Lingerie life: A Mans Guide to buying the perfect Lingerie Gift.x...

Lingerie life: A Mans Guide to buying the perfect Lingerie Gift.x...: A Blokes Guide..... Hopefully you aren't reading this Christmas Eve, because the shop is shut (we are at home with a glass of somethi...

A Mans Guide to buying the perfect Lingerie Gift.xx

A Blokes Guide.....

Hopefully you aren't reading this Christmas Eve, because the shop is shut (we are at home with a glass of something delightful, we are not coming to open the shop for you) and the post is finished.  If you are reading this in November or early December, "Well Done, there is a high chance that you will probably succeed in your mission to find the perfect pressie".

Walking into the lingerie department of a large store along with a lot of other blokes during the festive season, you will encounter two types of man:

Bloke A: he has it all under control, he's striding around with ease picking up bits here and there, examining the bra like he knows what he's looking for.  Asking for certain styles and nodding with a self assurance that looks impressive.  He has several garments including some of those fluffy socks you've never seen anyone actually wear.

Bloke B: he does not have it under control, he frantically looking for anything that looks pretty.  He looks frightened, very confused and might be sweating profusely under the extreme sauna conditions of the department store.  Lets face facts here, he hasn't got the first idea and the longer he wilts under the fluorescent lights, thoughts of gift vouchers and a few pints with the boys is now looking like the best option and idea he's ever had.

If you are Bloke A, read no further.  You don't even need the gift wrapping service as you have already got that sorted, along with a selection of bows to add the finishing touches!  

If you are Bloke B, listen in, grab a cuppa and put your glasses on because quite frankly you need all the help you can get.

Lets hope your beautiful lady has been to us or shopped with us previously and has left a wish list or previous order on the PC.  If she hasn't, heres where you need your phone or if you're old skool, a pen and paper.

Firstly, you are now a detective and there are plenty of clues to be found.

• Her knicker drawer or the laundry basket is your first clue.  Get in amongst it (wait until she's definitely out, don't get caught or you could be answering some serious questions!), look for her fave bra.  The bra she wears on date nights, the ones she feels good in or maybe saves for special occasions, you want her to have something special from you.  Grab the label in the bra, you are looking for numbers and letters; something like 32DD, 36G or 38HH.  Take notes on this or better still take a photo of the label.
• Take a second picture of the actual bra (the bit at the front, the cups), take a minute to look properly, its important.  Heres a few pointers to think about: 

1. Is it underwired? Thats the U shaped wire that runs around the underside of the cup.
2. Is it non-wired? No wire or hard structure in sight or to feel.
3. Is its padded?  Extra padding to boost her natural shape or perhaps removable pads.
4. Is it moulded?  Looks like a bowl and stands up by itself.
5. Is it panels of fabric stitched together in sections?  
6. Does she like lace?  
7. How see through is the bra?

• What colours does she like?  Is her favourite lingerie set black or brightly coloured or does it have a pattern?  Think about the clothes she wears, is her wardrobe mainly dark, light or coloured?  If she only wears dark colours, a white bra is probably not for her opt for darker colours.
• Knickers next, you've guessed it...look at the label.  Take a photo, it may have a size you don't recognise (lingerie can be complicated, lots of it is made in Europe so they put their EU sizes on the label).  
• Does she like "Big Pants" (the ones you don't really like, but you know she feels good in them), or does she like a thong (yippee, yep you know those pants), or does she like a boy short or regular knickers?  Make a note of what you see her wearing the most, if she thinks you are thinking of what she likes and not what you like when buying, you are onto a winner!https://www.clairewoodall.com/deauville-full-brief
• After you have been rummaging around for a while, you may have noticed there are a few bras by the same brand.  Make a note or take another photo, this is really helpful when you are looking to buy as you may see the branding in store.
• Has she made any subtle hints or not so subtle hints, has she told you she's following any brands on social media or left any brochures around. 
• How confident is your lady?  If she is body conscious she may prefer a beautiful chemise, this will ensure she feels cherished by you and you can still buy her lingerie without her feeling self conscious. https://www.clairewoodall.com/womens-lingerie/chemise/lace-affair-chemise If she is too hot to handle then buy her something to suit her personality, if she likes luxury fabric and smooth lines you may have to be prepared for a luxury price tag.https://www.clairewoodall.com/brands/marie-jo/dawnson-moulded-deep-plunge-bra

Now you are armed with all the relevant information, you are ready to shop.  A small lingerie shop will have time and expertise to help you, take your photos and detective notepad with you, it is greatly appreciated.  We will check our files for your partners name and details, if she's shopped with us previously she may have left a wish list with us.  If she hasn't, don't be shy, we are here to help and we know our products really well.  If its EU sizing we know how to convert it, if its an old style we will know the new style that has replaced it, we are the bra experts.

We will ask lots of questions, but thats all good because you have all the correct info, right?  Yes, its written down or its on your phone in photos! 

Don't leave it until the last minute, if we haven't got what you are looking for or what she would like we can get it for you but if its coming from Europe or the USA it might take some time.  

No sweating in the sauna of a department store, no battling the traffic or parking charges.  No vague answers from a harassed teenage staff member that normally works on luggage, no long queues for the gift wrapping service.  Shop local, shop independent, shop independent online and shop with experts that really care that you make the right purchase.https://www.clairewoodall.com

Happy Shopping Gents, it doesn't matter if you are Bloke A or Bloke B.  Love your lady and make her feel special with beautiful lingerie.....and its not just at Christmas!

Claire.xx