There’s no doubt about it – buying lingerie for your significant other can be one of the most romantic things you can do for her! It can show her just how much she really means to you, and reassure her that you understand her in the deepest, most intimate way possible.

It can also mean that you find her extremely attractive and that you want to see her wearing an exceptionally alluring lingerie that highlights her best assets. Any woman will be deeply touched by the sheer effort you have put into buying that perfect piece. That is, if you get it right.

Now, your headaches begin. How do you go about shopping for that perfect gift? Are you sure you know everything you need to know when it comes to shopping for your partner’s lingerie? Wait, do you know anything at all when it comes to that topic?

Thankfully, you can now solve all the mysteries of lingerie shopping with just the click of a mouse. A lot of online stores are offering a wide variety of women’s undergarments at reasonable prices.

However, whether you may want to purchase that special gift online or at the lingerie department, the task wouldn’t be quite easy! Let’s face it. Most men don’t even know how to shop for their own clothes so how can they pull through such a sensitive task?

Well, the good news is that it can be done – with a little help, of course. You just need to know what you’re getting into to avoid the most common pitfalls where others have fallen. Are you ready for some lectures? Well, here it is – a simple but fool-proof guide to buying lingerie for your special someone. Enjoy reading!

Know the language.
Okay, first things first. Before anything else, learn the language! Do you even know what lingerie is? If you still don’t know, lingerie is the term used to refer to fashionable women’s undergarments designed to be visually, and sexually, appealing. And no, your average utilitarian undergarments are not included in the list!

You’ll be shopping around a lot so you need to arm yourself with some basic knowledge. You don’t want to look totally clueless when you make your purchase, right? Okay, let’s now take a peep at some of the most popular lingerie gift ideas in the market today.

Baby doll – a short, sleeveless, loose-fitting nightgown that is usually made from sheer or translucent fabric, and trimmed with delicate appliqué, bows, ribbons and/or laces. Baby dolls are especially designed to expose the legs and most of the breast area for that oh-so-sensual look.

Basque – basque (or merry widow) refers to a torso-hugging camisole with front or back lace-up details, and/or peek-a-boo designs. Some designs may also feature detachable garters or suspenders.

Bridal lingerie – This line can be described as soft, sensual, sexy and super special! Bridal lingerie usually comes in white and cream colors, and combines style and sensuality into the mix to come up with a lingerie that is a perfect fit for the occasion. Of course, you don’t need to be a blushing bride to wear one!

Bustier – an article of clothing that is similar to a basque, but is shorter. A bustier gives the breasts a fuller look by pushing it upward and cinches the waist to make it look smaller.

Camisole – a sleeveless lingerie top that usually comes with matching sexy underwear. While the camisole commonly covers the entire torso, there are also some designs that expose the midriff. Camisoles can be made from silk, satin, lycra, nylon or spandex materials.

Chemise – a loose-fitting sleeveless gown quite similar to the baby doll.

Corset – a tight-fitting bodice that features bony and lacing features.

Costumes – Go ahead. Act on your fantasies! There are a lot of super-provocative designs and themes available in the market today. Some of the most popular ones include the maid, the schoolgirl, the nurse, and the cop get-ups.

Panties or Knickers – These come in various styles, too! Choose from among the classic brief, the tanga, boy shorts, bikini, seamless panties, and the more revealing thongs and g-strings.

Teddy – a one-piece bodysuit-like lingerie that can be designed for practical use or for plain visual (and sensual) appeal. Some of the most popular styles include the bareback teddy, the body briefer, the fashion top, the sleep teddy and the traditional teddy.

Know her style.
You want to tell her just how special she is. You want her to feel that you understand her. So, you should give her something she really wants – something she’ll look fabulous in, and yet be comfortable enough to wear.

For starters, take note of what styles she often wears and the colors she favor. Watch her as she dresses or undresses. Take a look at her closet and see what types of clothes she likes. You can surely get some priceless clues from them! For example, you can consider giving her lingerie that shows some more skin if she feels comfortable wearing tighter, more revealing clothes, or if she is more of the adventurous type.

Don’t ever assume that she’ll want something different, something more daring or something naughtier unless she drops you a hint or tells you so. Guess it wrong and you’ll be lucky if she lets you in your bed at all! And don’t buy something just because YOU want to see her in it. That can clearly spell disaster!

Know her size.
Bear in mind that in buying lingerie, size is everything and that there is no greater sin than not knowing your partner’s size! It can be very upsetting for your significant other if you still don’t know her size, especially when you have been together for a considerable amount of time.

And don’t go shopping with just small, medium or large in mind. It just doesn’t work that way!

To know your partner’s exact size, wait until she gets out of the house and play detective. Snoop inside her lingerie drawer and take note of what brands and size she uses. Better yet, take a pen and a piece of paper and commit everything into writing. And don’t forget to put everything back in their rightful places or she’ll know you have been rummaging through her things! You wouldn’t want her to think that you’re a cross-dresser, would you?

Know her body type.
So, what is her body type? Is she a pear or an apple? Or is she one of the lucky ones who are blessed with an hour glass figure?

Believe it or not, your girl’s body type has a lot to do with finding her the perfect lingerie gift. She will definitely fall head over heels in love with you all over again if you give her one that flatters her figure, highlights her best assets, and makes her look stunningly gorgeous!

If your girl has an apple-shaped figure (top heavy with wide shoulders and small hips), your best bets would be a corset or a bustier. You can also buy a matching wrap, robe, or silk kimono to complete the ensemble.

Pear-shaped gals, on the other hand, have narrow shoulders and fuller hips. You can never go wrong by giving them chemise and baby doll lingerie, especially when they have some very nice legs to show off! Teddies and camisole sets can also be very good gift ideas.

Those with hourglass figures can get away with just about anything. Looking fabulous is a mainstay in their vocabulary!

With all that you’ve learned, do you think you are now ready to go shopping? Well, not quite yet. Not unless you know what to avoid. So, let’s make this one quick.

*Avoid giving her anything that says “control” or “reducing” in the labels since these are specifically designed to conceal problem areas. So, unless you practically want to let her know that you think she’s gaining weight, better leave them off the counter. You’ll be thanking me later for telling you this!

*Are you considering giving her figure-enhancing bras? Well, think again! You don’t want her thinking that you are hinting on something, do you?

*Don’t get skimpy on the packaging! Have your gift wrapped nicely. The thrill of seeing her opening the gift with all its elaborate trimmings is definitely worth it!

*And finally, keep the receipt. You never know what will come up next!