Gents' Christmas lingerie gift guide

For top marks in the romance department, there's nothing like a well thought out intimate Christmas gift.

Venturing into a lingerie store can be a painful and cringey experience, up there with a trip to the dentist or a cheesy best man speech. Check out AOL's two golden rules and our nifty can't-go-wrong sun sign guide.

Rule Number 1 - Size Matters - Get it Right
If your carefully-chosen gift's too small for your love, she may feel flattered but more likely than not, she'll think she's overweight and all your good work will come undone; if it's too large, she'll also think she's on the wrong side of big, so do your homework. Go undercover in her underwear drawer and take a sneaky look at those lingerie labels. While you're there, get acquainted with her intimates and note down favoured brands, colours and styles to help you make that inspired choice.

Rule Number 2 - Safe or Sexy? Use your Loaf
Remember, as tempting as it is, you're not buying for a lap dancer or Page 3 girl, so keep those selections tasteful. Your missus opening that latex nurse's outfit in front of the in-laws on Christmas Day will go down like a lead balloon. And bear her age in mind; a thong may be more suitable for a younger woman whereas the more mature lady might prefer shorts. Having said that, a risqué fantasy item could add some serious spice to your sex life so think about your other half; is she outgoing and flirty or prudish and prissy?

Still need help? Let her sun sign show you the way:

Fire Maidens
Aries (March 21-April 19) - Leo (July 23-August 22) - Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Flamboyant and flashy, fire maidens have a penchant for provocative pieces. For the Aries seductress, flame the fires of passion with a Red Chains of Love Basque or this Fantasy Waspie. This Animal Print Bra and Thong or a Leopard Bra and G-String will have your Leo lioness purring and for that adventurous Sagittarian siren, a Scandalous Lace Bustier is an intrepid choice.

Water Babes
Pisces (February 19-March 20) - Cancer (June 22-July 22) - Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Emotional, dreamy and romantic, the colour of choice for your Piscean princess is sea green so this Basque is bang on target. Fantasy rules in the Piscean world so get naughty with the super sexy showgirl-style Ella range. For the homely Cancerian, go girly and romantic with a Floral Embroidered Bra and Thong or a pretty Babydoll. Sensual and naughty, a Red Corset will satisfy your Scorpio vamp.

Air Angels
Aquarius (January 20-February 18) - Gemini (May 21-June 21) - Libra (September 23-October 22)

Fashion-forward midnight blue is the hue of choice for the Aquarian girl so go for this Balcony Bra and Shorts. Gemini women crave the colour yellow; this Lacy Bra and Cheeky Pants will make her mellow. Elegant Librans love luxury and quality so invest in a Rigby & Peller Giselle Bra and Briefs.

Earth Women
Taurus (April 20-May 20) - Virgo (August 23-September 22) - Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Ruled by Venus, the planet of luurve, your sensuous Taurean temptress will cherish this Silk Chemise. Feminine and fussy with impeccable good taste, Virgo and Capricorn women love natural, crisp white underwear. A purer-than-pure Organic Terry Wrap or Broderie Anglaise Bra are perfect. On the sexier side, keep it simple and classy with a delicate Versaille Basque.