We see trashy B-listers go down to C-list by letting it all hang out and going inappropriately commando (think Courtney Love) or by simply being careless (think geriatric panty lines). In real life, it can turn cinematic moments into cautionary tales. Do you remember that sordid scene that we can all relate to in Bridget Jones’ Diary? When Bridget was messing the rug with her dapper boss and forgot she stuck a tummy controller down there. Each of us has experienced a lingerie faux pas, thus compelling us never to go that way again and invest in sleeker undergarments.
Thank God, with today’s modern fabrics, undercover underwear and its cousins are much more flashable and promise not to sour a grade-A shag. As opposed to the knotty cotton knickers of yore and not to mention the matronly brassieres as well, underwear today has gone through some sort of a diet. It’s slimmer, lighter and is not afraid to come in pretty colors. And, of course, for this vainglorious generation, not everything is about multi-tasking – there are the ditzy variety that just stay there and be pretty.
For certain outfits, certain artillery is needed. One will be surprised at all the choices available on the market today. There seems to be a knicker or bra for every kind of trend. Although CFDA Fashion Icon awardee Nicole Kidman coyly admits that she steps out on the red carpet commando, for the rest of us mortals who are more comfortable with the breeze hitting elsewhere, there are solutions that give results as good as Nicole Kidman’s.
For everyday wear: The weather is hot and so are you! Although lacy underwear can give you a sexy hit to last all day long, sometimes a practical solution can banish the itchies of glam. But practical need not be boring. Cotton fares well in our sultry climate as it allows the skin to breathe and absorb moisture so as to prevent irritation and rashes.
For everyday wear, you can choose between a soft cup and an underwire bra. People with small or upright breasts usually opt for the soft cup. It is the most comfortable but unfortunately gives minimal support. An underwire version gives breasts a subtle lift and supports them. This is especially good for the back especially if you are big-breasted.
Cotton panties rule as well for this time of the day. If you are wearing anything not too clingy, then this may be your best option.
A solution to blah is to choose some funky styles and prints to add zest to your daily cottons. If you are not in a conservative environment, there’s nothing wrong with letting a little of the brassiere peek out or come through a filmy blouse. Just make sure that it looks sexy and not trashy ... compare how Gwyneth does it and how Courtney does it.
Low riders and high-maintenance trousers: Although men generally find a triangle peak (when your thong peeps out of your low-rise jeans) sexy in a Lolita kind of way, more often than not, you tend to look sloppy. I personally think panty peeks are utterly faux pas and downright un-fight. Some resort to bikini cut knickers to keep it decent but somehow, with the three-inch crotch lengths in most sexy trousers, it can prove to still be a whale of an undergarment. Hipster knickers rest on the lowest point of the hip with string sides that don’t ride up. A class act on its own.
Seam sealer: A clingy fabric may present only one option – go commando! With no crease or bump to go unnoticed, it’s a blessing that lycra has gone on a strict diet and basically reinvented itself into a breathable and paper-thin fabric. With these lighter and stretchier versions, you can slip in the most unforgiving of fabrics and come off as utterly deceitful.
A translucent thong is not only comfy but uber-sexy as well.
A barely there thong bikini is so thin that it melts out of vision in the seams of your dress.
If butt floss is not your thing, then discover the joys of going boy-cut. Done in a sleek and slinky fabric, the cuts of the boy-cut are low enough so as not to give away any panty lines but high enough to still be tempting.
Of course, for any complicated neckline, a strapless bra is the answer. Nothing can ruin an elaborately-embellished halter quite like a nylon strap unglamorously wandering away. For backless garments, check out pasties available in your local drugstore and if you need more support, there are special multi-way bras that go backless and halter!
Special effects: Nature is not always perfect but that does not mean that you have to live with imperfection. With the little extras like push-up bras, tummy slimmers, hip skimmers and butt lifters, the possibilities are endless. However, when trying out these special wares, make sure that they are comfy and feel good against the skin. It would be futile to have a perfectly contoured bod with a wincing face to match!
Caring for lingerie: Undergarments need special care especially underwire bras and those made with special fabrics. Wash them (like colors together) in warm water and some gentle cleanser (a bath gel or lingerie detergent works well).
Be underwear ready: Make sure that your body is also in prime shape and condition so you may experience the sensual effects of lingerie to the max! Apart from eating right, thinking vampy thoughts and being in the mood for love – great products can also heighten this experience!
Good aromatherapy scrubs such as L’Oreal exfotonic, a mean and gritty scrub based on a revitalizing gel formula, rubs out all the flaky skin. Seal in moisture with L’Oreal’s OleoEnergy Oil, a zingy scented dry oil that leaves a sexy sheen on the skin without the mess. Well-moisturized skin also prevents chafing between the skin and underwear. Then get mileage from your workout and firmly massage in toning and slimming agents. Although many skeptics may be quick to dismiss these potions, they actually help improve skin texture and tone it as well. Worth trying are Perfect Slim (with gingko-caffiene and par-elastyl, and Nutri-Lift with xeralipids and par-elastyl).
Underwear by Tani is available at Glorietta 4, Makati City.
L’Oreal products are available in your local drugstores and department stores.