Buying clothing of any sort off the internet has always been a gamble for me. Either it looks nothing like the pictures or the pieces don’t fit right or the quality is less than desirable. But I had wanted to try out a lingerie set with a garter belt for some time and finally found one that tickled my fancy, as only things that are pink and frilly and covered in hearts can do. Coquette’s ultra-girly spin on the g-string/garter belt/bra combo looked fun and funky and I decided to give it a whirl.

It was with some trepidation that I opened the (as always, discreet) package that arrived on my doorstep. I have had mainly bad experiences with internet clothing and I expected to be disappointed. I was not.

First off, the box is adorned with the requisite picture of a blond model showing off her goods. It’s very standard, not overly sleazy. Care instructions are printed on the back: hand wash cold, drip dry, no bleach, no iron. It’s nothing out of the ordinary. On to the product itself:

The pink mesh material is very delicate-looking, but is actually quite sturdy, due in part to its elastic quality, as well as the solid stitching. The tiny black hearts are velvety, adding an interesting texture to the garments. The bra clasp is of the standard hook-and-eye variety with three settings, while the clasp on the back of the garter belt is more like the kind you’d find at the back of a bathing suit top. Both stay together just fine, leaving the wearer feeling remarkably secure, despite the fact that they’re wearing practically nothing.

I’m a C cup in most bras and, having ordered a Large (Medium was out of stock), I was worried that the bra would be too big. Surprisingly it fits quite well. The bra has a demi-style cup with underwire, but absolutely no padding. It’s just ultra-thin mesh material and boob. The straps are adjustable to an extent and I found I had to tighten them all the way up to get any sort of support. The lacy upper edges of the bra pass directly across my nipples, which is slightly irritating, but provides a highly provocative look. Larger breasts will no doubt result in more nipple exposure, and smaller breasts less. The lacy edges also stand out quite a bit from the rest of the bra, making it difficult to wear under a shirt discreetly.

The garter belt fits the best of all three pieces, resting comfortably around my hips in a flattering fashion. It neither cuts into the skin nor slides off and does an admirable job of holding up stockings. It would be nice if the thigh-highs were included in the package, but so it goes. I simply went out and got a plain black pair to complement the black trim of the lingerie. The four garter hooks are standard fare, constructed of flexible black plastic and metal, hidden with a black ribbon. They’re situated at the end of adjustable straps that allow for a good deal of variability in leg length.

The g-string is the only letdown of the ensemble. It is much too large and poorly designed; an excess of fabric makes it look baggy and pouch-like. I ended up substituting in one of my own lacy black thongs, vastly improving the look. The pouchiness of the g-string could be a benefit, however, for men who like to dress up in women’s under-things. The extra material leaves plenty of room for manly-bits and would add a decidedly feminine look.

Overall, the set is surprisingly comfortable and flexible, and can withstand a fair amount of pawing from excited partners. It is also relatively easy to remove – a plus for those who get flustered in the heat of the moment. It is pink, I mean really pink, and the little bows and lacy bits give it an ultra-girly feel.