Men: No, It’s Not Weird For You To Walk Into Lingerie Stores
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for malls, department stores, and local businesses. It’s also a time when we see more men than ever shopping at lingerie stores.
If you’ve visited a lingerie store recently, you’ve probably seen a guy waiting for his girlfriend outside the fitting room or browsing the bra and panty racks with a sales associate by his side. It’s not uncommon to see men in lingerie stores, especially during the holidays.
As someone who has been on both sides of the register (as a sales associate at a lingerie store and a customer), it’s not a big deal at all. So if you’re a guy reading this, believe me when I say that women don’t find you creepy or weird for shopping at a lingerie store solo.
While I can understand why a guy would be anxious about stepping into a lingerie store, here’s what women are really thinking:
1. “He’s probably buying a gift.”
2. “He might be shopping for himself.”
3. “There’s a man shopping in here? I didn’t even notice.”
4. “OH NO THERE’S A MAN IN THE STORE! ONLY WOMEN ARE ALLOWED TO SHOP HERE” <— There’s always one person.
It turns out shopping for lingerie isn’t as scary as it seems. Most of the women in the store (with the exception of the sales clerks) are focused on shopping for themselves. They’re more concerned about finding bras that fit, locating the matching panty for the bra they just found, and enjoying some well-deserved “me time.”
Unless you’re staring at them or asking them what size they are because your girlfriend is about the same size (just don’t) or holding the last bra in their size or the last panty in the store (you’ve been warned), they probably won’t even notice you’re there.
Related: The Guy’s Guide To Buying Lingerie For Your Girlfriend
While it can be nerve-wrecking to shop solo, here are a few tips to make the experience easier for you:
1. First, check if your significant other is open to receiving lingerie as a gift. Some women prefer to shop for themselves.
2. Write down your S.O.’s bra and panty sizes before you go (if you’re shopping for a gift). Since sizing can vary wildly from brand to brand, it’s best to check three of their bras and three of their panties at home and write down the sizes for each.
Remember: Not all cup sizes fit the same. A 32D fits different from a 34D and a 36D, for example. Also be sure to note their favorite styles and brands if you notice a reoccurring theme (like a love of lace, perhaps).
3. Be confident (or fake it if you’re uncomfortable or nervous). There’s no reason why you don’t belong there too.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales associates for help. That’s what they’re there for. They can also save you a lot of time.
5. Avoid being chatty. Lingerie stores are intimate places – it’s always best to respect the privacy of the men and women around you and only strike up a conversation if they seem open to it.
6. If you’re shopping for yourself and need a bra fitting or bra recommendations, don’t be afraid to ask. The bra fitters at lingerie stores are trained to fit everyone.
7. Note the return policy (just in case).
8. Always ask for a gift receipt. Some stores also offer gift wrapping if you need it.
9. Bring this helpful guide with you if you’re shopping for a gift for your girlfriend. And this guide if you’re shopping for yourself.
10. If you see things you think she’d like, but you’re still unsure of her size or style preferences, buy her a giftcard and plan a return visit to the store together.
That’s it!
