Well, aren't you thoughtful? Spoiling a loved one with lingerie can be exciting, but also a little daunting. What if it's not their thing? What if the fit is all wrong? To help you get your gifting right, we've asked in-house sexologist and all-round lingerie expert Tori for her tips to shopping the best pieces for your paramour.
Tori's Lingerie-Buying Tips
1. Raid their lingerie drawer.
You're looking specifically for the lingerie pieces they wear often. The tags may be faded or removed but keep searching and measure up their favourite bra(s) against one another, hopefully they line up. You want to also pay attention to what kinds of pieces they enjoy wearing most. For example: bras with or without an underwire, briefs or g-strings, etc.
2. Make note.
Pay attention to the size (example 32D or 10D). For those new to the game, you're looking for a two-digit number and letter/s. Sometimes different regions use different sizes. For example: An Australian 12B might be listed as a 75B in European (EU) sizing. And sizing can also differ from brand to brand. If you can't get access to that information, a dress size can help but you may be limited in options. Worst case scenario: bring in one of their bras to the shop.
3. Brand and style.
Do they have any favourite brands or styles? You might notice that a few pieces look or feel similar in material or shape. This may help inform the kinds of pieces you buy. E.g. Frilly or minimal, strappy or silky, etc. If you only have a dress size, the following kinds of lingerie styles are safer buys: soft cup bras, bodysuits without an underwire, robes, camisoles and chemises.
4. Try and pick something they would still feel confident in.
One way to figure that out is by looking at what they regularly wear. If you pick something too over the top in comparison to their usual style, they may sheepishly come into the room and dive under the covers. Alternatively, you might choose pieces that accentuate or highlight a particular attribute.
5. Rise to the occasion.
If you're buying lingerie for Valentine's Day, I feel you don't have to stick to something too practical. You can mix it up and try something different. But if it's for a birthday then it must be 100% for them. Think about what things they enjoy most about the pieces they have. E.g. Softness, comfort, sexiness, etc.
6. Lean into it.
If you're buying lingerie for a particular occasion, why not go all out? Props and accessories are lovely add-ons to the perfect piece. A whip, soft paddle, gloves or crop can be a lot of fun, especially if it adds to a role play theme created by the lingerie. And stay-up stockings are always appreciated.
7. Consider their debut.
If you think they might be shy or lacking confidence, a beautiful robe is a great way to help them feel more comfortable. Beautiful and practical, a robe offers them an optional layer for covering up, too. A robe + lingerie is the ultimate combo.
