So you’ve got a special day coming up and you’d like to buy some lingerie for your significant other. If you’re like most guys though, this can be a pretty daunting task. Lingerie is very intimate, and sizing and styling are extremely important. You may have an intimate and romantic plan in mind, but get the wrong size or a style that doesn’t flatter her body type, and you’ll be shot down faster than you can blink.
So how does the ignorant man pick lingerie that fits and flatters? As bewildering as the task might seem, there are some secrets that will get you started on the right path – and I’m going to share those secrets with you today. With a little careful planning, you might just pull off that romantic gesture after all.
Your Ideas vs. Her Ideas
Before we even get started, let’s talk a little about what you want versus what she wants. Sure, there are plenty of adult stores that cater to every guy’s fantasy. You might want to walk in and just buy something off the rack. After all, you can walk in and feel welcome, and avoid most of the awkwardness of lingerie shopping.
I’m going to stop you right there though. You see, a woman will only truly be sexy in an outfit she feels sexy in. Most of the stuff you’ll find in stores like this will make your girlfriend not only feel awkward, but too fat, too skinny, and too skanky – none of which get anywhere near sexy.
You might have some personal fantasy in mind, but your woman will know it if you’re buying them lingerie for purely selfish reasons. Get her something she’ll feel sexy in, and you’ll definitely thank me for it.
Ask for an Expert Opinion
You might feel sleazy shopping for women’s lingerie, but don’t worry – no one thinks you’re a pervert. It’s a sweet, caring gesture to buy something so intimate for your woman.
That said, sometimes the best thing you can do when you’re shopping for a little something special is to ask the experts. Find a salesperson and recruit their help on your hunt for the perfect gift. A good salesperson will know what works and what doesn’t – and she’ll know what women like, and what they don’t. She’s likely been a lifesaver for many a man in your position, so bite the bullet and get some advice.
Sizing Matters
Fortunately for you, lingerie sizing is standardized and fairly simple. You might just need to do a little snooping in her stuff before setting out on your quest. Check the tags on her bras and panties, and make note of the sizes. Bra size will be broken down into chest size (likely the same as her shirt size) and cup size, which will be a number and a letter (i.e. 32B).
If you still can’t figure out the correct sizing, ask one of her friends for help (if you and she are comfortable enough for that). Alternately, you could bring one of your woman’s bras in as a sample for the salesperson. Just be discreet either way.
Body Type Matters
You (and the salesperson) might think a set of lingerie is gorgeous; however, if it doesn’t match your woman’s body type, it’s all wrong. Something that might look stunning on a curvy girl might just look awkward and baggy on your slender woman. If you’re buying for a plus-size woman, don’t buy something that adds bulges in all the wrong places. Get it?
If your girl is voluptuous and busty, a corset will draw attention to all the right places. Corsets support the breasts and add a lot of cleavage while making the waist and stomach look smooth and sleek.
If your woman is tall and slender, a garter belt will accentuate her long legs. The belt adds fantastic curves (or the appearance of curves, even if she doesn’t have many). Just remember that garters come with a whole set of stuff, so check with your salesperson to make sure you get the stockings, underwear, bra, and any other pieces that should go with it.
For the athletic girl, you’ll want something to accentuate a great butt and pair of legs. Boy shorts are usually a pretty good bet and can be paired with other items like a bra or corset. Do make sure your woman is comfortable with this style though, as it really works best with a nice butt.
If you’re dating a rounder woman, she’d likely be stunning (and most comfortable) in a sexy little negligee. A tiny teddy will show off all the right stuff while hiding a bigger tummy or other bulges she’s timid about.
Style Matters
Your woman is unique and has her own unique style. The trick here is finding something that you’ll both find absolutely sexy. Here again, a little research will pull you through.
Think about the style of clothes she wears. If she’s very feminine, you’re safe going with plenty of lace, bows and frills. If she’s sultry and seductive, corsets and garter belts might be more up her alley. Come prepared with an idea of her personal style, and a good sales person will be able to point you in the right direction.
Don’t Skimp
You may be a thrifty fellow, but lingerie is not an area to skimp on. You truly will get what you pay for when it comes to fit and quality. Your woman may not spend much on herself, but this is one area where you should splurge.
She might be happy with a cheap outfit, but a piece of high-end lingerie can take her from lovely to stunning. The right fit will make your lovely lady look shapely, sleek, elegant – and drop-dead sexy. She’ll feel great about herself, and that confidence might just turn her into the seductress you never knew existed.
A Few Final Tips
So, you should be well on your way to picking out a stunning piece of clothing. Because I like you though, I’m going to give you a few last “insider” tips:
- Ask the saleswomen for help. I can’t stress this enough.
- Don’t buy costume lingerie unless she has asked you for it. Generally it is very tacky – and could be insulting. Plus, it’s impractical, so it might not see more than one use.
- Negligees are almost always winners. If you can’t decide on anything else, a silky teddy is sure to please both of you.
- Steer clear of outfits with silly comments printed on them. Remember – you’re going for sexy, not silly.
- Go for gift wrapping. Women like that little extra effort, and it shows you cared enough.
A final reminder: do keep the receipt. Even your best efforts may fall short of her expectations; but if you’ve followed my tips she’ll at least know you made an effort. By keeping the receipt, you can always go back together and pick out something that she likes better.
Authored by: Kristy Dunst
