YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUYING WOMEN LINGERIE
Gifting that special girl in your life with lingerie is a win-win. When done properly, she’ll feel sexy and prized in a decadently minimal number, and you get to sit back and take it all in… before taking it all off, of course.
But first comes the stressful part: actually buying the lingerie. I recognize that look of panic in your eyes because I worked as a Victoria’s Secret sales associate for three years. To alleviate your anxiety, here’s a comprehensive guide to corset shopping, boob sizing, and setting the mood this Valentine’s Day.
Teddies vs. corsets: what’s what?
The only thing more overwhelming than navigating the mesh frontier of a lingerie boutique is learning its vocabulary. Let’s start with the basics.
Corsets and bustiers are the bra’s exotic cousins. With cups and adjustable straps, they also have curve-hugging mesh or lace at the waist. Complete the outfit (and earn brownie points) with a garter belt, matching thong, and thigh-highs.
Babydolls, slips, and nighties are like miniature dresses. Such options provide your lady with full midsection coverage, and you with sizing wiggle room since they don’t fit skin-tight. Flowy hemlines, decorative necklines, and racy combos of silk and lace trim prove that sweet can be sexy.
Teddies and bodysuits resemble one-piece swimwear for the daring. They feature cutouts, see-through bits, and even themes for role-play (if French maids get you going) — but tread lightly here if she’s a lingerie virgin.
Consider her personal style
Lingerie is an extremely personal gift. Keep her individual tastes in mind so she knows you thought of HER and not Jenna Haze while shopping. Take cues from her daily wardrobe: if you’ve never seen her wear pink, don’t buy her a pink corset; if she’s a demure lover-of-lace, then a mesh bodysuit isn’t your best bet. Consider the kinds of things she wears under her clothes on a daily basis, and work from there. When in doubt, find something black or red that isn’t over the top.
Also, her Pinterest page is your cauldron of answers. Women spend hours on that site “pinning” wish lists of all their favorite crap under the sun… including lingerie.
Who are you really shopping for?
Yes, buying your girlfriend lingerie is partly self-fulfilling. But come on — that’s half the fun. If the thought of her in a black negligée gets you going faster than a brick on a Ferrari accelerator, then by all means buy it. Just remember to present it with a coy whisper in her ear about why you chose it for her specifically.
BUT! Her comfort comes first. I always asked male clients what their women’s favorite features were. That way, a guy can pick something out to accentuate that body part. Does she love her ass as much as you do? Great, get her the cheek-skimming booty shorts. If she’s self-conscious about her tummy, I don’t care how much you love that little bralette! A nightie will ensure she feels sexy and comfortable.