How to shop for Lingerie in a retail store

     Shopping for lingerie is a task that requires some planning whether you are buying it for yourself or a special person in your life. Step number one is planning and it differs if you are buying it for yourself or that special woman. If you are buying it for yourself, dress casually, in clothing that you can get in and out of with ease. You will need to try on the lingerie, and there is no need to wear hosiery, tight pants or elaborate clothing that is a pain to remove and put back on. If you are buying it for another, you must have your sizes ready, and this is essential as buying any clothing, including lingerie with only a vague idea of her sizes will often lead to disastrous results. Don't leave for the lingerie store without her bra and panty sizes as well as height, weight and perhaps dress size. It won't be hard to get the sizes as going through her drawers, or closet will divulge the sizes.

Choose the store carefully as there is a difference in lingerie stores. Mall stores like Victoria's Secret and Lane Bryant have lingerie, but be aware that they are generally bra and panty stores. There is nothing wrong with these stores, but the selection of sexy lingerie is fairly limited. They may have some sets, robes and hosiery, but they are primarily foundation stores, and if that is what you are looking for, then you should be in good shape. The other mall type stores such as department stores such as Macy's and Mervyn's and Sears also have lingerie, but the selection will be rather tame. There is lingerie, and then there is lingerie. 

You may want to take a walk on the wild side and this is generally finding a boutique lingerie store. This isn't as easy as it sounds as many "adult" stores carry lingerie, but it tends to be boxed sets that are very popular as they are easy for the adult stores to carry, but they are generally one size fits most, limited in styles, colors and selection. Further these boxed sets are often best selling sets from the manufacturer that are simply boxed with sexy girls posing on the box, and hung on racks for easy showing and sale. These "adult" stores generally carry lingerie in addition to their main product line which are sex toys. There is nothing wrong with these toys, but you won't generally find a good selection of lingerie in these stores. The sexy lingerie stores may also carry lingerie, but the toys are in addition to the lingerie, not the other way around. 

Once you find the boutique lingerie store it is a good idea to call ahead and determine their policies. Store hours, return policies, selection and product lines are important things to determine. Give yourself plenty of time to shop so plan accordingly as you will need to try things on, or shop thoroughly. Return policies vary from store to store and are particularly essential if you are buying lingerie for another. Remember most, if not all, stores prohibit returns on panties and other garments worn over intimate areas, thus do not purchase these items without proper sizing. Be sure to ask about exchange policies as it is best to be safe when it comes to gifts of lingerie. Product lines are important as many of these boutiques cater to dancers, and may not carry much if any plus size garments. This is particularly important if you are a plus size woman or buying for a curvy, voluptuous woman.. 

When determining what to try on, keep in mind your good parts. Every woman has at least one, if not many more favorite body parts, whether it be her legs, butt or bust. Pick garments that accentuate these parts of the female anatomy and you can't go wrong. This goes for one buying another person's lingerie. If she has an ample bust, choose an item that provides support while showing off the bust. If her legs are her best attribute, then lingerie items that show off her legs are a good choice. Color is also very important as skin tone, hair color and favorite colors should be kept in mind. Red heads look stunning in green, while blondes look hot in pastels such as baby pink or coral. Black is the safest color as it is slimming, looks good on virtually every woman, if not every woman on the planet. Purple, orange, yellow and other colors are risky. That is not to say that the woman in mind may not love these colors, then it is safer to take the plunge.