How to Buy Lingerie for your Wife or Girlfriend

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From color, fit, to fabric–there are a lot of things to consider when figuring out how to buy lingerie for your wife or girlfriend. In this brief guide, we’ll walk you through the process of gifting your girl something sentimental yet sexy.

Lingerie is the perfect gift if you know your lady loves it, is looking to spice things up, loves fashion, or if you just want to spoil her with the finest nightwear. There really is something for everyone and these steps will help you navigate the perfect piece for your someone special.

Step 1. Know Your Partners Style/Preferences

Does she have more high-waisted boy short panties than thongs, a collection of silk robes, or several lacey pieces? Does she favor comfort of trending fashion? Color or all black? Are there certain assets she loves to show off? Others she likes to cover? These are all indications of her style and preferences and can help you select.

Alternatively, is your gal adventurous–willing to dress outside of the box? Take her personality into as much consideration as her style. The better you know each other, the more exciting it could be to take a chance with something more risque. Overall, try to pick something she would select herself on her most confident days.

Step 2. Quality is Important

Lingerie is sold on a huge spectrum of prices and qualities. From designer to imported, it’s important to go with something in the high to mid-range. Get detail descriptions on the materials used, where and how it’s made, and washing instructions.

[Read: What is Luxury Lingerie? An In-Depth Look on Top-Tier Intimate Wear]

Things you want to look for are if the material is stretchy. Is the quality of lace comfortable so it’s not irritating or itchy? Cotton, silk, and lace are the three materials you’ll primarily see along with something that may give a little stretch.

Online shopping for lingerie makes it easier to measure quality, just look at the reviews. You can even directly message the retailer or seller with specific questions.

Lastly, and this is often overlooked–is her complexion. Find out if she has warm, cool, or neutral-toned skin so you can pick the perfect color to complement her skin, eyes, and hair. A good rule of thumb is pale skin looks great with cool-toned blues, purples, and light pinks or pastels. Redheads and tan to deep skin-colored brunettes look good in bright colors, and warm tones like reds, bright pinks, yellows, and other bold patterns. And of course, everyone glows in black or white lingerie.

Step 3. Sizing

This can feel like the most intimidating part, but it’s actually quite easy. When your lady isn’t around, grab a pen and paper or make a note in your phone of her size. But not all brands size the same. So, you’re gonna need to note the size of three of each-three bras, three panties, three pants, and three tops. This is information you can use when online shopping for lingerie or give these measurements to an in-store lingerie clerk.

Another few things to note are her shape. This will help pic pieces that accentuate her favorite parts. If her bust is big and she has a small waist and hips, a set may not be the perfect match because she’ll need two different sizes of bra and panties.

Step 4. Vintage Lingerie is Always a Win

Vintage lingerie is feminine, empowering, and sexy in ways modern lingerie simply isn’t. In fact, many manufactures are recreating retro looks because of the recent demands for vintage style lingerie. From garter belts, pantyhose, corsets, and push-up bras, to long silk nightgowns, and fluffy-sleeved robes–vintage lingerie is fun, expressive, and unique.

[Read: How to Buy Vintage Satin Lingerie]

buying lingerie for your wife or girlfriend

Step 5. When, Where, and How to Gift Lingerie

No one wants to open a lacey two-piece at a restaurant or unwrap a silk robe from the mail delivery box it came in. When, where, and how you gift lingerie is a step you don’t want to overlook.

You want to be confident when you give it to her. Confident in your selection and in how stunning she’ll look in it. It’s nice if it’s wrapped beautifully as it sets the stage for the garments. Keep all of your receipts in case she wants to exchange them for another piece or for sizing. Give it her the lingerie gift at the right time. Timing is important with this sort of thing because you want to send the right message. Make sure she is comfortable and you guys are in a good place emotionally as lingerie does require a bit of comfort and security on both ends.

Be ready to praise her in all her glory as she shows off your selection. Lingerie really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Buying Lingerie for Her: Rule of Thumb

Still feel completely clueless when it comes to figuring how to buy lingerie for your wife or girlfriend? There are a few fool-proof things you can do.

The first is to buy lingerie in person and tell the salesperson everything you can about your lady. Including everything, you can gather from the checklist above. They can then give you a few viable options.

Another lingerie rule of thumb is robes. They can be comfortable, long, and cozy or silky and sexy. Robes are versatile and suitable for all body types and style preferences. You could even go with a full set that includes a silky top, shorts or panties, that are completed with a matching robe.

Thirdly, you can’t go wrong with something black with a bit of lace–this is a failsafe piece of lingerie.

And finally, talk to her about it! Tell her you want to get her a stunning piece of lingerie and get her feedback. She may have even bookmarked her favorite lingerie pieces on Etsy and when she’s not looking, just check out her cart. We assure you, there would be no complaints. Enjoy!

Where to Shop for Lingerie

My favorite shops for sexy, unique, quality lingerie include:

Anya Lust – Inspired by endless romance, decadent sensuality, and intoxicating femininity, Anya Lust is a lingerie dreamland, created for free-spirited women to revel in pleasure and all that makes life so incredibly beautiful.
Kyria Lingerie – Simple, elegant, and affordable lingerie.
Bluebella – Provocative AF. Strappy, lacy, mostly black lingerie. Fashion-led luxurious lingerie and nightwear collections designed for spirited and style conscious women.

On Etsy:

Let us know if you need any help or have any questions!