It is a truth universally acknowledged that a coupled up man in possession of a wallet will typically buy the wrong lingerie for his other half on Valentine’s Day. We didn’t make that up – Jane Austen knows her stuff. If you’re struggling, we’ve collected some top tips from the experts to help you with this most important of purchases.

Size her up: Buying the correct size is a must. ”Take a sneaky peek into her lingerie drawer to find a bra she loves to wear. Make a note of the size before you shop and to avoid disappointment on Valentine’s Day,” says Soozie Jenkinson, head of lingerie design for Marks & Spencer. 

Don’t go for the obvious: “Believe it or not, not all women feel their sexiest trussed up in a cut-out, saucy number! Don’t go for the ‘obvious’ sexy options and always choose luxurious fabrics and finishings which are still sexy but stylish,” said Kyrsty Hazell-Page, PR Manager for Ann Summers. 

Shop for her, not for you: Many partners make the mistake of buying things they wish their other half would wear, rather than something she would actually feel good in. Not all pants are created equal; one girl’s trashy is another girl’s classy, so be observant. “Think about your partner’s style – look at what she wears and try to find things that tone in with the fabrics and she likes to wear,” advises Soozie.

Clock her colours: “Make note of the colours she wears most often in her outer clothes, as this can be translated to her underwear wardrobe too,” says Kyrsty. “If she wears a lot of black, opt for something dark and luxurious such as rich, deep hues like Bordeaux purple or a chic navy number. If she wears a lot of colour, choose a fun, flirty colours such as hot pink, siren red and colour popping hues such as yellow, green, blue or orange. Stick to her usual palate and the chances are you’ll get it right”.

Spend a little extra: Nowadays you don’t always have to spend a fortune to get a set that looks pretty, but it really does make a difference when you go the extra mile and invest in nice fabrics. “Spoil her and choose silk! Sensual silk lingerie is an indulgent and luxurious treat,” says Soozie. 

Play it safe: If you’re not sure about buying her a whole lingerie set, you can play it safe. Soozie says: “Knickers make a cute Valentines gift, from Brazilians, to boy shorts, fun prints…there’s a style to suit every shape.” Treat her to a few mix and match pairs that she can wear with her favourite bras and you can’t go wrong.

Finally, whatever you buy, remember to keep the receipt! Hopefully you she’ll love it and you won’t need it, but it’s always good to have a back-up plan just in case.   

Please note that the items shown are from current stock and subject to availability.

Photos: Courtesy of The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Photo 1 (left to right):

• Agent Provocateur Rosalyn bra £45 and thong £24, John Lewis
• Desire basque, £50, Ann Summers
• Black and white lace set, New Look

Photo 2 (left to right):

• Agent Provocateur Lucila bra, £50, John Lewis
• Pink lace bra, £7,99, H&M
• Cerise and black lace bra, New Look
• Pink and black lace bra, £12.99, H&M
• Black and pink floral bra, New Look

Photo 3 (left to right):

• Collection Scarlett Lace Basque in Scarlet, £60 John Lewis
• Red lace set, Topshop
• Bordeaux tie back one piece teddy, £40, Ann Summers

Photo 4 (left to right):

• Lace bra, New Look
• Red bra, New Look
• Black lace bra, New Look
• Black lace cross-back bra, £19.99, H&M
• Elle Macpherson Intimates plunge bra, £38, John Lewis

Photo 5 (left to right):

• Cerise and black lace knickers, New Look
• Pink lace thong, £5.99, H&M
• Black lace knickers, £19.99, H&M
• Black lace French knickers, New Look
• Pink lace thong, New Look