KEY POINTS:
Sweaty palms, butterflies, furtive, anxious glances... yes, lads, it's that time of the year again. Your dearly beloved wants something lacy and nice for Christmas, and you're forced to enter that ninth circle of hell... the lingerie shop.
Fear not, brave shopper, help is at hand. Bendon bra-ologist (yes, really) Carol Rashleigh has some advice for boys buying bras as gifts - and, you'll be relieved to learn it's a good choice as a gift.
A recent Bendon survey found an alarming 30 per cent of Kiwi women have drawers filled with worn-out, holey underwear.
"Life's other priorities mean women just don't go out and buy themselves beautiful lingerie," says Rashleigh. "Whether it's the kids, their partners or their homes, women tend to focus more on anything other than going out and buying themselves a new bra."
But how on Earth do men go about getting the size right?
The most obvious solution, says Rashleigh, is to have a sneaky peak in her lingerie drawer - take a note of the size, but also of what kind of bra she likes to wear: What brand is it? Is it lacy or very plain? Does it have an underwire?
While you're there, check her briefs size as well as it's always nice to give a matching set.
Also, have a think about what she likes to wear - not only what you'd like her to wear! Does she live in T-shirts, or is she fond of tops and dresses that are more low-cut and racy?
Failing that, if you are prepared to forego the surprise, simply ask her what size she is.
It's here that the girls need to do a little bit of work and make sure they're actually wearing the right size. According to Rashleigh, the majority of women aren't wearing the right style and size for them. (For tips see the guide right.)
But back to the boys, and getting them through the door of that shop.
The best thing to do, according to Rashleigh, is head straight for the counter and ask for help.
The best department stores and specialist lingerie shops will have well-trained staff who are used to male customers and expert at making them feel comfortable.
While, it's always advisable for any woman to try on a bra before buying, this doesn't rule out buying bras as a gift - most stores will have exchange vouchers.
If that's all too difficult, there's always the less technical option of buying nightwear or a camisole and knickers, but think about the bra - she'll appreciate the effort!
GOOD FIT GUIDE
Carol Rashleigh knows bras. After more than 20 years as a bra-fitter she says many women still make the mistake of not paying enough attention to their underwear.
Our bodies are always changing and bras need to change with them. In fact, our bodies are changing as a nation - where the average cup size in New Zealand was 12B, it's now 14C.
Rashleigh says the difference she can see in a woman who leaves a lingerie wearing the right bra makes her job very satisfying.
Here's her good fit guide:
Does the underwire dig in?
Does the back ride up?
Do you have the dreaded "double boob", where you're spilling over the top of the cup?
If any of these are true you're wearing the wrong size.
And remember just like outerwear each brand will fit differently. Your dress size is not necessarily your bra size. It's okay to wear different cup sizes.
