Valentineys Day is here: Time to buy some lingerie!

HOW TO BUY LINGERIE

It’s that time when the shops are screaming Valentine’s and you are feeling a pang of pressure to get an inventive gift for your loved one.

Chocolates are a no go as the gym membership is going well, and roses are so cliché! If you’ve never entered the wibbly wobbly world of women’s underpants, now is a great time to start!

A minefield of expectation and disappointment, lingerie is a slinky, lacy, and honestly quite intimidating business. Get it right and you get a gold star. Get it wrong, and it’s an ill fitting, back biting, elasticated disaster.

But it’s worth the risk – 65% of women say lingerie is one of the best gifts to receive from a lover, so ditch any thoughts of candles and champagne and bite the boudoir bullet.

Once you have ascertained your budget- under £50, Debenhams, Boux Avenue, £50- £100 – Selfridges or £100+ Agent Provocateur and those delightful designer boutiques she gazes so wistfully at..

Firstly and to state the obvious, you need to know her size. A quick rummage in her underwear drawer should do the trick. Obviously it’s ideal if you can glean the information from something she has worn recently, and not her favourite bra that she wore, two dress sizes smaller and can’t bear to get rid of because it is a Janet Reager! You should leave the room with two numbers and a letter.

Knickers are a lot easier- normally 8/10/12/14/16 etc or XS / S/ M/ L /XL

But take note if your lady-love is not a thong lover, it’s probably not a good time to squeeze her into a minature g-string. She wears her pants for a reason, and that is comfort, not your titillation! Thankfully most stores offer options on bottoms when buying the set, so if in doubt go for a medium/ midi option.. Pants cannot be returned, but bras can.

If you’re getting hot flushes already at the thought of entering a lingerie emporium, never mind having to do an exchange, try your luck with the loungewear section and check out the babydolls. This is a floaty nighty-type affair, which is sexy and feminine, and perfect for parading around the house, or wearing to bed.

Camisoles or camis, are another practical option. Generally coming with shorts, this is playful and comfortable- often designed in silk and lace; Not only do they feel luxurious, they are a subtle nod to sexy, and can be worn and worn again!

By now you might be feeling a little more inquisitive, and a basque might be on your radar. These are not the most comfortable of creations, as they are designed to hold lumps in and push the bumps out! Designed to emphasise the assets, it is perfect for a long-term lover and will make her feel like a sex goddess! Best worn with matching pants, stockings and suspenders.

Moving swiftly on to the bodystocking which is also an all in one option. It doesn’t provide any support, and clings seductively to the skin. Normally sold in a variety of lace, mesh or fishnet- it doesn’t leave much to the imagination! So be warned for a raised eyebrow if this is your first foray into gifting lingerie!

If that hasn’t put you off, you might even enjoy the experience, and remember the sales staff, are there for a reason. For future reference, it is worth showing you know your undie onions by recommending British designers Made By Niki, Dirty Pretty Things, Nichole De Carle or Fleur of England. There’s no doubt that you will both be grateful!

By Sara Darling

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