The Core Wardrobe: Lingerie by franticbutfabulous
This month’s How-To Tuesdays are all about what lies beneath: the Core Wardrobe of lingerie to own, how to take care of it and more.
The Core Wardrobe for clothes is a list of the classic, fundamental clothes around which you can build outfits for any occasion. But what goes under those basic pieces?
Why, the Core Wardrobe for lingerie, of course.
I recently stopped by the new Georgetown DC location of Bloomers lingerie boutiques to talk about all things “unmentionable” and here’s what they suggested for the essential foundation items to wear under every garment.
The Core Wardrobe for undergarments
Bras
You’ll want to have a variety of bras to choose from, depending on the combination of style and type. Start by getting fitted by a professional, then try on several to find your ideal fit. Invest in the best quality you can, and buy two if you can afford it; otherwise you may find your new favorite bra is no longer available when you go to replace it.
Style
Demi-cup: Sometimes referred to as a half-bra or shelf bra, this style is a partial-cup that covers from half to three-quarters of the breast. Because the straps attach at the outer edge of the cup, the demi-cup works best with tops that have a sweetheart neckline or any other embellishment where the front part of the chest might show.
Full-cup: Because it’s designed to offer maximum support and coverage for the entire breast, this is often the most practical design for ladies with larger bust sizes.
Strapless: The solution for visible bra straps (see also “convertible,” below). Strapless bras sometimes have rubberized or silicone linings inside the top edge of the cup to help keep the bra attached to the breast.
Type
Non-Contoured Cup: This type of bra combines a soft cup with an underwire–great for minimizing and separating breasts. Because many bras of this type incorporate lace or detailing, they’re not the best choice for most most T-shirts and tight tops. Which brings us to …
Contour: Also known as a molded-cup bra, this is what a T-shirt bra is. They have seamless, pre-formed cups containing a foam or other lining that helps define and hold the cup’s shape. Because up to 25% of women’s breasts are asymmetrical (did you know that?), this type also helps create a symmetrical bustline.
Convertible: The bra straps can be detached and rearranged in different ways depending on the outer garment. Alternative strap arrangements include traditional over-the-shoulder, criss-cross, halter, strapless and one-shoulder.
Optional, but useful for many, are the leisure and sports type bras. Leisure bras are very soft, stretchy, comfortable easy-to-wear bras that do not provide much support; suitable as everyday wear for small busts, they are an alternative to going bra-less and intended for wear at home when relaxing or asleep. Sports bras of course are designed for athletic activities to provide firm support and minimize breast movement during exercise.
When building your basic wardrobe of bras, start out with colors that match your skin tone; not only do they work under dark colors, they show less under a white or light-colored shirts than a white bra. Once you have a “flesh-colored” bra in each basic style and type, branch out into black, patterns and colors.
Panties
Although there are multiple styles of panties, the underthings you choose will depend on your lifestyle and wardrobe. The rise of your trousers, for example, will dictate whether you need some of the lower-cut styles. And some women wear nothing but shapewear, while others may want a single pair for their closer-fitting garments.
Styles: Various underwear styles can highlight and/or hide different aesthetic aspects. Certain styles may also affect your comfort level. In most all style height can range from hip to waist.
Briefs: Full coverage in the rear with sides that extend just below the hip. Compare brands and offerings to find briefs with more or less coverage; a lower-waistband style is sometimes called a hipster.
Boyshorts: Styled after men’s briefs, these tend to have a lower waistband and may also have short legs that extend below the crotch.
Bikinis: fabric of the side sections is narrower, rear coverage of the bikini is not as concealing as the design of the brief
Thongs: May be the most discreet style, but many find a narrow strip of fabric between the buttocks to be uncomfortable and may opt for boyshorts to avoid the dreaded VPL (visible panty line) instead; see also “inconspicuous,” below.
Functions: In addition to these standard styles, lingerie brands have designed new features that enhance the functionality of these everyday essentials.
Inconspicuous: Seamless panties prevent VPL and are an alternative for those who prefer not to wear thongs.
Absorbent: Cotton lining is necessary at the crotch because it is a breathable fabric that helps absorb moisture and prevent odor and discomfort. Some brands now offer patented technology that amplifies the characteristics of cotton to add odor absorbing treatment and dual-action wicking fibers.
Shaping: Made famous by Spanx, but also offered by other brands, such as Yummie Tummie, shapewear underwear is designed to smooth and shape the stomach area to prevent bulging under closely fitting clothes. Depending on the level of support you want, you can find shapewear in both lighter and higher control, in various leg lengths and waist heights.
Slips
Slips provide protection under sheer dresses and skirts to prevent a visible leg silhouette showing through your clothes. You will need as many of each as you have varying skirt lengths.
Full. Start with one full slip in a color matching your skin tone at a length slightly above your knees so it can work with longer and shorter dresses. Look for adjustable straps and make sure the bust fits yours so there isn’t loose fabric to create wrinkles under your dress.
Half. Skin tone color works best here to start. Depending on your height and the length of your skirts, you will probably need two or three, in lengths somewhere between 20” and 14”. If you wear maxi skirts and dresses, add a long half slip, 30” or more.
In addition to the shapewear options for panties and slips, it can also be found in a tank, like the Jockey Strappy Shapewear Tank for full midriff control; and a full-body style like the Spanx In-Power Line Super Higher Power, or shapewear on steroids.
With these key pieces in your lingerie drawer, you’ll have the right items to enhance any type of outfit.
Giveaway alert! As a special thank you to Frantic But Fabulous readers, Bloomers is giving away one Bra Maid, an ingenious little item that protects your bras and delicates, whether it’s in the washing machine or the suitcase. To enter, just leave a comment on this post. At the end of the month, one winner will be chosen at random from all commenters on each Tuesday post in August (8/6, 8/13, 8/20, 8/27).
Learn more about the Core Wardrobe and get a detailed, comprehensive checklist of what to buy in Step 6 of “No More Yoga Pants: How To Dress Better, Shop Smarter and Reclaim Your Style,” the fun, easy-to-follow personal style transformation system. Get instant access today!
Other posts you might like:
Personal Style Dilemmas: I don’t know what looks good on me
The Core Wardrobe: How to build your wardrobe foundation
The Core Wardrobe: Essential denim for every outfit