Wearing lingerie that fits and looks good isn’t about trying to turn you into a model that struts about in scraps of lace. Bras and panties may do their best work when hidden beneath clothing. Great fitting lingerie can make your clothing look better on your body. The proper intimate apparel can help you avoid bra bulges and panties that creep to uncomfortable places. Nice looking underwear can also give you an extra confidence boost.
Navigating the intimate apparel department in search of flattering lingerie that can suit your body might not be your idea of a fun afternoon. However, if the elastic is sagging on your underpants and you end up with a third and fourth breast because your bra cup is too tight, it’s time to go shopping. The following advice is taken from The Lucky Shopping Manual by Kim France and Andrea Linett (Penguin Group, 2003).
Fitting Women’s Intimates
Unless you’ve been measured for her correct bra size in the past six months, you should assume that you need to learn your size. Even the proper size doesn’t ensure a great looking bra, the width of the band or the cut of the cup can vary the appearance of the bra when it’s on a wearer; try on a variety of styles.
A proper fit means that the breasts fill the cups, the cups should hug the outer edges of the breasts, and the back band should sit under the lowest part of one’s shoulder blades. Also, that bit of fabric between the breasts should lie flat against the body.
As for underpants and the dreaded panty line, go for seamless, low-cut briefs that stay under the waistline and that fit under the buttocks. Thongs can peek over the waistband of pants and actually create a panty line under dresses.
Selecting Intimate Apparel
Different bras will do different jobs. Even the fabric can make a difference in whether a bra is most appropriate to wear under clothing or to reveal during an intimate evening.
- Silky bras work under all tops. A fabric of a lacy bra can show through some shirts. Velvet bras create static cling. Some tops will also stick to a cotton bra.
- Skip the white bra or the bra that matches one’s top – go with a nude bra. A black bra is good for sleeveless black tops.
- Molded cup bras define the breasts. A full coverage, molded cup bra can look stiff.
- A demi-cup bra will give breasts a bit of a boost. Avoid these bras under tee shirts as the combination can make a woman look like she has four breasts.
- An enhancing bra will make breasts look larger. Maintain a natural look and go with push-up action or padding, but not both.
- Plus size women should wear an underwire bra. A minimizer will make breasts look smaller, if that look is desired.
Sexy Lingerie and Everyday Women’s Underwear
Think of this first list as knickers necessities. France and Linett suggest the following undergarments to fit every occasion, from work, to an afternoon with the girls, to a special date.
- A week’s worth of everyday underpants
- Three everyday bras in a color to match one’s skin tone and a silky fabric
- A black bra to wear under sleeveless black tops (For the woman who doesn’t wear black, go with an appropriate dark color.)
- A convertible bra appropriate to wear under tops with interesting strap configurations
- A nude camisole to wear under sheer tops
- A silky camisole with lace trim to wear beneath v-neck tops
- Cute sleepwear that doesn’t involve a stretched-out tee shirt and faded flannel sleep pants decorated with sheep
- Add in one pair of evening hose, a pair of wool tights, and work hose, if they are worn
Ramp up your collection of intimate apparel with some of the following items
- Another everyday bra
- Fun bras
- A full slip (that can also be worn as a nightgown)
- Another silky camisole
- A half slip
- Thin, fitted tanks for layering
- Stockings and a garter belt
Whether slender or plus size, a woman’s undergarments can make her clothes look better and boost her confidence. Wearing sexy lingerie can enhance the way a woman feels about herself, even if her clothing is casual or even a uniform. Before you head out shopping, clean out bras that no longer fit, underpants with stretched elastic, and anything that doesn’t make you feel fabulous.
Photo by Susan Caplan McCarthy
