Unless you get the foundations right the entire structure is going to be shaky. We all know this, so it’s astonishing the number of women who ignore the foundations when putting together outfits. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a t-shirt and jeans or a designer outfit if you don’t have the right underwear your foundation is going to be shaky, or rather, saggy and baggy.
Instantly go down one dress size
I used to buy the cheapest underwear I could find, because, well I’ve been known to be cheap, but also because I felt so fat that I didn’t deserve nice underwear. Besides, it’s not like anyone was ever likely to see it. All that changed one chilly winters day when I was trolling the clearance bins at my local department store. I happened to find a bra that looked about right; I didn’t have the vaguest idea of my size so went completely on guess work. I tried it on and holy cow it looked fabulous! For the first time in my life I had proper support and shape from my bra. It was great. Then, as it was cold I put my shirt back on over top and found that it was suddenly baggy. Oh my god, it actually made me look slimmer; quite a spiritual moment for me at that particular time in my life.
From that moment on I was hooked. I think nothing now of paying $100 for a good, well fitting bra that does exactly what I need it to do, and for a bargin hunter like me that’s huge. I cannot recommend enough the necessity of having excellent underwear. You can bluff a lot of other things in your wardrobe but if the basic building blocks are not right then you’re just going to look frumpy.
Get The Fit Right
It’s estimated that upwards of 80% of women are not wearing the right size bra which is just a crime. Apart from the bonus of looking better under your clothes, well fitting underwear is comfortable and at the end of the day that’s what I focus on – being physically comfortable cause my clothes fit and emotionally comfortable because I know I’ve done the best with who I am.
How do you know if a bra fits? There are two main parts to worry about – the band and the cup size. One common mistake a lot of women make is thinking that because they’re larger, or smaller, their bra should be larger or smaller in comparison. If you’re larger it doesn’t correspond that you’re larger around. In fact most women carry excess weight in their breasts which means that you need a larger cup size, not a larger bra. The same with smaller breasted women. Just because your breasts are small doesn’t mean you don’t need a wider band to accommodate your back. Just like with clothes, disregard the number on the label and focus on the fit.
I found this excellent fitting guide that shows some of the common mistakes we make with our bras. Take the time to have a look and see if your bra is fitting properly and if it isn’t, take the time to find out your size.
Underwear And Your Body Shape
Just like with clothes the shape of your body will determine the type of underwear you need. I’ll be going into more detail about particular shapes and styles later but in the mean time here is an outline of what you need to be looking for.
PEAR SHAPED
- For you the focus is on lifting your boobs up to offset your lower half; basically all eyes on your breasts.
- Opt for a push-up style bra. You need maximum support and boost.
- Bras with straps wide apart will broaden your upper body.
- In briefs look for a high-cut thigh-slimming leg which still has enough support to lift your butt.
- If you don’t like high-cut then look for a low leg that sits under your bottom.
- Opt for briefs that have lace at the bottom rather than elastic that cuts into the flesh.
- A strapless bra is perfect for broadening your upper half.
SLIM AND PETITE
- Proportion is key. You can get away with a half cup plunge bra and it will boost your boobs.
- Cups cut at an angle with make your breasts look larger.
- Opt for lighter colors and small patterns. It will make your breasts look bigger.
- A padded push up bra will give you lots of va-va-voom. Keep your eye on proportion though cause you don’t want to look like you’re wearing your mothers bra packed with tissues.
- Chicken fillets are a good option.
- A brief cut high on the thigh will make your leg look longer and you look taller.
- Avoid high waisted briefs or any sort of substantial underwear. These are meant for your larger sisters and will swamp your small frame.
- A thong is ideal.
CURVY & BIG BREASTED
- For you the focus is good support which will make your breasts seem bigger and wider which will make your waist smaller and really create that hourglass shape.
- A full cup balcony bra is ideal as it will lift your breasts right up. In fact always choose a bra with underwiring if you are over a B cup.
- Look for shapes that separate your breasts to avoid getting a mono-boob look.
- To disguise a bigger tummy lift your breasts high – again look for a balcony bra.
- For a sexy alternative go for a full cup bra with the top half sheer or lacy. It will still give you the support but also lots of feminine ooph.
- Avoid a push up bra – it’s overkill.
- Match your bra with sexy, but substantial pants.
- A brief that cuts across your stomach is perfect to disguise a fuller belly.
- Avoid high waisted briefs if you have a large tummy, unless they are support garments, to avoid unsightly bagging.
- Avoid low waisted briefs if you have a large tummy to avoid muffin-top look.
- A higher cut on the thigh will lengthen the leg.
- Opt for substantial but sexy briefs for the support. A flossy little thing will just disappear and that’s a disturbing visual.
- Consider a corset. They come in comfortable shapes and materials and will give you extra support and extra special sexiness.
Conclusion
Underwear should never be an afterthought. It’s the beginning of everything you ever put on and the last thing to come off, so if it looks good, feels comfortable and flatters you, well all the better. Style is all about confidence and knowing your foundations are strong will boost your’s.
Thanks for reading,
LISA
