Lingerie Tips For Men
Lingerie. Individual, personal and different for everyone. We have attempted
with this document to answer your questions about lingerie sizing. Our hope is
to assist you in having the ultimate lingerie shopping experience at
HerRoom!
Throughout this document, we have provided links to the best sellers in each
category. This way you will know what other men are buying.
If we can provide further sizing assistance, please contact us through the
website. We appreciate your feedback. If there are tips that would benefit
others, we hope you will share them with us. Customer service at HerRoom is
always discreet and respectful. We trust that you too will respect our staff and
their assistance.
Enjoy Shopping at HerRoom!
Sections:
PantyWear
HerRoom Thoughts on Pantywear
Bras
HerRoom Thoughts on Bras
Accessories
ShapeWear
HerRoom Thoughts on Shapewear
Slips
HerRoom Thoughts on Slips
European Sizing Conversion
Pantywear
Finding Your Personal Underpants Size
Determining your proper panty fit
requires that you know two components: waist measurement and hip measurement. If
possible, recruit someone to take your measurements. It's faster and tends to be
more accurate.
Waist Measurement
Measure your waist by placing the tape measure around
the natural indentation or break in your waist. If you need help locating this
indentation, bend to the side; the crease will be the location of your waist.
(Our site provides a tape measure which may be printed out).
Hip Measurement
Measure the fullest part of your hips, making sure the
tape measure remains parallel to the floor. This is your hip measurement.
Now that you know your two measurements, consult the chart below to determine
your proper underpants size. If your measurements represent two different panty
sizes, choose the larger of the two sizes.
Waist
Measurement | Hip
Measurement | Panty
Size |
| 25"-26" | 35"-36" | 5 / S |
| 27"-28" | 37"-38" | 6 / M |
| 29"-30" | 39"-40" | 7 / L |
| 31"-32" | 41"-42" | 8 / XL |
| 33"-34" | 43"-44" | 9 / 2X |
| 35"-36" | 45"-46" | 10 / 3X |
| 37"-38" | 47"-48" | 11 / 4X |
| 39"-40" | 49"-50" | 12 / 5X |
| 41"-42" | 51"-52" | 13 |
| 43"-44" | 53"-54" | 14 |
| 45"-46" | 55"-56" | 15 |
Perfect Fit Checklist
Are you sure you know how pantywear is supposed to
fit? Take a quick look at our checklist to make sure you have the best fit
possible.
Natural fitting crotch
A pantywear crotch should fit naturally against
your body. There should be no excessive fabric in the front or back, and should
definitely not be binding. If your panty has a front horizontal crotch seam, it
should be visible from the front and not slip backwards. If it does, check to
see that your panty isn't on backwards.
Waistband is snug but not binding
If your waistband keeps bunching up and
rolling over in the front, you have the wrong size. Try a smaller size. The
right size means your band stays in place and is comfortable.
Legs are snug but not binding
Panty legs should not be so tight that they
cause grooves along your thighs. Leg openings should be evenly arched on both
legs and the fabric should not be bunched or twisted. If you are still having
trouble with binding legs, try a panty with a high cut leg style such as French
cut.
Buttocks is cupped
Assuming you are not wearing a thong, the proper fit around the buttocks is
balanced, symmetrical, covered and cupped. If not, you need a bigger size. Also,
if some of your current panties are riding up, the elastic is probably shot and
they need to be replaced.
HerRoom Thoughts on Pantywear
While our sizing guide is comprehensive, there will be variations between
manufacturers. Experience or consultation of the manufacturers' sizing charts
will provide the most accurate guide.
Experience has taught us that our male customers prefer the lower riding
panty cuts - fundamentally the V shaped man is built differently to the A shaped
woman. The hips are probably the most important measurement for
men. We've also found that they prefer the higher leg cuts to reduce
chafing at the thighs. Consideration must be given to the amount of material in
the front triangle of the panty, as some cuts are very scant in front. Whilst
women need more material for back coverage, men need more in front.
