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There's so much to choose from, and much of it has strange names that make no sense to someone who's used to a "briefs or boxes" shopping decision. Below are some of the different types of lingerie you'll be running into and descriptions of what they are.
Baby Doll Nightgown
A short nightgown (just to the thighs) with matching panties, baby doll gowns can be sized by bra size or just as "Small", "Medium", "Large", etc. Sometimes these have matching short robes.
Basque
A basque is an updated version of a corset. It takes the place of a bra and a garterbelt, and covers from the bust to the hips. Sometimes it provides a little shaping (making the waist a little smaller), and sometimes it's meant to be seen either peeking out of an unbuttoned blouse or in place of a blouse when wearing a skirt. It all depends on the cut and style. Other terms that are types of basques are the Merry Widow (no straps), a corset (usually has more shaping ability), a corselets (designed for shaping, but maybe a little less than a corset), a torsolette (same as a corselet) and a waist cincher (more of a belt that slims the waist.)
Bustier
If you take a basque and make it only go to the waist (instead of to the hips) you have a bustier. A bustier can be worn under clothing or as "visible" lingerie to take the place of a blouse with a pant suit or with jeans. Madonna brought these back in a big way, but don't think those are the only styles available. Many are elegant and discrete and in no way inappropriate in the boardroom.
Bodystocking or Catsuit
A one-piece garment that covers from bust to the toes, a bodystocking is usually worn under close fitting clothes during the daytime or alone in the boudoir. This type of garment takes the place of all other underwear, so it's perfect under tight or clingy clothing (no panty lines!), and can be very enticing to the man in her life because he knows she may leave it on after she takes off the other clothes she's wearing. Most bodystockings are one-sized, and are very stretchy and accommodating. There are even ones that are plus-sized. All are usually crotchless.
Bodysuit
Imagine a bodystocking without long legs and you have a bodysuit. This is a wonderful item for slacks, jeans or a skirt-the "blouse" doesn't ride up. This is "visible" lingerie that works well with a variety of clothing options. As with bodystockings, sizing formats vary for bodysuits.
Bras
There are several different styles to consider, each with various designs for different dramatic (and functional) effects.:
Cami-bras are bras with a piece of fabric or lace that stretched from one bra cup to the other to look like a camisole. It's worn with or low cut dresses, and gives the look of another garment underneath what she's wearing.
Demi-bras don't cover the top of the breasts, so they're perfect with low cut necklines.
Long-line bras cover the bust to the waist, but aren't meant to be seen. These are the workhorse version of basques and bustiers.
Natural bras don't have seams and aren't padded. They're designed to closely mimic being bra-less, but they provide support.
Push-up bras give the illusion of having a little more than nature gave her and are perfect for creating cleavage.
Sports bras are good for support and comfort while running, working out, etc. Sometimes, ladies wear sports bras for any kind of activity where heat can be an issue (like camping or housekeeping) because they usually are made of cotton and wick away moisture, and they usually don't have much in the way of uncomfortable shaping details.
Strapless bras are well, strapless. A strapless bra can be good for dresses that have unusual straps or neckline details, as well as for dresses that are strapless. A close bra to this type is a convertible bra, which allows different configurations of straps that match the particular clothing she’s going to wear.
Underwire bras have a stiffener under each bra cup to provide more support, although some women complain of this type of bra “digging in” and being uncomfortable.
No matter what the style, you'll need to know the band and cup size (e.g., 36D). So be sure to sneak a peek at her current bra tag to find this out.
Camisole
A camisole, like a basque or a long-line bra, also covers from the bust to the hips, but it typically has no bra support and is sized "Small", "Medium", "Large", etc. This can be something that a lady would wear under something scratchy to keep comfortable (kind of like a man wearing a tee shirt under a starchy shirt); or more commonly as "visible" lingerie-either under a sheer overshirt or as an alternative to a tee shirt of blouse. These can be simple or extremely elegant, depending on the style.
