While well-made, perfectly tailored, totally you tops, pants, dresses, jackets, and more are all a must for your wardrobe, we can’t forget the importance of foundation pieces.  Bras, underwear, and shapewear are the building blocks that cement how your clothing drapes, fits, and flatters, so don’t skimp on these necessities.  

I sat down with Erin Bose, former Store Director for Victoria’s Secret, to get the inside scoop on shopping for intimate apparel.  Erin confirmed the shocking rumor that I’d suspected to be true: “the majority of women are in the wrong bra size!”  While they’re not always drastically astray in terms of cup size, many women are wearing the wrong band size.

Erin explained that not only does it pay off to have a specialist measure you for your general size, but you can and should request to be measured for a particular style as well.  Shoppers often try on every bra in the store in the same exact size, but the reality is that fit varies dramatically by brand, and by cut and shape too.  While you may be a 34C in a lace demi cup, a 36B may be the best fit in a fully lined balconette.

Erin also suggests wearing or bringing a form-fitting tank into the dressing room to check for a seamless fit.  She says to never buy without trying on (which I second of course!), and to look for a “lightly lined bra with medium coverage in a demi cup” as a starting point, as the “majority of women do very well” with this cut, and it offers “a natural curve.”

As a final point on Erin’s list of tips, she recommends finding your style and sticking with it by having “one on, one in the drawer, and one in the wash” as well as “at least one neutral, and one black or color” for your bra of choice.  I recommend purchasing just one at first, trying it out for a few days, and then returning for the additional bras only once you’ve taken it for a test run!

Too timid to ask for an in-store fitting?  Follow Zafu’s DIY guidelines and find the right fit online in 3 minutes or less!  While Victoria’s Secret sizing runs mostly between 32A and 40D, many other retailers (including Zafu) offer bra fittings and harder-to-fit options to match your measurements.  Check out Lane Bryant, Lady Grace, Intimacy, or your local department store if Victoria doesn’t have your Secret.

From bras, we now take a quick look at underwear and the styles that work best to avoid the dreaded VPL (visible panty line)!  If you’re looking for seam-free bliss, look no further than Commando, (yes, the name says it all) by girly undergarment outfitter Her Look. From the Tiny Thong to the High Rise Panty, and everything in between, Commando has you, well, covered for every occasion!

If you prefer a lacy look that is comfortable and care-free, opt for the ever-popular low-rise thong by Hanky Panky.  Super stretchy, and one size fits most means you can pick these up by the handful.  Gap Body also makes a lacey cotton thong at a moderate price point that can’t be beat!  (Hint: If you’re looking to make your life a little bit easier, consider replacing all of your current underwear with your favorite style – save yourself the hassle of digging through unwanted silhouettes each morning and steal that moment back for a cup of coffee instead!)

Finally, we move to shapewear.  With plenty of comfortable options out there these days, it needn’t be saved for just formal occasions.  Cass Luxury Shapewear makes an incredible style called the Invisibella in 8 fabulous cuts for the upper body (as well as several for your lower half).  Smooth and sleek, these tops are all you need to make lumps and bumps disappear under your clothing.  Sassybax offers a similar product, but is designed to be worn as both a bra and shapewear garment, eliminating messy lines caused by layering.

Last, but certainly not least, is Spanx, Sara Blakely’s original hit product.  While the phenomena all started with a pair of footless, uber control-top pantyhose, they’ve expanded their offerings quite a bit over the years.  Check out the clever reversible tights and Bra-lellujah! wireless bras.

Don’t forget to focus on “a strong foundation” next time you’re out shopping!

*Stay Stylish*

Ally