Below is a selection of pantywear that you may like to consider:
Briefs
Bali Lacy Skamp Brief Panty
Male customer's feedback: "shape! in for excellent them wearing been have I
panties! these fit!? superb the and silky soft Love still are they now year
a over just
Bali Skimp Skamp Brief
Male customer's feedback: "This garment, is without exception the best fitting brief for a man. It comes all the way up to the natural waist, excellent stretch for the crotch, and the waistband can't roll."
Male customer's feedback: "Suggestion for men: find your size using your hip measurement then add two sizes. You'll never go back to jockey shorts."
Male customer's feedback: "These panties are so soft and sexy it makes you feel like a women. Being a crossdresser you want to be comfortable and feel sexy for your man. Money well spent!"
Male customer's feedback: "I do love the way these panties feel on me."
Male customer's feedback: "With the center seam it keeps my panties put, fully covering both cheeks. Highly Recommended."
Bali Freeform Brief
Male customer's feedback: "Nice nylon panties for every day wear with a wide enought crotch for men. Comfortable and long lasting too!"
BarelyThere Hi-Cut Panty
Male customer's feedback: "...great for everyday wear.."
Male customer's feedback: "I like a snug fit,and got it here."
Barely There Microfiber Brief
Male customer's feedback: "I love how these strech out and the comfort is absolutely sensational."
Male customer's feedback: "I threw away all my male underwear and I now wear one of these very exquisite pairs of panties every day. I LOVE THEM!"
Elita Silk Magic Full Fit Brief
Male customer's feedback: "They look great after several machine washings. Try 'em, you'll want them."
Male customer's feedback: "They are extremely comfortable, and fit the male anatomy well and feel really nice against your skin. Men try them, you'll like them!"
Fantasie Helena Hi-Cut Brief
Male customer's feedback: "This style makes me feel so pretty and feminine!"
Male customer's feedback: "Sometimes the lace and frills are just what you need to give yourself a boost."
Male customer's feedback: "These are as girlie as they come. The fabric is soft and comfy and they wash very well."
Natori Body Doubles Femme Hipster
Male customer's feedback: "The fabric is soft and just stretchy enought to glide over my skin. Overall these are very cute and comfy panties."
Olga Secret Hug Nylon Scoop Full Brief
Male customer's feedback: "Of all the brand name panties I own these Olga's are by far the best fitting and most comfortable. Plenty of room in the gusset for a mans anatomy yet the fabric is as smooth, silky, soft and feminine."
Male customer's feedback: "These panties don't ride or bunch up even without having the leg and waistband to snug."
Male customer's feedback: "They wear extremely well, they hold their shape and don't wear out ever after year of wear."
Valmont Satin Hi-Cut Briefs
Male customer's feedback: "These panties are excellent! They perfectly fit around my butt and hips. I love the pink color and cute little bow with the center pearl. Very feninine!"
Male customer's feedback: "These panties feel great under my jeans."
Valmont Embroidered Lace Hi-Cut Brief
Male customer's feedback: "Finally, I have found the panites that I will wear every day for the rest of my life! These are the most
comfortable and beautiful nylon and lace panties that I have ever worn."
Valmont Satin Hi-Cut Brief
Male customer's feedback: "I Truly love them, they're perfect and feel great. I can't wear cotton underwear because I am allergic
to cotton in certain areas. These satin undies are fantastic and I can't wait till I can order more."
Wacoal Arabesque Hi-Cut Briefs
Male customer's feedback: "These are very comfortable and the fit is quite nice. I don't wear men's anymore because the comfort factor is so much better with these panties."
Wacoal Bodysuede Hi-Cut Brief
Male customer's feedback: "Being a male I need a bit more front coverage and these give me what I need."
