Venture out of your…Underwear

UNDERWEAR | 916 West 12th Street | www.shop-underwear.com

Choosing underwear and lingerie isn’t easy, especially if you’re the least bit self-conscious — and let’s face it, who isn’t?

Ladies! After my Twenty-X years on the planet, I have come to one major realization…your body is your temple, so own it! Always play up your best features. Truthfully, it was about this time last year that it dawned on me that the racing stripes and Hanes-her-way underwear I was sporting under my daily wear, were not exactly meeting my needs. I decided it was time to grow-up in the underwear department. Of course, all while keeping it youthful in other areas such as my eccentric tastes in fashion and style, etc.

The most important thing is that we accept ourselves. When we accept ourselves, the rest of the world will too. Or they won’t – but that will be their problem. No two bodies are the same, and that’s why there are a wide-range of lingerie styles to complement these varied body types. The main point of purchasing lingerie/ underwear is to increase your sexuality and love of yourself, perhaps maybe a loved one too. For some, the best lingerie is a selection that enhances the body parts you are most proud of. Throughout my entire life, I have been a “voluptuous” woman. I will never be a size 0, but that does not stop me from looking my best, nor should it you! Especially now, as the weather heats up, grab the opportunity to wear sexy clothing, break out the great summer accessories, and flaunt your full or not so full hourglass figure!

Every woman should have several pairs of those ooh-la-la panties for different everyday wear. Don’t just do it for your boy either, even though speaking from experience they don’t mind — not one darn bit! Wear them for yourself. Make yourself feel empowered. Sexy underwear can make your day. You know what you are packing under there, but no one else does. It is your little secret weapon against all the troubles that the day may face you with. So rock out your secret sexiness — superhero style. I challenge you!

That being said…there are so many underwear choices for women these days, it is easy to get confused about what you should wear and when. Thankfully, the spectacular ladies at Underwear off 12th and Lamar are ready to help you slip into something a bit more…comfortable. Elizabeth Tigar, owner of Underwear, has graciously provided some tried and true underwear selecting tips that will help any gorgeous women out there make the right underwear decision.

What is the best advice you can give to someone that is just starting to venture out of the Hanes-her-way phase?

Elizabeth: The best advice I can give someone just starting to venture beyond the drugstore variety of underwear is take your time, look around, and try things on. Even if you’re the über-pragmatic type, very often you’ll find that even with all the lace and colors, the brands and styles we carry will serve you just as well for everyday as they do for special occasions. In fact, I usually encourage people who are buying their first “lingerie” to pick something that:

1. You feel comfortable in. Really really comfortable….&
2. Something you think you might get some day-to-day use out of. It’s the best treat for yourself, in the beginning of the day to put on gorgeous under things.

Are body types generally categorized in relation to purchasing lingerie? If so, how?

Elizabeth: Body types are important, yes. And I think everyone is their own best judge about what they like about their bodies and what they don’t. I would never encourage someone to get caught up about their shape or size; your body is beautiful, the way it is. Our goal is that you leave with something that will make you feel amazing about your body and comfortable in your own skin. That’s really the great thing about good undergarments: you can find things that fit you the right way, flatter what you like about your body, minimize your less favorite parts.

How can someone determine their body type?

Elizabeth: People are their own best judge, and I really shy away from dictating anyone’s body type to them. Whatever it is, we can get you something that fits your body.

What is the best way to buy the right Lingerie for your body type?

Elizabeth: Lingerie is such a loaded term too. I say that I have a “lingerie store” to people and most of the time they immediately think of pasties and g-strings. Not the case. Great lingerie is all about how you feel wearing it. My philosophy is that you should never feel like you’re in a “costume” for someone. When you buy lingerie, buy it mostly for yourself. What you find sexy, and what undergarments you wear to make you feel your sexiest, should be a natural extension of your personality.

Maybe you’re someone who loves comfort? Try a little nightie or lounge set from Eberjey (this one, called the Delirious Chemise, is a best seller). Find something in a fabric that feels amazing against your skin, and with details you like, like lace trim.

Are you a busty girl? Look for chemises with a seam below the bustline, and without triangle cups, for  some support and structure. Or try a lounge tank with a built in shelf bra from Wendy Glez and pair it with your favorite color of boyshort, for an updated take on the “t-shirt and boxers” nighttime get-up.

Maybe your inner femme fatale is dying for some time in the spot light? Try the Mini-Slip in black with detachable garters from Made By Nikki, and some thigh high stockings from Falke.

What are the best fabrics to look for when buying lingerie & underwear?

Elizabeth: That depends on what you’re shopping for. For your most special pieces of lingerie, look for silk in the fiber content label. Nothing else really compares to its softness and feel.

For basics though, there are such a huge range of fabrics, all with different feels and purposes. The one thing I can suggest is not to write something off because its a synthetic. There have been such huge leaps in technology when it comes to fabrics now that many synthetic fibers like rayon, modal, and even nylon can rival cotton in terms of fit, wear and breathability. Also, synthetics are often less expensive than their natural fiber substitutes, which is always a plus.

Have any special tips/secrets to finding form flattering underwear? Like tips for certain outfits? Hiding unwanted bulges & avoiding the unwanted panty line?

Elizabeth: Our go-to fashion problem solving brand is Spanx. We sell a variety of styles of their “shaping shorts” that can remedy almost any panty line or unsightly bulge. (Be sure to tell us that’s what you’re looking for, because we don’t have our shapers on display. We’re always happy to grab your size in a variety of styles for you to try).

My favorite “newcomer” on the shapewear scene is this great British line called Made by Nikki, on our website here. Her new “Slinkies” collection is a fantastic alternative to Spanx, which – admittedly – is low on the “hotness” scale. Slinkies are smoothing garments that you won’t want to hide. The shapes are drop-dead sexy, and practical to boot. And the high-tech fabric was designed to be “slippy” on the outside, so it doesn’t cling to what you have on over it, and “grippy” on the inside so it stays in place. Also, Nikki took a page from athletic wear and incorporated a bit of silver in the fabric, which offers moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties. One of these will keep you cool, sleek and bulge free.

If you’d rather not deal with shapewear, Commandos are always great solution to the pantyline problem. They’re a super thin stretch microfiber, with laser cut edges, ensuring a total disappearing act, even under your clingiest clothes.

photo credit: Suzy Q - www.qweddings.com

http://www.shop-underwear.com

Posted by Candace Carlisle

Candace Carlisle has published 16 posts.

Candace Carlisle is an event planner, graphic designer, and girl-about-town on the Austin nightlife circuit. Her event planning company, Electric Promotions (www.electricpromotions.com) regularly hosts bashes for Austin's up-and-coming musicians, visual artists, fashion designers, crafters, and even pastry chefs. Her clients and one-of-a-kind parties have been featured in The Austin American-Statesman, Austin Monthly, the Austin Fashion Awards, on KVUE-TV, and more. She also has a weakness for sequins. Learn more at http://www.electricpromotions.com. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/candace_in_atx