Bra Talk

Girdles used to be considered mandatory everyday apparel for women, no matter what their size.  When I think of this fact, I remember a scene in the movie “Steel Magnolias”, where Dolly Parton’s character says, “I haven’t left the house without Lycra on these thighs since I was thirteen,” and Olympia Dukakis’ character replies, “Well, you were raised right.”

Playtex shapewear illustrates decades of award-winning experience to engineer quality foundation garments that will always be popular.  Their shapewear provides superior support, creating a sleek, contoured look for women when they are dressed in their best. 

Playtex Products, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of a number of products in addition to ladies’ foundation garments, including Banana Boat sunscreen, Almay, Woolite rug and upholstery cleaner, Jhirmack shampoo, and Tek toothbrushes.  The company was founded in 1932 as the International Laytex Company, which later became known as International Playtex, Inc.  The early primary focus was ladies’ girdles, for which the company pioneered the development of latex fabric.  In 1954, they expanded their use of latex to a new line of household latex gloves, the first of their kind.  Playtex latex gloves have been the top product in their market in the United States ever since. Over time, Playtex moved into marketing feminine hygiene products, infant and baby care products, cosmetics, hair care products, shampoo, and sportswear apparel.

Playtex bras and shapewear are one of the most well-known and respected brands on the market, known for quality, comfort, durability, and of course, their enduring brand name.

Planning a wedding can be stressful and in between purchasing your wedding dress and the actual ceremony, it’s possible to deal with size issues.  Altering your dress at the last minute and some women are finding it beneficial wearing shapewear beneath their dress.

Obviously before you do this, you want to consult the store where you are buying your dress, as well as making sure you know which garment you’re wearing with your wedding dress – for example, Bali bras has a great line of shapewear that provides maximum comfort.   You also want to consider the time of the year and the possible weather conditions (it might not be such a good idea to wear shapewear beneath your dress in the summer, but perfect for fall).

Summer heat can cause a considerable amount of discomfort when you’re simply walking around.  Chafing has long been a problem with women’s panties, but it can be avoided.

Wearing longer undergarments such as boyshorts or thigh shapers can protect you from the friction that is the result of chafing.  Wearing cotton panties can also help.  If these substitutions are acceptable, you can always put lotion or baby powder in the chafed areas.

The idea of wearing shapewear doesn’t really conjure up the feeling of comfort, particularly when compared to the examples of the past (girdles and corsets come to mind).  But modern shapewear doesn’t quite have the lung constriction that older models have.

Modern shapewear is designed to maximize comfort and be worn daily for women who desire a certain physical aesthetic.  The material in newer shapewear isn’t as restrictive and some women prefer them over bras and panties.

Visible panty lines can be an embarrassing, particularly if you’re in a professional setting.  There are ways to temper this affliction, such as wearing loose-fitting pants.  Of course, a better way to solve this issue is to wear a thong or a g-string to eliminate panty lines in the back. However, if you find those uncomfortable, consider wearing a slip or pantliner between your panties and garment. If this doesn’t work, consider long-leg style shapewear.

In the 1980s, erotic lingerie was a cornerstone example of femininity masked beneath masculine suits (see: Annie Lennox).

Women became very body conscious at the time.  They pumped iron at the gym, honed and refined their bodies and power dressed.  All in one satin Teddies similar to modern swimsuit designs, but lace trimmed with a pop fastener gusset and high cut legs, were shown worn without bras.  They often had a cup formation that doubled as a bra which when under wired made it a body suit.  This was fine for the toned woman or the surgically enhanced breasts of modern women who needed no support as the silicone did all the work.

Simple shapewear such as camisoles, hip briefs or tangas became more and more lace encrusted.  Camisoles often became outerwear and women wore them as simple tops just to fill in under a suit.

The camisole became popular partly because separates were so fashionable.  Women more and more, wore trousers, so petticoats in the traditional sense were worn less as more mass market clothes were lined as well.  Nowadays a woman is likely to buy an under slip for a specific garment that needs it, rather than always wearing one automatically when she dresses.

Though they may seem a bit out of place for your wardrobe, pant smoothers (such as these ones by Barely There) are necessary for having a streamlined effect on your person.  Using these will provide you with a great amount of comfort, while simultaneously tucking in your tummy. 

The smooth and tagless design goes unnoticed and avoids discomfort.  If you’re finding that you need some comfortable shapewear to accompany your pants, go with these ones.

Over the years, shapewear has morphed and evolved into an article of undergarments past the girdle.  Nowadays, the various types of shapewear can suggest the form of a woman’s body.  Here are some quick tips when considering shapewear:

• Always get fitted. Most women are not wearing the correct cup size and underwear size!

• Decide which area is important for you to shape. Some shapewear can feel constrictive at times so find a shapewear that focuses on the area you actually need to shape.

• When buying control top pantyhose do not think it will “control” you more buying a size smaller. These pantyhose are already created to fit snug.

• There are many types of all over shapewear! Try it on this is not a one size fits all situation! It should be snug but you should also be able to breathe.

• When buying shapewear for under a dress try to find a seamless option with no straps and some lycra or extra cup support. Make sure to bring the dress you will be wearing or find one similar at the store to make sure none of the support is showing.

• Shapewear that starts at the waist and goes down to midknee is great for pants- however, most of them leave an awkward “roll” or line if worn under a dress.

• Handwash your shapewear to increase it’s wear and maintain it’s stretch!

• Make sure you are comfortable when trying all of these options on. If you don’t feel comfortable you won’t act comfortable and it will definitely show!

With Mother’s Day drawing closer and closer, now might be a good time to get something for your wife.  If you’ve noticed that her undergarments are worn or that her sportsbra is ready to be replaced, you may want to purchase some elegant bras or shapewear for her.

Barely There, Bali and several other brands are among the most popular today, or you can get her a nice sportsbra if rigorous exercise has rendered hers to be changed.  Let her know that your attention isn’t always on the TV and get her something that would maximize her comfort.