How to Buy Summer Lingerie
When the temps heat up, we bare a little skin, and we need the right lingerie to wear with tricky summer silhouettes. If we're wearing the right undergarments, easy breezy sundresses, halter tops, and open knit sweaters can be worn with confidence and ease. It all starts with the right bra. think of it like building a house – the foundation is laid first. This is an important step. even the most spectacular outfit can go awry if we’re not wearing the right undergarments. Today, I am sharing a few of my tips and tricks for summer lingerie.
The Summary
Today, Beth shares How to Buy Summer Lingerie
Shop Beth's Collections of Bras and Underwear
How to Buy Summer Lingerie
The Right Way to Buy a Bra
First, I suggest a twice-yearly bra-fit session. All reputable department stores from Neiman Marcus to Nordstrom to J.C. Penney have trained bra-fit specialists that will equip you with proper measurements – it’s a service they offer at no charge to their customers. Why twice a year? because in the space of six months, our bodies may have changed. Weight fluctuates, ladies, and as we age our bodies can morph. Take heart, this is when wearing the proper lingerie will help!
Once you know your correct bra size, then it’s a matter of deciding what brand you prefer. In my opinion, bras are like jeans – we’re always on the hunt for the perfect one. So don’t be afraid to carve out an afternoon and try on every brand known to mankind.
Once you find the perfect match the hard part is over. remember, the band should be snug when hooked on the first row. Then over time as the band stretches, you can fasten it on the next hook for a tighter fit.
1. Saga Underwire Demi Bra 2. Wish Underwire Demi Bra 3. Marthe Demi Underwire Bra 4. Multiposition Unlined Bra 5. Karma Underwire Lace Demi Bra 6. Delice Sheer Underwire Plunge Bra 7. Eugenie Plunge Underwire Bra 8. Canopee Underwire Plunge Bra 9. Andora 3D Convertible Plunge Bra 10. Karma Wireless Triangle Bra
Favorite Bra Brands
Simone Perele and Wacoal are my top picks for bras with Chantelle pulling up the rear. Recently, Third Love has become a favorite of mine. Their bras are incredibly comfortable with tagless bands and no-slip straps. The Third Love website has a great blog section called The Underwire, where you can get all kinds of information about undergarments. Yes, we should hand wash our bras or at the very least run them through the delicate cycle, with a delicate wash laundry soap, securely fastened inside a lingerie bag.
Types of Bras
I shop for bras every three months because bras are one of the hardest working items in our closet. we need lift and support every single day – yes, even A cups especially as we age. At all times three styles of bras are always at my beck and call and two colors.
Plunge, T-shirt, Minimizer Bra
A push-up or plunge bra is perfect underneath special occasion or evening wear. This is the bra that gives a nice lift and adds a bit of cleavage. Next on my list is a minimizer. Many of you may not need this type, but if you are a C cup or larger this is the bra to reach for if you wear button-up shirts. it keeps you in place and your buttons fasten without tugging! Last but not least is the t-shirt bra that gives smooth coverage with its molded cups and fits beautifully underneath beloved tees and sweaters.
Plunge Bras Top to Bottom: Feathers Plunge T-Shirt Bra | Levitate Underwire Contour Plunge Bra | Reve Lace Plunge Bra | B.Wow’d Convertible Plunge Bra | Idole No. 2 Underwire Plunge Push Up Bra
T-Shirt Bras Top to Bottom: B.Wow’d Wireless Convertible T-Shirt Bra | Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra | Comfort First Contour T-Shirt Bra | Basic Invisible Memory Foam T-Shirt Bra | Underwire T-Shirt Bra
Minimizer Bras Top to Bottom: C Magnifique Minimizer Bra | Visual Effects Underwire Minimizer Bra | Jessamine Underwire Minimizer Bra | MagicLift Minimizer Bra | Low Profile Cushioned Underwire Minimizer Bra
Racerback, Strapless Bra
For tricky summer styles, I reach for a t-back or racerback bra and a strapless bra. I know, I know, strapless bras never stay in place. but I put Wacoal’s Halo Lace Strapless Bra to the test, it holds up beautifully in all the right places while giving shape. And this bra comes with convertible straps.
Sports Bra
Since exercise is key, a good sports bra is important. and Wacoal comes to the rescue once again. A good sports bra should hold you in place during high impact exercise but looks utterly cool on its own.
