HOW TO BUY LINGERIE AS A GIFT
How to choose underwear and get it right – from lingerie sets to luxe nightwear. Discover our expert sizing advice and style tips for a present she’ll love
Consider her personal style
“A matching bra and knicker set can be a really special treat. To get it right, think about your loved one’s personal style to be sure that your gift will be delightfully received,” says Soozie Jenkinson, head of lingerie design. We have three brands within the online M&S lingerie boutique to suit different tastes. “Boutique sets are playful, colourful and on trend with gorgeous details such as bows and lace; Rosie Exclusively for M&S lingerie is luxurious and elegant with a hint of vintage glamour; Autograph lingerie is modern and bold with exquisite attention to detail,” Soozie explains. If the person you’re buying for has a colour they love, steer towards this, as it’s likely that she’ll love a lingerie set in that shade. If you’re unsure, black lingerie is striking but also practical.
Shop Boutique lingerieShop Rosie Exclusively for M&S lingerieShop Autograph lingerie
How to get the size right
Before you start buying lingerie, you need to work out her size. Take a look at the labels on her most worn or most recently purchased bras and knickers. Bra sizes comprise two measurements, the band size (a number, for example 38) and the cup size (a letter or double letter, for example DD). Take note of both. Bralettes and knickers are usually in clothing sizes (for example 14) but might be XS, S, M, L, XL etc. Camisoles and French knickers make a great gift and are also dress sized. They can be worn as underwear but also as nightwear and so are incredibly versatile.
Check out our guide to the best bras for bigger busts for more tips.
Choose something special
Fun, feminine and sexy, the Boutique range marries playful prints, bold colours, stunning lace and modern embroideries with on-trend silhouettes, making it perfect for gifting. The ultimate treat for a lingerie lover is to receive a matching bra and knicker set, and the wide range within the Boutique brand makes it easy to pick and mix pieces to create a set she’ll love. The Emilia satin floral range includes a plunge bra, balcony bra, high-leg knickers, a thong and a camisole and shorts set. The Larissa lace collection features five different pieces including a bustier, a padded plunge bra, high-leg knickers and a thong, so you can mix and match to create a set to fit her body and suit her personal style perfectly.
Think outside the box
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to Valentine’s Day gifting and not every woman will appreciate a lacy lingerie set. “Pyjamas and loungewear are very much on trend right now as we spend more time at home,” says Soozie. “Joggers and sweatshirt-inspired pieces in super-soft and comfy fabrics such as Flexifit jersey, plush velour and casual brushed marls make great Valentine’s Day gifts. When it comes to sleepwear, PJs are having a moment – we simply can’t have enough pyjamas in our ‘at-home’ wardrobe, and our gorgeous modern cotton PJs feature Cool Comfort technology for all-night comfort and feature fun looks, such as heart motifs.”
Words: Miranda Eason
