Buying Her Lingerie
Submitted by SharpMan Editorial Team on Thursday 14th October 2010- Color and style options.
- The right fit.
- Shopping online.
It's that time of the year again. The time for romance, flowers, wine and sexy lingerie. Yes, Valentine's Day — that oh-so-commercial celebration of love — is just around the corner.
It’s also at this time of year when many SharpMen consider purchasing lingerie for their SharpWomen. The question is, what kind? What style? What will she actually wear? Check out these SharpDating tips for getting her the stuff she’ll love — and love you for:
The First Step to Recovery
First of all, realize that scoring points with a lingerie gift means that you’ll have to choose something that she likes. The style, color and "fantasy" element have to focus on what she likes and wants to put on. Otherwise, what’s the point, right? (Also see Great Gifts for Valentine’s Day.) A woman loves to feel sexy, but she won’t have a chance to if she's wearing something that makes her uncomfortable or that she feels doesn't suit her. Don’t mess this up.
Her Best Color
Think about the colors she wears most often. They must be her favorites. Does she wear conservative colors like, gray, white and black to work every day? If she does, then she may like something totally different in private, like red, purple, dark pink or green.
Along with personal preferences, it’s also good idea to know what colors best suit certain hair colors. Here’s a general guide:
Blondes. Blonde women look great in pastel colors like pink, baby blue, mauve, cream, lemon and so on.
Brunettes. Darker-haired women tend to prefer darker colors like red, jewel blue, purple and dark green.
Redheads. Red hair looks great with rich blues, greens and some darker earthy colors.
Black suits just about anyone, as do cream and off-white.
Prints. Lingerie also comes in a variety of prints. Choosing whether to go for plain or print depends on the message you want to convey. If you're aiming for passion, a fluffy cloud print or teddy design won’t work. Instead, go for animal prints (not animal pictures) or bolder mixed colors. The plain colored lingerie is often more sophisticated and sensual, while prints tend to convey something more racy. Which would your SharpWoman prefer?
Her Style
No one said lingerie shopping was easy. In the movies, men simply visit stores and willing saleswomen (who also happen to be leggy and gorgeous) offer to "model" the lingerie. Nice fantasy, but it’s unlikely to happen — particularly around the busy V-day season.
So where do you begin your search for the perfect style? Lingerie comes in a variety of types: from bras and panties to "teddies," from "g-strings" to sexy nightwear. Limit the search by asking yourself what your SharpWoman would be most comfortable in.
Let’s start where most woman do — at their faults. Sure, you don’t see them (you’re a SharpMan), but she sure does. Think about her insecurities. Is she self-conscious about her bottom? Then the g-string is out. Consider something that covers that area — like a lacy negligee (long or short nightgown-like thing). Alternatively, shift her attention away from that area with a plunging neckline.
Some women are self-conscious about small breast size. Fortunately, there are some very sexy busty tops and padded bras available that will make her look and feel great. Alternatively, look for lingerie that emphasizes her lower body — like a g-string and garter combination (add garter-style stockings). Teddies would also work well.
"Fuller" SharpWomen look great in flowing negligees and sexy nightwear. Dark colors have a slimming effect, and plunging necklines emphasize all the best features.
Bottom line (all puns intended)? She must feel sexy in what she wears. If she's unsure of herself and has never worn lingerie before, add a silky, short robe that she can wear over the underwear until she feels more comfortable. If lace, frills and silk are totally out because your SharpWoman hates anything but comfy wear, all hope is not lost. Designers like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan produce a great line of sexy cotton lingerie.
The Right Fit
Your gift will be a bust (yes, another pun) if it does not fit well, so take the time to get the right size. Guessing leads to disaster. To determine your SharpWoman’s lingerie size (often different from clothing sizes), check out these tips:
- Ask her. If you don’t mind letting the cat out of the bag, just ask her what her sizes are. To avoid self-conscious avoidance, make it clear that you’d like to get her something special. Be sure to get bra size and panty size.
- Ask a family member or best friend. Chances are you'll want to keep the gift a surprise, so enlist the help of her sister or best friend.
- Snoop in her drawer. Pervert — just kidding. Simply check any lingerie or underwear she already has for the correct sizes. Don’t get caught.
- Get her measurements. If you happen to have her measurements and not her undergarments sizes, don’t worry. Stores and most online shopping sites have charts to help you convert the measurements to her bra and panty sizes.
- Go shopping with her. If all else fails, direct her to a lingerie store or lingerie department the next time you’re shopping together. Carefully watch what sizes she chooses. It's even better if she's shopping for swimwear.
Shopping Online
Too embarrassed to hit the lingerie stores? No problem. Online lingerie shopping means you can buy her anything you want from the comfort and privacy of your own work cube.
Like everything on the Web, there are tons of quality sites. Here are just a few suggestions:
A large selection from one of the biggest names in lingerie. The online store is well-organized and easy to navigate.
Has lingerie to fit all sizes from junior to plus. The site also features stuff for SharpMen.
This family-owned Los Angeles landmark has been servicing the needs of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. From mild to wild, you’ll find it here — all hand-stitched in their shop.
The online version of another of the most famous lingerie stores. Has a great selection and a very handy size chart.
Things to Remember When Shopping Online
Sizing. Frequently you will come across a site that has both American and European sizes available. Make sure you choose the right one, as the sizes on both sides of the Atlantic are vastly different.
Fabrics. One of the best things about lingerie is the feel of the fabric. Velvet, silk, satin and lace all feel great to touch and wear. However, when shopping online you don't have the opportunity to test the texture, so it’s a good idea to stick with the fabrics you know and like.
Just in case. Last but not least, check out the return policy of the site — there’s no accounting for taste!
This article last updated on Thursday 14th October 2010