Equally as important as your clothing is what you have on underneath. Let’s talk about the lingerie essentials every woman should own.

This is an often-neglected part of our wardrobes. If no one else can see it, what does it matter…right? Lingerie is the foundation for the rest of your outfit. If you have old, ill-fitting pieces or the wrong pieces entirely, your clothing won’t look its best. Avoid exposed bra straps, lumps, and bumps from ill-fitting cups, or otherwise visible undergarments. Invest in staple pieces that work with your clothes, not against them, for a polished look. Plus, putting on chic lingerie can be a huge mood booster when starting your day!

The Right Bra

You have probably heard that most women are wearing the wrong bra size. Certainly, most of us have not been professionally fitted. Even if you have been fitted, chances are that another lingerie company would have given you a different size based on the same measurements! Bra sizing is not well standardized. This can be a giant headache for customers.

The best way to combat this is to try, try, try. Try different brands to find one that feels good on your body. Try different bra silhouettes from these brands – balconette, t-shirt, plunge, demi, full cup, bandeau, etc. – until you find one that works for you. Choosing a bra style is not solely dictated by what you wear the bra under. It’s highly dependent on your breast shape, too! Discuss with your bra fitting expert for the style that will best suit your shape.

Bra Fit

Now it’s time to nail the fit for your selected bra. Make sure your breasts are not spilling out, there is no gapping or wrinkling of the cups, the center gore is touching your sternum, all your breast tissue is inside the cup (not being cut off by the underwire!), the band isn’t riding up your back or digging in, and the straps feel comfortable on your shoulders. Sound complicated? The right fit mostly comes down to your band and cup sizes. Adjust the cup size only if the cups are too large or small, or try your sister size if only the band sizing is off. 

Getting the fit right is undoubtedly the hardest step in stocking up on your lingerie essentials. Consider it a victory when you find one that works. It’s going to feel and look SO much better under your clothing!

Bra Selections

After you find your perfect fit, it’s good to look for a range of options to add to your lingerie essentials wardrobe. Ideally, you should have a strapless or convertible style for those difficult necklines, a t-shirt bra for every day, a comfy unlined bra or bralette, a sports bra, and something a little more fashion-forward or sexy. At least one of these should be nude! Be sure to find you right shade of nude, too, as everyone’s skin tone is different. Thirdlove offers a range of nude shades and plenty of sizing options.

Underwear

Next up in your lingerie essentials wardrobe is underwear! Thankfully, the fit of underwear tends to be easier than bras, so this is less crucial to consider when shopping. Instead, focus on finding pieces that match your bras, shapes that work for you, and the right fabric content.

Nothing makes you feel more put together than when your outfit looks great AND your bra matches your underwear. Plus, creating a coordinated lingerie look just for you is a great exercise in dressing for yourself. Wear lingerie that you love. Take the time to find pieces that look good together to give you that extra boost of confidence throughout the day.

Make It a Set

Matching your bra and underwear every day may sound like a hassle. Don’t worry! There are a few tips and tricks to help. Most lingerie companies sell matching sets or collections of bras and underwear that are meant to be worn together. Because the perfect bra tends to be harder to find than underwear, we recommend first selecting a bra and then simply buying the matching underwear. You’ll probably want several pairs to go with each bra, so consider buying in multiples. Another strategy is to commit to buying all nude lingerie for a sort of capsule wardrobe. This simplifies finding matching sets, and you’ll always have options for whichever bra you need that day!

Beyond these aesthetic concerns, there are functional considerations for selecting underwear, too. Keep silhouette in mind. If you wear skintight dresses and pants often, you’ll probably want a good selection of thongs and seamless styles. High-waisted pairs work well for a smooth effect under high-rise bottoms. Other times, you just want something comfortable like a boy short or hipster style for lounging at home. Keep your individual needs in mind.

Fabric

The final criteria to look for when selecting underwear is fabric content. Selecting breathable fabric that doesn’t trap moisture is of utmost importance for your health and comfort. Cotton is the best choice available, so opt for the highest percentage of cotton you can find on the label. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, can trap heat and moisture leading to a host of health issues. Make sure to update your underwear drawer to all breathable natural fabrics before the warm summer months hit!

Other Lingerie Essentials

Round out your lingerie drawer with shapewear solutions and layering basics. As always, the pieces you need will be dependent on your lifestyle. Start with the essential lingerie items below and add more as you see fit.

Start with some great shapewear such as Spanx. With the popularity of shapewear on the rise in recent years, companies are innovating to increase comfort while also increasing the shaping effects of their products. It’s a great time to try them! Invest in a simple bodysuit or high waist shaping short. These are perfect for layering under knit dresses and clingy fabrics. Shapewear helps fabrics to lay nicely for a sleek, smooth look. Make shapewear your outfit’s base layer for special occasions to ensure your photos are ultra-flattering.

The next item to add to your lingerie drawer is a pair of tights. If you’re going to own one pair, consider a pair of semi-sheer black tights. These will be your best friend for winter layering and wearing to work. Plus, there are plenty of options with shaping effects, too, if you’re looking for an added boost.

Finally, add a range of neutral layering tops to your lingerie wardrobe. First on your list should be nude tone camis (or bodysuits), but you may also want strapless options, black camis, or lace layering pieces for a feminine touch. Nude tones are great for wearing under sheer blouses. A lace cami is a great solution for necklines that dip a tad too low to make sure you don’t risk exposing your bra or too much skin. You’ll thank yourself later for stocking up on these lingerie essentials!

Wrap Up

Undergarments make up the foundation of every outfit you wear, so it’s crucial to have the right bras, underwear, and shapewear that work for your wardrobe. Treat yourself to these essential lingerie pieces to ensure you are comfortable and look your best. Trust us, even underwire bras can be comfortable when you find the right one!

If you’re still feeling a bit lost, reach out to us for some hands-on help selecting the pieces you need in your wardrobe from underwear to outerwear. New to our services? Check out our 3-step process for more info on what to expect if you book a full styling experience. Bonus! We also offer virtual services for extra-convenient consults, closet clean-outs, and personal shopping services. No matter your wardrobe needs, we can’t wait to get started.