Chemise
A chemise is another one of those items that started out as nightwear, but sometimes shows up in the daytime. Basically, a chemise is a short nightgown, extending to the thighs. A nightgown is a chemise that goes to mid-calf or to the ankles. Most usually, when found in lingerie, this will be nightwear; but some are meant as club wear. Chemises typically are sized "Small", "Medium", "Large", etc.
Garterbelt
If you want to see the lady in stockings, then you may need a garterbelt. Some stockings have elastic at the top (a built-in garter), but many of the styles do not. Before you purchase a garterbelt, look at the other items you are interested in. Many bustiers, basques and corsets have garters built in. However, a bra and panty set with a matching garterbelt can be very pretty and enticing. For this, you need an idea of the lady's waist size.
Negligee
A longer lightweight nightgown usually with a matching sheer or lightweight robe, a negligee is a glamorous version of sleepwear. Also known as a peignoir set, these are a good, safe bet for a first gift of lingerie. Typically sizing is easier and there are various options from demure to racy. As it is not meant to be seen out of the home and because it is easier to find a good fit, chances are you'll find something here that she will like and will open the door for discussions about potential future gifts.
Panties
Well, you know what a panty is. But you may not be familiar with all the different types. A bikini comes up to the hip line, not the waist line. Briefs go all the way to the waist. French cut or high-cut is a brief where the leg opening comes up high to the hip. A g-string has very little in front, and just a thin bit of fabric in the back. A thong can have more coverage in the front, but the back is like a g-string. Tap pants are like short-shorts with extra material in the legs (like boxer briefs for males).
Size Hints and Style Advice
Size
Nothing can capsize the effect of your gift if you get the size wrong. The safest way to get around size issues is the always go bigger, when in doubt. You could always ask her for her sizes, but if your gift is supposed to be a surprise, then get creative and go through her lingerie drawer. Remember to look at the size of her favorite items, and write them down so you won’t forget them by the time you order. Be sure to refer to the size charts on our website as a guide as well for you.
The bra size is usually located on a small tag attached to the clasp of her bra. It’s usually a 2 digit number and a letter (like 36D).
If you look at her slips and nightwear, you may find "Small", "Medium", "Large", on the labels. Look at several articles and note which size shows up most often.
Panty sizes are on the labels as well, but different manufacturers have different sizing. In general, use your best judgment as you can tell if your lady is plus sized below and average sized on top.
Waist size is usually easiest to get from a pair of slacks or a skirt she wears. Find the slacks and skirts that don't have elastic, fasten the buttons, zip the zippers and then measure the waistband (all the way around).
Style
You must match the lingerie to the lady for which it’s purchased.
If her temperament is shy and understated, you wouldn’t want to pick out a too-wild style, as it will only alienate your partner and make it seem that you’re pushing her into not being herself. Until you get the green-light for a more racier style, your selection should be something demure.
At no time should your gift give her the wrong idea about how you think of her. For a more quiet lady, an item in blush pink may seem elegant and sexy, while the same item in red or black seems trampy. How she perceives the item is how she'll think you perceive her! When in doubt, be a little more conservative; and then when she loves what you got her this time, you can get an idea of whether she'd be interested in something a little more risqué.
What colors does she like? Usually her closet can help, but remember that work clothes don't always reflect the colors she'd like to be wearing, so look at the colors she picks out for evenings or casual clothes for home. If she wears vibrant, rich colors, then steer away from the pastels. If she favors quiet colors, then she probably won't like things in bright or deep colors.
If you're wanting to buy her bras, bustiers, corsets and the like that she'll be wearing under her daytime clothes, then look at the colors of the daytime clothes. You won't want to get a rich color if she usually wears light colored clothing-it'll show through so she won't be able to wear it. (There are lots of things in nude, blush and white that won't show through; so pick one of those.)
Last, if it's "visible" lingerie… something like a camisole that she'd wear as a blouse under a suit it’s better to find a color and style that will go with the suits she wears.
We at Gingersplayhouse.com hope that this guide has been helpful and will assure you a more pleasant time in your gift selection. Remember… even if you get it wrong, it is the thought that counts. Next time you both can place your order together, and you both can have a satisfying experience in buying lingerie!
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