The male guide to buying lingerie for women
If you’re a man, buying lingerie as a Valentine’s Day gift can be a perilous mission fraught with unforeseen pitfalls. But do it well and you’ll earn enough brownie points for your partner to overlook the occasional missed birthday or anniversary for life… well almost. Lingerie expert Lisa Hastings, manager of Agent Provocateur at Saks Fifth Avenue (04 351 5551), uncovers the secrets to help clueless males purchase the perfect present.
Q. Will men get stared and pointed at for looking at ladies’ underwear in a lingerie boutique?
A. No, of course not! We’ve come a long way since the days when men were barred from the underwear sections of department stores. If David Beckham can do it and still show his face on the football pitch so can you. Plus the staff are there to help you and put you at ease – whatever you’re asking you can guarantee we’ve been asked it before.
Q. Is buying lingerie as unimaginative as buying socks?
A. You can be as creative and imaginative as you like with lingerie, the sky’s the limit. Lingerie can be pretty, saucy, provocative, sexy and beautiful. It’s also a very romantic gesture.
Q. How will men know what size their other half is? Should they take a random guess or is it always better to go large just in case?
A. Random guesses are never a good idea. Take a cheeky look at the size of her lingerie at home if possible, but knowing her dress size is also helpful. Be careful not to just go for large, it’s likely to start your Valentine’s Day off on a sour note. Go for medium if you have no idea – she can always exchange her gift, but at least you won’t risk offending her. It’s the thought that counts after all.
Q. Are subtle hints ever a good idea – will she know what a man means by buying her a padded cleavageenhancing bra or extra large corset?
A. Steer away from ever trying to change the way your woman looks. She will never appreciate it. Instead think what would suit her and what would she pick herself.
Q. Red lace: over the top and obvious or the ultimate in sexiness?
A. Red lace is a Valentine’s stereotype and very passé. There’s nothing more sexy than beautiful black sheer lingerie – always ask yourself whether the woman would feel sexy wearing it, not what do you want to see her wearing – it is a present for her, remember.
Q. What should men avoid?
A. Anything too outrageous and scary – there are ‘creative’ ideas that are great gifts for people who have been in a relationship for a while – but secret Valentines should avoid anything daring… especially in the post. Go for the tried and tested, don’t scare her off.
Q. A safe option is always…
A. Black and pink – it’s pretty and a standard colour combination that women would buy for themselves. Beautiful lace and sexy sheer materials are also a safe bet. Tie-side knickers are also a fun, but not too over-the-top option.
Q. Budget-wise, is spending more always the right option?
A. Don’t go over the top. Lingerie can range in price from Dhs200 to Dhs1,000. If it’s a fun gift then cheap and cheerful is fine, but if you want to get her something really special Dhs600 is a decent amount to pay for a bra and knicker set.
Q. As for gift-wrapping – is the carrier bag with the receipt enough?
A. Beautiful packaging matters and you should never leave the price tag where she will find it no matter how much you’ve spent. Ask in the store for their gift-wrapping service – it is always better to get a helping hand.
Q. If all else fails is a gift voucher OK?
A. No. Buy her perfume, body lotion or bubble bath – anything to treat or spoil her rotten. A gift voucher just says ‘unimaginative’ or even lazy. Think creatively and come out of the box. You can buy candles to light around the bath or stockings are also a very sexy classic. Michelle Byrne.
Shop Review
Bait Al Bahraini
The magpies of the shopping world will be immediately attracted to the bright and shiny objects displayed in the windows of Bait Al Bahraini (‘House of Bahrain’ in Arabic). The ornate Middle Eastern antique-looking jewellery had Shoptalkswooping in for a closer look and we discovered a treasure trove nesting in an otherwise unremarkable corner of the mall. It’s currently frequented mainly by Arabs and Indians browsing for special occasion outfits through racks of outlandishly colourful jalabiyas, but westerners are missing out by walking past. The shelves stacked with reams of brightly dyed fabrics with elaborate embroidery make for interesting DIY potential, and the funky handmade Bahraini leather sandals are winners: we are particularly taken with the hippy chic tan variety for women and miniature versions for kids. Michelle Byrne.
Bait Al Bahraini Mall of the Emirates (04 341 3114). Open Sat-Tue 10am- 10pm; Weds-Fri 10am-12 midnight.