Minimizer bras like this one by Olga often have wider back bands to hide side and back bulges.

Smooth Silhouette Tip 1) If your bra doesn’t fit… don’t wear it. It’s only natural that our body weights fluctuate over the seasons, with winter and holiday time nearly guaranteeing a few extra pounds – between the delicious turkey, desserts, and vino, and the decrease in our exercise levels (well, mine anyway!). You may find that your bra is mysteriously tighter than usual, or your breasts are spilling out of your bra cups, no matter how you adjust your straps. So stop wearing it! Wearing the wrong bra size – particularly a too-small bra – is always unflattering (not to mention uncomfortable & unhealthy), instead of giving you the natural and sleek-looking finish you deserve. A properly fitted bra will help hide any bulges under your arms and in back, caused by too-tight and bra back bands with narrow widths, and your bra cups will fully envelop your breasts to prevent spillage and bumps. The end result: a smooth silhouette you can rely on and unparalleled comfort that will be so reassuring, you’ll be strutting with confidence in no time. (Plus-sized tip: try a bra with wider back wings which help smooth out your sides and back like this Olga minimizer bra, while providing full support for day or night, lending a slimmer shape to your upper torso.)

Smooth Silhouette Tip 2) Find underwear that won’t cause VPL,

6503 Grenier Vintage Touch Lacy Shaping Bodysuit, available at Now That’s Lingerie

but that’s so comfy you’ll forget you’re wearing any. New innovations in fabrics and clothing production are now leading us down the path to laser-cut and seamless panties, which have virtually no seams and give you a smooth, barely-there finish and feel. Naturana’s cotton Invisible Touch line includes ideal basics for day or night that offer all the breathability and softness of cotton with the flirty, seamless finish you can wear under even the tightest of pants, dresses or skirts. Many of my comfort-savvy clients also adore Warner’s Pinching, No Problems panty or hipster, specially created to eliminate unwanted lines and bulges. For a retro treat, try the ever-popular classic high-rise Vintage Touch lace panty by Grenier (or their sensual one-piece Vintage Touch shaping bodysuit, which leaves you an elegant lacy touch and smooth finish, while helping smooth out your tummy and derriere while giving you support.)

1232 Triumph Lace Sensation Seamless Shaping Body Dress, available at Now That’s Lingerie

Smooth Silhouette Tip 3) Find shapewear that shapes you – no asphyxiation required. It’s a MYTH that shapewear and controlwear are supposed to be so tight that you can’t breathe (despite what some of my girlfriends may believe!).   Back when corsets were the norm for ladies, they would be laced up so tightly that these women often succumbed to dizzy spells and fainting! And if you ask me, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to look and feel sexy and confident when you are gasping for air. Yes, shapewear is intended to be a “second skin”, but it’s my belief that this means a comfortable second skin! One of my longtime clients now swears by Triumph’s Lace Sensation collection, particularly the long and lacy seamless shaping body dress and the high-rise mid-thigh shaper, for helping give her a smooth effect under any of her clothes. The new Perfect Body line by Naturana slims you out while also emphasizing your natural curves seamlessly – I especially love the high-rise thigh shaper that is perfect for any clothing, even dresses.

Stay tuned for more style and bra fitting tips to help you feel & look your personal best!

Do you have personal rules or tips shapewear & controlwear? Tell us by commenting below, on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri) and become a fan of our Facebook page!

Lisalisa@nowthatslingerie.com

Image sources & references

Olga seamless minimizer bra
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=35982-suddenly-smooth-full-busted-underwire-olga-lingerie

Naturana Exklusiv Invisible Touch Seamless Cotton Panty
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=4574-invisible-touch-seamless-cotton-brief–naturana-exklusiv

Naturana Exklusiv Invisible Touch Collection
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/collection.php?collection=invisible%20touch&brand=naturana-exklusiv

Grenier Vintage Touch Lacy Shaping Panty
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=513-grenier-lace-control-panty

