We are excited to have Emily Tulloh, owner of Beloved Intimates, share with us today. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, we asked Emily if she would put together some tips on lingerie shopping, and she did just that! Thank you Emily for putting together this great guide for the all of the guys out there!
To: Men
Love: Beloved Intimates
The “Golden Rules” of lingerie shopping this Valentine’s Day
“Teaching the men of Nashville the Golden Rules of lingerie shopping so they can score big this Valentine’s Day.”
I put together this 10-point list of “rules” aimed at helping men decrease the rate of returns and increase their gift giving prowess this Valentine’s Day. Intimate apparel is the perfect gift for the woman you love on Valentine’s Day, but many men feel defeated by their poor track record in selecting lingerie in the past. I put this list together so that men can avoid some common pitfalls and skip straight to a relaxing, romantic holiday with a perfect gift in hand!
OK guys, grab a pen, here are the 10 Golden Rules:
1. It’s for her, not you
You are buying a gift for her, so you want to make sure it is something that she will like and feel comfortable in. If you go against your good judgment and buy pieces that you like, not necessarily something SHE would like, the lingerie will inevitably make its way back into the store every time. Be thoughtful and look for pieces that will make her feel sexy and you will both benefit!
2. Have some ideas ahead of time
Spend a few minutes on the internet before you even leave the house. See something you think she would like? Bookmark a couple options and show them to the sales associate when you get to the store.
3. Do your homework – size does matter
When you have a chance, snoop in her intimates drawer and jot down her sizes. It seems obvious, but I can’t tell you how many men forget to check sizes and end up with an uncomfortable sizing snafu on Valentine’s. Get it right, and you score points for knowing your girl! See several different sizes? Make note of them all and the sales associate should be able to help you make a decision based on how different brands run.
4. Take your time
Don’t grab the first thing you see when you walk in the door. Take a deep breath and stay for a while! It is worth taking the time to browse a little, scope out your options, and make the best decision you can. I deal with a lot of men who are embarrassed & there is no need to be. Intimates are not scandalous; they make a girl feel special and beautiful.
5. Remember the 3 S’s – Shape, Size, and Style
Is it a shape she would like? For example, if her drawer was full of thongs when you did your homework, it doesn’t make sense to walk out with a high-wasted panty. Is it her size? Ask the associate to make sure that the brand is true to size and see what they would suggest based on the sizes you found in her drawer. And last, is it a style she would like? Look for pieces that accentuate what she loves most about her body and that reflect her personal style. Does she love her backside? Go for a thong or caged panty. Does she love her legs but not her tummy? Go for a bodysuit or short chemise. Is she into vintage clothing and accessories? Ask the associate to help you find something more retro. There really is something for everybody, just keep these points in mind when making a final decision to make sure it is something she will feel good wearing, confidence is key when it comes to lingerie.
6. Get a gift receipt
Of course you want her to like what you pick out, but be realistic about the possibility of her needing another size or wanting to pick out something else. The goal is to make her feel confident and sexy, making sure she has the option to make a swap is important! (And don’t be deflated if she swaps it – she’ll love that you tried to buy her something special & went outside your comfort zone for her).
7. Gift Early
I think that most people forget this step. If you want your partner to wear the gift you picked out on Valentine’s Day, then she needs to get it a day in advance so that she has time for a last minute swap if necessary. You also want to allow time to wash the garments. Most people overlook this step, but many hands have potentially touched this item on its journey from the factory to your shopping bag, so a little extra time is key when gifting lingerie.
8. What does she like?
Take a peak at what she already has in her drawer and closet before you leave the house. What colors does she buy? Does she prefer sheer styles, lace, padded styles? Does she like tight fitting clothing or pieces that are more flowy and loose? Is her style sporty, girly, funky? If you have a better idea of her personal style, you will be better equipped to pick out lingerie that suits her.
9. Go to the experts and ask for help!
Don’t be shy when you go to pick out lingerie, the sales associates are your best friend. By asking a few questions, they will be well equipped to help you find something she will love. Shop at small boutiques and specialty stores, they provide more personalized service, plus you will find styles and brands that are more unique and special, perfect for gifting! You will have better luck and a more enjoyable time if you shop in a store that specializes in lingerie.
10. Have Fun and get something different!
As women, we have lots of utilitarian underwear, so go out on a limb and buy something pretty, sparkly, colorful, or wrought with ruffles – It’s Valentine’s Day, so get all of the bells and whistles! You want to make sure it is something different so that it feels special, but don’t venture too far from the beaten path. Go for something unlike everything else in her closet while keeping her personality in mind.
About Beloved Intimates
Beloved Intimates offers a handpicked selection of luxurious, high-quality lingerie, bras, loungewear & bridal accessories for the modern woman. We source hard-to-find, designer lingerie from around the world to offer our customers a premium, sought-after assortment of fashion and foundation garments that deliver exceptional construction, comfort and longevity. Our thoughtfully curated collection reflects our passion for intimate apparel that looks fresh and feels beautiful. Beloved Intimates is located at 2016 Glen Echo Road in the Glendale Shopping Center in Green Hills, Nashville. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 6p.m. For new products and store updates, follow us on Facebook at Beloved Nashville, on Pinterest at Beloved Lingerie, and online at www.belovedintimates.com.
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