Panties and others

Many women love receiving lingerie from the man in their life, and most men love giving it as a gift. It’s not uncommon for a man to give his significant other a racy piece of lingerie for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or other celebrations. The appeal of the gift comes from a woman feeling sexy in something her man bought her, and the man benefiting from the gift by pleasing his girlfriend or wife.

Buying lingerie for someone else can be a tricky business, especially if you don’t know the terminology, sizing, materials, and more. Here’s a quick tip guide to buying the perfect lingerie for your girlfriend or wife.

-First, consider if lingerie is an appropriate gift, and if you are giving it for the right reasons. If you are giving lingerie to encourage a more prominent sex life, the lingerie receiver may not be so keen on the gift. A gift should be given out of caring, not to entice a favor.

-Next, choose the retailer you would like to purchase the lingerie from. Common stores like Victoria’s Secret or Frederick’s of Hollywood can be found in shopping malls, but if you are looking for unique or specific lingerie at discounted prices, try shopping online at places like lingerie retailer <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=http://www.yandy.com/>Yandy</a>.

-Buying online can be beneficial, since there are descriptions for products you may not know about, and you can see how the lingerie is worn on the models. Most online sites also deliver lingerie in plain, non-descript packaging so if you live with your significant other, they won’t know what you ordered.

-If you choose to shop in a store, seek the assistance of sales employees. Likely, they will be knowledgeable and very helpful when it comes to choosing what you think your girlfriend or wife would like.

-Before you begin shopping, you need to know what sort of lingerie your significant other would like. If they dress conservatively and hate flashy apparel, you don’t want to get them something ostentatious or risqué. First, think about (or look at) the lingerie she already owns. Is it sexy sheer baby doll tops and racy thongs? Or sweet and simple bra tops with matching panties? Take a que from what she has and likes and stick with that. If she doesn’t own any lingerie, start simple with something like a chemise or gown, or matching bra and panties.

-Know her size. This can be difficult to find out, but it is essential. You don’t want to get something too big or too small to insult her size. Check the tags of her current lingerie and clothes, and write down bra cup sizes, shirt sizes, panty sizes, and if possible, corset/baby doll/ other lingerie sizes. Most websites have measurement guides if you’re buying online, and a sales associate in store can tell you what best matches.

-Choose fabric that is comfortable. Though you may enjoy it, a leather and vinyl body suit may not be what she is into. Don’t buy cheap, scratchy fabric that may give her a rash. If you’re buying a gift, pay the extra money to get something nice. Be aware of any fabric allergies she may have (latex, etc).

-Here is something that most men do not consider when buying lingerie: what is her discomfort level with what she reveals? While you may want to see her in a barely-there thong and open cup bra, she may find that too much to handle. If she is insistent on not showing her stomach, opt for a teddy or chemise that covers it. However, it can be very flattering to buy something that exposes her “discomfort area” (such as her stomach, thighs, or whatever else she doesn’t like about her self) and tell her how beautiful you think she is. This could encourage her to be happier with her self image if you express how much you like her body.

No matter what lingerie you choose for your girlfriend or wife, it is important to show her you care about her, whether the gift is for fun or for a celebration. Have fun picking it out and presenting it to her, and even more fun when she uses it!

Seamless, crotchless, backless… never has a piece of fabric – or lack thereof – created as much sensation. The early 90s saw the rise of the thong – a sliver of fabric leading to a sexy V-shape at the back. The thong, or tanga as the Brazilians dubbed it, promised zero panty lines and plenty of sex appeal.

Its successors have included the G-string, bikini, brief, boyleg and high rise cut. But, despite what men’s magazines would have us believe, it seems the average woman is no longer baring her cheeks in next to nothing lingerie. We still see women buying conventionally sexy G-strings but these days it’s more about comfort. Boylegs are becoming more popular, especially the seamless variety.

Full coverage seamless boy shorts are also now available, ruling out the visible panty line problem. Remember Sex and the City’s Carrie walking around her apartment in boyish Y-fronts, Cameron Diaz’s boy shorts in Charlie’s Angels and Bridget Jones’s granny pants? It seems even Hollywood is saying, ‘So long, thong…’

Bet your Bottom Dollar

So what’s in a thong? Well, there’s not much to it. Fabric, that is. But there is big money. In the early noughties, big business caught on to what a hit the lacy skivvies were. So did Hollywood. Sisqo released the irritatingly catchy ‘Thong Song’ in 2000. The same year Britney Spears released her second album and sexed up new image. As she purred on ‘Oops… I did it again’, a nation of teenage girls copied her low rise jeans and high rise thong look and imitated the accidentally on purpose thong flash. Two years later, a record 123 million thongs were sold in the US, more than double the number sold in 1998. American retail giant Abercrombe and Fitch even released a line of thongs targeted at 10 – 16 year old girls.

This year, online store cafepress reported that, with regards to political merchandise, thongs that are pro Barack Obama are ahead in sales, while Hilary Clinton has taken the lead in men’s boxer sales. Then there’s the whole underwear-as-outwear controversy. Blame it on Christina Aguilera. Remember her Dirty music video in 2002, which featured the singer in a boxing ring wearing cowboy leather chaps minus the crotch bit? In 2007 she released a follow up track, ‘Still Dirrty’, and vowed that she’ll still be dirty at 60.

