lingerie essentials, for a complete wardrobe

Have you ever bought a last-minute outfit on the day of a big soirée only to discover that you don’t have the right bra? Every one of us, at one time or another, has not had that “right” piece of lingerie just when we need it. There's probably something missing from your lingerie drawer--whether it's a matter of design, shape, or color.

Lingerie Essentials is a comprehensive lingerie listing. If you have all these items, you should be covered for any situation, so to speak. We're not suggesting that you have to own all of these items-- we offer it as a good checklist of fundamentals.

Unless you're going for the Madonna look, you probably want your lingerie to be unobtrusive. So, your lingerie wardrobe should include the color basics--a nude or flesh tone (as close to the color of your skin as possible), black, ecru and white. In this age of wonderful fleshtone underwear, you may be wondering "why white?" Well, in keeping with the long tradition, handed down from mother to daughter, we can bleach our white lingerie until the day it starts looking dingy. Then, as Mom said, "When it looks gray, throw it away.". Naturally, if you wear a lot of a particular color, you'll probably want lingerie in that color as well. A black bra strap or slip peeking out of a red dress is either a fashion statement or a fashion faux pas. Either way, it's noticeable.

You don't wear the same shoes with every outfit; you don't want to wear the same bra with everything either. Your bra wardrobe should include bras for many different situations--how defined you want your bust to be, the sheerness or clinginess of your shirts, the colors to match your clothing, even the season. The bras that suited you just fine in the past may not be right for you now. A woman's body goes through tremendous changes and these changes can effect the size and style of your bras. Pregnancy often makes a woman's diaphragm wider, exercise can expand the breadth of your back, you may have nursed a baby, gained or lost weight, or just plain started your fight with gravity.

Size isn't the only thing that changes-- so do fashions and your taste in clothes. The bras that suited your style last year may be all wrong for the clothes you're choosing now. Cast as critical an eye on your lingerie collection as you do on your shoes and accessories--do you have the bras that fit your body, your wardrobe, and your lifestyle?

3-6 every day basic bras
A woman should have a collection of bras that she draws from for everyday wear--a week's supply at a minimum. You're not alone if you wear the same bra a few days in a row; most of us do (assuming it isn't soiled by perspiration).
Everyday bras should give sufficient support and be comfortable. The straps should be wide enough so they don't dig into the shoulders. There should also be an underwire if the cup size is C or larger.

Also consider different bras for winter and summer. For winter, bras with padding actually provide extra warmth. For summer, have a supply of lightweight, cotton bras--they're cooler and more comfortable in the heat. Whatever the season, your everyday bras should provide support without being binding.

backless bra This bra is a must-have for formal attire. Some backless bras can be converted to strapless for more versatility.

convertible bra A convertible bra has modifiable straps that can be transformed into a halter, racer-back, one-shoulder or strapless style. A great versatile bra.

demi cup bra This style has become more and more popular in recent years. A contoured, underwire style, the cups are partially cut away in order to expose the top of the breast. This bra style may have widely set shoulder straps as well. It is a very flattering style and can be used with low-cut necklines.

long-line bra A midriff-slimming bra with to-the-waist panels provides extra smoothing for form-fitting outfits. A great choice when looking for a smooth silhouette.

minimizer bra Full-chested women should have a minimizer in their wardrobe for those times when they want to de-emphasize their bust line.

push-up bra A push-up bra is designed with additional padding at the bottom portion of the cup, which lifts the breasts to give the illusion of a fuller bustline. This type of bra comes in handy when an outfit calls for a more filled-out look. It is most frequently used with eveningwear. Obviously a full-chested woman wouldn't need this bra in her wardrobe.

racerback bra A bra style with the straps pulled toward the center in the back. Worn with sleeveless or racerback style tops and dresses. A must-have bra for the summer, this style also prevents bra straps from slipping off shoulders.

seamless bra This bra has molded cups and thus no seams. It gives a smooth and almost transparent look under clothing. A wonderful style when you want a bra that is almost invisible for sheer or clingy fabrics.

sports bra Even if you are only moderately active, this is a must in your wardrobe. Breasts are supported by the non-elastic Cooper’s ligaments. Frequent exercising breaks down the ligaments and causes permanent sagging in your breasts. Wearing a sports bra will help to prevent damage to the breast tissue. Manufacturers often categorize their sports-bra line by the level of impact and exercise intensity: if you participate in various sports or exercise activities, you may need several different sports bras.

strapless bra As the name implies, this bra has no straps. Rather it has wide sides and sewn in silicone stitching to keep it in place. This style should be worn with strapless tops, evening gowns, or outfits where a normal bra would show.

wide-away bra A bra with widely-spaced shoulder straps. This style is great for boat neck and wide, squared necklines. Many demi-cup bras have wide-away straps.

