Lingerie — a once taboo topic — is now as mainstream as Starbucks, only way more fun. Just for the record, lingerie is every bit as much for a man, if not more, than for the women wearing it. Nor are those couture wired-in lifts just for the boudoir. Nowadays, with the entire planet learning to heal from within, we have also learned to appreciate feeling good underneath what we’re showing the world on the outside. To many women, this is a priority — even worth skipping a meal for. And if sexy comes from within, then a cotton silk demi bra and matching brief, in say, winter white with satin piping should add some bounce to your step. But why stop there? There is lingerie for every occasion, not just for temptation — dressing gowns, silk wrap kimonos and fur-trimmed negligees, corsets, bodysuits and marabou heels (with those powder blue puffs on top) can start any fire or just make a woman feel grand at home. Men, if you’re not sure, just ask. Retailers are dying to educate you, and you’ll find that a simple undergarment in the finest fabric for everyday use is still an elegant gift for her. Ladies, have a salesperson’s card ready to give your man or simply register your top picks. Here are some of the best lingerie stores in Las Vegas. - Marco Medrano

Bare Essentials Fantasy Fashions

4029 West Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89102
(702) 247-4711
www.bareessentialsvegas.com

Cocktail party for two? With an accent on sensual, Bare Essentials takes lingerie and kicks it up a notch or two. A locals’ favorite, Bare Essentials creates inventive, unique designs that are not likely to be seen elsewhere — some so pretty, you may be asked to put it back on. Most of the store’s items can viewed online before heading over. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Kiki de Montparnasse

Crystals at MGM CityCenter, Suite 226
3720 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 736-7883
www.kikidm.com/shop/boutiques_lasvegas.php

Wanna be impressed? One step into Kiki’s store and you’ve realized — this is how to live. You are sure to run home and start a 1,000-square-foot addition to your closet. Beyond elegant lingerie, Kiki de Montparnasse is a lifestyle, with one of the most indulgent, refined selections of lingerie, loungewear, home objects d’art, jewelry, intimate accessories and instruments of pleasure you could imagine. In addition, many of its clothing items can transcend to every day, making the luxurious less occasional. Check out the couples’ dressing room and portrait booth. Kiki speaks your language, and service is top priority here. Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Agent Provocateur

The Forum Shops at Caesars
3500 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Suite R18
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 696-7174
www.agentprovocateur.com/stores/north-america/las-vegas.php

Classy. Agent Provocateur has not only covered every base in the lingerie department, but it also has widened the window of selection in the most tasteful manner when it comes to fetish and sexy role play couture. If your purchase has a bit more of a “Provocateur” slant, you can still feel regal and respected both in the store and when you leave. This is a beautiful boutique with gorgeous selections of your staples, as well as unusual and high quality-shoes, masks, gloves and accessories. Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight.

ShowGirl Supplies And Salon

3125 Industrial Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 655-1111
www.showgirlsupplies.com

Why not shop where the real entertainers and dancers shop? ShowGirl Supplies and Salon is the one-stop shopping experience not only for the professionals, but for those that want to look like they are serious about their lingerie image. Not quite the sexy extrovert yet? ShowGirl Supplies and Salon not only has the staples, it also has a continual stock of new and fresh ensembles. You can even get your hair done and take a pole dancing lesson — you’ll be up to speed in no time. Become a ShowGirl Supplies member and stay informed on the latest. With multiple Las Vegas locations and some of the swankiest adult entertainment lounges, you can even brush up on your moves before shopping. Hours: daily, 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. (for members and invited guests).

Deja Vu Love Boutique

3247 Industrial Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 731-5655
www.dejavuloveboutiquevista.com (CA Web site only)

Deja Vu Love Boutique is another tasteful Las Vegas locals’ favorite frequented by many couples. Aside from lingerie, the Love Boutique is a clean, well-lit department store of sorts that stocks everything from fine lingerie to the outright naughty. Add to that every lotion, potion and device you could ever need, Deja Vu Love Boutique even has stripper pole lessons. Located just off the Strip. Hours: 24 hours daily.