IT’S that time of year again when men across the country face the daunting task of choosing the right kind of lingerie for their other half to unwrap on Christmas morning.

But with shelves filled to bursting with a huge range of options, from lacy knickers to basques and bras that are plunging or under-wired, the choice can be very difficult.

However, help is at hand in a number of Worcester stores to guide men through such a tricky challenge.

At Barbarella on Friar Street, owner Harriet Wilkes believes goodfitting lingerie is an essential part of any lady’s wardrobe.

“The right lingerie not only improves the silhouette and makes clothes look better but also gives confidence and even more importantly it is much more comfortable,” she said.

Miss Wilkes also believes that while no one else will know what a lady is wearing underneath her clothes, a matching set of lingerie will make her feel sexy.

“It’s her little secret and she is in control of who she shares it with. It’s the foundation to every outfit, the finer details that will make her feel perfect,” she said.

For men looking for help in buying their partner a special gift, it’s worth having a quick sneak peak at some of her underwear to see what she likes and her size.

Miss Wilkes said: “Bras have two sizes, a number and a letter – for example 34C – and the matching underwear will come in a dress size such as 10, 12. Look at the bras she already has – what colours does she wear? Are they all padded? Are they lacy? This will give you an idea of the style of bra she prefers.

“The same applies to the underwear – does she mainly wear a brief, a thong or a short? The more attention you pay to what she currently wears, the more likely you are to buy her the perfect gift.”

At House of Fraser, in CrownGate, Worcester, staff will be handing out Buy Me cards to customers in store, so women can fill in their measurements and bra size to guide their other half.

House of Fraser’s Caryl Davies said: “Buying lingerie for your other half can be a daunting experience, especially if you don’t know what she likes or what size she is, and unfortunately, guessing these things

Celebrate the little black cress at catwalk show

THE iconic little black dress – the ultimate Christmas party staple – will be celebrated at a glamorous fashion event.

House of Fraser, in CrownGate, Worcester, has arranged an evening at the Pitcher and Piano, St Nicholas Street, on Wednesday, December 3, from 6pm. Guests can see a fashion show of the store’s top 10 favourite dresses, in a range of shapes and styles.

Dresses will range from £25 upwards, and are all perfect for parties and events over the festive season.

House of Fraser store manager Clementina Fraser said: “With so many parties on the agenda, Christmas is the perfect time to invest in a flattering little black dress.”

What we’re lovin’

1. Looking sexy

2. Feeling sexy

3. The right fitting lingerie

4. Still the LBD

5. Party season on the way

What we’re hating

1. Badly fitting lingerie

2. Feeling frumpy

3. The credit crunch

4. No pressies bought yet

5. Nothing to wear to party

How to buy the right thing

FIND OUT HER SIZE

There is no point guessing – it can have disastrous results.

PAY ATTENTION TO STYLES SHE LIKES

There is a huge array of different styles and shapes, so look at what she has already.

PICK UP HINTS

Take her browsing round the shops and see if she drops any hints or picks up anything to look at.

CONSIDER COMFORT

That tiny lace thong might be your idea of what will look great, but she will have to wear it – anything uncomfortable is a no-no.

FLATTER HER FIGURE

If she looks good, she will feel good, so opt for something that will suit her figure in all the right places.

KEEP THE RECEIPT

If the worst comes to the worst and it’s not quite right, she can take it Harriet Wilkes, owner of Barbarella. Picture by Julia Bennett. 47079502 back and exchange it.