Grenier Vintage Touch Shaping Bodysuit with Underwire

http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=6503-grenier-shapewear-vintage-bodysuit

Naturana Perfect Body Long Leg High Rise Shaper
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=0060-perfect-body-seamless-shaping-long-leg-panty-girdle-naturana-lingerie

Triumph Lace Sensation Seamless Shaping Body Dress
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1232-shape-sensations-body-dress-triumph-lingerie

Triumph Lace Sensation Seamless Long Leg High Rise Panty Shaper
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=432-shape-sensations-leg-panty-triumph-lingerie

Triumph Lace Sensation collection
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/collection.php?collection=lace%20sensation&brand=triumph-lingerie

1.    Shapewear

Perfect Body Long Girdle by Naturana

He says:

“You’re not overweight, so why do you need Shapewear?”

You say: Shapewear doesn’t just slim the body, it creates a streamlined torso. No bumps or bulges from panties, stockings, or leggings. Women of any shape and size can appreciate that!

Example: Perfect Body Seamless Shaping Long Leg Panty Girdle by Naturana will show him that a long, shape-fitting controlwear creates a smooth, sleek torso under even a thin dress.

2.    Garter Belts

He says: “They’re sexy, but what the heck are they for?”

Naked Envy Garter Belt by Blush

You say: I’m glad you like them, but for centuries they served a very useful purpose. In the past, stockings only went up a little past women’s knees.  Women attached stockings to the garter belt so that they would stay up. A man might reply (as my boyfriend did): “Aren’t they tight enough that they stay up on their own?” The answer is no, they need something to hold them up.  (Stay-Ups do have a silicone band inside to “stay up” by themselves, but thigh-high nylons/stockings don’t.)

Example: If he can focus long enough to get the explanation, the Naked Envy Semi Sheer Eyelash Lace Garter Belt by Blush Lingerie illustrates how garter belts attach to mid-thigh length stockings.

 

3.    Basic Panties

8825 Silk Magic Brief by Elita

He says: “These are boring. Why do you have them?”

You say: There are certain times in the month (or anytime, really!) that women want simplicity and coverage from their underwear. It’s not always the goal to look hot – comfort is key!

Example: Prove the point that basic underwear can still be exciting with  Elita’s 8825 Silk Magic Microfiber Brief, a perfect blend of practicality and luxurious comfort. The super-soft material will convince anyone that basic underwear is a necessity.

4.    Convertible Bras

1693 This is Not a Bra Strapless By Warner's

He says:  “I don’t know what that is. And it sounds like a type of car.”

You say: It’s a bra with straps that you can remove or move around into different configurations (such as single strap, strapless, halter-neck, racer back style, one strap across the back, etc.) It’s very useful because women can wear it with many different outfits that a traditional bra would not work with, like a strapless dress or one-shoulder dress.

Example: The 1693 This Is Not A Bra Strapless Bra by Warner’s shows how versatile this type of bra really is. Pair it with one-shoulder or strapless tops so he gets the point.

5.    Sports Bras

He says: “Do you really need that? I work out without a jock strap.”

B4490 Active Max Sports Bra by Shock Absorber

You say: YES! Sports bras offer much greater comfort and support than regular bras. Though some women might be able to pull off yoga or Pilates in an everyday bra, most women find it extremely uncomfortable or even painful to run or use a cardio machine without a sports bra. (Plus, you don’t want to get a nice bra gross and smelly if you’re working up a sweat.) Try telling him that a badly fitting or non-supportive sports bra will only make your breasts sag earlier, and a great sports bra prevents that from happening as quickly, preserving your bustline longer.

Example: The 4490 Active Max Sports Bra by Shock Absorber offers great support and comfort. Women will feel the difference when working out… but men will just have to take our word on that.

Has another clothing item caused confusion for a man you know? Tell us by commenting below, or connect with us on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri) and on our Facebook page!

