how to shop for lingerie

recently, i’ve had so many questions about lingerie. what bras, slips, or panties to wear with what? when those temps heat up and we bare a little skin, we wonder what lingerie to wear with tricky summer silhouettes? so today, we’re going over how to shop for lingerie. if we’re wearing the right undergarments, we can wear easy-breezy sundresses, halter tops, or open-knit sweaters 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. here are a few of my tips and tricks for summer lingerie.

how to shop for lingerie

a push-up or a plunge bra is perfect underneath special occasions or evening wear. this is the bra that gives a nice lift and adds cleavage. the t-shirt bra is the most used bra during the summer months. it gives smooth coverage with its molded cups and fits beautifully underneath lightweight tees.

for tricky summer styles, i reach for a t-back or racer-back bra and/or a strapless bra. i know, i know, many of us think strapless bras never stay in place. but Wacoal Red Carpet Bra has an amazing fit. it holds up beautifully in all the right places while giving shape. and it comes with convertible straps. also, many bras can be converted into a racer-back bra with a built-in J-hook, so look for that feature. also, you can convert any bra into a racer-back bra with a racerback bra clip. these are great to keep on hand. i use these for photoshoots when i need to change my outfit in a hurry and can’t change my lingerie.

above i’m wearing a strapless bra. below i’m wearing a racerback bra.

bralettes are a nice choice to wear underneath a wrap dress for extra coverage. they also can be worn with low-cut tops. they’re a nice alternative to camisoles.

since exercise is a key component in my fitness journey, a good sports bra is important. my favorite brands are Zella, Athleta with Sweaty Betty is coming on strong. Wacoal makes an amazing sports bra for a secure and comfortable fit.

keep a nude or skin tone bra in your lingerie drawer at all times. it goes underneath a sheer blouse with ease. next, 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. think lace, think red, think sexy.

now let’s talk about panties, i have bikinis on hand, v-kini briefs, and boyshorts. my favorite brands are Hanky Panky, Chantelle, and Natori. don’t forget to look for panties that give a ‘no visible panty line’ underneath snug-fitting pencil skirts or pants. my favorite nvpl (no visible panty line) brand is Jockey. also, i 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. 

once you’ve tackled the basics, shapewear is a nice addition to 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 to wear Wacoal smoothing shorts underneath dresses and skirts. it’s lightweight coverage with a smooth silhouette. many of you have asked about slips. here is a camisole slip from Commando, a brand i trust. 

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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