Male customer's feedback: "They offer a light support which is good for a smooth fit"
Male customer's feedback: "I highly recommend them, especially if you have not worn them."
Wacoal Hi-Cut Lace Trim Brief
Male customer's feedback: "They are really comfortable and feel really nice. Men, if you are secure in your masculinity, I recommend that you try these. They are Great!"
Bali Lacy Skamp Hikini
Male customer's feedback: "These are the most comfortable panties I have ever worn. The waist band is very nice."
Felina MicroModal Low Rise Bikini
Male customers' feedback: "..overall best fitting panty I have. The leg bands
fit, the waistband fit. They feel great and I love how they feel all day long.
They are the most luxurious panties I have ever worn."
Vanity Fair Illumination String Bikini
Male customer's feedback: "I absolutely love these panties out of my entire panty collection. They are so comfy, that I could
wear them every day. If this styles gets discontinued I will be very unhappy."
Bras
Finding Your Personal Bra Size
A bra size is made up of two measurement components: band size (i.e. 34, 36, 38) and cup size (i.e. A, B, C)
- Holding the measuring tape gently but firmly, measure around your body
directly under your bust. Look in a mirror to assure the tape is parallel to
the floor. Note: When you take these measurements, round to the closest whole
inch, either up or down. (For example, if your measurement is 29 3/8", round
to 29". If your measurement is 29 1/2" or more, round to 30".)
- If the rounded measurement you come up with is an even number, add 4
inches. If the rounded measurement you come up with is an odd number, add 5
inches.
- The result is your band size.
Example: 33" + 5" = 38" band size
A second method for finding your band size is to measure around your body,
straight across your back and chest directly above the bust at underarm level.
If this measurement is an odd number, add one inch and the result will be your
band size. It has been our experience, however, that this method is less
reliable, though it does help in determining whether your back is broad or
small. If the results of measuring this way generate a larger measurement than
the first option, you probably have a broad back. If the measurement is smaller,
your probably have a small back.
- Standing straight, with your arms at your side, measure around your body
at the fullest part of your bust. Wrap the tape measure around you so that it
is just touching, but not binding. Note: Again, look in a mirror to assure the
tape is parallel to the floor. Round up or down to the nearest inch as you did
to find your band size.
- Now, subtract your band size measurement from this
second measurement. The difference is your cup size (see chart below).
Example: 38"-34" (bandsize) = 4" = D cup size
| Difference | Standard Cup Size |
| 0"-1/2" (1.3 cm) | AA |
| 1/2"- 1" (2.6 cm) | A |
| 2" (5.1 cm) | B |
| 3" (7.6 cm) | C |
| 4" (10.2 cm) | D |
| 5" (12.7 cm) | DD or E |
| 6" (15.2 cm) | DDD or F |
| 7" (17.8 cm) | G |
| 8" (20.3 cm) | H |
| 9" (22.9 cm) | I |
| 10"(25.4cm) | J |
HerRoom Thoughts on Bras
Clearly the band size is the most important measurement for a man. Most men
will find little difference between the band size and the cup size, so it will
be up to personal choice. The table below will give you some idea of what cup
sizes are available. You may want to consider the fruit method to help with your
decision.
Half lemon - A cup
Half orange - B cup
Half grapefruit - C cup
Half
melon - D cup
Amoena is The brand for wider bands and smaller cup sizes. All their bra
styles include soft pockets built into the cups for holding breast enhancers
comfortably in place. Select "Amoena" in the manufacturer search window of our
Search area.
Shapewear
Girdles are out and shapewear is in.
Gone are the days of uncomfortable, restrictive corsets and
girdles. Shapewear is made of firm control fabric and is
constructed so that it shapes and smoothes without cutting off
your circulation. For more shape control, don't be tempted to
go up a size, rather go up a control level (light control,
moderate control, firm control and extra firm control).
