Thinking of a romantic gift for your partner is a tricky process. Sure, you can buy them something practical: headphones, new shoes, or even their favourite cooking apparatus. However, it doesn’t exactly scream affection. Your best bet? Mixing it up with a spicy set of lingerie. But picking up a pair of threads isn’t as easy as walking into a shop.
Fortunately, Lovehoney expert psycho sexologist and relationship specialist Chantelle Otten has made the process slightly easier, sharing her six considerations before you step into the store.
1. It’s supposed to be fun…
Don’t sweat, it should be enjoyable, Otten explains.
2. Know how to get the sizing right
You’ve probably seen it in the movies: a hopeless man sneaking around his partner’s draw to get a sneak peak of the label. Truth is, they’re onto a winner. Otherwise, don’t fret. Retailers also offer one-size-fits-all options.
“Lingerie retailers like Lovehoney allow you to buy fitted lingerie in sizes for 6-24 but also offer a wide range of ‘One Size’ products in a Regular, Plus Size and Curve. These items are designed to fit and flatter and are an easy solution to the shopping experience,” she Otten continues.
“If you do know your partner’s exact lingerie size, you can also shop by cup size.You can find this, by looking at the bra size on the label. This little bit of digging will not only give you an excuse to get intimate with your partner but will also reveal what kind of fabrics and style they like, plus they will know how much effort you put into finding an outfit for them.”
3. Style is just as important
Once you have the sizing down-pat, then it’s time to work on the style. Try and take note of what your partner’s worn in the past. Otherwise, play it safe with classic like black lace that never go out of fashion.
4. Make it an experience
So you’re nervous about surprising her. Why not bring her along?
“The act of shopping for sexy lingerie can be even more erotic if you do it together. To open up the conversation, when you’re enjoying some quality time together, simply say, ‘I know you’ll look beautiful in anything, but I’d love us to go lingerie shopping together, as I want to treat you.’ You could also have a cosy night in at home and explore some lingerie options online together,” Otten says.
What not to do…
5. Don’t buy the whole range
The last thing you want to do is ambush your partner with a whole new closet. Start slow. That’ll give you the opportunity to find out what she’s a fan of and what might scare her off.
6. Don’t be selfish
Sure, fellas enjoy their partners in a nice set of lingerie, but don’t forget this should be about her.
“When buying lingerie, it’s easy to get carried with what you love, fantasise about and want to see on your partner. However, she’ll exude confidence when she feels comfortable and sexy in what she’s wearing, so choose something she will like that’s not miles off what she’s worn before. For example, if your partner usually wears cutesy pastel bra sets, a fetish set is probably going to be too much!”