Rachel
rachelg@nowthatslingerie.com

Photo credits and sources:

Perfect Body Seamless Shaping Long Leg Panty Girdle:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/images/2011/fall/naturana-lingerie/0060p.jpg

Naked Envy Semi Sheer Eyelash Lace Garter Belt by Blush:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/images/2011/fall/blush-lingerie/222462-naked-envy-garter-belt-by-blush-lingerie-p.jpg

Silk Magic Microfiber Brief by Elita:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/images/2010/elita-lingerie/8825p.jpg

This Is Not A Bra Strapless Bra by Warner’s:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1693-this-is-not-a-bra-strapless-warners-lingerie

b4490 Active Max Sports Bra by Shock Absorber:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=b4490–max-sports-bra-top-shock-absorber

Featured Image

Burlesque Fantasy Garter Belt by Montelle:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=8645-burlesque-fantasy-satin-and-lace-garter-belt-montelle-lingerie

1738 Pink  Convertible Bra by Triumph International:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1738-push-up-collection-push-up-bra-triumph-lingerie

An example of "over-spill"

The main advantages of wearing this type of bra is that you avoid “over-spill” (bulge over the neckline of your bra) and ‘gaping button syndrome”, so your clothes will look and feel better, and make you look thinner and younger too! . They work by compressing and de-emphasizing the breasts using a combination of power-stretch fabrics, molding and cut. They’re designed to fit snugly and securely.

The underbust band and straps are the most important structural parts of this type of bra since they take the majority of the weight. Wider, padded straps and a leotard (“U”) back increase comfort and reduce the dreaded back bulge (plus help avoid “falling strap syndrome”). The cups are usually either wireless using seamed and molded panels to lift the breasts, or underwired with fully molded (contour) cups.  It’s important that the fabrics used in minimizer bras have a powerful amount of stretch and excellent recovery, since they’re required to compress without “slackening” and for the elasticity to not be compromised by frequent washing.  Another thing too, it helps if the cups are made from satin to eliminate any  “sticking ” or “bunching up” of your clothing during the day.

The 5363 Minimizer Wireless Bra from Naturana

With the newest minimizer bras, the construction is very similar in principle to sports bras, so a bra manufacturer who is known for their minimizers will usually also produce an excellent line of sports bras and full support bras.  One such manufacturer is Naturana Lingerie. They have a gorgeous and extensive minimizer range at Now That’s Lingerie as well as a great range of sports bras. Take a look at their 5363 & 5063  Minimizer Wireless Bra and it’s matching 0063 & 0017 High Rise Medium Full Control Panty Girdle available in four satin colors and two floral satin jacquards. Also in this range are two other great bra shapes – the 7363 Minimizer Bra (an underwired, molded version) and the 5663 Minimizer Front Opening Bra.

Sheer Tapestry Minimizer Bra by Olga Lingerie

Olga Lingerie’s 35984C Sheer Tapestry Minimizer is a sleek, seamless bra which claims to reduce bust projection by up to 1 inch! This underwired, molded bra in pretty floral jacquard has built up straps and a wide back band for added comfort.

The 841892 Splendid Curves Luxury Minimizer by Triumph is a stunning, seamless, satin underwire bra. It’s super-comfortable with slightly cushioned straps and a “U” shaped back and yet very pretty with little lace details to perfectly match its sexy lace panty – the 8442 Splendid Lace Maxi.

The 841892 Splendid Curves Luxury Minimizer by Triumph

So try out a gorgeous new silhouette with one of the minimizer bras available from NowThatsLingerie, I guarantee you’ll be very satisfied with the results!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

First of all, I think it’s important to say this: A woman should not have any shame or embarrassment in regards to her figure. I firmly believe that all shapes and sizes are beautiful in their own way! What’s more (and what the media would rather you not know!) is that everybody is attracted to different things. All of this is to say that the popularized image of tall, skinny women – while still attractive – isn’t the ideal. Therefore, my top tips are not about hiding your body but about how you can highlight your already-radiant beauty!

