Gentlemen, it pains me to say this but you do need help when buying lingerie for your partners – and I am here to help!

If you have ever tried to buy lingerie for a female then you know just like women, undergarments are far from simple and despite the sheer amount of new terminology you may have to confront, buying lingerie for your partner doesn’t have to be awkward, embarrassing or an anxiety-ridden guessing game.

This little guide is aimed to help you feel less like a kid in a foreign candy store!

Hopefully you will know what your lady likes to wear; remember that one of the most important things about buying her lingerie is that she will actually wear it! No good buying her something she doesn’t like the colour or material of – take note of anything she may point out in catalogues or seeing on TV adverts or just ask her outright if there is anything specific she really enjoys wearing, check her closet – if her clothes are a little tight fitting or revealing then she may want undergarments to reflect that. Likewise if her clothing is more loose fitting then more modest undergarments may be a better idea.

Before making the first mouse click to begin your search for that perfect piece of lingerie please make sure you know what size your sweetie is! If you only have a general idea or none at all you’re going to run into trouble pretty early on.

There is however, a solution; find a bra lying around in one of her drawers and check the size; they generally range in A to DD – A being the smallest and DD being the bustiest. The number before the letter ranges from 30 to 42 and refers to bust size or the circumference of the body just under the breasts. Underwear is a different kettle of fish! Sizes range from XS to XXL or go by number from approximately 6 to 24.

Or, the very simple solution; ask her what size she is outright – guessing is not the best idea and could potentially turn into a very uncomfortable situation. If you’re really unsure and want to surprise her or just don’t want to ask; a chemise or a camisole is the best option.

I realise that most men like to think they know everything about the types of underwear women wear but you would be surprised to find how many men do not realise thongs and g-strings are NOT the same thing! The basic shape is the same except that on a G-String the thing strip of material at the back is replaced with a piece of string like fabric; usually less than 1/8 of an inch wide. Do not assume that just because your partner wears thongs, that she will enjoy g-strings!

Baby Dolls and Chemises are similar in many ways. Baby Dolls are shorter however and fall just above the knee like a mini-dress. Most have formed cups to emphasize breasts. They come in a range of style from utilitarian (she’ll be sleeping in it) to erotic (nobody will be getting much sleep). Either way they can be sheer, adorned with ribbons and other enticements or just plain but still sexily elegant. Chemises are longer and are ultra-sexy A-line nightgowns that fall in a straight cut right above the knee, sporting halter or spaghetti straps. These little babies are the O blood type of the lingerie world and are perfect no matter a woman’s size or shape.

Boy shorts…. these have been around for a while but haven’t really been advertised much and men know very little other than they look a little like a pair of men’s boxers only shorter and tighter.
They are great on those who need a little figure shaping (i.e. women with a few extra pounds around their midriff). Also ideal for sporty types who may feel too dolled up in a thong or g-string. Boy shorts can cover part or all of the rear end and come in comfy cotton as well as lace.

Corsets give an hourglass effect – slimming the waist and bring all attention to a woman’s hips and bust. Corsets are very tight and lace up in the back they consist of very stiff material that lifts the breasts – these are not generally for everyday wear. Some women light to pair corsets with garter belts or straps as an extra feature…. which I must clear up…. garter belts aren’t for pants!
Garter belts used to be for keeping stockings up but in today’s age of elastic they are mostly used for sex appeal. They make wonderful gifts combined with a bra, thong and stockings.

Camisoles are a loose waist-length top that can perform a double duty! A woman can wear it with matching undies or under a shirt like a slip for a daily dress.

Teddies are camisoles and panties combined into one piece of material – loose and often sheer. Teddies can serve as normal sleepwear or libido-intensifying lingerie.

Stockings are easy – no tricky terms. All you need to focus on is choosing the correct material, style and colour. You can buy stockings made of wool or cotton for everyday wear, nylon or silk for steamy nights.

Bridal Sets are just what they sound like. They are made for the bride to wear under her dress. They are almost all uniformly white and most bridal sets include a nightie (baby doll or chemise) or corset and underwear.

This is as scary as the world of women’s lingerie gets. And when you break it down it isn’t that scary after all. Hopefully by now, you should be fully prepared to dive into the very sexy depth of female undergarments and emerge with a piece or set that your lover will thank you for months down the line – something you can both enjoy.

Now you know a little bit more about the subject you can go and buy your loved one some lingerie.

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