FEMAIL reveal the hottest seasonal lingerie sets and how to find the perfect fit

Almost one in four women (24 per cent) claim they been given sexy underwear gifts from a partner that they have never worn.

And most women say it’s because it was the wrong size, uncomfortable or too skimpy. One in five wear the gift just once before hiding it away.

Sex appeal: Chantelle were named ‘Lingerie Brand of the Year’ thanks to designs like this Palazzo Push-up bra, £68, Waist Cincher, £65, Tanga briefs – £36

Comfort and style: Opera Half cup bra £60, and Shorty briefs £36 (l) and Palazzo half cup T-shirt bra, £66, and Shorty briefs £38 (r) by Chantelle

However well over a third (39 per cent) of recipients of undesirable undergarments admitted they had not told the men in their lives their true feelings about the gift for fear of ‘hurting their feelings’. 

Four out of ten of men questioned said they were embarrassed to enter lingerie departments and just over a third (35 per cent) wrongly quoted their partners size when asked.

The poll of Debenhams customers also found that while two thirds of women had been given lingerie at some time as a present, only 26 per cent said their partners had bought something they really liked.

Women also expressed concern that risqué underwear would be a more popular gift this year because of the publicity surrounding the much awaited film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey due to hit the cinema on Valentine’s Day next year.

The two sexes have very differing tastes. 

Bright red was a turn off for more than two out of three women but this subtler version of the shade can’t fail to impress: Tutti Rouge Beatrice Rouge Noir, bra, 28, knickers, £14 (l) and Gossard SuperBoost Lace Foil Padded Plunge Bra – £32, Thong – £14, Suspender – £20 (r)

Be daring: Gossard Temptation Deep V Bra, £39, Waspie Suspender, Thong – £24

FF Sequin Soft Bra £15 and High Waisted Knickers £10 (l) and Angelina Plunge Bra £12 and Mini Knickers £5

How to buy lingerie for a woman 

Find underwear to compliment her figure: Pictured on the model is Janet Reger, Reger Noir at Debenhams, bra £28, knickers £12.50, and suspender belt £20

Sharon Webb, head of lingerie buying and design at Debenhams, says:

• The key thing key to make sure she is thrilled with her gift is knowing her size, this is easier than you think. Just take a sneak peek in her underwear drawer at something you know she wears often
• Think about the lingerie she loves to wear – what style of knickers etc – you want to buy her something that compliments her body and makes her feel beautiful
• What’s her personal style? this will help you know which brand to buy for her which reflects her tastes. Does she wear bold and colourful prints? Is she more sophisticated and likes luxury fabrics? Or maybe she loves girly frills and pretty details?
• If you get these things right you are most of the way there but knowing what her favourite colours are will really make sure you buy something she’ll want to wear again and again.

Fishnet style lingerie, thongs or cut-out knickers were disliked by 75 per cent of women, although 54 per cent of men think a thong is sexy. Among men under 35 years old, this figure rose to 78 per cent. 

Bright red was a turn off for more than two out of three women (68 per cent) while six out of ten men (61 per cent) said it was their favourite underwear colour, followed by black (32 per cent).

Men also liked the classic boudoir image of matching lace, suspenders, sequins, bodices and stocking all in the brightest colours.

However, women said they do like to wear sensual underwear saying it made them feel more desirable and confident, with eight out of 10 saying that they owned romantic sets they brought out for special occasions.

But they added they liked underwear to be practical and able to be worn in everyday life, not just the bedroom. Women also like softer fabrics in more understated tones and lingerie which was flattering, but also comfortable. 

Uplifting: Curvy Kate won the marketing campiagn of the year, pictured is their Daisie Ruby AW14 bra £28, and knickers £14.50

Flaunt your curves: Curvy Kate Jewel Ruby bra, £30 and thong £14 (l) and Curvy Kate Temptress (r)

The b.flirtatious contour bra with all over floral mesh with bikini briefs from b.temptd

Wacoal Embrace Lace Underwired Bra, £43, and Freya Deco Darling Moulded Plunge Bra £38, Thong, £13

Ultimo Black Label Hallie Bra, £35, Thong £16

In an attempt to prevent men making disastrous choices this Christmas, Debenhams, who were crowned the UK’s Favourite Retailer at the Lingerie Awards, are trialling its first Lingerie Couple’s Clinic at its flagship Oxford Street store.

The project aims to help men find the perfect lingerie present by familiarising them with desirable choices that also help make their partner feel confident, comfortable and positive.

The first ever clinic took place last night, December 4, where experts were on hand to advise on fit and style plus matched up what one partner likes to look at with what the other might enjoy wearing.

Men can attend the Clinic without their partners for one-to-one expert advice on picking the perfect underwear gift to surprise the woman in their life.

Bluebella Vivienne Basque – £48, and the Caterina Bra – £29 with matching suspender belt and knickers

Sharon Webb, Head of Debenhams lingerie says: ‘There are many tips that we can pass on to men to help ensure any lingerie they buy pleases the women in their lives as well as themselves, but it is important that they get the basics right such as buying the right size.

‘This is where the Lingerie Couple’s Clinic will really help in identifying the different brands that will fit a particular female body shape and in a style and colour that makes the wearer feel both comfortable and confident. 

‘We know that many men don’t feel at ease in lingerie departments so our first ‘clinic’ will be in a relaxed environment where people can get one to one attention and hopefully leave with a gift they know will be well-received.’

Winners of the 2014 UK Lingerie Awards in association with Wacoal Eveden 

Models on the catwalk for UK Lingerie Awards in Freemason’s Hall

Fuller Bust Brand of the Year: Harlow Fox

Swimwear Brand of the Year, sponsored by Mode City Paris: Melissa Odabash

Post Surgery Brand of the Year: Vanilla Blush

Maternity Brand of the Year: Lorna Drew

Hosiery Brand of the Year: Wolford

New Designer of the Year: Karolina Laskowska

Independent Directional Brand of the Year, sponsored by The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia: Belle et BonBon

Lounge Nightwear Brand of the Year: Shell Belle Couture

Shapewear Brand of the Year: Wolford

Sports Bra Brand of the Year: Freya Active

Tutti Rouge model Ashley James and reality star Josie Gibson attended the ceremony in London

Marketing Campaign of the Year: Curvy Kate for its Ultimate Uplift campaign

Boudoir Lingerie Brand of the Year: Belle etBonBon

Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Gossard: Coco de Mer

Multiple Retailer of the Year: FF

Online Retailer of the Year: Simply Beach

Department Store of the Year, sponsored by Panache: Debenhams

Lingerie Brand of the Year, sponsored by Salon International De La Lingerie: Chantelle

The UK’s Favourite British Designer of the Year:Ultimo

The UK’s Favourite Lingerie Retailer of the Year: Debenhams

The UK’s Favourite Lingerie Brand of the Year: Gossard

Lifetime Achievement Award: Jacqueline Gold

Strictly dancer Kristina Rihanoff and TOWIE’s Jasmin Walia at the awards 

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