The Gift of Romance: Buying Lingerie For Your Lover

The gift of lingerie can be so immensely rewarding for both the giver and the recipient, but is too often fraught with worry about selecting the right size and style. With 30 years of experience helping Cupid hit his mark, we have some simple tips to help you narrow the playing field and select a luxurious gift that you'll both love.

No matter how lovely an item is, if it doesn't fit, the jig is up. The more information you have on what sizes your lover wears the easier it will be for you to select the right sized gift for them. The most relevant sizes for lingerie purchases include bra, panty, and dress. Many of our clients keep these measurements in their wallet or in a note on their iPhone. Having a conversation with your lover about their sizes is a great way to learn details on their preferences in style and fit. 

Hoping for the element of surprise? A peek inside their lingerie drawer should give you all the information you need. Be sure to write down both the band (number) and cup (letter) from the bra, as both details are immensely important. No easy access to their wardrobe? Try sneaking a peek at a clothing label, or asking their friends! 

If all else fails, the only thing you really need to know is what size they would wear on the spectrum of Small, Medium, Large (and all the extras on either end). Fortunately, there are a number of styles that are incredibly flexible on fit, including robes and ultra-stretchy rib silk camisoles from Dana Pisarra. These are a great option if you are unsure of specific bra or dress sizes!

A truly great gift will suit their style and fit seamlessly into their existing wardrobe, but not exactly duplicate anything they already own. If they have an extensive collection of silk camisoles, adding one in a color or pattern they don’t already own is a lovely way to add to a collection you know they already enjoy. If they’re particularly fond of a certain color, you can be sure that they will appreciate a gift in that shade. If their drawers are filled with demi-cut bras from one designer in particular, why not buy them a similar style in a new fabric?

On the flip side: considering the things they don't wear is just as important. If you've never seen them wear the color yellow, you might not want to buy them a pajama set or full-length robe in that hue without some indication that they would appreciate it. If they are self conscious about their derrière, a g-string might not be their top pick.

You are in the unique position of knowing this beautiful being intimately. Don't underestimate your ability to narrow down what they would appreciate!

Your lovers comfort level in lingerie should directly influence the gift you choose to give them. If their idea of risqué is a cotton nightgown, they likely wouldn't be comfortable receiving a corset -- a classic silk gown would likely be much more their style. Buying a gift that suits their comfort level is integral in giving a gift that seems thoughtful, not forceful. Veering too far from their comfort level can result in a gift that seems more for the purchaser than the recipient, and is an unfortunately common reason for gifts of lingerie to go unworn.

Unsure of what size or style would go over best? Ask for help. Whether you're shopping with Jane's Vanity or another boutique, the sales staff likely has a wide knowledge base on the fit of the items they stock, and can help guide you to a gift they’re sure to love. At Jane's Vanity, we take great pleasure in helping clients find the perfect gift. We welcome shoppers to contact us with questions, large or small - we truly want to be sure that every treasure we sell goes to the right home! Please, do not hesitate to contact us with any question, large or small. 

{All photos in this post were taken by Jeff S Rutherford at our 2015 Holiday Soiree. Please CLICK HERE to stay informed about future events with Jane's Vanity!}