Do your research. Do not try to guess her size, favourite style, or in fact try and guess anything - you will fail. You may not have noticed but, just like men, women don’t just come in S, M and L (that is Small, Medium and Large for the real beginners). When you walk into a lingerie shop be prepared to be hit by a dizzying array of numbers and letters associated with an even more confusing selection of weird and wonderful products which to the untrained eye (ie yours) all look the same, but to her are very different (push-up, plunge, balcony, gel filled, water filled, padded, unpadded, underwired, seamless, backless, boneless, strapless, open cup - with sizes from A to JJ not forgetting the numbers, different materials, colours etc).

BUT DO NOT GIVE UP as research makes it easy. Wait until she goes out and raid her underwear drawer (it is a good idea to think ahead and have an excuse ready in case she comes back early and surprises you). Note any numbers, letters etc on labels or borrow a set and take the bra and pants with you to the lingerie shop (in a bag please). Make sure you take something fairly new i.e. not an item she might have grown out of because Golden Rule No 2 is do not buy anything too small, pointing out later she used to fit that size really won’t help and we cannot adjust made to measure items to make them bigger.

Okay, so you have the bra size sorted but check out other items as well as you explore because when you get to the shop you will see some gorgeous lingerie, beyond just bras, which have different fitting criteria. Also, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the time whilst rummaging.

Now let’s explore those different types of lingerie:

Baby Doll Nightgown
(A real winner as you can get away with saying “I thought it would be practical on those hot summer nights” but you both know it is just so sexy). This is a short nightgown (to the thighs) with matching panties - normally sized S, M or L.

Basque
An updated version of a Corset (see below), it takes the place of a bra and garterbelt and covers from the bust to the hips. It provides a little shaping (making the waist smaller) and sometimes it is meant to be seen either peeking out of an unbuttoned blouse or in place of a blouse when wearing trousers.

Bustier
A Basque that only goes to the waist (think of Madonna in the Eighties).

Bodystocking
A one-piece garment that covers from bust to toes - usually worn under close fitting clothes during the daytime or alone in the boudoir.

Bodysuit
A bodystocking without the legs - works well with a variety of clothing options.

Bras
See above and ask for advice in the shop.

Camisole
Simple style and elegant, a camisole covers from bust to hips, they generally have no bra support and are sized S, M or L.

Chemise
A short nightgown extending to the thighs.

Corset
Tighter, stronger bustiers with boning over the bodice and is laced or hooked at the back. It can have an underwire cup or be flat. Corsets are tightly cinched at the waist to give the wearer a noticeable hour-glass figure, but they can also be laced loosely and worn as a regular top.

Garterbelt
Once an essential accompaniment to stockings. With the advent of stay-ups no longer necessary but a bra and panty set with garterbelt can be very pretty and enticing.

Negligee
A longer lightweight nightgown often with a matching sheer robe. Also known as a peignor set these are a good safe bet for a first gift of lingerie. Styles range from the demure to the racey with a loose fitting style.

Panties
Not as simple as you thought. A bikini comes up to the hip line, not the waist line. Briefs go all the way to the waist. French cut, or high cut, is a brief where the leg opening comes up high to the hip. A G-String has little in the front and just a thin bit of fabric at the back. A thong can have more coverage at the front, but the back is like a G-String. Tap pants/French Knickers are like short-shorts with fluttery legs and are both very sexy and also fit all shapes.

Pyjamas
Do not underestimate what a fantastic gift pyjamas make. They are practical, warm and show real thoughtfulness. And guess what, they are incredibly sexy !

Colour is pretty much a personal preference. But, if unsure, here’s some tips. If she is blonde then black and all shades of blue look great. Brunettes - the two most natural colours are white and red. Redheads - shades of green, especially teal, are stunning. Hair colour is one way of choosing but consider skin colour and tones as well. What colours does she like ? if she likes red and red drives you wild - go for it. If in doubt always buy black.

Gift Wrapping
We know men are klutz and all fingers & thumbs but now you have done all the hard work please don’t go and spoil it - we will gift wrap for you - no charge - using tissue, scented wax beads and a gift box to match your choice of lingerie. We look forward to serving you.