HOW TO BUY LINGERIE... FOR SOMEONE ELSE
KATIE WRIGHT gets some top tips from model and former Love Islander India Reynolds
India Reynolds was modelling swimwear and lingerie long before she donned a bikini and sashayed into the Love Island villa during the 2019 season.
So it’s no surprise that the 31-year-old, from Reading, is all in favour of gifting lacy underwear, whether it’s for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any other special occasion.
“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 fabulous!” says India.
After modelling for Pour Moi (pourmoi.co.uk) before Love Island, the social media star 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. For a bra you’ll need to know the band size
(in inches) plus the cup size, while underwear usually follows dress size in small, medium, large etc format.
“Have a look in their drawers to check their bra size and brief size while they’re not there,” India says.
“If you don’t live with them and can’t check, perhaps buy lingerie which is sized in dress size rather than cup size.”
2. Choose according to their taste
“Remember the lingerie is for them, not you,” says India. “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 the person likes and the underwear styles they usually wear.
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 their 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 India.
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 bra and brief,” says India. “Even underneath our clothing we will feel psychologically better if our lingerie matches.
“As this is a present, go all out and get the set – bra, pants, 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 or pal’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,” India says.
“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.”