Posts Tagged ‘body shapers’

Underneath it All – Underwear Do’s and Don’ts

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Now that you know the general purpose for and types of undergarments available to women here are some tips for always looking your best with the help of foundation garments.

Tip 1:  Proper fit is as important with undergarments as with the clothing that goes over them, especially those designed for shaping or support. Too loose undergarments are ineffective; too tight leads to unwanted and unflattering bulges.

Tip 2: Select the proper  undergarment hue for the clothing you are wearing. Wearing dark colored or white undergarments under lightweight and light colored fabrics can mean the undergarments are clearly visible. For most ethnicities and skin tones, beige is the preferred hue, becoming invisible beneath many of the sheerest fabric types. BUT for women of African descent who have especially dark skin tones, black undergarments are called for.

Tip 3: Select lightweight undergarments to accompany lightweight clothing. Wearing a heavily padded or textured lace brassiere under a silk blouse can mean that the bra becomes visible under the blouse. Select smooth finishes and textures in foundation garments under lightweight or finely-textured fabrics.

Tip 4: Select the proper underwear for the garment you are wearing. Wearing low-rise jeans and thong underwear is so uncouth, as are revealed bra straps.

Tip 5: Undergarments can be very sexy garments in their own right, but know the difference between underwear and lingerie. Underwear generally has a function in the outfit, while lingerie’s function is primarily fashion. Save the matching bra and panty sets for the appropriate setting.

Additional Dos and Don’ts

Do

Get measured for a bra at least twice per year by a professional bra fitter

Wash your bras in lukewarm water, using a gentle soap like baby detergent, Ivory Snow, or even baby shampoo

Never, ever, ever place your bras in the dryer

Wait at least 1 week after your period before trying and purchasing new bras

Always try on bras before purchasing them you will not wear the same-sized bra in every bra

Rotate your bras every day to extend the life of the bra

Focus on fit rather than fashion when looking for everyday bras

If you’ve got love handles, always buy briefs (not bikinis) with light stomach support

For health reasons, make sure your underwear has a cotton crotch

Wash unpacked panties before wearing them (people DO try on the undergarments before purchasing)

Don’t

Wear white pants with bright-colored panties

Wear too-tight panties

Wear too-tight bra

Show visible panty-line

Show more rolls (of flesh) than a Thanksgiving dinner (try a body-shaper)

Wear form-fitting top with heavily detailed bra (you can see bra imprint through top)

Wear slip longer than dress or skirt

Wear tube top with no bra.  You could just refrain from tube tops altogether.

Click link for parts one and two of this series.

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Underneath it All – Finding the Right Underwear (Bottoms)

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Underwear

In my earlier underwear post, I discussed the roles of  bras and camisoles.  Today I want to talk about those jewels we wear on the bottom; i.e., panties, body shapers and hosiery.

Bottoms

Panties are the most varied of these, coming in a myriad of styles.

  • Granny panties are the classic close-legged high-rise panties. I turn to these during that time of the month.
  • Bikini panties, the abbreviated version of the brief, have a lower-rise waist, and usually slightly higher-rise leg holes. Commonly used in general wear situations, this type is favored by younger women because they are considered more fashionable than their full-sized counterparts.
  • Low-Rise panties work with low slug jeans, skirts and pants. Any other panty simply will not do as showing ones panties violate all the rules of fashion.
  • French Cut panties are basically bikini panties (and may even be low-rise bikini panties) with legs that are cut high up on the hip. This style of leg opening often reveals skin at the hip-joint and a portion of the side of the buttocks as well. These became popular for their esthetic design – making the legs appear longer – more than for their practicality.
  • The Thong, T-Back and G-string panties were all designed and have become popular among women who truly wish to avoid showing any panty-line. While very esthetically pleasing, wear with extreme caution and do adhere to the fit principles. If too snug these panties not only can be very uncomfortable but can cause some physical damage. They also tend to reveal areas of cellulite and flab that would be less conspicuous with another style of underwear.
  • Hipsters are the newest craze in panty styles resembling short pants. Generally, they have low-rise waists and are cut to the top of the thigh at the leg opening, offering full or nearly full coverage of the rear. Most women have taken strongly to them because of their popularity and comfortable fit.

Shapers are garments designed to give the appearance of a firm and toned body. These are excellent for controlling slight bulges in ones figure. They perform wonderfully for women who have been working to lose weight and are experiencing sagging in areas where their weight-loss has out-paced their exercise routine.

  • Girdles are designed to give control and shape to the hips and thighs only.
  • Corsets are designed to add definition and shape to the waist and upper torso.
  • All in One Step-In Body Briefers are a mouthful to say but work beautifully and shape bust to thighs.  My absolute favorite right now is the Dr. Rey Shapewear All-In-One Step In Body Briefer Shapewear.
  • Also available are shapers that extend from the bra line to the ankles for women who may need/want a full-body redefining.

Hosiery.  Chosen for its looks and its compliment to the outfit being worn, hosiery generally falls into one of three categories: stockings, pantyhose/tights, body stockings.

  • Stockings in many ways are women’s counterpart to socks. Ranging from knee-high (traditionally worn with pants) to thigh-high (with elastic tops to hold them up or garter belts to which they are secured) stockings can be found in a wide range of weave designs to offer almost infinite variety for all types of occasions.
  • Pantyhose.   Designed in 1959, pantyhose cut down the number of foundation garments needed. Since their invention, they have been introduced in a variety of styles offering a variety of functions. Pantyhose are available in as many varied weave designs as traditional stockings, but offer body shaping that stockings do not.
  • Body Stockings are garments that in most cases seem impractical, but have developed something of a following as a replacement for undergarments. The body stocking (or body sock) covers every part of the body from at least the breasts to the toes, and may include openings for necessity in appropriate places. Body Stockings are often chosen by women who feel too modest to be fully naked in situations where nudity is expected or who desire to have the shaping and support that the hosiery offers.

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Posted in Body Analysis, Personal | 4 Comments »