Style and  ‘sense’ have long been warring concepts, and perhaps that is why we simply adored Chanel when she came along; she freed us from these constraints, and advised us that girls should be classy and fabulous –always.  With this in mind, let me assure you that “Beauty is pain”, and “You can’t have your cake and eat it, too”, are ridiculous concepts.  With a little negotiation, you can find something aesthetically ravishing and yes… comfortable, too!  Sometimes, even the art of diplomacy has its place in fashion.  Let’s take a peek at some lingerie styles with a reputation for discomfort, and how they can actually be ‘pretty yet practical’.

The Corset

Yes, the corset has a history of leaving countless women literally breathless, but its’ descendants are of a much gentler temperament now.  Although some ladies do still wear corsets to achieve small waists as of yore (like Cathie Jung!), we now know corsets as incredibly feminine undergarments that softly shape and enhance the feminine figure –I know I stand a little more elegantly, a little more straighter, when I’m wearing one.  Perhaps even Chanel would approve… This seductive, deep violet ‘Midnight Kiss’ corset by Blush is sure to support your curves, and leave your admirer breathless.

The Thong

This complex bit of fabric needs a deal of ‘getting used to’.  But once you do, (and with the right size) you will avoid those horrid undergarment lines, and feel incredibly saucy, too.  The surprisingly comfy Florence String by Change of Scandinavia is not only about looks, but luxury — a perfect way to test a new style!

Lace

Some women find the feel of lace chafing against their skin.  If you love lace, but have sensitive skin, try wearing quality styles that keep the texture to a minimum or that offer a barrier or lining between your skin and the lace.  This racy, lacy and sheer number from the Bra Doctor’s Brigitte collection is made with a soft lace that doesn’t irritate in the least.  And with lace on the exterior and lined on the inside, Triumph’s “Lace Allure” bra definitely lives up to its name.

Underwire Bras

Yes, more often than not, wired bras are hugely popular because of their ability to help support and shape a fantastic figure, but some women do find them uncomfortable.  (Also, did you know that with tighter security measures at the airport, underwire bras can cause ‘inconvenience and extra scrutiny’ at the checkpoint?  Who needs the extra hassle when you’re travelling?)  Wearing a wire-free bra doesn’t mean you have to forsake looking cute or sassy… because this little lacy wire-free number by Blush Lingerie will prove that theory wrong and far exceed your ‘Great Expectations‘!

What are your thoughts, ladies?  Are you convinced that fashion can achieve a balance between style and comfort?  Share your thoughts with us on Twitter and on our Facebook page — we are always excited to hear from you!

 -Cathie-
cathie@nowthatslingerie.com 

Image Credits & Sources:

www.weheartit.com

Midnight Kiss Corset by Blush
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=222041-midnight-kiss-satin-and-lace-strapless-corset–blush-lingerie

Brigitte Semi-Sheer Lace Thong by Bra Doctor
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=40019r-brigitte-sheer-lacy-low-rise-thong-bra-doctor-lingerie

Lace Allure bra by Triumph International
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1906-lace-allure-full-support-bra-triumph-lingerie

Florence Thong by Change of Scandinavia
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=29708338_change_of_scandinavia_florence_string

Great Expectations Wire-Free Bralette by Blush
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=221510-great-expectations-sheer-lace-and-satin-wire-free-bralette-blush-lingerie

Empire fashions were little more than sheer nightgowns

With the fashion for draughty, hooped cage crinolines women had to adopt the warmer “drawers” or “knickerbockers” similar to the men’s- laced at the back waist, legs gathered in below the knee and an open crotch from front to back. The term “pair of” knickers or panties’ comes from the two separate legs being only attached at the waist. The Victorians loved this feature, it was hygienic and convenient since they didn’t require frequent underwear changes. By the end of the 19th century Knickerbockers, (where the term ‘Knickers’ comes from) were part of everyday wear and only the poorest went without. Gradually they were modified into shorter ‘Bloomers’ or fine cotton ‘closed drawers’ with a side waist opening. Parisian Cancan dancers famously chopped their ‘bloomers’ short to reveal more thigh!

A hooped cage crinoline - draughty in the winter

With the modern flapper fashions, old underwear styles were cast aside for the newer, slimmer lines. By the 1920′s women were wearing body skimming “Directoire” knickers with elasticated legs and waist – more practical to wear with the shorter skirt lengths in fashion. Skirt-knicker versions became known as “French Knickers” which were often open legged. Female undergarments contracted even further with the slinkier bias cut garments of the 30′s, thinner, lighter materials were preferred and an affordable artificial silk was invented made from rayon called “Art Silk”.

Directoire knickers from 1949

Hip Huggers in the late 60's

During the Second World War, “Directoire” knickers worn by women in the Armed Forces were nick-named “Passion Killers” because of their unshapely appearance and dull colors. By the 1950′s nylons and elastics had revolutionized undies. Knickers were mass produced and the designs were simplified. “Bikini Briefs” became popular in the 60′s for wearing under the new short mini skirts and super tight trousers. As the fashion for lower waists grew so did the panty waists and “Hip Huggers” became popular, even lower and they were called “Bikini Panties”. By the 70′s cotton gussets were finally introduced to nylon briefs for comfort and hygiene and new stretchy gloss and lace fabrics became fashionable.