Blush Lingerie's Finders Keepers High Hipster

A good thing to remember in all fashion scenarios is that embellishments attract attention! Ruffles, lace, jewels, and all that glitters will automatically draw eyes. They also add volume – so depending on the look you’re going for, you can use this to your advantage in different ways. If you are one bootylicious babe who wants to flaunt that fabulous derriere, or a sporty type who would like to make your bottom look a bit fuller, then wearing ruffled panties, such as the Finders Keepers High Hipster by Blush, are the way to go!

Another rule of thumb is that the right fit is always visually appealing! Creating a smoother silhouette is easy with sleek, reinforced pieces. Luckily, there is tons of shapewear out there, due to the massive appeal and comfort it offers to women of all shapes and sizes. As I’ve said before, I’m a petite woman, and I love shapewear as much as the next girl! After all, it’s not about trying to change your size; size isn’t an issue! It’s the way that shapewear limits bumps and panty lines that interfere with an article’s cut and allows it to fall the way it is meant to, to achieve the perfect fit!

So there you have it; once you’ve got these two tips in your back pocket all the rest of your fashion choices will come easy.

Stay tuned for my next fashion blog about my bra fitting session with the Bra Doctor last weekend!

Rachel

Ask me about fashion! Comment below and e-mail me at:

rachel@nowthatslingerie.com

Now, while lingerie is definitely pretty and you may feel tempted to show it off, there is a time and a place for everything! Have a look at some mortifying fashion bloopers below, and let me share with you the quick and easy lingerie secrets that could have saved these ladies from embarrassment in a flash (no pun intended!).

Lindsay Lohan’s Girdle

Alas, poor Lindsay – she had the right idea! Girdles can be a girl’s best friend, but only when worn under dresses that are actually longer than her undergarments… In this situation, Lindsay might have been better off with something a little prettier than a skimpy, nude girdle – like Triumph’s Shape Sensation high-waisted control brief. Shorts provide more coverage, and with lacy panels to cover thighs and pretty scalloped trim, this shaping underwear is definitely a little more pleasing to the eye than a basic, old-fashioned girdle!

lj

lkj

Amy Winehouse’s Bra

This is just not a good look on anyone. I’m confused. Knowing Amy Winehouse and her frequent off-the-wall behavior, I’m not sure if this even counts as a wardrobe malfunction or if she actually meant for it to look that way! Either way, a simple white bra under a properly-fitted white tank could have turned this garish look into a simply beautiful, casual outfit.

kljd

Halle Berry’s Thong

Why, Halle, Why?! For shame! I love Halle, but for such a classy lady this kind of indecent exposure comes as a shock. The worst part about this fashion blunder is that it could have been easily avoided by simply throwing on a slip under her dress, or wearing seamless panties or shorts, like Bra Doctor’s low-rise hipster or Elita’s Invisibles low-rise hipster! Anyway, I’m willing to bet that our dearest Halle was unaware of her pretty blue robe’s transparency and wasn’t trying to draw unwanted attention to herself!

I will not post any Paris or Britney photos out of principle (we all know of their tendencies to give the paparazzi a lot more than they asked for…) but the solution to their underwear dilemmas is about as simple as they come: Try wearing some!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend free of embarrassing fashion faux-pas!

Rachel

Daisy Control Camisole Tops by Arianne, available at Now That's Lingerie.com

Modern shapewear and controlwear have taken on a sexy twist in recent years.  You have likely heard of brands like Spanx, Yummie Tummie, Sassybax and many more,  who have created supportive clothing and undergarments that comfortably control and shape your body, eliminating unsightly bulges and smoothing out your curves almost invisibly under tighter clothes.

Over the last five years or so,  my clientele for controlwear has diversified, with even younger woman purchasing shaping and controlling garments!  Women of all ages and sizes are interested in smoothing the lines of their bodies comfortably, (and not just plus-sized ladies, either).