7-14 everyday basic panties Every woman should have a one to two weeks supply of everyday panties. They can be any style as long as they are comfortable and non-binding. Once the elastic is shot or they become stretched out and no longer stay in place, they should be replaced.

bikini panties This style of panty has a waistband that rests below the navel and on the hips. It usually has a high-cut leg line and back coverage. If you wear styles that rest on the hips such as hip-hugger pants, or low-waisted skirts, this is the panty to wear.

brief A panty with a waistband that rests at or just below the navel and has full back coverage. It can also have a high-cut leg. Without a doubt, this is the most comfortable style panty. It can be warn when visible panty lines and sheerness are not an issue.

g-string A bikini panty with virtually no back coverage. Should be worn for those times when you want no panty lines showing

tap pant A panty styled like short shorts with a small flair at the hem. It doubles as a panty and slip for short skirts. It gives a smooth line from waist to hip.

thong A bikini panty with a high-cut leg and a 1/2” to 1” strip of material running up the back and flaring out into the waistband. Many women find this more comfortable to wear than a g-string. It too reduces visible panty lines.

body briefer A shapewear style that looks like a one-piece bathing suit. It has a built-in bra and tummy control all in one. Great when you want to trim the waist and control the tummy.

cami top A camisole-looking piece of shapewear, it gives a seamless and toned look under knits. Perfect for sheer form-fitting tops that would show the tiniest detail of an undergarment.

control brief A brief with a built-in front tummy panel. The solution when a flat tummy is desired. Very useful under straight skirts, knits, and flat-front pants. Also known as a tummy shaper.

high-waisted brief A control brief with an extended waistband to give shaping and support to the waistline. Eliminates any line at the waist and gives a smooth shape to the sides.

long leg brief A control brief with legs extending down the thigh. This style shapewear firms the bottom and controls the thighs for a smooth line from waist to knee.

2 camisoles A sleeveless undergarment worn under a sheer blouse to give coverage. Can also be worn as a blouse alternative under a suit. You should have one lacy and one plain style. Camisoles can also add some warmth in winter and are much more grown-up than old-fashioned undershirts.

2 full slips An undergarment of dress length that is suspended from the shoulders by straps. Worn under sheer dresses to reduce transparency, or under unlined dresses to prevent chafing or clinging. One lacy slip and one plain style slip should cover most needs.

3 half slips A slip that begins at the waist and comes in a variety of lengths. Worn under sheer skirts to reduce transparency or under unlined skirts to prevent chafing and give a smooth look. Half slips in lengths of mid thigh, top of kneecap and mid calf should cover most fashion requirements.

pantliner Also known as an underliner, it is a pantaloon-like garment worn as a slip with unlined pants. Can also be worn under white pants to reduce their transparency. Will help to reduce thigh chafing.

tap pant Styled like short shorts with a small flair at the hem, a tap pant is a great solution for short skirts- ala Ally McBeal -that need lining.

teddy A camisole and panty combined into one piece. A great undergarment for mini-skirts.

Bring out a more confident you. By adding these items to your wardrobe, not only will you look like a million bucks, you'll feel like a million bucks! and when a woman looks and feels that good,
others can't help but notice her.
In lingerie, you really do get what you pay for. At first glance, most women think there is not much fabric, so it shouldn't cost very much. Well, the truth is the fabric is not the major cost; labor is. Making a bra is very labor-intensive. The more expensive bras have craftsmanship, detail and design. Fabric choices can also drive up the price. For example, all lace is not the same. Expensive lace will have more detail and design, as well as dimension. The next time you go shopping for lingerie, take a minute and look at the sewing is done on the trim, how the elastic is sewn on, how the seams are finished. Bottom line: you deserve the best. A bra that is comfortable and pretty is worth the investment and it makes you feel good. Don't be penny wise and comfort foolish.