Fool Proof Guide to Buying Lingerie She'll Actually Like and Wear!

The big day is quickly approaching, as is your inevitable scramble to find the perfect gift for your beloved significant other. Simply put, abandon all visions of cheesy, boxed chocolates, sub par flowers, and any other pre canned gift idea you might be clinging to. Instead, buy her a supremely thoughtful, completely mature, exactingly appropriate gift of sumptuous lingerie.

A gift of lingerie offers the opportunity to find the perfect gift for just about anyone . . . from ultra-femme corsets with garters to minimalist cami sets or sultry sleepwear - its simple to find a perfectly coordinated lingerie gift that she'll adore.

Most lingerie fits easily into one of two distinct categories – I – the stuff that can be worn under clothes – during the day, and II – the stuff solely intended to be worn alone, and at night. Keep your categories straight. While some of the stuff from category I makes great gifts avoid more utilitarian (anything that sacrifices style for utility like a minimizer bra) styles. Instead, choose something that makes her feel feminine and pretty even if she's wearing sweats over it, like a camisole set. If you are shopping for category II gifts remember that sexy gifts need not be garish. If you're a novice look for Babydolls or Chemises, which are sure fire gifts.

Lingerie shopping can be a slightly intimidating venture, but luckily Bare Necessities is here to help you out.

Step 1 - Recognizance

Chances are if you're seriously considering purchasing lingerie as a gift you've most likely – A) Seen her in her skivvies and B) Had access to her lingerie drawer. Luckily, these two things can provide you with an abundant amount of information as to what kind of lingerie she likes and what size she wears – the two most important things you need to know before attempting to buy her lingerie.

You absolutely must find out what size she wears. To skillfully do this, delve into the aforementioned undie drawer, with pen and paper in hand. Note: Please ignore anything that you've never seen her wear before, and anything that reminds you of your grandma.

You're looking for 2 basic things – bra and panty size. Both are easily located on the tiny tags of their respective garments. Bra size consists of a number and a letter and panty size will probably be something like 5, 6, 7, or 8 – which loosely translates to Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. Don't be surprised if you find a range of sizes represented, just take note of everything you see, you'll have plenty of time to sort through all of the info later.

While you're digging around, also scope out the sizes of any camisoles or sleepwear (sexy sleepwear, not the flannel pj's) she might have. Take notice of the shapes and texture of her favorite pieces – Does she wear thongs or boylegs (don't worry all of this will be explained later)? Are most of her favorites sheer or opaque – silky or adorned? Take note of all of this, you'll need the info later.

Step II - Know Your Stuff - The Glossary

Women's lingerie is available in a mind-boggling array of shapes and styles. Here's a pared down list of what you should look for.

Babydoll - Babydoll describes a variety of very short gowns and robes, which are also flared. These styles are usually just long enough to cover the bum and are a bit sexier than a Chemise. The best thing about Babydolls is that they usually come as a set with matching panties – making them an effortlessly coordinated gift.

Boyshort - Boyshorts are the innerwear version of hot pants. Most women consider them to be a more comfortable alternative to thongs, since they usually have a full coverage back panel (cover most of the bum) but help to avoid VPL (visible panty lines) which is truly important.

If you find a ton of briefs in her skivvy drawer she'll really appreciate a pretty boyshort. While not a skimpy as a thong, boyshorts made of lace, or mesh can definitely be equally as sexy, and the bonus is that they are super comfortable. A racy twist on the boyshort is the thongboy, which offers significantly more coverage than a thong, but has a tiny thong back panel.

Thongboys make the perfect gift for anyone a bit intimidated of the thong. If you find a lot of bikinis in her drawer the thongboy is a good gift choice.

Many boyshorts have either matching bras or camisoles – buy the whole set, shell be impressed.

Camisole – Camisoles are the feminine version of your favorite undershirt. They are usually worn as a layering piece under clothes, but the cuter ones can be worn outside of the bedroom.

Look for adjustable straps and soft fabrics that move with the body (infused with Lycra) which make camisoles ever more wearable. Camis make great gifts because they are sized like clothing - small, medium and large (making it easier to find the right size) and because even the sexiest camisole can be worm outside of the bedroom as a layering piece. Buy the matching panties if they are available to make a set, or buy several camisoles for her to layer over each other.

