In fact, there are as many tastes in underwear as there are people, but we identified four broad categories:

For the Tigress, whose underwear drawer includes crotchless panties and leather thongs, the line between lingerie and sex toys is a little blurred. The Tigress's underwear turnover is massive, since the panties are discarded as soon as they've served their sexy purpose.

At the other extreme is the Comfort Queen, a woman who doesn't necessarily view underwear as a sexual appetiser. For her, functionality is all-important.

The Barbie Doll loves masses of lace and frills in girlie colours. Ribbons, bows and beads loom large on her underwear, and her bras and panties often feature motifs of hearts, flowers and cute Disney animals.

And then there's the Man's Woman, who – like Marilyn Monroe – wears nothing but Chanel No 5 to bed or, on cold nights, her man's pyjama top. Changing your lingerie style is a good idea if you and your man are stuck in the sexual doldrums. And wearing sexy underwear every day is a confidence-booster, even if there's no-one around to enjoy the view.

These days women are spoilt for choice, says Maharaj: "There are many options for those who dislike the discomfort of the G-string, or thong. And there are new fabrics, such as the i-tech, which provides comfort and helps fight gravity."

Going for comfort over cool, particularly for regular wear, is a good idea since nylon-based panties may cause vaginal yeast infections. But on those nights when the nylon won't stay on long, comfort should be the last thing on your mind.