Lingerie Buying Guide For Men

By M Tyburn

1. Get the Info

Find out what size she wears. Scope out her undie drawer - pen and paper in hand. You are looking for three (3) basic pieces of information - bra, panty and sleepwear sizes. All are located on the tiny tags of the respective garments.

Bra size consists of both a number and a letter - record both. Panty sizes are usually 5, 6, 7 or 8, which loosely translates to Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. Most sleep wear sizes are similar to clothing, so look for familiar letter sizes of S, M, L, XL.

2. Know Your Stuff

Women's lingerie comes in a mind-boggling array of shapes and styles. The easiest way to find a style she will like, is to mirror what you find in her top drawer.

Babydoll - Babydoll describes a variety of very short gowns and robes, which are also flared. These styles are usually just long enough to cover the bum and are a bit sexier than a chemise (which is slightly longer, offering a bit more coverage).

Balconette - Sometimes called a shelf bra, Balconettes are a more revealing version of the demi bra. Providing little to no coverage, balconettes create dramatic uplift and cleavage.

Boyshort - Boyshorts are the underwear version of hot pants. Most women consider them to be more comfortable than a thong, since they usually have a full coverage back panel (cover most of the bum) but boyshorts in lace, mesh offer the best of both worlds.

Bralette - A bralette is an unlined, soft cup bra (no underwire). Bralettes make good teen bras or sleep bras, but they do not offer a significant amount of support.

Camisole - Camisoles are the feminine version of a man's undershirt, they are usually worn as a layering piece under clothes.

Chemise - A chemise is a short, flowing gown that generally has thin straps and an a-line (fitted at the top and flared at the hem) silhouette. Chemises are usually mid to upper thigh length.

Contour Bra - A contour bra has shaped cups, cups are always padded or lined and they have an underwire. The cups follow the natural shape of a woman's body. Contour bras are similar to a molded bra, except molded bras are not as highly structured. Contour bras are a perfect choice for a sculpted silhouette.

Convertible - Describes a bra which has detachable straps which can be worn in a variety of ways including: criss-cross, halter, strapless or one shouldered.

Corset/Bustier - A corset is a structured garment, which extends from the bust to just below the waist. Most corsets have boning throughout, to shape and mold the bust and torso and have garters with which to attach stockings. Sizing is usually based on bra size.

Demi - A demi cup bra offers the perfect amount of "barely there" coverage for petite to the average figured woman. These bras offer less coverage than a full cup and more than a balconette. Demi bras cover the nipple and approximately half to 3/4 of the breast.

G-String - A version of the thong with less coverage.

Plunge - Plunge bras create the appearance of increased cleavage and have a deep (plunging) front silhouette, angled cups and thin center gore.

Push-up - Push-up bras create the appearance of increased cleavage using angled cups (which generally have underwires), a variety of types of padding including graduated and cookies, and demi cups.

Sports Bra - Sports bras are specifically designed to offer the appropriate amount of support during moderate to intense physical activity.

Thong - A tiny panty with almost no rear coverage.

OK, you now have the knowledge to purchase the perfect gift. Enjoy!

Find women's lingerie here: www.bargainmatrixcenter.com

M Tyburn, is an author and fashion consultant