a long time to come.

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