No matter your occupation or lifestyle, everyone has wardrobe essentials. When I say the staples that are simply the essentials, you may be thinking t-shirts, button-down shirts, pants, dresses or jeans. But there’s the most basic of all basics — your underwear.
Regardless of your gender, we all have to make the decision — to wear it under there? Obviously, there are pluses and minuses to this subject, but there is one thing that stays consistent — wearing the right undergarments can make all the difference in how your clothing fits.
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What’s on top?
During my college years, I spent a few years as a Bra Specialist for Victoria’s Secret. I learned about the proper fit of bras under all different styles of clothing. A bra meant to fit well underneath a t-shirt may not work with a lower cut dress. There are different bras for different clothing and it’s all about making a smooth silhouette underneath your outfits.
Getting the right cup size is really the most important aspect of finding the appropriate bra. This is the biggest issue I come across with many women who do not know their bra size. When the cup is too big, clothing doesn’t lay flat — it buckles into the open cup and gets caught up in the extra space. The opposite is also very true – you shouldn’t be overflowing your cup. Again, a lot of buckling and folding because your breasts are falling out of the cup and fabric is catching into the folds.
The same is true of the bra’s band — if it is too tight, your back will overflow over the top and push out underneath – definitely not flattering on a body-contouring top! Too loose and your bra is moving around, your top or dress will constantly catch under and move around with it. Both circumstances are just super uncomfortable.
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How Do You Find the Right Size?
Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash
The best way to figure out your bra size is by measurement. You can do it on your own, but it’s better if you have a friend or partner you can trust to read the numbers while you stand as straight as you can. Write down the numbers so that you don’t forget!
First, measure your bust below your breasts — this will be the size of the band (32-50). Generally, this number is pretty straightforward, but it’s important to try a few sizes on, to be sure the bra fits snuggly. So don’t pigeonhole yourself into that number being an exact match. I suggest going up a size if it’s an odd number. Better that your bra be a little loose than too tight!
Next, measure around again, but this time the tape should be measuring the top of your breasts, the décolleté so to speak. And then measure across your breasts — the tape should be over the nipples. Take that number and see how many inches difference it is to the previous measurement. This is your cup size! For example, 1 inch more would be an A cup, 2 would be a B…
No Bra is Universal
There are many different styles of bras. The most popular bras are Full Coverage, Demi, Push Up, and T-Shirt — you may like a demi (half-cup) for some lower cut tops and dresses, but like a full cup for everyday comfort while a T-Shirt bra is made for your tee to lay smoothly. Want to be dramatic — get yourself a push-up!
The larger busted women I work with sometimes feel like they miss out on lacy bralettes and less supportive bras. This may have been true years ago, but technology has allowed bra fabric to have sexy lace or florals printed on the cups and straps so they can also do a little peek-a-boo with their lingerie! So, don’t despair if you love that boho style with off the shoulder tops and lacy bras, there are plenty of brands out there that cater to larger bust sizes without looking like your grandma’s bra!
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Onto the Bottoms!
There are many styles of underwear — and there’s a reason! Each has its own use. Some just for comfort’s sake, but others that work best with particular styles of clothing. For example — you may be wearing a thin pant and need a pantie that lies flat on your bum and hips so as not to show lines from the elastic. Microfiber, raw-cut panties such as Commando Underwear are the perfect fabric to keep those panty lines at bay.
But it’s not just the fabric — the cut is important, as well. Have you ever heard the term “whale tale?” It’s a little nickname for the top of a thong sticking out of someone’s pants. NOT ATTRACTIVE. There are styles that work with every waist of pants – string bikinis work well with a low-riser, while you can go crazy wearing a high-waist (and very comfortable) brief when sporting your high-rise skinny jeans. And high-waisted panties aren’t just those bulky cotton bloomers anymore. I just recently had a boudoir photoshoot and wore a gorgeous pair of high-waist black lace thong panties and they were so sexy!
This is merely an overview of how to best fit in your skivvies — there really is so much involved with finding the best fit both on top and on your bottom. Have a question about what type of bra or panty to wear under your clothing? Contact me to set up a lingerie fitting!
Jennifer Ginty is a certified image consultant and personal stylist with years of experience helping women and men define their own style with wardrobe organization and personal shopping. Jen has consulted with everything from casual wear such as jeans and tops to styling for the corporate world.
“I love what I do. Some may see my career as a luxury for other people, or maybe as “extra.” But it’s so much more than what you see on the outside. For my clients and for me.”
Style is a form of self care – a way to express yourself without even speaking. Through self-introspection and just having fun, you can bring out your true self effortlessly.
It’s about dressing for the way you live and feeling great about it.
Ever feel like you just need to make a few changes in your wardrobe or maybe you feel lost when it comes to what to wear? Jen is a certified image consultant and personal stylist with years of experience helping women and men define their own style with wardrobe organization and personal shopping.
