The truth is men always get it wrong and not just the size. In lingerie departments throughout the land, you'll see him looking like a rabbit caught in the headlights, dazed, self-conscious and making his hands go to indicate her breast size or comparing his wife or girlfriend to other women in the store!

Men haven't got a clue, And even if they have got her size, they can't help their fantasies taking hold – buying basques and flaming red lingerie – a total no-no,

And then the panic-stricken grab any set, just so they can give her what no woman wants – a bra that is too small or knickers too big.

So, for all you fellas who want to avoid a 5pm panicked, self-conscious shopping dash on Christmas Eve with lingerie in the wrong colour, wrong style and wrong size here are some tips to make the ultimate romantic gesture.

Think carefully and think about her. What's the gift for? Is it for everyday wear or saucy fun? What would she like most?

Remember what you might like to see her in, might not be what she likes at all, Give it some proper thought – is she really a lacy, frilly sort of girl?

Think about the sort of shops she likes to buy her clothes from and without giving the game away, mention lingerie. Or slip her this page.

Do your research. Rummage through her underwear drawer if you have to – check out her bra size and what size her knickers are. What style of underwear does she have already (thongs, French knickers, stockings?

What are her favourite colours and where did they come from?

Do you have a female friend you could take with you on your lingerie shopping expedition, someone who knows her likes and dislikes.

And if it's all just too embarrassing you could try buying online and browse more shamelessly.

Take note of delivery times and try to time them when she won't be there.

Most importantly – set a budget- buying lingerie can be an expensive business and we all know how easy it is for fellas to get quite carried away by model girls in knickers and bras!

And when she receives them, don't be offended if your best laid plans don't pay off – despite your best efforts they just might not be her cup of tea. And don't rely on the fact that she will appreciate what you've bought.

Keep the receipt!

Saucy gifts will spuce up your sex life

A massive 70 per cent of British women reveal that receiving lingerie spruces up their sex life, saying that it makes them feel desirable, sexier and more attractive to their other half.

A staggering 81per cent of women surveyed by the biggest women's website iVillage.co.uk, admitted they loved receiving underwear from their man at Christmas and 85 per cent said their saucy little present was tasteful.

Whatever the colour, 85 per cent of women kept their sexy gift and wore it especially for their man.

When asked how they would feel if their man bought them undies this Christmas, 88 per cent said they'd be happy to know that he is still attracted to them.

In spite of the much reported stress, 33 per cent of women actually revealed that they have more sex at Christmas and 49 per cent saying that their love doesn't suffer with the added pressures of this time of year.

The study was designed to uncover women's true feelings on receiving lingerie as a gift. More than 1,000 women were surveyed.

The results may come as a surprise to many, but not to Tracey Williams, editor at iVillage.co.uk: "Women always want their partner to find them sexually attractive and despite all the negative press, undies are a great gift.

"Christmas is one of the busiest periods in the calendar where shopping, cooking and family reunions tend to exhaust everyone but buying something sexy for the lady in your life will not only make her feel wonderful this Christmas, but you'll be sure to reap the rewards once the lights are out!"

She adds: "The sexier the undies the better, but choose the right time to suggest a night of passion, not after she's had a particularly hard day with the kids or if she's just been entertaining your parents!"

* Marks & Spencer "Stocking Helpers" service is back for a third year in lingerie departments across the UK.

This year, the service will have both male and female advisers, catering for the uncertain male shopper who wants man-to-man advice, as well as the more confident male seeking a female view.