Lingerie Buying Guide for Men

First published in NecesCity, Hong Kong's only online daily lifestyle guide for men, distilling everything from dining to nightlife and money matters to style, on 23 December 2011.

On the topic of guys getting lingerie for their partners, I have done some convenience sampling survey, and got a bunch of rather mixed comments. Some girls think it's hot, some find it pretty much impossible to get what they like, and some take it the wrong way when they receive what isn't even close to their size or taste. Guys are probably as apt in buying lingerie as we girls are in boxers, so here's a short guide on what to look for and where to find it!


What to Look For

Lingerie is a general bracket that covers lots of different bits and pieces, including teddy and camisole. For this article, let's just focus upon the bra/knickers matching set. Everyone I spoke with agrees that the right size is the most important part, so it would be great if you could sneak one or two of what she has in the drawers now out for your lingerie shopping trip. Unless you are getting the exact same brand as what she is wearing now, a 36C from Calvin Klein Underwear can vary quite a bit than one from Wacoal, so just reading the sizes off the labels doesn't quite work.

The easiest way to buy something that fits is to get soft cups, which is unlined, instead of moulded cups, which has a pre-formed shape and provides full support. Although soft cups are more revealing, they tend to give less form since there isn't much support, so if you see that most of her bras have underwire, perhaps it is a better idea to get that. Also, cups cutting can be either a 1/2 cup, which is more alluring, or a 3/4 cup, which is creates uplift and offers great support, or a full cup, which offers great coverage. So which cup to get is entirely up to you, or actually, what you think she would enjoy.

As for the materials, satin, lace, silk, and chiffon would be most sexy yet comfy. Ones made out of cotton are usually only comfy but ain't so seductive, while the synthetic material ones aren't very comfy, and you don't want her to feel that way, right? When you are out picking the colours and styles, you should again, if it is available to you, check out her current collection. Is everything either black or white? Or is it filled with fluffy pink stuff? Obviously she would like it because she knows you like it, but take her preference into account as well!

Do you know how much a bra cost? Usually guys are quite shocked when they realise that a bra usually ranges from a few hundred to several thousands, considering how small these things are. But that is the average price, and no you are not getting conned. So bear that in mind and try to handle all the lace and other delicate materials with care.

Where to Buy From

I know it is a bit embarrassing to step right into a shop in IFC and start pick out bras, so Flaunt is here to the rescue! You can either get it from their online shop and have it delivered to avoid the awkwardness, or you can head over to their discreet shop in Central, which comes equipped with masculine leather couch, a handful of magazines, and a fridge full of beer! Emily from Flaunt suggests this Demi Bra/Cheeky Bikini combo from their latest collection, Jenna Leigh, which is made of sexy lace, with the bikini cut showing just a little more than your average panty. She also recommends Eberjey's Delirious Bralet/French Briefs matching set, which has fun colors, and it oozes sexiness in a relaxed yet flirty manner!

Even if you are a bra buying rookie, I am sure you have heard of La Perla before, or at least ran past it in the IFC Mall. It is the ultimate lingerie brand, and for their 2011 F/W season, they are featuring a Roaring Twenties collection, which combines patterned lace, tuxedo details, fluffy fringing, as well as animal prints to create a mysterious and feminine effect. Samantha from La Perla recommends the Smoking Triangle Bra with shorts in Nero/Verde, which has lots of lace, tulle, and silk to create a sophisticated feel to it, oozing sexiness from within. Another one she recommends is the Lulu in Oro, which was inspired by the timeless elegance of the twenties, with added details that spell seductiveness out loudly and clearly.

Avec Amour is right in the heart of Central, so you can pop there quickly at lunch or after work! Rachel from Avec Amour suggests the Bisou Bisou Blush from Mimi Holiday, which is a romantic and flirty black-pearl combination. It is chic and bold, made of the most indulgent lace of the season, while the sophisticated twist on the graphic scallop lace is mixed with soft pearl silk satin, creating a ladylike look. Another one she suggests is Kitty from Lascivious, which is an incredible combination of flattering tulle placed strategically to accent the curves, yet still giving complete freedom to play around.

Agent Provocateur is known for their seductive lingerie, available from the most secluded area of Lane Crawford in IFC Mall, and their 2011 F/W collection features the provocative Emenuell, which combines the alluring midnight blue satin with red and black French lace. The innovative cut is subtly revealing, making it a clever construction while creating the perfect fit. The revealing Basque, on the other hand, is made of luxurious French floral vintage lace, paired with sleek black satin, creating a stunning 60's look.

Bubies, a new lingerie shop on Wellington Street, is a classy and sophisticated brand exclusively launched by a team of young Hong Kong designers, bringing in a fresh and innovative approach to the intimate wear. Their creative director, Nick (a dude!), loves the Jack-o-lantern soft bra and thong combo, which is flirtatious and alluring. He also recommends the Mint-on-your-pillow camisole, wire bra and panties set, which he promises would bring amusement and satisfaction to both you and your girlfriend. You can pick it up discreetly at ShopdesCreateurs.com with a special 10% off, so just enter the promo code gillianchu when you get to check out! If you are the kind who prefers to visit the good ol' physical store before putting your buck down, email them with your full name, and they will send you back a voucher that is also good for 10% off. Your wallet will thank you for it.

Showtime Lingerie is the city's famous themed lingerie boutique that doesn't just sell the hum-dee-dum bra and thong combo, but the entire erotic story behind it. Or shall I say a naughty role play? I still remember the first time when I was acquainted with their products was at the NecesCity and Sassy's joint Sexy Christmas Party a few years back, and boy were we impressed with their sexy Santa-themed nightie! Stefanie, the mastermind behind Showtime Lingerie, points out that the beautiful red satin/sequin embroidery corset can be worn both as a revealing tank top as well as a suggestive undergarment. She also likes the four-piece red swirl lace set, which, with the matching swirl lace bra top, garter belt, g-string, and thigh high stockings, is guaranteed to make a seductive combo for your private improvisations.