I do not know about you, but the majority of people find Christmas shopping very stressful. Traipsing from shop to shop looking for presents for your list of loved ones. The jostling in the cold or the snow, but it does all seem worth it when you find something that you know will be appreciated by the recipient. One of the most popular types of gifts is clothing.

However, purchasing clothing is not easy either, unless you know the person concerned very well indeed. Some people are very fussy about the colours and even the labels they wear. Some might be insulted if you buy the wrong size, especially if you buy something a few sizes too big. The fabric can also cause a problem if the recipient is allergic to it.

In spite of these problems, presents of clothing are still popular, so I will give a few suggestions on buying clothing for others for novices, who will probably be mostly single young men.

Size is a predicament for some articles of clothing like slacks, skirts, and blazers, whereas it is best to get it wrong in favour of the larger sizes if you are buying a sweater or a jumper as baggy jumpers and sweaters look good too and are even stylish. Men’s shirts on the other hand should be the correct size, while women’s blouses can be a size too big depending on the style of the blouse.

Neither shirts nor blouses may be too small, because they are uncomfortable and make it look as if the wearer has put on weight. Underwear has to fit properly too.

Therefore, when selecting clothing for someone whose size you are uncertain of, choose one of the articles above for which the correct size is not too essential. Otherwise you will have to ask the size from someone who could know. Large people often like to wear loose-fitting clothing.

Colour is another obstacle, but the safest bet, if you do not know the recipient’s preferences is to buy a colour that you have seen that person wearing most frequently. Otherwise, go for traditional colours such as a white shirt or blouse. Many largish people like to wear black too because it is thought to make the wearer look thinner.

As for style, that is very difficult. One way you can get around this though is to point out a style, say on TV or in a magazine and say that you like it asking for the intended recipient’s point of view. If you are not in a position to do this because of distance or time, then you would be better off buying something traditional.

Traditional clothing does not go out of fashion as quickly as the latest craze. Or buy something that should be worn on holiday. I do not mean swim wear, but perhaps a smock or poncho that can be worn when one has had enough sun. They can be many sizes too big and height is almost more important than girth.

If you follow these guidelines you ought to be able to find some article of clothing for the people on you gift list.

Owen Jones, the writer of this article writes on quite a few subjects, but is at present concerned with thinking about women’s panties. If you would like to know more or check out some great offers, please go to our website at Personalised Knickers.