Style Birmingham

Embarrassed about buying the woman in your life underwear? Worry no more as Style Birmingham’s Editor Lisa Piddington steers you in the right direction

A male friend of mine has a real problem with buying his wife undies. Now we’re talking a highly intelligent man here, someone who has run his own business for many years. He can deal with the taxman and meet customer demand, no sweat. Socially, he’s an absolute whirl. But get him into the lingerie department of your average department store and he turns into a giggling ten-year-old boy. For some bizarre reason, he believes every one thinks he’s buying it for himself. That he’s looking for something a little more comfortable to slip into when he takes off his suit.

So for guys who struggle to buy something sassy for the woman in their life, here’s Style Birmingham’s Beginners Guide:

1: Get the sizing right: It’s no use going into a shop and cupping your hands in the vain hope the assistant will be able to make a guess for you. Take a look at the underwear she has to find the right size. A word of warning, bra sizing is a complicated business, but you don’t need to worry about that. Just look at the label and make a note of the number and the letters – for example, 34C. You’ll find other lingerie – like knickers, camis or baby dolls – come in usual dress sizes, such as a 12 or a 14. Have a peak at the label on a skirt or dress.

2: Get the style right: While you may dream of a woman dressed in a peek-a-boo bra, if it’s not her thing you may well scare the living daylights out of her. See what she likes rather than what tickles your fancy. Saucy doesn’t always mean red lace – the high street is full of really pretty, feminine styles that are just as sexy. Also remember most women are self-conscious about their bodies – for some it might just be a wobbly tummy, for others it’s everything from the neck down. Be sympathetic in your choices and she’s more likely to dress up.

3: What’s what: Under-wired bras offer much-needed support, especially for the well endowed, but many women find them uncomfortable. Padded and push-up bras are the saviour of small-boobed women everywhere because they add an extra bit of va-va-voom. Balconette styles are a good bet, and work well for women of all cup sizes. Sexy and low-cut, often with pretty lace detailing, they still offer a good amount of support.

Knickers next. You’ll certainly be able to pick out a G-string in a line-up – most often seen poking over the top of hipster trousers. But if she thinks her bum looks big in everything, she won’t thank for buying her a thong. Instead, a pair of French knickers – yes, they look like pretty football shorts – will work a treat. These 1920s-inspired classics are a big fashion statement this season, so are easy enough to get your hands on, if you’ll excuse the expression.

Camisoles and chemises make good cover ups for all those wobbly bits, while still looking sexy, and can also be worn under a jacket for a night out.

 Finally, we come to basques – the big hitter of the lingerie world. Traditionally seen as the sexiest of all undies, they bring boudoir chic to even the dullest of bedrooms. Very French showgirl … oh la la!

4: Finally, presentation is everything: Even a pair of pricey smalls can look cheap if they are not packaged properly. She wants to be presented with a big box, packed with pretty tissue paper – the perfect Valentine’s surprise.

Pictured: From Monsoon’s new lingerie collection for SS10.