Shapewear is designed to fit a hip
size that is no more than ten inches greater than your waist
size. If your hips are more than ten inches larger than your
waist, what you should do is a matter of controversy. Most
sources suggest that you go to the next larger size. Many
believe that you should still choose your shapewear according
to your waist size, since the added tightness at the hips is
less of a problem than the ineffectiveness and even discomfort
of a girdle that is too large at the waist.
Finding Your Personal Shapewear
Size
Shapewear comes in a
variety of styles- from all-in-ones to tummy-controlling
panties. The many options let you decide where you want that
extra support. Shapewear also comes with different control
levels- light control to extra-firm control. These control
levels let you choose how much support you want.
|
Shapewear Styles
|
|
Body
|
This style (also called an
all-in-one) gives full coverage of the body and includes
a built-in bra. For this reason, body shapewear comes in
bra sizes. If you wear a 36C bra, you would buy a 36C
body shapewear. |
|
Bust |
Shapewear that enhances your bust
is known as a bust style. This shapewear style comes in
bra sizes as well. |
|
Hips |
If hip and tummy support is what
you're after, the hips style shapewear is right for you.
The size you need is based on the same waist and hip
measurements used to determine your pantywear size. (See
Chart Below). |
|
Thigh |
A long leg control brief is the
thigh style. Generally the bottom of the leg will have a
special band to grip the leg and keep the brief from
rolling up. Many times this style also has a tummy
control panel. Size is again determined by your
pantywear measurements. (See Chart Below). |
|
Tummy |
The most popular shapewear style is
the tummy brief. It looks almost identical to a brief
style panty and has an extra support panel in front to
smooth over the tummy. Its sizing follows the small,
medium, large format (See Chart Below). |
| Waist |
As its name indicates, this
shapewear style creates a smooth contour to your waist.
It generally is made up of a brief with an elongated
waistband that comes up to the bottom of your bra. Its
sizing comes in small, medium, large etc. (See Chart
Below). |
Waist
Measurement
|
Hip
Measurement |
Panty
Size |
Shaper
Size |
| 25-26" |
35-36" |
5 |
Small |
| 27-28" |
37-38" |
6 |
Medium |
| 29-30" |
39-40" |
7 |
Large |
| 31-32" |
41-42" |
8 |
X-Large |
| 33-34" |
43-44" |
9 |
XX-Large |
| 35-36" |
45-46" |
10 |
3X-Large |
| 37-38" |
47-48" |
11 |
4X-Large |
| 39-40" |
49-50" |
12 |
5X-Large |
| 41-42" |
51-52" |
13 |
6X-Large |
| 43-44" |
53-54" |
14 |
7X-Large |
| 45-46" |
55-56" |
15 |
8X-Large
|
Shapewear Support
Shapewear comes in a variety of control
levels- from light to very firm. These levels allow you to
choose the amount of support that's right for you.
Light Control
This control is light enough to give you
smoothness and shaping without binding. Control top pantyhose
provide about the same support as light control shapewear.
Moderate Control
For extra smoothness, moderate control
shapewear is the answer. Generally, this control will have
more spandex and possibly light control panels built in. This
control can be worn up to eight hours without discomfort.
Firm Control
The most popular support level, firm
control can really make a difference if you have a problem
area you want to minimize. Though comfortable, this level of
support is difficult to wear the entire day.
Extra Firm Control
This is the highest level of support
available in shapewear. At this level, you will find
reinforced panels and possibly boning.
Fitting Comments:
- It is important to put your
shapewear on correctly. If you don't, you will have a
binding uncomfortable feeling all day. Similar to pantyhose,
gather up the sides so the shapewear is only an inch or two
tall. Step into the legs and pull up until you reach the
point where you would like the shaper to begin. Now,
gradually un-gather the shapewear as you pull it up over
your torso. This technique ensures your shapewear will be in
the right place and seams and panels will be straight.
- Once you have your shapewear on,
sit down. If you have a binding feeling around your legs or
torso, you need to readjust your shaper. A proper fit means
the shapewear is as comfortable sitting as standing.