Chemise - A chemise is a short, flowing gown that generally has thin straps and an a-line (fitted at the top and flared at the hem) silhouette. Chemises are usually mid to upper thigh length. Chemises are supremely giftable, because they aren't overly revealing (they camouflage tummy, hips and thighs). And (this is the best part!), chemises are sized small, medium, and large, to fit a wide range of sizes. For a sexier chemise choose one made of sheer or embroidered mesh. For a more demure look choose a chemise made of silk or satin and trimmed with lace.

Corset/Bustier - A corset is a structured garment, which extends from the bust to just below the waist – think old school Madonna. Most corsets have boning throughout – to shape and mold the bust and torso and have garters (small snaps attached to ribbon) with which to attach stockings, and the sizing is usually based on bra size. Corsets epitomize two-minute wear – they significantly easier to get out of than into, and most women aren't up to the challenge. If she is confident and feminine and you found a lot of complicated looking lingerie in her drawer, most likely she's a corset girl. Some corsets are strictly utilitarian, but the racier ones have attached garters (you have to buy the thigh-hi stockings to get the full effect) and some type of adornment – lace, or embroidery.

Thong - By now you probably have a pretty clear idea of what a thong is – a tiny panty with almost no rear coverage. The trick to buying a thong is to find a truly comfortable one. The most comfortable thongs are made of microfiber, mesh or cotton. They are seamless, infused with Lycra and have string sides. If you found a ton of these tiny panties in her drawer, buy her a few new ones –in multiples. Cosabella's Soire thongs are a consummate fave and Cherry Pie's Days of The Week Thongs make a ridiculously adorable gift for any thong lover.

If you are buying a thong simply for use in the bedroom, look for one with cheeky (so sorry) embellishments on the back.

G-String - A version of the thong with even less rear coverage – the same rules apply.

link to bra and pantie primers

Step III - The Cheat Sheet

Using the info you gathered from her undie drawer you'll need to figure out exactly what to buy. Here are some basic guidelines.

Choose something that flatters her figure.

Whatever you buy, make sure that it meets two hyper important criteria – #1- That she will feel comfortable, and attractive wearing it, and #2 –That it flatters her in every possible way. Do not, I repeat, Do Not buy anything, which accentuates the part of her body that she likes the least. In other words (except in the rarest of instances), if she's sensitive about her stomach, buy the opaque chemise instead of the cropped camisole. If she thinks her bum is too big, stay away from the tiny thong with the bow on the back. Instead, surprise her with a chic boyshort. You'll also want to avoid shapewear of all types. If the product name includes the words minimizing, or control stay away from it, no matter how pretty it is.
Pay attention to the details. This is definitely more difficult to do online, but take notice of the fabric content. Silk is always a good choice, as is satin. If you're looking for something more sheer, opt for mesh, which is especially soft when it has a little bit of Lycra added. Also, look for details like adjustable straps (which give you a little room for error with the sizing).

When buying panties check out the details of the description like the amount of coverage (usually, minimal, moderate, or maximum), and the rise (the distance from the front of the crotch to the waistband). These details are especially important in determining the style she'll like best. If you notice that she only wears a certain brand, color, or style take note of that too, and look for similar styles when you're shopping.
When In Doubt Buy Something Expensive. You really should know this by now, but you're most likely to succeed in your quest for the perfect gift (lingerie or otherwise) if you buy something expensive. Hint- you can never go wrong with La Perla. Aside from being expensive La Perla (Marvel, Occhi Verdi, Malizia, Glamour, La Perla Black Label) is impeccably constructed of the best fabrics and is also supremely stylish – the trifecta of lingerie. Some other luxe choices are Aubade, and Dolce & Gabbana.

Brands

Aubade - Modern, ultra femme bras and panties.
Cosabella - Chic camisoles, and comfy thongs.
La Perla Glamour - It's all in the name - hyper glamorous lingerie.
La Cosa - Lovely layers - tees and camisoles with matching panties.
Lejaby - Thoughtfully embellished lingerie - beautiful thongs.
Marvel - Luxe bras and panties in fab fabrics.
Occhi Verdi - Delectable bras, panties and sleepwear.
OnGossamer - Overtly stylish camisole sets.

Last Updated 1/5/05

Fool Proof Guide to Buying Lingerie She'll Actually Like and Wear!

Step 1 - Recognizance

Step II - Know Your Stuff - The Glossary

Step III - The Cheat Sheet

Brands

Links