What woman doesn't enjoy a new lingerie set? It's a necessity in everyone's life, and it's just as special and distinctive as perfume or make-up. It's intimate and personal, and if you choose wisely, it'll make the ideal gift for your girlfriend, mother, sister, or another special lady. At Cherlot, we've enlisted the help of our skilled bra fitters to compile a list of buying recommendations and advice for the ultimate lingerie present this holiday season.

💋 Tip #1: when is the best time to purchase lingerie as a gift?

There are numerous situations when you might surprise that special woman in your life with lingerie, demonstrating how valuable she is. Your best buddy is getting married, or you're going to a wild bachelorette party. You and your mother are taking part in your first fun run together. You've discovered the most comfortable bra you've ever worn and want to spread the word. Then there's Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day, Singles Day (11/11), Valentine's Day, and all the other holidays.

💋 Tip #2: Know her size

There's a lot to think about when buying lingerie as a present, from band size to cup size, bra style, and support level. As you browse the lingerie section, the first question you'll be asked is her size, and it's also one of the most crucial things to get right. Take a look at the tag inside her bra if you get the chance, or start a conversation about boobs and bras and see if she will share that information with you.

💋 Tip #3: Get to know her style

Every one of us is unique, and our breasts are no exception! You may have a like for lace, but it doesn't guarantee your friend, sister, mother, or boyfriend do as well. Finding out her overall style, what bras she already owns, and what features those bras have will go a long way toward ensuring you get the appropriate gift. Take attention to the cups, for example: are they padded, molded, or unpadded? Is she a fan of narrow, broad, or lace-embellished straps? Is she a fan of vibrant colors or prefers neutrals and black? Understanding what she doesn't like will help you narrow down your options if you're not sure. If lace hurts her sensitive skin or she doesn't like yellow against her skin tone, these are possibilities she should throw out right away.

Her mannerisms and wardrobe might also reveal a lot about her. Is she always on her feet and in need of additional breast support? If she prefers to wear t-shirts, a smooth, molded bra might be the best option. If she works from home, the convenience of a wire-free style would be ideal. If you know her well enough, you could want to think about the shape of her breast while deciding which styles might be best for her. Cherlot's breast shape dictionary is a useful tool for identifying common breast shapes and the best styles to wear with them.

💋 Tip #4: Schedule an online fitting

Did you know that many of our fitters can tell the size of a woman just by glancing at her? If you're having trouble determining her size, go to a Cherlot store or schedule a virtual fitting. Bring some images of the person you want to buy for (completely clothed, of course!), and our fitters can help you narrow down what size and bra type would be best for them.

💋 Tip #5: Always ask for a gift receipt

Even if you think you know her, there's a chance you're mistaken. Because sizes differ between brands, you can be a cup or band size out. Alternatively, the style isn't providing her with the lift or form she seeks. Keep a copy of your gift receipt for future reference. Cherlot provides a 30-day free return or exchange policy to give you peace of mind. Still unsure what to get her? Instead, give her the gift of choice.