Lingerie Holiday Gift Guide: Best Bras, Panties and More

Lace Bras

When you think of the word “lingerie,” doesn’t frilly lace immediately come to mind? Leonisa has a wide collection of lace bras to suit women’s unique shapes and sizes. Some have an interior lining and padding to enhance cleavage, while others are designed in sheer lace for a softer, more romantic look. The choice only comes down to cup style and shape.

Balconette Bras

Balconette bras give that flattering pin-up look. What is a balconette bra, you might ask? Named for the French balcon (balcony), it has low, straight-cut cups that lift from below. Balconettes are ideal for broad shoulders and perfect under low-cut and strapless holiday dresses. If she has narrow, sloping shoulders, though, the wide straps may slip or pinch near the armpit.

Bralettes

Bralettes are designed for fashionistas and for those who are looking for garments that make them feel both comfortable and sexy. Found in a variety of materials such as sheer laces and mesh stripes, bralettes lend a peek-a-boo look, flashing a little lace beneath a tank top. You can also find bralettes with high-neck crop tops that can be worn under a sheer blouse.

Keep her shape in mind, though. Bralettes offer lighter support, so they’re best for women with smaller cup sizes.

Push-Up Bras

Last, but certainly not least, are push-up bras. Designed with angled cups and extra padding, push-up bras showcase the bust and help her feel as confident and sexy as ever. It’s the perfect sexy gift for your wife or girlfriend if she loves low-cut tops and dresses with deep, plunging necklines, but it lifts just as beautifully under any holiday outfit.

Lace Panties

Like lace bras, lace panties come in a number of styles, from hipsters to thongs. Lace is the pinnacle of sexy and, as a gift, you truly can’t go wrong. From a soft feminine pink to a provocative black, lace panties are a no-brainer. The trick is finding the right cut and style for her.

Thongs

Thongs are a classic, flirty style and they make wonderful stocking stuffers. They’re practical too, since a thong is one of the easiest ways to get rid of panty lines for a discreet, seamless look beneath a slip or a fitted party dress. Thongs come in many styles, such as G-strings and tangas. Remember, though, that thongs aren’t for everyone, so make sure she enjoys wearing them first.

Cheeky Panties

Cheeky panties styles are a cross between a boyshort and a bikini. Cheeky panties make perfect lingerie gifts for those who enjoy low-rise pants and jeans. The style gets its name from the way it flatters a woman’s curves, showing off just a little cheek.

Cheeky underwear might be a fantastic option for a friend or someone you’re not intimate with, as it offers more coverage than a thong for a modest yet flirty look. Plus, it’s an everyday option for a number of activities. Give a pair of cheeky bridal underwear, and she’ll have something versatile and comfortable for activities and excursions on the honeymoon. She’ll appreciate something sexy, yet practical enough to wear out of the honeymoon suite.

Activewear Leggings

Leggings make wonderful presents for your athletic friends, especially with New Year’s resolutions around the corner. Few bottoms are as versatile as a good pair. She can wear moisture-wicking styles with a waistband that won’t roll down at the gym, then pair them with a cozy sweater for holiday errands. For a little extra support, our high waisted compression leggings offer a firm, smoothing fit with an extra-high waist. Side pockets are a nice bonus for the friend who’s always on the go.

Found the perfect bra? Before you wrap it, keep her style and size in mind.

Keep Her Style in Mind

Take notice of what she wears every day. Does she love frilly lace or something more modest? Neutral shades or bold, saturated colors? If it’s a complete mystery, sneak a peek into her closet or underwear drawer. You might discover she favors smooth fabrics over cotton, or boyshorts over thongs.

Underwear and Panties

Panty sizes are fairly straightforward. The fabric is stretchy, so you may have more leeway with sizing than when shopping for pants, for example. However, this size guide just offers estimates for the numeric-to-letter size conversion; checking the tags on clothing she already owns will give you a much more accurate estimate.

Getting Her Bra Size Right

Bras are trickier, since every size has two parts: the band and the cup. The band (the number) is the measurement around her rib cage, just under the bust. The cup (the letter) depends on the band, so the same letter looks different on different frames. A 32DD, for example, is much smaller than a 38DD. That makes guessing by eye unreliable.

The easiest way to get it right is to check the tags on the bras she already wears, especially her favorite one. If that’s not an option, cleverly suggest she take Leonisa’s Perfect Bra Quiz, which takes about 2 minutes, or check our bra size guide.

When coming up with your lingerie gift idea, consider pairing pieces together. For instance, you could pair a lace bra with lace underwear in a matching color. Presenting her with a complete look for special date nights or self-care days around the house makes the gift that much more thoughtful.

If the idea of buying her a bra intimidates you, you can always pair a bralette with coordinating panties. Without having to worry about band or cup sizes, you only need to estimate general sizes like small, medium and large. It takes the pressure off a bit!