Gentleman's Guide to Buying Lingerie

So... you don't know the difference between a bustier and a babydoll? You've come to the right place. Whether you're in a new relationship or have been married for eons - there's nothing better than treating your sweetie with a hot little number that will excite both of you.

The problem many men face when buying women's lingerie is the agonizing and bewildering muddle of unanswered questions. They don't know the first thing about what size she is, or what she would like. Ladies love presents, but even more so if it's something they can wear more than just for special occasions

Ladies, I know you're nodding in approval. Especially if you've ever received a gift box from your man that revealed something that resembles a scrap of fabric held together by tooth floss.

To take the mystery out of shopping for women's lingerie, we have a number of suggestions. First of all, is this for YOU or for HER? If you answered 'both', then you're off to a good start. Sure, you want her to look sexy and seductive in it. However, if you buy something that doesn't reflect her taste, she will likely wear it for a total of 5 minutes and then bury it under a pile of unwanted underwear at the bottom of the drawer. Which means you've wasted your money. Hence, the first consideration should be choosing lingerie that reflects her personality. Is she a feminine girly-girl? Maybe a lacy babydoll would be best. Is she a flirtatious temptress? Get something sexy, like a suspender/garter set with plunge bra. Is she conservative or self-conscious? Then a pretty negligee might be more appreciated. Does she like to act out fantasies? Look for a bustier or sexy bra / g-string combo that can be worn under clothing and then removed, piece by piece.

After you have considered her taste, narrow down a few outfits that make your heart race whenever you imagine her wearing it.

Next, the hard part is determining her size. There is a fine line that must never be crossed. Size does matter, even in women's underclothing. If you buy something too big, she will be insulted that you see her as fat. If you buy something too small, she will be too embarrassed to wear it because the lace and strings will become lost in the crevices. The goal is to discover the perfect size based on her build. If she is athletic, voluptuous, skinny, full-figured or big up top and small down bottom; these are all mysteries to be determined. Even most women don't even know for sure what their own size is, So what hope do you have?

There are two ways around this challenge. If you're married or cohabitating, it's easy. Sneak a peek in her lingerie drawer one day and look at three or four pieces - both bras and pants - and memorise the sizes. However, if your partner is a lady you've just begun seeing; you will need to be more creative about discovering her size. Look in her hamper, or try to get it out of her during a phone conversation. Do it seductively and she'll never suspect a thing. Never come out and ask her, she either work out what you're up to or think you are comparing her to someone else.

If you're not familiar with lingerie terminology, fear not. Thousands of men out there still think that a teddy is just something furry that children take to bed with them. The homonym for teddy is a bodysuit style camiknickers that is worn as lingerie.

Here's a cheat-cheat -

Bras: From brassiere comes the slang term for a supportive breast covering that 'holds 'em up'. Bras have become a favourite undergarment for women to wear every day. Here are several bra styles:

Balcony/Balconette: A bra with a less coverage that lifts the breasts up and out, such as a shelf.

Plunge: A plunge bra brings the breasts together for a deep cleavage effect. Often plunge bras are padded to give a little extra oomph.

Padded: If her boobs are smaller, then a padded bra will add support and cup size for a fuller appearance.

Push-up: Provide lift. As the name suggests, this bra pushes the breasts up and out for a curvy look.

Full Cup: Big breasted women need a full cup to support those big guns. The straps are usually wider and the bra features more hooks in the back.

Briefs: Basically, this is underwear. Here are several styles:

Bikini Briefs: These are conservative and cover up more of the front and backside. To make them more exciting, find bikini briefs with lace, satin or exciting jungle prints.

G-String: This scandalous piece of cloth is just a string that barely covers up the front and has no more than a string in the back.

Thong: Like the G-String, except it has a slightly wider stretch of cloth that barely covers up the unmentionable areas.

Shorts: Often called boy shorts, these little panties sit low below her waist and look like mini men's underwear, except sexier.

Basque: The French started this one. These are Victorian-inspired corsets that hug the curves of a woman's torso. Think burlesque!

Bustier: Form-fitting like a Basque, but shorter to push the breasts up; while cinching in the waistline.

Suspender/Garter Belts: These are one of the oldest lingerie items that remain popular and were used to hold up stockings. Suspenders are attached around the waistline of the Basque for a sexy ensemble or as a separate piece worn with bra and briefs.

Chemise: Quite simply, this is a one-piece ladies undergarment, often called a slip. Styles include:

Babydoll: A short, loose fitting nightgown.

Negligee: A nightgown, which is a loose-fitting dress meant to be worn in the bedroom.

Gown: It can be an evening dress or a bedgown. Today's gown fashions are available in everything from see-through to slinky.

Robe: Meant to be worn as a cover up over lingerie or nakedness.

Dressing gown: This is generally a modest robe or longer gown meant to cover up with.