Lingerie

Men's Buying Guide

What is her size?

This is a touchy subject either way if you get it right or wrong you could be in the bad books, so here is where I will try to help. For instance if you buy her a set which is too small this can be flattering in some instances but on the flip side you might hear 'do you not know me at all' if you buy to big well rather you than me

So to avoid this get in touch with your feminine side and go searching into. Yes you have guessed it THE UNDERWEAR DRAWER, it's a hard life but someone has got to do it. Try to find her most recent set this will be a good indication of her size and will win you brownie points. Once the beautiful lingerie turns up and she opens it as the French say it will be 'pret a porter' (ready to wear).

Be aware to take note of all of the numbers and letters i.e. 34D 34 is the band size D is the cup size, for panties sizes range from 8,10,12,and so on also sizing can be S,M,L etc see our size chart to help you out here. If buying hosiery this usually is based on height.

You could always ask, but where is the fun in that; anyway she will enjoy the fact that it is a gift that you got right. Reap the rewards.

What is her style?

Is she a girly girl who loves pinks? In this case go for pastels her style will be important to her as every woman wants to wear her lingerie and be in control not the other way around. If she is the bolder more daring type meet her needs, buy her that sexy red or black number.

What body type is she?

Tall & Slim

Garter belt looks great on tall women the legs just go on forever, why not buy her some stockings to go with the belt and of course it goes without saying a lingerie set to complete the look.

Voluptuous & big busted

Corsets are great, magically cinching in all the right places and creating that infamous hour glass shape.

Athletic & Slim

Sexy boy shorts, French knickers and soft triangle bra you will come in first place with this.

Skin Tones

Lighter skin tone

Best suited to darker shades of blue, purple and greys. Too many pastel tones can create a washed out look, you want to be able to see her so choose the right colour.

Medium skin tone

Avoid golden under tones such as brown, orange and caramel her most suited tones will be shades of red, blue and green.

Darker skin tones

Contrast is best so choose white, plum, pale pinks and silver grey tones. Always remember to keep your eye on seasonal trends and always portray some personality, remember lingerie is the closest thing to her body so it's got to be right.

How To Measure Your Bra Size

Why Measure?

It is estimated that 80% of women are wearing the wrong sized bra (that equates to about 8 in every 10 women!). This can lead to back, neck or shoulder pain and red marks. A well fitting bra will be flattering, comfortable and confidence booster. A great bra can help you achieve the look you want whether that is by lifting, boosting or minimising your breasts.

How to Measure your Bra Size

To measure your bra band size to do this measure in inches, just under your bust around your ribcage. Ensure the tape measure is relaxed not too loose or too tight. It should be resting smooth and straight across your back. Whatever this measurement is add 5 to obtain your band size. E.g. your measurement is 27" + 5 = 32" band size. If your band size turns out to be an odd number (i.e. 33), you will normally find the nearest band size up will fit best (i.e. 34") but you may also want to try the lower band size (32"). Your bra cup size, measure around your bust at the fullest part. Ensure the tape measure is straight across your back. The difference between this measurement and your calculated band size is used to determine your bra cup size as follows:

• Less than 1inch - AA Cup
• 1 inch - A Cup
• 2 inches - B Cup
• 3 inches - C Cup
• 4 inches - D Cup
• 5 inches - DD Cup
• 6 inches - E Cup

Your bra band size was calculated as 34" and your bust measurement came out at 38", so the difference between these measurements is 4" & this makes your bra cup size a D.

Bra Styles Explained

Underwired Bra This is a fairly generic title which can be given to a bra to indicate that it has underwiring running along the bottom of each bra cup which gives support and lift from underneath the breasts .Best For: Most women underwiring in both their every day and evening bras as it gives support and lift.

Triangle Bra Normally simple in construction. The fabric is normally non-padded, lacy or sheer; however, some triangle bras have foam-lined cups giving added shape and support. Best For: Smaller busts not requiring as much support.

Soft Cup Bra is possibly the most comfortable bras, however, soft cup bras offer very little in the way of support, lift or definition. Best for: Small busts and bedroom wear.

Push Up Bra Push up bras are designed to give a great cleavage by lifting the breasts using a combination of under wiring and padding. These are great for giving the appearance of a larger bust. Pushes up bras often have a deep V neckline finishing in a small centerpiece between the cups. Best for: Any size up to a D or DD cup.

Padded Bra Padded bras sometimes removable pads and /or moulded cups which give shape, lift and support. Padded bras may have a deep plunging neckline or a larger centerpiece giving the bra a 'balcony' style. Best for: Any size up to a D or DD cup.

Full Cup Bra Perfect for women requiring a larger cup size, full cup bras offer great support and shape as you get great coverage and fit. Best for: Bigger busts requiring great support and fit.