Swimwear and lingerie model India Reynolds is all in favour of gifting lacy underwear, whether it’s for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any other special occasion.
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“I think gorgeous lingerie is a great way to celebrate your body, whether it’s for a friend or a partner – it encourages them to feel sexy and fabulous!” says Ms Reynolds, who loves to get dolled up in a matching bra and knickers set with suspenders and stockings.
“I always feel empowered and think they are so flattering. A worn-to-be-seen bustier is also a firm favourite for a night out with a blazer and trousers to add a hint of sexy.”
The social media star, who modelled for Pour Moi (pourmoi.co.uk) before appearing on Love Island, now designs collections with the brand, and has lots of expert advice when it comes to buying lingerie for a loved one.
1. Suss out their size
Size is crucial when it comes to intimate apparel. For a bra you’ll need to know the band and cup size, while underwear usually follows dress size in small, medium, large format.
“Have a look in their drawers to check their bra size and brief size whilst they’re not there,” Ms Reynolds says. “If you don’t live with them and can’t check, perhaps buy lingerie that is sized in dress size rather than cup size.”
Read: How to tell if you’re wearing the right bra size
2. Choose according to their taste
“Remember the lingerie is for them, not you,” says Ms Reynolds. “You need to make sure it’s something they feel comfortable in and that they actually like otherwise they will be returning it straight away!”
Think about the clothing colours your partner likes and the underwear styles they usually wear.
“Be as thoughtful as you can and find pieces that will make them look and feel sexy, so both of you can feel the benefits of the lingerie gift.”
3. Consider their body type
Most of us have parts of our bodies that we’re happy with and others we’re less keen on – use your partner’s preferences to guide your shopping choices.
“If they love their bum, go for a thong. If they are more self-conscious of their tummy, go for something such as a bodysuit or chemise,” says Ms Reynolds.
“If they love their boobs the most, go for a bra that will emphasise them.”
Read: Fashion history of the visible G-string
4. Matching sets are sexy
“When us girls are wearing lingerie, we like to be matching both on the top and the bottom with a matching bra and brief,” says Ms Reynolds. “Even underneath our clothing we will feel psychologically better if our lingerie matches.”
Online shops make it easy to find matching sets by listing them on the same page. Ms Reynolds advises: “As this is a present, go all out and get the set – bra, panty, suspenders, and stockings. Or perhaps get the matching corset or chemise to the lingerie set.”
5. Make it extra special
While it’s great to take inspiration from your partner’s current lingerie favourites, you don’t want to buy the exact same type for a birthday or festive gift.
“Women tend to wear the same basic lingerie day-to-day, and we often don’t splurge on a racy, pretty set for ourselves,” Ms Reynolds says.
Read: Why are we so afraid of showing women’s breasts?
“Make sure the lingerie you buy is slightly different to what they usually have, so they will feel extra special when wearing it, but is keeping in line with their taste and usual style.”
Are you buying lingerie for someone special this Christmas? Let us know in the comments section below.
– With PA
