Va-Va-Va-VOOM! A Guide to Lingerie for the Uninitiated
By Veronika Lazabal
Psssttt… Guys? We have a secret. We love lingerie. There’s something about wearing something sexy or frilly under our business clothes that makes us feel utterly feminine. And we love it when you buy it for us. It’s like a little secret between the two of us. We know that every time we wear it, you’re going to, ahem, reward us accordingly. So it’s a win-win situation. Traditionally, there has, however, been a flaw in this otherwise perfect arrangement. You men are understandably embarrassed to go into the strange land that is the lingerie shop and fumble around. Afraid of being mistaken for a pervert, you grab the first thing that catches your eye and race out of there. Kind of kills the experience, doesn’t it? Luckily, there is a solution. Enter the wonderful World Wide Web.
Online stores have taken the creepy factor out of shopping for lingerie. From the safety and security of your favorite chair, you can take all the time you need, and find your sweetheart exactly what you’re looking for. Not sure what you’re looking for? Here’s an easy guide to finding the perfect little something…
Start with Size. This is the single most important component of any lingerie purchase. Nothing will scare your girl off faster that something that’s too small. And nothing will turn her off more than something that’s too big. Not sure what your girl’s size is? Sneak a peek! Take a look in her drawer when she’s not around. Bra sizes have two components: the band size and the cup size. So it should have both a number and a letter. (i.e. 34B or 44D) Bras also come in different styles. A push-up bra does exactly what its name implies- pushes breasts up and together, to create the look of dramatic cleavage. A shelf or demi bra covers only the lower half of the breasts, sometimes leaving some or the entire nipple exposed. Panties, pajamas, and other unmentionables should come in either small, medium, large, etc; or in a number size. Women’s panties come in a variety of styles as well. Bikini or French cut panties cover the front and back, and are cut very high on the sides. Boy shorts, or boy cut panties, are like tiny little pairs of shorts. Many times, these expose the bottom of the butt. Thongs have only a narrow strip in the back. The front of a thong forms a V shape. A G-string is the most revealing kind of women’s panties. It is a small strip of material in the front, and is held together by strings. Once you’re armed with size and basic terminology, you’re ready to tackle the lingerie shopping experience. Now comes the fun part.
What kind of a mood are you going for? Want to show her you still think she’s sexy after all these years? Looking for something super romantic for a second honeymoon? Maybe your girl is new to the whole lingerie concept? Try something soft and dreamy. A baby-doll is flattering on almost every woman, and manages to be sexy without being naked. A baby-doll, by the way, is a short nightgown, with fitted cups, and then a loose skirt (and usually, spaghetti straps). Often the skirt is sheer. Many come with matching panties, making it a great “first time” lingerie set for both of you. Baby-dolls usually come in soft materials like silk or chiffon.
For a more kicked up version, try a fly- away baby-doll, which is split up the front, giving glimpses of bare skin as she walks towards you. Another good starting point is a chemise. (Shu-meese) A chemise is similar to a baby-doll in that it’s a short nightgown, usually with thin straps. However the chemise is not cut under the bust, and just falls in a straight line.
It also has the added bonus of being very comfortable, which makes it work as both sleep wear and seduction wear!
Looking for something a little more adventurous? How about a corset? Very snug, and usually laced or hooked down the back, a corset is a beautiful- and very sexy- addition to any intimate wardrobe. Pair it with sexy panties in the same color and then add a garter belt (a lace waist belt with four clips to hold up thy high stockings). Teddies are another great form of “all- inclusive” lingerie. A teddy is a one piece garment. It’s shaped kind of like a one piece bathing suit, but usually is cut very low in the front, and has built in support. For example, most teddies have underwire under the breasts, and/or plastic strips in the side that make a woman’s waist look smaller. Some come with built in garter belts, which you can pair with matching stockings. Teddies usually have lace, ribbons, bows, or other very feminine accessories.
When you’re ready to get really wild, there are plenty of ways to turn up the heat! Crotch-less panties or peek-a-boo bras have become popular with couples looking to be very daring in their lingerie selection. Also, a change in material could mean a complete change in mood. A satin teddy or a silk corset is romantic and beautiful. But a fishnet teddy or a leather corset evoke a completely different vibe.
Remember, shopping for your girl’s lingerie can be almost as much fun as watching her wear it. Just take your time, keep her in mind, and find something that you both will love. Who knows…you might just find yourself adding to her collection more often than you think.