Seductive Shape Vintage High Control Brief with Zipper by Naturana Exklusiv

Did you know that wearing the right sized bra and style for your body can give you an immediate slimmer appearance?  When the back band fits snugly and envelops the excess flesh around your arms and back, all while giving your breasts the supportive lift they need, you are changing the entire look of your upper body, truly emphasizing the hourglass shape of your feminine body!  You may not believe how instant the transformation can be,  all just by wearing a supportive bra that fits properly, but I urge you to get a proper bra fitting (that’s just what the Bra Doctor is for!) and a new medium to full support bra, and you’ll see for yourself.  If you are a plus-sized diva, I do suggest a full support bra to minimize discomfort on your shoulders and really give you the control and shape you need all day long.

17508101 Hold It In Waist, Tummy and Thigh Shaper by Change of Scandinavia

Other than shaping bras (which tend to offer medium to full support), there are other ways to slim out your torso under your clothes.  Shaping camisoles can be worn as clothing (if they are opaque enough) and smooth out your entire torso, from your breasts to your sides, including your waist and hips, like Arianne’s new Daisy collection (available this Spring in rose, periwinkle and basic black), which I love wearing with my jeans, with or without an open shirt or cardigan on top.  I also adore Triumph’s new Lace Sensation Shaping Camisole, which intentionally gives your breasts an extra Oomph when you wear your bra underneath.  Corsets can also help slim out your upper body (plus they are very sexy even if your goal is not to wear it as shapewear).

Lace Sensation Shaping Body Control Dress by Triumph

High-rise panties and girdles with extra tummy control have an integrated front panel of a minimal stretch fabric that helps flatten out your tummy.  I really like Naturana’s Seductive Shape vintage-inspired panty girdle, which fits snugly and has an easy and comfortable zipper-front for a more precise fit.  Naturana’s Functional Panty Girdle is made with a breathable stretch fabric and also delivers a seamless look under your clothes,  rising high up your torso. Smoothing out your hips, bum and thighs doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive – find yourself a shaper that controls all of your problem areas! Many thigh and bum shapers, like Change of Scandinavia’s Hold In High Panty, come up very high, often reach the bottom band of your bra, so you can get the tummy control you need too, all in one garment.  (Other fantastic styles are control bodysuits like Grenier’s Seamless Control Unitard.)

Need a dress liner that gives you the shape you want?  Triumph’s new Lace Sensations Shaping Body Dress acts as a full slip (to offer opacity under your more transparent dresses), while also shaping and controlling your entire body, from your breasts to your thighs!  This is my new favorite (and seriously convenient) addition to my wardrobe.

Whatever your needs, shapewear and controlwear (mostly synonymous!) can help you feel comfortable, smooth and shapely under any of your clothes.

Questions about fashion?  Let me know!

Lisa
lisa@nowthatslingerie.com

Tummy Tuckers

It’s no secret that one of the most common areas that women want to minimize and smooth out is our waistline. We go through many fluctuations every month, but it’s handy to have a little tuck-in when we want look our usual best! Most shapewear with built-in tummy control also naturally give a light support to your hips and butt.

Derrière Slimmer

Who doesn’t want a sleek and amazing rear view? Luckily, most shapewear will offer at least a bit of support for your behind. Keep in mind that when trying to shape the lower body, a longer short that covers part of the thigh will also help hug the bum and hips. It’s usually best to go with one piece that will be the most beneficial to your overall effect and helps contour your sexy curves.

Full Body Shaper

Dresses are amazing and fun, whether for a romantic evening or a night on the town. Don’t fret about panty lines or unsightly bulges and go with a full-body shaper (e.g. a unitard) or bodysuit. Some even have molded cups (so you won’t have to wear a bra) and antistatic fabrics, which are exceedingly convenient. With extensible lycra fabric that moves with you instead of restraining you, full-body shapers are fantastic to wear under any outfit and for any occasion to bring out the best in your body.

Whatever you choose, make sure not to select a smaller size just because you think it will give you better support. The size range you would normally take for panties is what you should stick to when you select your shapewear. You want to be able to breathe, move freely and have a good time, so select your sizes accordingly!

See you next time!
If you have any suggestions for topics, or questions for me, don’t hesitate to contact me.