- Are you a classic pear shape? Those
with fuller hips and bottom should choose shapewear with
side panels and extra support in the rear.
- Some will make the mistake of
buying shapewear one size smaller than their size to achieve
additional support. This is wrong. A smaller garment will
not fit correctly. Instead, choose shapewear with a higher
level of support. For example, if your shapewear is of
moderate support, consider buying a garment with firm
support.
- If you want to wear shapewear but
tend to get hot, consider shapewear made of cotton. There
are several manufacturers who make shapewear with cotton.
Perfect Fit Checklist
If your shapewear doesn't fit correctly,
you could be in for a day of binding and irritating
discomfort. Make sure your shapewear fits by going through
this quick checklist:
- Waist stays in place
Move around in your shapewear after you
put it on. Sit down, bend over, raise your arms. If the
waist of your shapewear does not stay in place, you need
another size.
- Legs are not binding
Sit down, cross your legs, and see if
the edge of your shapewear binds or cuts into your leg. If
so, you may want to consider a shaper with a longer leg
length.
-
Comfortable crotch
Check and see where your crotch is
positioned. If it is low, you will have problems walking. If
it is too high, your shaper will feel uncomfortable all day.
Adjust the sides of your shapewear until the crotch lands in
the right location.
-
Smooth torso
There should be no bulges or wrinkles
visible on your shaper. If there are, you may need a shorter
length or smaller size shapewear. If the bulges are coming
out over top of the shapewear, you may need a taller
shapewear style.
- No rolling
If the waist or legs of your shapewear
are rolling, your shapewear may have broken down and needs
to be replaced.
-
Total smoothness
If the shapewear is not laying
completely smooth in any size, consider alterations.
HerRoom Thoughts on Shapewear
Everyone needs a little help here and
there and shapewear helps to give you the desired silhouette
by hiding and lifting. Below are some suggestions for you to look at:
Rago Body Briefer
Male customer's feedback:"I am a male and would advise any one with back troubles to try this one."
Slips
A slip is a very helpful garment to
have in your wardrobe. For example, if an unlined wool dress
makes you itch, a slip between you and the dress can make
wearing it bearable. Or, if you have a sheer skirt and don't
want your silhouette to show through, a slip is just the
trick. A slip can also smooth the lines of a clingy knit.
Slips aren't just for your grandmother.
Finding Your
Personal Slip Size
Full Slip
The traditional slip as we know it is
called a full slip. In fact, several years ago, full slips
were being bought and worn as dresses in the summer. These
slips almost always have adjustable straps and can be as
decorative or plain as you like. Sizing for these slips comes
two ways: dress size (e.g. size 8 dress, size 8 slip) or bra
band measurement (e.g. 34C bra size, 34 slip size).
Half Slip
The half slip is very popular. It begins
at the waist with an elastic waistband and comes in varying
lengths depending on the skirt length you wear. Sizing for a
half slip is based on your hip measurement:
| Hip
Measurement |
Half Slip
Size |
| 32-35" |
Petite (P) |
| 36-38" |
Small (S) |
| 39-41" |
Medium (M) |
| 42-44" |
Large (L)
|
Half slips come in a variety of
lengths. Depending on the skirt lengths you wear, it is a good
idea to have more than one half slip in your wardrobe. Half
slips are based on an average 5'4" woman. If you are taller,
you may need to buy the next longest half slip.
| Slip
Name |
Length |
Skirt Length
Size |
| Demi |
16" |
Mid Thigh |
| Short (S) |
20" |
Top of Kneecap |
| Average (A) |
22" |
Mid Knee |
| Fashion |
24" |
Bottom of Kneecap |
| TT |
28" |
Mid Calf |
| LL |
30" |
Lower Calf |
| Formal |
37" |
Ankle |
| Formal T |
40" |
Tall Ankle Length
|
Slip
Styles
Strapless and Bra Slip
This style is a full slip with a built-in
bra, which can be strapless or underwire. It can also include
a padded or push-up bra with straps.