1980's "Glossies" by Gossard

The 80′s established the “Designer Knicker” epitomized by Calvin Klein’s underwear range with it’s unisex styling and bold logo elastics. Legs were cut high to elongate the leg, a thick elastic waistband finished at the navel and the butt cheeks got increasingly less coverage. As the brief got even smaller it became a “Tanga”.

Meanwhile Brazil was experimenting with more erotic undies like G-Strings and Thongs, beloved of exotic dancers and the fashion for this minimal coverage soon spread to Europe and North America. While maintaining their popularity for nearly two decades, the fashion for the thong has gradually waned. These days companies are designing fresh trends for ultra-popular Boyshorts, High-cut Briefs and Shapewear in a myriad of comfy and seamless fabrics, in line with more modern  fashions.

Ask me about fashion and lingerie! Your question could be the topic of my next blog,

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

Vintage lingerie images from: Fashion-Era http://www.fashion-era.com/drawers-pants-combinations-knickers-fashion.htm

Empire illustration from: empire fashions pictures – Google Search

Glossies image from Advertising Archives: The Advertising Archives picture library – Largest collection of vintage & modern adverts, magazine illustrations, cover art & posters: UK & USACatalogue/ Brochure Plate | fashion

Hooped cage crinoline image:  Sous l’Empire des crinolines : Anna Galore Le blog

Undies cover your bum, but you might not know they can also reveal things about your personality!  Take a look at your underwear drawer – what do your undies say about you? Read on to find out!

Blue Emotions Brief by Naturana Lingerie

Classic Bikini: Blue Emotions Brief by Naturana Exklusiv

Bikini ladies care about comfort and practicality, as well as aesthetics! This simple cut goes well under jeans and – when fitted properly – most pants, skirts and dresses. Bikini-cut panties are also universally flattering, come in a variety of colours, fabrics and patterns and look great on all shapes and sizes.  These Blue Emotions Briefs by Naturana Lingerie are a perfect example of how practicality meets cute in bikini panties!

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Invisible Panty: Elita Invisible Thong

The Invisible panty is for the modern, sophisticated woman who puts a lot of time and effort into her polished and elegant appearance. In trousers, dress pants and other items, such as pencil skirts, the invisible panty ensures a sleek silhouette, uninterrupted by any VPL (Visible Panty Line!). The Elita Invisible Thong is a great example, and furthermore, it is stitch-less, meaning no uncomfortable seams to be seen!

Lacy Thong:

Emma Low-Rise Thong by Blush Lingerie

Lacy Thong: Emma Low-Rise Thong by Blush Lingerie

The Low-Rise Thong girl is youthful and carefree – just like the Emma Low-Rise Thong by Blush Lingerie! She sees the thong cut as liberating and a surefire way to guarantee her panties will remain undetected under any and all of her clothes. However, the thong-wearing lady is also likely very confident in her body, and doesn’t mind a little extra exposure when her clothes come off!

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Cotton Boy-Shorts: Elita Lingerie’s Metropolis Cotton Hipster

Boy-Shorts look excellent on women with athletic or boy-ish builds, and feel the same as many styles of work-out shorts! For this reason, sporty, active women often gravitate towards this cut. On the flip side, boy-shorts also look fabulous on curvy, voluptuous women, as they can also be worn to emphasize a rounder bottom. This cotton hipster by Elita is extremely versatile, meaning it can be worn in different ways and flatter many shapes.

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Comfort Curves Panty by Triumph Lingerie

Patterned Panty: Comfort Curves Panty by Triumph Lingerie

Meow! If you like this pair of Comfort Curves Panties by Triumph Lingerie, you are definitely a confident individual! Women who like quirky patterns, or bold patterns like the zebra print shown here, on their panties appreciate unique pieces and are unafraid to play around with their look. Playful and free-spirited, these panties are also very comfortable and can be your little, funky secret under your clothes!

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So there you have it! I hope you had some fun and learned something new – hey, maybe you are a combo personality, like I am (Patterned Thongs and Bikinis for me!).

Until next time!

Rachel

Move over, thongs! Hipsters and boyshorts have become all the rage in lingerie fashion, with emphasis on their seamless look and sleek fit. The latest styles are mostly low-rise (although some can be found in higher cuts as well) and reveal at least a hint of your lovely derrière. Here are a few stylish panty styles–comfortable enough for daily wear underneath anything.

Thongboys are considered the style between thongs and boy shorts, because they are typically (but not exclusively) low-rise, and the back comes up in a sexy V with a slight thong back, revealing the bottoms of your cheeks. You can find them in delicate laces and exciting prints.

Low-rise boy shorts and low-rise hipsters are so-called because they fall lower on the hips, but do not necessarily have a thong bottom. Some hipsters subtly accent your backside in a seductive V-shape, while others reveal only a slight demarcation of your derrière. Try them out in either an allover stretch lace, soft microfiber, and even breathable organics like cotton and bamboo.

Don’t worry– if you aren’t into wearing hipsters or thongboys, you can still find plenty of new sexy panties, comfortable for everyday wear, and won’t reveal too much of your bum. My favorites have a stretch lace along the top, providing a seamless and sleek look I can wear under even my tightest pants.

Stay tuned for my next Bra Doctor advice blog on Shapewear!