Men, buying lingerie as a gift for your girlfriend, partner, wife or whom ever else you refer to that special person is a lovely gesture which is sure to be appreciated. However, with bafflingly-sized lace and wire constructions you realise how difficult this particular arena of gift-buying is. 

Let’s take out the guesswork.

In order to determine the top to toe dimensions of your beau's lovely curves by guesswork alone will more than likely be wrong. Your "wishful thinking" handing her a DD bra when she is a C cup will probably land you in a little hot water.

Bra sizes can be confusing. 32B, for example, refers to two measurements. 32 is the measurement of her chest underneath her breasts, with 5 added to it and then rounded up to the nearest even number. B is the cup size - the ratio between this number and the measurement of her breasts around their fullest part. Take a look at our ‘Is your Bra Fitted Properly?’ page to give yourself a better idea of how to measure correctly.

You could ask her what her bra size is (this removes the surprise element though) or look for an item in her wardrobe that fits her well and check the size tag. It’s best to a look at a few and work out what the most common size is. Be careful though not to get caught rifling through her frillies if you want it to be a surprise!

Briefs and Panties are sized like trousers - 10, 12, 14 etc. Again, ask her. Make a note of both sizes and don’t forget… keep the receipts in case they don't quite fit. 

Choosing a Style – Her Likes & Dislikes

Your likes and your partner’s likes will almost certainly not be quite the same. Do some discrete research and find out what she likes and how appropriate certain types of lingerie will be acceptable: this of course depends on what occasion the lingerie is for! Don't go for anything radical or try to change her style. If she likes lace, then don't buy her spiked leather! Number one reason is this could make her feel inadequate sexually or insulted. She will see this as though you don't like what she is providing you with currently. If you must buy leather do so gradually, maybe white leather with lace for starts and then work up to the spiked leather. Some girls like patterns, frills and bows; some find them ugly or a nuisance. Certain brands and Designer lingerie are very sexy. Some are downright rude. Others combine a range of patterns and details with something a bit more modest and functional.

The main idea of buying lingerie is to make your partner feel loved and comfortable with her self. Women love to get lingerie for gifts, especially a thoughtful purchase. If she normally wears panties, avoid the thong-back teddy.

Ask yourself: is this a modest and pretty present or is this a saucy present? 

If your Partner is Shy or has Never Worn Lingerie Before:
Know her expectations

Start very slowly. Try something that says ‘feminine’, not sheer or see through - just good looking. Remember you have got to make her feel comfortable in order for her to feel sexy and she won't be sexy unless she feels sexy. Next time try a pretty chemise.

Remember that you're buying this as a gift, as opposed to a purely functional item; you may have to part with a sizeable amount of cash for something flattering and pretty which will last.

Nothing says "you're sexy" like designer underwear. It’s worth paying a little more for underwear; if it's sexy and lasts for a while, it's the gift that keeps giving.