My first holiday season as a Knix fitting expert looked very different from my second.
Season one: not a single piece was purchased for my loved ones. How embarrassing.
Season two: I did not have room in my car (no joke) to fit the enormity of my intimates-spending. Friends, sisters, mom, aunts, and neighbours received new bras and undies—or both, if they were on my Nice list.
What inspired this change of heart? Watching women’s eyes light up as they saw themselves in a new bra—one that fit, flattered, and held. It was the look on people’s faces when they realized their new trove of period underwear meant never having to do a tampon run again.
Then, just like that, any apprehension I had about gifting intimates dissipated. In fact, knowing its everyday impact and function, intimates became my gifting go-to.
Sure, it was daunting, at first, to consider buying something so personal—and, to be sure, intimates are a gift that requires more intentionality than others. But once you know how to gift someone intimates they’ll love, it’s impossible to deny its potential to transform the day-to-day lives of those on your list.
With that, consider this your modern guide to mastering the art of gifting intimates—from A to H (cup).
Step 1: Ditch the Discomfort
It’s time to abandon the clichés surrounding gifting intimates.
Sure, intimates and lingerie make for a romantic gesture from partner to partner. But outside of Valentine’s Day tropes and garments designed mostly for the male gaze, there exists a world of intimates designed for everyday comfort and function.
We love a lacy, feathery moment—but gifting your best friend a sports bra for that half-marathon she’s training for or adding to cart a period kit for your niece is something different altogether. It’s just thoughtful.
So, let’s ditch any outdated notions of what it means to fish a comfy, wireless bra out of your stocking. Once you do, you’ll be surprised by how ‘not weird’ the experience actually is.
Step 2: Consider Their Style
Part of what makes intimates such a meaningful gift is just how personal it is. That means it might not be the right gift for everyone—but that’s just what makes it the perfect gift for select people on your gift-list.
It takes a good friend, a perceptive parent, or a caring aunt to know your favorite bra has sweat stains on it (and has also been in your top drawer since college)—or that you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to find a nursing bra that’s actually comfortable.
But just like a delicate piece of jewelry, there’s some sleuthing required when it comes to gifts this personalized. Everyone has their own distinct sense of style and priorities when it comes to intimates.
To get a sense of your loved ones preferences, you can start by asking yourself a few key questions. First and foremost is functionality. What does their everyday life look like? Are they transitioning from office to post-work pilates classes on the daily? Do they spend their days chasing after toddlers? Are they careening towards adolescence at the speed of light?
Next, think of their style and taste. Does it lean towards the feminine or masculine? Are they a devout minimalist or an eccentric with an affinity for vivid patterns? Are they astrology-obsessed?
When in doubt, it’s also ok to ask. Or, you know, take a peek in their closet. It’s for a good cause.
Step 3: Find the Right Fit
Just like any other piece of clothing, gifting the perfect bra, underwear, or shapewear means figuring out what size to get.
While underwear size is easier to decipher—or even make an educated guess—bras and their band-to-cup specificities can prove slightly more challenging.
Again, there’s nothing wrong here with simply asking. But if the element of surprise is essential to your gift-giving philosophy, there are more subtle ways you can find out. Like, say, comparing cup sizes over lunch.
When all else fails, call in backup in the form of a family member or partner. They’re likely to know your loved ones' size or, at the very least, can be a trusted ally in your mission to find out.
Keep in mind, our bodies are ever-changing and in constant flux. Don’t fret if you don’t get it exactly right. You can always exchange for the right size without diminishing the thoughtfulness of the gift. If it still feels too risky, gift cards always fit just right.
Step 4: Get Inspired
Now, let’s get to the fun part.
Once you’ve checked off steps 1 through 3, all that’s left to do is imagine the possibilities. Go shopping, browse online, make a Pinterest board, if you want. Just try not to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of styles, silhouettes, and colors there are to comb through.
This is your moment to get your bestie onto the period underwear you’ve been raving about for months, or to splurge on an impeccably-designed wireless bra you know she’d never get for herself.
This is when you get to contemplate whether their daring style will be best accentuated by a full mesh bra, or just a sheer cutout. It’s when you get to pick out a sports bra you know they’ll feel cute in at the gym.
And that’s the beauty of intimates as gifts—they can translate into the ultimate acts of self-care. The best gifts, it turns out, are the ones that slide seamlessly into our everyday lives.
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For more inspiration, get to know our favorite wireless bra styles or consult our absorbency guide for tips on finding the right period underwear.