Gray Lace

Gray Lace

A Man's Guide to Buying Lingerie as a Gift

Does your wife or partner drop subtle hints to you before Christmas that she would like some gorgeous lingerie for her Christmas gift? – but you somehow wriggle out of it by either telling her that you didn’t know what to get, or you might brave the shops only to find you have chosen something she would not wear or maybe. You may even find yourself saying, I’ll give you the money and you choose it!

It is a common scenario that men are fearful when it comes to buying lingerie for their partner. And who can blame you? We women are fussy and we know exactly what we want. Coupled with the choice you face in the lingerie department, we do understand that you don’t stand much of a chance of getting it right! 

In recent years, some high street stores have had “expert” advisors on hand in the lingerie department on the run up to Christmas. This is a great step in the right direction but still some men are too afraid or embarrassed to ask advice of matters of such delicacy!

So, I’ve put together some handy hints for you which will give you all the information you need to know before venturing to the shops.

Research

Like any new venture on which you are about to embark, research is paramount. These are the things you need to find out:  the correct size – most important! Have a (careful!) rummage through her underwear to find the size of her underwear. Look at the labels and on the bra, you are looking for a two digit number followed by a letter (eg: 34D). Then on the knicker labels, you’ll see either a single or double digit (eg: 8 or 12) or Small, Medium, etc. Note it all down so you don’t forget it.

During the rummage, take a look at the type of underwear that is in the drawer. Is it plain? Or maybe sexy? Or lacy or sporty? If it is plain, she is unlikely to like anything with a lot of lace and similarly, if it is all lacy, don’t buy plain!

Check out her wardrobe too and see what types of colours she likes – be brave with the colour you choose. Don’t buy white multipacks!

Hitting the shops

Some rules to remember when you are in the shops are:

Buy matching sets. An extra couple of pairs of knickers is always a great idea so the set can be worn more often.

Buy at the top of your budget. You really do get what you pay for, so buy the best you can afford. Cheap underwear doesn’t provide good support and doesn’t last very long either.

Consider the fabric choice as well. Smooth fabrics will look better under t-shirts and tight tops, so make sure you pay attention to the type of tops she normally wears!

Just when you thought all the above was enough, there is more to consider! The shape of the bra is important too. Under-wired bras tend to give a better shape. During your rummaging expedition, take a look at whether she has under-wired styles. Balconette or plunge styles are flattering for most.  Avoid anything with the words slimming, padded or control – not very romantic!!

Your gift should be well packaged. If the shop assistant offers to wrap it for you, accept the offer. If not, buy a gift box. Whatever you do, don’t hand it over in the carrier bag!

If all else fails, why not enlist the help of a Colour Me Beautiful Personal Shopper? Your Consultant will be able to guide you through the information you need to collect and then help you in your choice.

About the Author

Sarah Gray is a Senior Image Consultant with Colour Me Beautiful Image Consultants. Look on Colour Me Beautiful’s website to find your local Consultant offering Personal Shopping.

Melinda Eng tiered Lace Gray Evening Gown Sz 12 $4000 $1,296.41

NWT DOLCE & GABBANA GRAY SATIN GOWN/BLACK LACE 6 $3000 $616.31

ALBERTA FERETTI 100%AUTH GREY GOLD LACE DRESS $2700 $488.73

New Etro Gray Leather Thigh High Lace Up Boots 7 / 37 $462.99

NINA RICCI Gray Lace Green Satin Skirt NEW sz 36 or 4 $401.26

HAND BEADED PEWTER LACE SILVER SEQUINS GREY BEADS 4YDS $370.40

09 LANVIN Flannel Laces Sneakers/Tennis Shoes 37.5/39.5 $307.64

09 LANVIN Flannel Laces Sneakers/Tennis Shoes 37.5/39.5 $307.64

$309.95 Fly LondonRufus Lace-Up Boot Grey 44 $220.18

$1098 New RALPH LAUREN Gray Silver Metal Lace Skirt 10 $216.06

$303 Cordani Quinton Lace Up Ankle Boot Grey Suede 36 $215.04

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Hasina Lace Charcoal Grey Dress 2 $205.77

UGG Australia UPSIDE Shearling Lace Up/Studs Logo Boots $204.75

UGG Australia UPSIDE Shearling Lace Up/Studs Logo Boots $204.75

Gray Lace Halter Voile Bridal Wedding Prom Gown Dresses $204.74

Custom Gray Satin Lace Bridal Wedding Prom Gown Dresses $204.74

Black gray chiffon w/ lace beaded appliques Prom Gown $195.49

MEPHISTO womens match lace-up gray oxford shose NEW $180.06

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 10.5 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 12 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 11 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 12 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 10.5 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 9.5 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US12.5 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 11.5 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 10 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 13 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 9 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 11 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 9 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 9 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 11.5 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US12.5 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 10 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 9.5 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 13 $174.86

