Underwear is your secret weapon. We’re serious. It’s the most private place you have to express yourself no matter what is happening on the outside. You can wear bright red panties for courage, strength—a rebellion even, while on the outside you may be dressed head to toe in professional navy blue. You can wear all black for power. Lace it up for sexiness. Shades of green for kindness and compassion. Skin tones for simplicity. Or go full-on leopard for a wild streak. There’s even Wonder Woman underwear for days you need superhero powers. The idea is to use the colors, cut, textures, and prints that inspire you, that will be a private affirmation between you and you for the day. There are no rules in the private world of underwear and that’s why it’s so much fun.
But even more essential than self-expression and inspiration, the most vital raison d’être for underwear is that it supports your outerwear.
That’s why foundational garments is the technical term for undies. These delicate bras, panties, slips, stockings, and shapers were created to support the body so that the outer clothing could drape beautifully. Think of it like this: undergarments are the scaffolding upon which the spectacular architecture of clothing rests.
Historically undergarments were notoriously complex, uncomfortable, restrictive and sometimes even harmful (did you know that women used to suffer broken ribs getting laced into corsets?!). But over the last century tremendous innovation and design coupled with body positivity have changed the nature of foundational garments. These days you can find underwear to harmonize with the body instead of fighting it. Today, when you select the right undergarments for your body, they optimize your form without sacrificing movement or comfort. As a result you feel smooth and seamless on the inside while the clothing you layer on the outside looks spectacular.
In the spirit of underwear empowerment for all, The Stylery teamed up with Soma Intimates for an event featuring foundational garment education. As The Sylery Founder, Chanmuny Dy, put it, “building a great wardrobe and building confidence starts with great foundations—figuratively and literally!”
A major focus of the event was proper fit, as most women are actually wearing the wrong bra size (!), which impacts both comfort and appearance. Attendees were measured and fitted by expert Soma associates and then tried on different cuts, styles and colors to experientially see which undergarments were optimal for their unique body type and wardrobe needs/goals. And, of course, there was plenty of time to indulge in color, texture and cut for self-expression!
If we missed seeing you at the event, we want to be absolutely sure you have access to the shared nuggets of gold wherever you may be!
Lingerie takeaway tips:
- We recommend that you take the time to get measured and fitted (most undergarment shops will offer this service for free if you ask) and to shop according to what types of undergarments would optimize your outwear wardrobe.
- Always have a nude set of undergarments to wear under whites, light colored clothes and thin fabrics that could possibly be see-through. (Please note that white undergarments under white clothing is NOT invisible!)
- Build a bra wardrobe. Soma recommends having at least three bras in rotation: one that you wear, one that you are washing, and one that is resting. This rotation cycle helps bras last longer. Another benefit of having three bras is to be prepared for different body and wardrobe needs. For example, a dependable neutral bra for practical use, a comfortable bra for lounging and a beautiful or wild bra for self-expression.
- Always try to make time to hand wash and line dry bras and panties. Alternatively, machine wash undergarments in a mesh lingerie bag on delicate cycle and line dry. Never expose them to heat as this breaks down elastic and shortens undergarment lifespan.
- Just FYI, bras should last a year or two, depending on frequency of wear and care.
- Pay attention to underwear lines! Seek out panties with flat seams or seamless edges for a marvelous effect.
- Don’t forget to use your undies as a private source of inspiration, affirmation and self-expression – ENJOY!
Download infographic below!
