Lace, bows, leather, frills – lingerie comes in all shapes and sizes from small to minute. But just how vital is the ‘wrapping’ – isn’t it all going to come off anyway? We asked both men and women how important they think sexy lingerie is in the bedroom.

When Bridgette Jones (in the 2001 movie of the same name) had to choose between tummy-control undies or tantalising lingerie – she chose the flat stomach route. But hey, once you’ve got him there, he’s not going to be running away too quickly… or is he?
Let’s talk lingerie. Do women feel empowered by the spell cast on a man who’s been dumbfounded by the push up bra, satin baby doll or exotic corset? Or is it silly to need outerwear to shake things up down there? Here are the scores that our readers gave on a scale of 1 to 10:

1. Mark Borg, 32. Importance factor: 9
I’m quite the romantic and sexy lingerie definitely sets a romantic mood. It’s like when a woman goes out she spends ages choosing what to wear – well it’s the same with going to bed… but instead I know she’s dressing up (or rather, down) just for me to enjoy.

2. Jessica Vella, 23. Importance Factor: 8
Lingerie creates a sensual, sexy atmosphere. I feel more confident and attractive just seeing the look on my boyfriend’s face when I walk into the room wearing a sexy corset on Valentine’s Day or his birthday. Knowing how much it turns him on puts me in a playful, teasing mood.

3. Peter Grech, 22. Importance factor: 5
I’m not too bothered if I’m honest! I’ll just end up ripping it off anyway. I think most men only care about what is going on underneath the clothes.

4. Karl Pace, 27. Importance Factor: 10
It’s important. I love buying lingerie for women. Every guy gets turned on by a woman in sexy lingerie, especially when it’s themed lingerie; it adds to the mystery and excitement. It can really bring out the best of a woman’s body, way more than everyday clothes.

5. Ilona Mangion, 44. Importance Factor: 8
I’ve been married for 20 years and admit things can get a little slow in the bedroom – which is exactly why you have to spice them up! Every couple of months I’ll make that extra effort and buy some pretty lingerie to remind my husband exactly why he loves me so much. It’s just a bit of fun, and I know it’s not THAT important, but if it makes him happy then it makes me happy. And I’m not averse to seeing him in a sexy pair of briefs either!

So what do you think? Share your lingerie loving or hating stories below!