Are You Wearing the Right Undergarments?
Posted on August 3, 2011 by admin
With temperatures soaring into the 90’s on a daily basis, it only follows that ladies are turning to cooler, summer attire. Although this is most appropriate, I am amazed at how many people don’t wear appropriate undergarments.
Last Sunday my husband and I attended the US Open Tennis Championship finals. I noted one lady who was impeccably dressed with black walking shorts, white sleeveless top, Chanel sunglasses and an attractive straw hat. Had we been judging who was the best-dressed spectator for the event, she would have won unanimously. There was only one very big problem. Her deep cut sleeveless top clearly exposed her bra straps. Despite the fact that the straps had cute little daisies on the top of each shoulder, it was still an exposed bra strap!
In the last few weeks, I have noted so many occasions where bra straps are clearly visible in sleeveless attire and often a regular bra will be worn with spaghetti straps. The bras that have clear plastic straps, designed to be “invisible” are even more offensive than regular straps showing. The only invisible straps are no straps showing at all! There is a reason they are called “undergarments”.
Lingerie faux pas are not limited to just bras. Visible panty lines, an exposed “T” of a thong and sheer skirts showing the wearer’s silhouette can all be seen on a trip to the mall. Appropriate lingerie for each of these is available and will make the difference between looking looking your best or missing the mark.
Bras: This is one of the most important undergarment purchases you can make. Statistics show that the majority of women are wearing bras that do not fit correctly. This is especially important for the ladies with fuller bosoms. Saks has an excellent staff of women who are trained to fit a bra correctly. Specialty lingerie shops usually have trained staff as well. Good strap support is very important for a larger bust. Although a strapless bra is a great solution for a variety of more exposed top, it will most likely not give enough support for the larger bust. There are many versions of racerback and convertible straps to be worn with deep-cut sleeves. I really like the T-shirt bra with a slightly molded cup which gives a smooth line. This is flattering for the many soft knits being worn today. There are also camisoles available with a built-in bra to wear under those sheer or semi-sheer tops. If you choose to wear a separate camisole, be careful that the two sets of straps are not obvious.
Panties: Choosing the right panties or briefs has always been a challenge. You want comfort and coverage but you don’t want visible lines. Many people opt for the thong, which avoids panty lines on trousers. However, as I have noted in past blogs, the thong is not a good choice with knit dresses. Many times have I seen a light- weight knit dress glued to the buttocks of someone wearing a thong and no slip. When you sit, the dress will cling to your skin so that it molds to you when you stand up. Most embarrassing!
There are several other options to avoid a panty line in trousers. Pantyhose are a possible option. You can even cut them off just below the knee and get the seam-free line without having to show them on your feet. Several manufacturers make thigh-length panties or longer that will also give you a line-free look. If you like a little control, Spanx is a good choice. They come in different lengths and offer light support.
I think everyone needs a slip just as insurance. Many summer dresses of a cotton or linen-type fabric are not lined. One may not be able to see through it in the dressing room but out in the sun, your silhouette will be obvious. A slip is also a solution for the clinging knit dress.
Another undergarment you might want to consider is something to smooth the midriff. The resurgence of the slim fitting sheath dresses has also brought the problem of a few little rolls exposing themselves. Spanx also has a great line of garments to smooth through the mid section. These are available in most department store lingerie departments.
Enjoy the rest of summer, dressing with Aplomb!
Need some help shopping for the right undergarment? We would love to guide you in choosing the perfect items for your wardrobe and lifestyle. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or call at 404-428-2527.
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