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If you’re a male who has ever tried to buy lingerie for a female, you know that just like women, their undergarments are far from simple. Despite the sheer amount of new terminology you may have to confront, buying lingerie for your partner doesn’t have to be an anxiety-ridden guessing game. To avoid feeling like a kid in a foreign candy store, take a look at the helpful guide below to ensure that you buy your lover the lingerie of her dreams.
Size and Other Considerations
Before making the first mouse click to begin your search for the perfect piece of lingerie, make sure you know what size your sweetheart is. If you only have a general idea of your partner’s dimensions, or none at all, you might run into trouble later on. The solution? Find a bra lying around in one of her drawers and check its size (they range from A to DD, A being the smallest and DD being the bustiest). The number before the letter ranges from 30 to 42, and refers to bust size, or the circumference of the body just under the breasts. Underwear is a different story: sizes there range from XS to XXL, or go by number from approximately 5 to 10. It’s rare that anyone is larger than these basic sizes.
You can also ask her what her measurements are outright. Guessing might not be the best idea, as it could turn into a potentially uncomfortable situation (you don’t want her to bulge out all over or feel woefully inadequate to fill sagging cups, either). If you’re really unsure and want to surprise her or just plain feel nervous asking, a chemise or camisole is your best option.
Keep in mind that embellishments like lace and tassels can be tasteful and sexy if you know what your partner likes, but if you’re uncertain, it’s best to stick with little or no adornment. As for color, choose her favorite or one you think she would look ravishing in. If you ever find yourself completely stumped in this area, black is always a safe and sexy option.
Women who are completely comfortable with their bodies and want to show off toned stomachs and thighs look the best in thongs. However, the thong’s popularity has grown exponentially over the past few years, and they are now almost a common household item. Some women wear thongs during the day under their clothes because they find them more comfortable than other styles of underwear. When buying a thong for a woman, keep in mind its ultimate purpose: will she be wearing it throughout the day, like panties, or keeping it on mostly for bedroom play? The answer will dictate the type of material you purchase, which ranges from comfortable cotton and lycra to sexy satin and lace.
G-strings are the most revealing type of lingerie, most advisable for daring, sexually adventurous women. G-strings are just like thongs, except that in this case the thin strip of material in the back of a thong is replaced by a mere string of fabric, usually less than 1/8 of an inch wide.
Baby dolls are short, sleeveless nightgowns that fall above the knee like mini-dresses. Most have formed cups that emphasize the breasts. Baby dolls range in style from utilitarian (as in, she’ll be going to sleep in it and nothing more) to erotic (aka, no one will be getting much sleep). Either way, they can be sheer, adorned with ribbons and other enticements, or plain but still sexily elegant. Very short baby dolls often come paired with underwear in a lingerie set to prevent the nether regions from being exposed. Baby dolls are flattering on all body types.
Longer than baby dolls, chemises are essentially ultra-sexy A-line nightgowns that falls in a straight cut right above the knee. Sporting halter or spaghetti strap tops, chemises are the O blood type of the lingerie world – they’re a perfect match for any body type. A good choice for women uncomfortable with their bodies, shy in bed, or looking to tease, chemises manage to hide extra chub while simultaneously increasing the heat in the bedroom. They give credence to the old saying that sometimes less is more.
Boy shorts look great on those who need a little figure shaping (i.e., women with a few extra pounds in the midriff area). Also ideal for sporty types who may feel too dolled up in a thong or G-string, boy shorts cover either part or all of the rear end, and come in comfortable cotton versions as well as lace (a compromise for the woman uncomfortable in more revealing styles).
Bikini lingerie mimics what you see on the beach, and often comes in mix and matchable sets of tops and bottoms.
Corsets have an hourglass effect – they slim the waist and bring all the attention to a woman’s hips and bust. Corsets are tight, lace up in the back, and consist of very stiff material that lifts up the breasts, so they definitely aren’t for everyday wear. Some women like to pair corsets with garter straps as an extra feature.
A camisole is a loose, waist-length top that can perform double duty – a woman can wear it with matching underwear, or under a shirt like a slip for daily dress. Camisoles are perfect for women with
Teddies are simply camisoles and panties combined into one piece of material. Loose and often sheer, teddies can serve as normal sleepwear or libido-intensifying lingerie.
There are no tricky terms here – all you need to focus on is choosing the correct material and, if desired, combination of pieces. You can buy stockings made of wool or cotton for everyday wear, and nylon or silk for steamy nights. Garter belts and stockings look attractive on most women, but especially those with shapely thighs.
Let’s clear up one misconception right away – garter belts aren’t for pants! They are strips of fabric fastened around the legs. Garter belts used to help keep stockings up, but in today’s age of elastic, they are mostly used for sex appeal. Garter belts make wonderful gifts combined with a bra, thong, and stockings.
Bridal sets are just what they sound like – made for the bride to wear under her dress. Almost all uniformly white, most bridal sets include a nightie (baby doll or chemise) or corset, and underwear.
That’s the scariest the world of women’s lingerie gets. You’re now completely prepared to dive into the sexy depth of female undergarments and emerge with a piece or set your lover will thank you for months down the line.
One of the reasons dancing has captivated an audience for years is the costuming. Whether it was in ancient Roman courts with long scarves trailing behind seductive beauties or in modern clubs where scantily clad performers keep patrons riveted to their barstools, the costumes worn play an intrical part in getting the dancers’ message across.
Lingerie prevails as the clothing of choice for most exotic dancers and nothing seems to grab a man’s attention like garters and hose. There is nothing sexy about pantyhose when held up next to a pair of black stockings suspended on the legs by short pieces of lace. The garment harkens back to early European days and was always the tantalizing piece of seduction needed to send a customer reeling.
Unfortunately, even for the modern-day girl, wearing a garter belt and hose properly is a daunting task. Unless you have a pair of extra hands available, putting them on for the first time can be a bit tricky. Once mastered, it is an invaluable piece of clothing, especially for dancers. First of all, invest in a good piece of lingerie. You don’t want to be in the middle of a pole dance and pop a suspender. Victoria’s Secret makes very durable items and they are beautiful. Pricey, yes, but if you are going to wear them night after night, they are worth the investment. The garter belt itself should fit snugly around your waist when snapped in place, but not so tight you can’t breath. It should rest just on your hipbones with the lace panel in front covering your abdomen.
There are four suspenders, two in front and two in the back. Gather one stocking in your hand, roll it down to the toe and slip your foot in, sliding the hose up your leg until it comes to rest on your thigh. The back suspender should be hooked into place first by sliding the hose material between the metal eye of the hook and the rubber gripper. Push the gripper and hose material into the eye and then slide up, capturing the fabric in a hold between the two hook pieces. Repeat with the front suspender. This does take some practice so until you are comfortable with them, avoid trying to wear the hose with a back seam. It will be crooked and look unattractive; try these once you are masterful at wearing garters.
Stockings and belts add an extra bit of sex appeal to your costume. Always remember to put your panties on last over the belt; otherwise, you will be unhooking the whole garment each time you need to use the restroom. The hooks will come undone and it can be disastrous. The most important thing to remember is to have fun and take good care of your investment!