The BF’s (or GF’s) Guide to Lingerie

the basics

Lynne Cheng

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This was a long time coming. Lingerie has always been a passion of mine for several reasons: it’s beautiful, it’s empowering, it’s practical, and it’s slightly taboo — that’s what gives it its electricity. I bought my first bra/panty/garter belt set at a fairly young age: sixteen. I was scared, exhilarated and stupid. The set was at least two sizes too large, but I coveted that lace so badly. Fast forward six years later, and, after multiple brands and sets, here we are.

The first challenge is knowing what’s what. Let’s go over the Basics.

Body:

Teddy
I affectionately refer to these as “onesies.” They resemble lacy one-piece swimsuits and come in a variety of shapes and colors.

Advice: Great option for those that want to hide a lil baby fat, as it usually covers the stomach. Also great for emphasizing legs! Matched with a simple pair of heels, this is an easy outfit to complete. No frills.

Victoria’s Secret “Cut-Out Halter Teddy” ($35)

Corset/Bustier
Traditionally, tight fitting pieces designed to shape and slim down your silhouette. Modern day version is more commonly a strapped or strapless body piece that is usually paired with thigh-highs and a garter belt. The main difference between a corset and a bustier is that a corset has a much softer build while a bustier is structured to accentuate the breasts.

Advice: If she’s new to lingerie, a corset almost feels like a very sexy tank top.

Agent Provocateur “Abby Basque” ($990)
Agent Provocateur “Damson Corset” ($590)

Babydoll & Slip

These are pretty much interchangeable. Think sexy, short dress. Can be lacy, sheer or open in the front.

Advice: Every girl needs one — to tease, seduce or simply to sleep in. Scratch that, not just one. Every girl needs a lacy one, a sexy one and a satin/silk one.

Victoria’s Secret “Flyaway Apron Babydoll” ($48)

Bra Types:

Sheer
Most commonly made with mesh or lace. Exactly as the name implies. It’s see-through and wonderful.

Advice: Probably one of the most comfortable bras ever. It’s light and feels like you’re not wearing a bra — because you basically aren’t.

Demi
Demis are like normal bras, but with the cup cut lower. Which means more skin. What’s not to love?

Advice: Better for those with smaller breasts (Yay!). Not great for practical use since they might leave a line under your shirts because of its lowered cut, but it’s great to lounge in.

T-Shirt
Your everyday bra. ‘Nuff said.

Push-Up
The “I didn’t sign up for this” bra. False advertisement at its finest.

Panties:

G-String
The whore of the panty family. Small piece of triangular cloth in front, held on by a “string” around the hips and between the cheeks.

Advice: If she doesn’t groom (completely) down there, don’t get this.

Thong
One of my favorites. Instead of “strings,” this is held together with a thin strip of fabric.

Advice: I think this is much sexier than a g-string.

Cheekies
“Normal” panties that show a little more cheek. They’re cut higher in the back to show more bootie.

Advice: Not flattering for those with big behinds, but absolutely adorable for those with perky ones!

Bikini
What you think of when you think of a “normal” panty.

Boyshorts
Think extreme booty shorts.

Advice: Great for those with big rounds ones, not so much for smaller glutes.

Accessories:

Stockings
Fishnets, thigh-highs, etc.

Garter Belt
A staple every girl should have. Garter belts wrap around the waist with four elastic straps hanging down, two in the front and two in the back. The straps have clips at the end to attach to thigh-highs.

Advice: Great way to show off legs. They come in many different colors and styles. Start off with a simple black one.

Scarf/Tie
Multi-purpose, from handcuffs to blindfolds to leashes.

Candles & Music
Set the mood! Makes a world of a difference.

Imagination
Nothing is sexier.

Conclusion

Like all fashion, lingerie is wearable (and sometimes edible) art. With so many options, it can be overwhelming and intimidating to walk into a store. Make it easier and familiarize yourself by looking online first. Once you have an idea of what you want, you’ll feel a lot more confident asking for help in a store.

How do you choose? The rule of thumb is to choose what flatters your body type! What do you like to flaunt (legs, cleavage, back etc.)? What’s your personality (sexy seductress, cute & sweet, etc.)? As you probably guessed, I have a penchant for black and white lingerie, but feel free to play around with color!

My biggest tip: when in doubt, go with lace. It’s universally flattering, sexy and feminine. The patterns cover up areas she may feel insecure about while allowing a sneak peak of skin.

Stores:

Victoria Secret ($$)
If it’s your first time, this is your best bet. Friendly, reassuring sales people. There’s nothing too risque or exotic here.

Mary Green ($$)
Eco-friendly, comfortable clothing.

Elle Macpherson ($$)
Cute, girly and colorful lingerie. Wide selection of color and lace!

Mimi Holliday ($$$)
The Kate Spade of lingerie.

Edge ‘O Beyond ($$$)
My only complaint is that their lovely pieces can be hard to put on. Everything is sheer, lacey, and strappy.

Honey Birdette ($$$)
Australian brand with incredibly quick shipping. Fun but still classic and great quality. You’re really getting your bang for your buck here.

La Perla ($$$$)
“Impeccable Italian”, classic, feminine and sexy. Makes for a great Valentines or anniversary present!

Agent Provocateur ($$$$)
A little edgy and a lot of sexy.

Bordelle ($$$$)
Perfect for the girl that likes bondage and spikes. Almost nothing practical in their entire store, but it’s perfection.

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Lynne Cheng

I would be 96% ok with living in the wild. The remaining 4% would miss my Bordelle and Louboutins too damn much.