A Man's Guide to Buying Lingerie For His Partner For Valentines Day

Men, would you like to buy some new lingerie for your wife, partner or girlfriend this Valentine's Day? Has your partner dropped subtle hints about what she would like but you never manage to follow through?

If so, are you unsure how to navigate this minefield and worried that she will not like your choice and therefore probably refuse to wear it? Women ask many questions when buying lingerie but men have to ask even more. You also have the additional fearful considerations like: will I buy the right size? what colour will suit her best? will it fit? and, the most important questions of all, will she ever speak to me again?

Remember the first thing to do is your research since it's important to buy her something that she will actually enjoy wearing and won't take offence to. If it is possible, carefully sort through her underwear drawer to find the size of her bra and knickers. Also, take a look at the type of underwear she prefers. Is it cotton or silk, plain or lacy? If it is quite plain then she is unlikely to like anything with loads of lace and similarly, if it is all lacy layers and ribbons, don't opt for plain underwear!

If you know her size then that is a good start but if you do not and you buy something that's too small, although she may feel flattered you think she is that size it could also be embarassing since she would have to tell you she was larger. On the other hand. if you buy something too big she will see this as you seeing her larger than she really is and so she will probably never talk to you again! It really is a minefield!

Nowadays lingerie comes in a myriad of colours. For Valentine's Day you do not have to buy red, black is usually also a good choice. You could also take some hints from the colours she wears. However, for gift lingerie, don't go for white. If you really cannot make up your mind, then soft shades like champagne, peach or cream look great on any skin.

Once you have decided on the colour, you will need to consider bra shape. Under-wired bras tend to give a better shape and lift. Plunge styles are the most flattering for the majority of women. A word of warning. You will not be popular if you purchase items with words like 'slimming', 'padded' or 'control' on them. This could be interpreted as meaning you think she is not slim, needs padding or, worse still, is out of control!

Choosing something sexy does not always mean excessively lacy. For example, smooth fabrics such as silk and satin feel luxurious and will look better under blouses and fitted tops. If possible, always try to buy matching sets with an extra pair of knickers so she can wear the set for longer.

Since this is a special Valentine's gift, try to buy the best you can afford since you really do get what you pay for. Cheap underwear does not always provide good support and certainly does not last as long either.

Several shops now offer a gift wrapping service which is excellent for getting your beautiful new lingerie beautifully presentable. If no service is available, then buy a gift box and a big silky ribbon and do it yourself.

Many stores now have specialist lingerie advisors. Unfortunately, some men are still either afraid or too embarrassed to ask them for advice. If you have followed the above guide to buying lingerie but have still been unable to find anything to purchase, then you could consider using an image consultant from Colour Me Beautiful who will be able to go to the shops with you and help you in your choice.