You can easily spot a lingerie shop in Pakistan by some common trademarks. The shop will always be either in some dark, forgotten corner of the shopping mall or the windows will be covered with a curtain and posters of women half dressed women, ironically making the shop look more taboo.

If you are fans of GOT (Game of Thrones) I’m sure you are familiar with the episode in which Cersei Lannister is forced to do the “walk of shame”  through town butt naked while with people chant ”Shame! Shame!”.  Well, that’s how I felt when my mom took me to buy lingerie for the first time.

Colorful bras and underwear, rang bells of “Tauba, Tauba” in my head. These undergarment shops which are usually run by ladies who tend to ask very personal questions. Even though these shops are usually run only by women I felt like I was under a spotlight.

Now that I am no longer a nervous teen I have realized shopping for lingerie can be a fun experience. But you need to do it some place that you feel comfortable.Thank God, international brands like British Lingerie Studio have entered the local scene and shopping for lingerie doesn’t have to be as mortifying as my first experience was.

Here are some do’s and don’ts that might come in handy whenever you are about to buy a new bra for yourself or if choose not to go bra less :

1. Don’t count on size: Always try on a new bra to make sure the fit is right – every brand has it’s own style.
2. Learn how to measure yourself: Just because aunty has a measuring tape that doesn’t mean she knows what she is doing. Here are some quick pointers on how to figure out your size.

• Stand in front of a mirror either bra-less or with a non-padded bra
• Wrap a measuring tape around the band of your bra just above your bust.
• Now note the nearest whole number. If the number is even add 4 inches to the measured number and if it is odd then add 5 inches to the measured number.
• For example: If the measured number is 32 your bra size will be 36 and if the measured number is 33 then your bra size will be 38

3. Beware the push-up: Thanks to Kylie most of us have at least one magic push-up bra in our underwear drawer. But for summers I suggest you give your padded and wired bras a rest and wear light bralettes instead.
4. Kapra counts: Always wear something that you’re comfortable with like a cotton bra. Spandex and jersey bras are not breathable and might cause rashes and itchiness
5. Do your thing: Try not to be influenced by the kind auntie that is trying to sell her stuff. Go for what gives you the perfect fit and lift.

If you go to an old school shop once you’re all done with shopping, your newly purchased belongings may be handed over in a shady looking brown paper bag because apparently “God forbid, anyone finds out women have breasts, and buy undergarments.”

Although shopping online can be convenient I have come to enjoy checking out aisles of pretty little things. My trip to the lingerie store with my mom has always been a tough ride but fortunately it doesn’t have to be that way.