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Going Beneath the Surface: 5 Basic Tips to Finding the Best Fitting Underwear

by | Aug 5, 2010 | Your Wardrobe

Allow me to be a little transparent.  In order to create the best personal style that you deserve you must be willing to go beneath the surface.  Here’s what I mean, recently, while on vacation, I had to address, if you would, a garment crisis- the dreaded “VPL” (visible panty lines!).  In order to resolve this issue, I needed to shop for a particular type of garment.  You guessed it, underwear, more specifically, panties.   Even I had to turn to the expert salesclerk because finding the right fit was crucial to keep from becoming a statistic.  After all, according to Freshpair, 60% of all Americans admit that they wear ill-fitting underwear!

Today, August 5th, is National Underwear Day according to Freshpair.com.  In honor of the occasion, I thought it only fitting, no pun intended, and that we collectively make the choice to not end up a statistic by going beneath the surface and talking about underwear!   Just as it is important to build a house on a great foundation, such is the case when it comes to our clothes.  Our underwear/intimate apparel can create the necessary foundation that builds supports and smoothness to our outerwear/clothing.

Here’s are some interesting statistics according to their great website: www.freshpair.com.

  • Bras did not exist until 1913 when Mary Phelps Jacob tied two handkerchiefs together with ribbon. In 1928, Maidenform introduced modern cup sizes.
  • In the late 19th Century, the standard undergarment for men, women and children was the unionsuit.
  • The word “underpants” did not enter the English lexicon until the 1930s.
    • 34% of women like to match their bras and panties
  • The ‘bikini’ was invented in 1946 by two Frenchmen who named it after the tiny Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, the site of atomic bomb testing, because the 2-piece swimsuit was miniscule in size.

Ancient man wore primitive garments called loincloths.  Historically, it has not always been acceptable to talk about underwear publicly.  However, it was Calvin Klein who brought underwear out into the open in 1982 when he plastered the infamous, buff and handsome male model pictured only in a pair of crisp white briefs right before our very eyes! In New York, this day calls for a great celebration!  Freshpair celebrates by giving away 5,000 pairs of underwear for FREE!  Check out their website for more details.

However, whether you chose to visit:

Here are 5 helpful tips to finding the perfect fit.

1. Be open to change.  It is vital that you be willing to try a brand or style that you have never worn before, especially if your body has experienced weight fluctuation recently.

2. When shopping for panties, preference and functionality rules.  There are 3 basic types:

  • briefs, which come in low cut for low rise pants or high cut which create the illusions of having longer legs
  • Thongs, first introduced as a swimsuit in Brazil in the 1980’s, gives little to no coverage and help prevent unwanted VPL-visible panty lines creating a even smoother look.
  • Bikinis, provide less coverage and also come in a low rise

3. Seek out the expert.  When it comes to finding the best fitting bra, seek to have it done by a professional annually to insure the best fit at all times. The most   important key is to place your entire breast in the cups of the bra.  Remember to goal is provide support for the “girls”.  Also, the more common types are, full support, strapless, padded and push up.  It is helpful to have 2 or 3 types to wear for various outfits.

4. Shapewear is your friend!  Every woman regardless of size should have shaper as a part of her intimate apparel.  To find the proper fit you must measure your waist, hip, thorax, and breast and band (under your breast).
5. Wear fabrics that  breathe.  It is more beneficial to avoid fabrics such as nylon because it has been known to cause some health issues.

I decided to save the best for last!  Wearing the best fitting underwear not only makes you feel better but look thinner!!  So, join me in taking the challenge to strive to wear the proper fitting underwear for your body type and particular garment .  This style matter deserves to be brought out in the open!  So, “Try it on, see if it fits!”