Shopping for crotchless panties is similar to how you would approach getting a standard pair of panties, only with a few additional points to keep in mind. First, consider if the style you’re interested in is compatible with your anatomy, says Lisa Finn, a product expert and sex educator for Babeland. For example, if you want something that keeps your butt and vulva exposed, you’d want to find a panty that has an opening big enough to give access to those areas.

Additionally, the opening might cause digging from the straps on your thighs. In this case, Finn suggests looking for panties that have a stretch to them made with materials like lace, fishnets, and nylon. Knowing how your skin reacts to materials, in general, can help you make a more informed purchase. “Think about how sensitive you are,” says Finn. “There are some people that don’t like the sensation lace against their bodies. If you don’t like that, then you’re not going to like it in a crotchless panty either.”

You can also use the design to enhance your experience. Some crotchless panties have pearls sewn in, which can create extra sensation against the clit and vulva. “That can be something that’s really fun and sexy in how it looks and how it feels,” adds Finn.