Not all thong wearers are created equal. While Christina might look cracking in a next to nothing leather number, Kim Kardashian might not. Thongs do not support even the slightest bit of junk in your trunk, as Jimmy Fallon sang in his Sisqo spoof ‘Please don’t wear that Thong: It shows off ya belly roll, don’t wear that thong, thong, thong’.

The Future is Slight

Even though the thong may not be as popular now as it was when it first hit the shelves, it seems it’s here to stay. Admittedly it’s undergone a makeover of sorts – the thong of today bears little resemblance to the one that made its appearance in the early 90s. In 2004 an Australian invention called the backless thong appeared. Unlike the conventional thong, the back straps fit under the crease of the butt cheeks and the side strings fasten like bra straps around the hips.

Then there’s the Cstring, which looks like an Alice band except one side has a gusset and the other a string. A built in wire keeps the thong in place, as there are no straps around the hips. It shows no panty line because, well, there are none. It’s like a cricket box with a strip up the back. You can see it at Cstringdirect’s website.

You’re just dying to make an impression on your beloved, and you’ve heard through the gym grapevine that lacy lingerie will win her heart. Well, you’re on the right track! But how are you going to navigate the frilly, sexy displays at your local Macy’s or Victoria’s Secret? Do you even know what constitutes a great lingerie gift? Let’s begin with a couple of rules that you shouldn’t break until you’re better at this.

1. Skimpy does not necessarily resonate with females the way it does with males.

Unless you’re entirely, 100%, bet-the-rent-on-it certain that your woman loves crotch-less panties or is dying to wear a thong, you might want to start with some more standard fare. You want a Wow! from your woman? Look for top-notch fabrics and name brands. You can’t go wrong with silk. Ever. Microfiber is nice, but silk and satin will get you that smile that you’re looking for.

2. Sleazy is not the same as sexy.

The red panties and matching bra with fringe hanging ten inches from the edges may make your heart leap, but you’d better check your lady’s lingerie drawer and her choice in reading matter before you invest. The same goes for edible undies, bras that have a cut-out space, and anything that even vaguely reminds you of something you once saw on a centerfold.

3. If you have to guess what size she wears, you probably don’t know her well enough to be investing in such a personal gift.

You can make the process easier on yourself and avoid the obvious pitfalls by going either in person on online to the stores whose labels your woman loves to see under her Christmas tree. Victoria’s Secret may be the Number One choice in this arena, but don’t rule out other options. If your sweetheart has a favorite store, you should know what it is. With the exception of some of the very small local boutiques, most decent-sized stores will have an online or mail-order version for your shopping pleasure.

Enlist the help of the sales staff at the site or store you’ve chosen. They will be happy to be of service. Check to find out whether the package can be sent in an unmarked shipping container if you’re nervous about an obvious lingerie delivery causing your secret to be spoiled or, if you live alone, your neighbors to raise an eyebrow. This should not be a problem.

Shopping for intimate apparel for your lady should be a trauma-free, if not actually enjoyable, experience, so go on and give it a shot. You’ve got nothing to lose but your inhibitions, and your lady will love you for it!

Lingerie has become mainstream. With the increase in popularity of stores like Cache and Victoria’s Secret women and men are purchasing these articles of clothing as gifts for others and for themselves. Other stores have tried to copy or duplicate the look of hot design of the moment for their collections but at a much lower price. You can also purchase lingerie from catalogs although that is decreasing and internet purchases are becoming the favored method. If you are not the typical lingerie person you are missing out. There are many benefits to being an owner of lingerie.

Lingerie spices up any relationship. Your significant other doesn’t want to see your granny panties. It is a sight for the eyes. Most men are usually visual creatures so they will greatly appreciate that sexy new piece that you bought. It will create increase any romantic mood that you have planned and helps to prevent your relationship from getting stale.

There are many colors, fabrics and designs to choose from. When you first walk into any lingerie store you will be amazed at everything that is available. It is now considered a fashion genre all on its own. When televised fashion shows occur just to display lingerie you realize that it is a popular event. You are sure to find something that you will like that fit you and your style.

It doesn’t even matter what your body size you might be. Many stores and internet sites will cater to all. They realize that one size does not fit all so they will have regular and plus sized lingerie pieces. If you are uncertain, you’ll want to be sure and check your sizing before ordering lingerie online, since health regulations prohibiting exchanges on these items will be adhered to by most internet retailers.

They say that clothes make the man however, lingerie makes the woman. It builds your confidence. It is something that truly makes you feel feminine and sexy. As only you know what you are wearing you will have an extra spark in your step just from your undergarments. You can mix and match items and find out what designs you like and what enhances your body. You might even find pieces that slim your figure or accentuates you.

Purchasing lingerie is fun. No one wants to be caught in dowdy underwear. Even if no one sees it you know that you are wearing it and it will convey through your attitude and actions. So spicing up your lingerie will also spice up your life not just romantically but overall. Even if your budget won’t allow you to purchase name brand pieces you can find inexpensive items that you can slowly add to your clothing wardrobe. Internet purchases allow you the ability to buy from the comfort of your home without being hassled by the sales person and have it delivered right to your front door. So the next time you’re online or in your favorite mall check out the latest lingerie pieces for sale. You will be pleasantly surprised.