Just thought how common/uncommon the scenario is for a gentleman shopping for a lady friend without her present.
It is understood that one would want to know her preferences and fashion sense unless the attire is something worn only for him.
It would seem like the most popular clothing gift by far is lingerie.
Measuring for that is pretty standard, and generally a lady posts her own measurements, making it a somewhat easy purchase.
Sure, one may feel a bit awkward doing it like this: