how to shop for lingerie

can you believe spring is four weeks away? yep, it’s time for spring cleaning, and i’m not just talking dusting off the furniture. it’s time to clean our closets, evaluate our wardrobes and begin to transition from winter to spring. that includes our lingerie drawer, which many of us neglect. today, i’m sharing a video that helps your wardrobe transition from season to season, and we’re going to talk how to shop for lingerie. because if we’re not wearing the right undergarments, even the most spectacular outfit can go awry. it’s somewhat akin to building a house – the foundation is laid first. this is the most important step, which is why we’re about to dive in and tackle a brief overview of lingerie.  

easy steps | how to shop for lingerie

bra fitting

how to shop for lingerie? under normal circumstances, i suggest a twice-yearly bra-fit session. all reputable department stores 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! 

but if that’s not doable right now in your neck of the woods and you’re looking for alternative means to find your fit while staying at home, check out Third Love’s online fitting guide.  it’s great and will serve as a safe alternative until you feel like venturing into Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus again. 

choosing a brand

once you know your correct bra size, then it’s a matter of deciding what brand you like. 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. Simone Perele and Wacoal are my top picks for bras, with Chantelle pulling up the rear. recently i discovered Third Love, and i’m quite impressed. their bras are incredibly comfortable with tagless bands and no-slip straps. the Third Love website offers loads of information about fit issues & solutions or lingerie care. yes, we should hand wash our bras or at the very least run them through the delicate cycle securely fastened inside a lingerie bag, then line dry. i have the cutest beadboard drying rack mounted on my laundry room wall that’s perfect for line drying.

how often to buy

i shop for new bras every three months. why? because bras are one of the hardest-working items in your closet. we need lift and support every single day – yes, even A cups. as such, bras have a shorter lifespan. at all times, i keep three styles of bras in rotation and two colors. 

styles

here are the three styles of bras i have on hand. first is a push-up or plunge bra that is perfect underneath special occasion or evening wear. this is the bra that gives a nice lift and adds a bit of cleavage. and many times, we need a strapless bra too. Wacoal red carpet convertible bra gets rave reviews. 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 fastened without tugging! a racerback bra is perfect for summer halter tops. last but not least is the t-shirt bra that gives smooth coverage with its molded cups and fits beautifully underneath my beloved tees and sweaters.

colors

as for bra colors, i keep a nude or skin tone bra at my beck and call. 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 individual aesthetics as to what additional colors find their way into your line-up. it’s fun to wear a red or black bra underneath a white blouse for a little oomph. try it; you’ll like it.

panties

next, let’s talk about panties, i have bikinis on hand, cheekies, and boyshorts. for everyday panties, my favorite brands are Hanky Panky, Wacoal, 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 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. and they’re sexy. sometimes, when we reach a certain age we through sexy out the window. don’t! do! that! you’re welcome. your husbands will thank you.

shapewear

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 longer bodysuit, slim-fit slip, or camisole. personally, i prefer to wear smoothing shorts underneath dresses which give coverage even when the wind blows. this shapewear is lightweight but gives a smooth silhouette. it’s pretty much up to your personal preferences as to what area you like smoothed and controlled. believe me; if you need an area of your body sucked in, there is shapewear made just for you.  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 also have white and black camisoles tucked in my drawer and lace camisole. 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 bra? you won’t be sorry. once you have the right foundations in place, you’ll look and feel your best every day! i hope you enjoyed how to shop for lingerie.

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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