Sexy lingerie makes a popular gift around Valentine’s Day and in fact, it’s increasingly popular at almost any time of year. Modern men are much more progressive in their attitude and so are the staff in department store underwear sections and speciality shops. Even the shiest man can shop online and choose from a massive range of options in almost any style.

The biggest problem most men face when buying bras and panties as gifts is sizing. All good romantic gestures should be kept a secret until the very last moment and asking a woman for her bra size gives away the game entirely. A much better solution is to wait until the lady is out of the bedroom and then sneak a quick look at the labels on some of the undergarments she already has. Sizing does vary across different manufacturers so it’s best to check half a dozen bras and note down the most common size.

Panty size is much easier. It is usually the same as a woman’s dress size and most cohabiting couples will be more than aware of each others everyday clothing sizes. Check a dress or a pair of jeans if necessary.

Taking note of the styles and fabrics a woman favours is also a very good idea. Sexy gifts can backfire if they’re not quite classy enough and any lady can take a tacky underwear gift badly. If in doubt, stick to satin, silk, and relatively modest cuts. The gift will still look sexy and it will be sure not to offend.