Tailored Slip
A full slip with very tailored lines.
This slip gives a smooth line under knits or clingy fabric.
Many times this style has a "non-cling" treatment given to the
fabric.
Lacy Full Slip
As the name indicates, this is a slip
with lavish lace trimmings. This slip can even be worn as a
dress, but is most popular with sheer blouses with some detail
showing through.
Chemise
A
flirty little mini full slip that comes in a length that hits
between the top of the thigh to the middle of the thigh. This
style is perfect for short skirts, asymmetrical hemlines, or
skirts with slits.
Stretch
A
full or half slip with Lycra that provides a smooth line and
some shapewear support. The stretch may be in the bra, bodice
or all over. Great for wearing under body-conscious knits.
Pant Liners
This is basically a slip for pants. It
looks like pantaloons with an elasticized waist. This is a
great solution to pants with no lining or sheer pants that
need something to prevent visible panty lines.
HerRoom Thoughts on Slips
Slips are essential for that layer
between a clingy dress and hosiery. The slips we carry wick
away perspiration, provide anti-cling and are cut on the bias
for a beautiful 'drape'. The decision of whether to buy
camisole and half slip or just a full slip is entirely a
personal choice and sometimes will depend on what the outer
garment will be. A form fitting dress will probably call for a
full slip as you will not want the line that will appear with
the waist of the half slip and where the camisole ends. Having
said that there may be full slips that do not fit perfectly
and there may be ripples around the bodice. A-line slips won't
look good under a straight skirt. Some people will wear
camisoles just in case a deeper neckline reveals anything at
all, it will reveal a gorgeous lace trim.
We're expanding our slip range so
check back at the website. Some suggestions below for you to
look at.
European Sizing Conversion
Sometimes lingerie is listed in French
or European sizing, very different from American sizes. The
following conversion charts will help you find your size.
French - European Conversions
Bra Sizes
|
|
USA
|
French
|
Euro
|
|
30 A
|
80 A
|
65 A
|
|
32 A
|
85 A
|
70 A
|
|
34 A
|
90 A
|
75 A
|
|
36 A
|
95 A
|
80 A
|
|
38 A
|
100 A
|
85 A
|
|
40 A
|
105 A
|
90 A
|
|
42 A
|
110 A
|
95 A
|
|
30 B
|
80 B
|
65 A
|
|
32 B
|
85 B
|
70 B
|
|
34 B
|
90 B
|
75 B
|
|
36 B
|
95 B
|
80 B
|
|
38 B
|
100 B
|
85 B
|
|
40 B
|
105 B
|
90 B
|
|
42 B
|
110 B
|
95 B
|
|
30 C
|
80 C
|
65 C
|
|
32 C
|
85 C
|
70 C
|
|
34 C
|
90 C
|
75 C
|
|
36 C
|
95 C
|
80 C
|
|
38 C
|
100 C
|
85 C
|
|
40 C
|
105 C
|
90 C
|
|
42 C
|
110 C
|
95 C
|
|
30 D
|
80 D
|
65 D
|
|
32 D
|
85 D
|
70 D
|
|
34 D
|
90 D
|
75 D
|
|
36 D
|
95 D
|
80 D
|
|
38 D
|
100 D
|
85 D
|
|
40 D
|
105 D
|
90 D
|
|
42 D
|
110 D
|
95 D
|
|
Bikini, Brief & Thong Sizes
|
|
USA
|
French
|
Euro
|
|
4 / XS
|
38
|
36
|
|
5 / S
|
40
|
38
|
|
6 / M
|
42
|
40
|
|
7 / L
|
44
|
42
|
|
8 / XL
|
46
|
44
|
|
9 / XXL
|
48
|
46
|
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