NEW ALPINESTARS SHIBUYA WP LACE UP SHOES GRAY US 9.5 $174.86

Kova & T Grey Lace Leggings - NWT, Mult SZ $169.77

Mens Leahter and Suede Lace up Sneakers.US7~10.5 $164.62

Mens Leahter and Suede Lace up Sneakers.US7~10.5 $164.62

Mens Leahter and Suede Lace up Sneakers.US7~10.5 $164.62

Mens Leahter and Suede Lace up Sneakers.US7~10.5 $164.62

Mens Leahter and Suede Lace up Sneakers.US7~10.5 $164.62

Mens Leahter and Suede Lace up Sneakers.US7~10.5 $164.62

Mens Leahter and Suede Lace up Sneakers.US7~10.5 $164.62

Mens Leahter and Suede Lace up Sneakers.US7~10.5 $164.62

Gray lace up FRYE leather suede knee BOOTS sz 6.5 $154.28

New MANOUSH Gray Velvet Lace Tunic Sweater Dress S $154.28

Robert Rodriguez Gray Lace Cocktail Dress 4 NWT $500 $147.59

ROBERT RODRIGUEZ Black Lace Gray Jersey Top NEW sz L $144.04

VOOM Grey Strapless BOW Lace Up Mini Cocktail Dress S $138.90

Betsey Johnson Evening Lace & Sequins Dress Size 0 Grey $133.75

Michael KORS Slicker Lace-Up High Heeled Boots Gray 10 $133.71

Vtg 90s GRAY Leather GRUNGE lace up Combat Boots 8 9 $131.70

Betsey Johnson Evening Lace & Sequins Dress Size 2 Gray $123.46

Betsey Johnson Evening Lace & Sequins Dress Size 6 Gray $123.46

Betsey Johnson Evening Lace & Sequins Dress Size 8 Gray $123.46

Betsey Johnson Evening Lace & Sequins Dress Size 4 Gray $123.46

NWT New Bebe Lace Silk Shirt Dress Grey Black Size M 8 $123.44

Dosa Grey Cotton w/ Tan Lace Slip Dress sz 2 $117.29

LACOSTE KERSLEY LACE UP MEN'S BLACK GREY SNEAKERS $113.11

LACOSTE KERSLEY LACE UP MEN'S BLACK GREY SNEAKERS $113.11

LACOSTE KERSLEY LACE UP MEN'S BLACK GREY SNEAKERS $113.11

LACOSTE KERSLEY LACE UP MEN'S BLACK GREY SNEAKERS $113.11

NEW PHILOSOPHY LACE DETAIL WOMENS PANTS GRAY SIZE 48 $111.89

NWT Betsey Johnson Lace & Sequin Strapless Dress GREY 6 $102.88

NWT Betsey Johnson Lace & Sequin Strapless Dress GREY 4 $102.88

HENDERSON FUSION 47002 Gray Lace-Ups Shoes Mens 9.5 $102.88

$400 CYNTHIA VINCENT Emily Lace Up Bootie Sz 9 Grey $102.88

KM COLLECTIONS Gray Lace Formal Gown Jacket Dress 10 $102.88

KM COLLECTIONS Gray Lace Formal Gown Jacket Dress sz 12 $102.88

KM COLLECTIONS Gray Lace Formal Gown Jacket Dress sz 16 $102.88

PATRA Gray Silver Lace Formal Evening Gown Dress 18 NWT $102.88

NWT Eddie Bauer Moc-Toe Lace-Up Soft Leather Boot 6-12 $97.75

NWT Eddie Bauer Moc-Toe Lace-Up Soft Leather Boot 6-12 $97.75

Creative Recreation Sneakers Lace-up(White&Blue&Grey) $95.55

40125 Timberland Men's Rime Ridge Mid Lace Boot Grey $92.60

40125 Timberland Men's Rime Ridge Mid Lace Boot Grey $92.60

40125 Timberland Men's Rime Ridge Mid Lace Boot Grey $92.60

HENDERSON FUSION 47002 Gray Lace-Ups Shoes Mens Size 12 $92.59

HENDERSON FUSION 47002 Gray Lace-Ups Shoes Mens Size 9 $92.59

AUTH NEW NWT D&G Dolce Gabbana LACE BRA GRAY TOP $245 S $92.59

COACH Natalee Gray Lace Up Shoes Womens Size 8.5 $91.56

COACH Nova Gray Lace-Up Shoes Womens Size 8 $87.45

SPENCER ALEXIS JACKET VELVET LACE BLK GRAY NWT'S 3X $87.45

Ellen Tracy Womens Gray Silk Lace Sweater Tank Top New $87.45

Ellen Tracy Womens Gray Silk Lace Sweater Tank Top New $87.45

HENDERSON FUSION 47002 Gray Lace-Ups Shoes Mens Size 8 $84.36

HENDERSON FUSION 47002 Gray Lace-Ups Shoes Mens Size 13 $84.36

ALL GRAY LACE GUEST BOOK & PEN, BASKET & PILLOW SET $84.13

LANVIN ST LACE NECK POING GREY JERSEY SHIRRING DRESS $82.31

NWT Marciano Guess Shannon SILK LACE Top w/ BRA Gray S $82.30

NINE WEST LACE PLATINUM GRAY SLEEVELESS DRESS 4 NWT $82.30

NWT Bebe Bandage Lace Silk Dress Black White Gray sz M $82.26

COACH Barrett New Gray Signature Fabric Lace Up US 8.5 $81.28

NIKE First Pro FG Gray LACE-UP Shoes Womens Size 7.5 $80.24

NIKE First Pro FG Gray LACE-UP Shoes Womens Size 9.5 $80.24

NIKE First Pro FG Gray LACE-UP Shoes Womens Size 10.5 $80.24

NIKE First Pro FG Gray LACE-UP Shoes Womens Size 12 $80.24