Lingerie fit and fashion tips

How to choose lingerie for a gift, how to find your bra size and other important fashion tips for intimates.

Getting it right underneath
The right undergarments can make or break your look. Find some quick tips now.

Determine your bra size How to take great measurements and determine cup size, from your Guide to Fashion.

How to buy her lingerie she'll love Pick the perfect intimates for your lady. Find the right style, resources and colors with this guide.

Getting it right underneath

• Fit is everything in a bra. Go to a good boutique or store and have an expert "fit" you. It may feel uncomfortable for a stranger to do this, but it's the best way to get a perfect fitting bra.
• For form-fitting, low-cut apparel, give Mother Nature a boost and use a push-up bra for the best cleavage.
• For larger-busted women, choose a full cup with underwire. Minimizers can help reduce the bustline, as well.
• For smaller busts, choose padded push-up bras.
• Have a wardrobe of lingerie -- casual looks call for simple, comfy (often cotton) styles; sexier looks for lace, maybe even a thigh-high and garter belt. Have fun with it.
• Don't forget the details. Remember to switch to smooth-seamed cups for knit shirts and wear the appropriate color: wear a nude colored bra with light tops; black with dark. Make sure your straps don't show. Switch to strapless if they do.
• For fitted bottoms, choose thongs or super-smooth panties. Make sure your panty lines don't show.
• Choose one-piece or slip-type stretch slimmers for the sleekest lines under fitted dresses.
• For full coverage, there are even pantliners that go practically to the ankle.
• The bare-legged look may seem chic, but there are varicose veins, uneven tans and razor stubble to contend with. And there's nary a control-top in sight. Instead, opt for nude-colored, sheer pantyhose (sandalfoot, of course) to get the same look.

Women

How to find your size

Sizes mean nothing!! One manufacturer's size 8 is another one's 12. UK sizes look the same as US, but they're not. Because US sizing has changed over the years, finding your size in vintage clothing can be a challenge. But armed with your accurate measurements, you can decipher any sizing system.

What you'll need - A cloth tape measure and a full length mirror. Take measurements undressed or in lightweight clothes. Pull the tape measure snug, but not too tight. Keep your arms at your side and have a friend take the measurements, for the best results. And don't slouch! Stand up nice and tall.

Bust

Measure around the shoulder blades, under the armpits and over the fullest part of the bust.

Waist

Find your natural waistline and measure.

Hip

Measure the fullest part of the hip (usually about 7-9 inches below the waist)

Bra Size

1. Wear a comfortable bra and measure the rib cage just below the breast. If the number is 33 or less, add 5 inches to that number and that is your bra size. Over 33 inches add 3 inches to get you bra size. Both ways, rounding odd numbers up to even.

2. Then take measure the bust around the fullest part. When you subtract the last number (fullest part) by the among of your bra size, you'll come up with a number used to determine cup size by using the chart below (the A,B,C, etc. cup chart) For example if your bra size was 36 and your cup measurement was 38, the difference is 2" so you would wear a 36B.

Use this chart:

AA = 1/2"
A = 1"
B = 2"
C = 3"
D = 4"
DD or E = 5"
F = 6"
G = 7"

Hats

Measure above the ears about 1/2" around the forehead.

Gloves

With hand partially closed, measure over the knuckles, around the hand, excluding the thumb.

Tips

-UK sizes may seem the same as U.S. women's, but are generally about a size smaller (a U.S. 8 is about a UK 10) To find your European size, you can add 30 to your size. A U.S. 6 is a Euro 36. Always refer to size charts for fit!

-When buying vintage clothing, be aware that the sizes have changed drastically over the years.

-If it's cotton, it's going to shrink. Add anywhere from 1/3" to 3/4" extra to compensate. Some makers count potential shrinkage into the size already. When in doubt -- ask a customer service person.

-Many manufacturers or stores may have their own special fit and size tips. It's a good idea to consult any additional information.

-Get a great tailor, because no matter how closely you order your size, it's still not custom made.

Lingerie Buying

How to flatter her figure, pick colors and more

Chocolate makes you fat, flowers die and great jewelry is a strain on the budget. Lingerie, on the other hand, is the gift that truly keeps on giving.

Here's how to buy it right.

Pure flattery

Not every woman feels comfortable with baring her bottom in a sexy thong.

Put some thought into what body parts she feels most comfortable with and choose lingerie to complement.

A few ideas:

• Show off nice legs in something short like a baby doll or short chemise.
• Play up good cleavage with a halter or bustier style.
• Display toned arms with a camisole.

Have fun

Get her in touch with her inner child by choosing fun prints like cherries or clouds.

Or appeal to her wilder side: animal prints, lace or bold colors like red are perfect.

Colors

Black, red and white (or off-white) look good on almost everyone. Blondes look great in pastels, and brunettes can carry off stronger colors like purple and emerald green. Redheads do best with greens, blues and earthy tones.

Soft touch

If you like touching the garment, she'll like wearing it. Velvet, silk and satin have lots of tactile appeal. If you're buying online, stick with fabrics that you already know what they feel like.

Get comfy

Casual, updated intimates come in styles like tank tops, bikinis and p.j.s. Look for cotton, flannel or other naturally cozy fabrics.

Sizes

The best way to find her correct size is to ask.

Alternatives: you can snoop around the lingerie drawer to find the sizes of stuff she already owns.

Presentation

Don't forget to wrap the lingerie (or have it professionally wrapped) with beautiful paper and a lots of lush tissue paper. You can get creative and make bags or baskets with related items, like a book of poetry, a bottle of champagne or great-smelling body products and candle.

Key styles

• Chemise - A straight gown that skims the body.
• Negligee - A loose, usually sheer, gown. Peignoir set - Negligee that includes a matching sheer robe.
• Babydoll - A short gown that fits around the bust, flares toward hemline.
• Pajamas - Pants and top, originally styled after men's p.j.s.
• Bustier - A usually strapless elongated bra that provides extra lift to the breasts.
• Camisole - A sleeveless top that can be paired with matching undies or worn under a jacket for work.
• Teddy - A one-piece style, similar to a bodysuit.
• Tap pants - Soft, very short version of boxing shorts.
• Thong - Provides coverage in the front of the panty with a thin strap in the back.

Cynthia Nellis