Racerback Bras Top to Bottom: Seamless Racerback Underwire Bra | Elevated Allure Racerback Bra | Bra-llelujah! Racerback Underwire Bra | Back Appeal Underwire Racerback Bra | B.Tempt’d Future Foundations Racerback Bra
Strapless Bras Top to Bottom: Bliss Perfection Strapless Underwire Bra | Feathers Strapless Underwire Bra | Visual Effects Strapless Minimizer Bra | B.Tempt’d Future Foundations Underwire Strapless Bra | Cabana Seamless Strapless Bra
Sports Bras: Underwire Sports Bra | Airlift Global Body Sports Bra | Zella Rhythm Seamless Sports Bra | Dynamic Contour Underwire Sports Bra | Simone Seamless Underwire Sports Bra
As for bra colors, I keep a nude or skin tone bra in my rotation at all times. It goes underneath a sheer blouse with ease. Next, I add a black bra. Once these basic colors are tucked inside your lingerie drawer, then it’s up to your aesthetics as to what additional colors find their way into your line-up.
How to Buy Underwear
Now, let’s talk about panties, I have Bikinis, Hipsters, and Boyshorts on hand. My favorite brands are Hanky Panky and Natori. Don’t forget to look for panties with a ‘no visible panty line’ underneath snug-fitting pencil skirts or pants. My favorite nvpl (no visible panty line) brand is Jockey. I also have several sets of matching bras and panties in my lingerie drawer. I always feel like a million bucks when I wear a matching set.
Bikini Top to Bottom: Retro Vikini | Soft Stretch Bikini | Understated Cotton-Blend Bikini | Seamless Bikini | Caresse Bikini
Hipster Top to Bottom: Cotton Jersey and Lace Hipster Brief 3-Pack | Butter Hipster Panty | Fleurs Hipster Tanga | Litewear Active Comfort Hipster Panties | C Jolie Hipster Briefs
Boy Short Top to Bottom: FeelFree Boyshorts | Heavenly Lace Boyshorts | Signature Lace Boyshorts | Touch Feel Boyshorts | Boyshort Briefs
Shaping Top to Bottom: Undie-Tectable Briefs | High Waist Lace Trim Shaping Brief | OnCore High Waist Shaping Brief | High Rise Lifting Stretch Satin Briefs | Smooth Comfort High Rise Briefs
Shapewear
Once you’ve tackled the basics, shapewear is a nice addition in your lingerie drawer. A slim-fit one-piece bodysuit is a dream to wear underneath a curve-hugging dress. or try a slim-fit slip or camisole. Personally, I love Wacoal smoothing shorts underneath dresses and skirts, it provides lightweight coverage with a smooth silhouette. But when it comes to shapewear, it’s pretty much up to your personal preference as to what area you like smoothed and controlled. Believe me, if you need an area of your body sucked and tucked there is shapewear made just for you.
1. SuperPower Briefs 2. Thinstincts 2.0 Girl Shorts 3. Everyday Shaping Briefs 4. Control Half Slip 5. Modern Miracle Open Bust Shaping Bodysuit 6. Felina Fusion Waist Shaper Tank 7. Power Capri Panty Hose 8. Suit Your Fancy Strapless Cupped Mid-Thigh Shaping Bodysuit 9. Tech Control Strapless Slip 10. High Waist Shaper Briefs
A nude camisole with slim straps is a must-have to wear under sheer blouses. But don’t forget to add a nude tank camisole. I keep white and black camisoles tucked in my drawer, along with lace versions. Don’t forget a cami looks great all by itself underneath a cashmere cardigan or v-neck sweater.
All right ladies, are you ready to find your perfect lingerie? Once you have the right foundations in place, you’ll look and feel your best every day!
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Jennifer shared the Drugstore Makeup She Relies On. Make sure to click the title or image below to read the article.
Hi Beth and thank you for this great post!
I would also like to suggest Dillards. They have knowledgeable and patient certified bra fitters. I I pop in for a visit on a yearly.
They always have a good selection of 34G which is a plus for me!
Have a great day and terrific week!
Thanks for the reminder about Dillards. Great retailer!
Great reding, but as a Breast Cancer survivor, I can’t wear most of these bras–can’t with reconstruction–can’t wear underwire. Why didn’t your post include recommendations for those lie me, with two different breast sizes. Also lingerie for those, like me, with curves. And I’ve had professional bra fittings…and most of the fitters can’t figure out what to do about my reconstruction when fitting me. I’ve discovered Jockey and Bali bras which go up to XXL. The cups are more forgiving for those of us with different size breasts.
Thanks so much for your suggestion! I will take this to heart.
I just recently had a bra fitting at Dillards! I do yearly like Marcia. Living in NC, it’s my favorite for bras (great shoe dept. too). LOVE Wacoal Brand also, Beth, and Natori (second choice) has some nice bras also. My Wacoals are so worth the $. I’ve learned that cheap bras don’t last or do a good job (IMO and for me). Foundation is too important.
Good point about cheap bras don’t last. Bras are one of the hardest working items in our wardrobe. It’s truly money well spent!