Underneath it All – Finding the Right Underwear (Bottoms)
Sunday, January 31st, 2010
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
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- 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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