Intimates

Q. I recently purchased a one piece retro-inspired swimsuit. I am worried about my belly bulge and am wondering, is it possible to wear some type of shapewear underneath the swimsuit?

A. We're not aware of a shapewear product specifically designed to be worn under a swimsuit in the water, but I suppose you could always wear a tummy flattener thong, provided it fits completely underneath your swimsuit. I can't think of anything more uncomfortable, though, on a hot summer day than shapewear underneath a swimsuit. Next time, opt for a tummy trimming swimsuit instead. There are so many styles available, including retro-inspired, that have built-in tummy panels and high spandex content to suck you in - you're sure to find one that suits you.

Q. I saw you on The View the other day. I'm having a hard time finding bras to fit me right. I order out of Blair's Book but I'm still not happy. I'm on the heavy side and I take a 48 DD but my bras are tight around the middle plus it's extremely hard for me to turn them around after a shower. I have crippling arthritis with deterioration of the bones. I would rather have a bra with a front closure because my hands cramp and my fingers stiffen up as well. Can you suggest a store here in St. Louis, Missouri where I can get measured? I went to JCPenny's to get fitted but the sales lady said I didn't take a double just a D. I'm not sure I believe that. I don't like under wire so if there is a brand that will fit me without one I'd be very happy.
- Larger Lady

A. I suggest you try the Playtex 18 Hour Style 4695 Front Close with Flex Back, which is wire free, has a front close with easy-to-close hooks and eyes, and comes in a 48DD. You can go to Macy's for a fitting, and they should have the product there or they can order it if they don't. Alternatively, you can order it from onehanesplace.com. Unfortunately, it only comes in white in that size (just one band size down, a 46DD, comes in Black, or up to a 44DD also comes in Beige. Hope this helps!

Q. What panties/underwear would you recommend for underneath a bridesmaid's gown that is a champagne-colored, satin material? The dress requires a strapless bra with a long front so that the dress stays smooth, and now I'm looking for seamless underwear that I can wear underneath. We tried high-waisted Spanx to create a completely smooth, body shaper type look, but the waistband is easily seen through the dress. Do you have any ideas/recommendations?
-Seamless  

A. You need to look for a seamless thong that will banish the panty line. Look for a smooth thong with a side on the hip that is wider than a g-string style since a g-string may roll or dig into your hip and show a line on the dress.

 

1. Hanro: Perfectly Nude Thong, $49 at barenecessities.com
2. Felina: Hint Of Skin Low Rise G-Kini, $9 at barenecessities.com
3. Felina: Hint Of Skin Low Rise Thong, $9 at barenecessities.com
4. Calvin Klein Naked thong, $16 at figleaves.com 

5. Miraclesuit: Firm Control Strapless Body Briefer, $52 at at barenecessities.com
6. Naomi & Nicole: Luxurious Shaping Convertible Strapless Bra Slip, $48 at barenecessities.com
7. The Body Wrap: Body Wrap Lites Bra Slip with Underwire, $42 at barenecessities.com

Q. I have a challenge that needs sorting for summer. I am a 40 year old British woman living in a hot country.  I cannot go bare legged in summer and have been desperately seeking some sheer very natural looking seamless toe hosiery that don't slip on mules when I walk in summer and that don't look unnatural when everyone else is walking around bare legged. Do you know where I can get something like this?
-Toe Free

A. More women are looking for opportunities to wear hosiery with their mules, peep toes and some sandals while still giving support and coverage to their legs. Thankfully, some designers are listening and creating toeless hosiery and tights. While I'm not a fan of hosiery in summer or with mules, I'm not about to tell you gals to forfeit them from your closet or go bare if you're not comfortable doing so. So here are some options that offer sheer and flesh toned colors. Just match them as closely to your leg color as possible.

1. Hue Toeless with Lace Control-Top Pantyhose, $6 at alexblake.com
2. Falke Shelina 12D Toeless Tights, $17 at mytights.com
3. Berkshire: Ultra Sheer Hose without Toes, $6.95 at barenecessities.com

Q. I love reading your website, so I thought I'd reach out with a question of my own.  I am tall (5'8) and have large breasts (D/DD).  I really need a comfortable bra that will support me.  Right now most of my bras are comfortable, but unsupportive or a pushup style that leaves marks.  Is there a happy combination of both?  I haven't had a lot of luck with chain stores, and am hoping you can recommend a specialty store where they will fit me (I live in Boston.)  I'm willing to pay whatever it takes for a bra that I will use over and over again.   I'm also in my 20s, so something cute would be much appreciated.
-Cute and Comfy

A. You’ve got to start with the best pieces underneath your clothes so you feel comfortable and confident with what you wear on the outside. And with busty gals, there’s no need to sacrifice support, comfort or even being sexy. A few tips when shopping for the perfect fitting bra:

• If breasts spill out on the sides go up a cup size
• If the cup has any wrinkles, go down a cup size
• If straps leave marks, look for wider straps that are cushioned and adjustable
• While underwire generally works best, there are plenty of new designs and technology that will still give support without the wire

As for Boston bra fitting experts, here are a few to help you with your shopping dilemma that are highly rated:

• Lady Grace in Brookline
• Intimacy of Boston in Copley Plaza
• Lingerie Studio on Newbury St. in Boston

Some suggestions online:

1. Bali No Poke Wire® Seamless Underwire Bra, $24 at barenecessities.com
2. Bali "Passion for Comfort" Minimizer Underwire Bra, $32 at macys.com
3. Lilyette "Fit for You" Lace Wire with Sew Free Wing, $31 at macys.com
4. Panache Inferno Convertible Underwire Plunge Bra, $53 at barenecessities.com
5. Olga Satin Edge Underwire Bra, $32 at barenecessities.com
6. Le Mystère Dream Tisha Seamless Full Fit Bra, $68 at barenecessities.com
7. Bali Seductive Curves Underwire Bra, $24.80 at barenecessities.com

for even more optiions, check out our Ultimate Bra Guide

Q. Why can't I buy Prada’s footless knee highs anymore, and are there any imitations out there?
-Footloose

A. I’ll admit I didn’t fall for these. While fanciful and truly trendy I don’t think I personally could pull them off, but I applaud the stylish gal that can strut down the street in her pair. I also would rather buy a pair of over the knee Falke cashmere socks for the price tag than pay $50 for the Prada footless knee highs. However, in my quest to help you strut your stuff, I did multiple online searches and even on Ebay they were sold out. I visited the Prada store on Fifth Avenue in New York City and they informed me that they have been completely sold out and impossible to find.

The Prada Version:

For some less than exact imitations you could get crafty and cut out the foot of a pair of knee highs and create your own pair. Or try these Trasparenze Esmerelda Footless Over The Knee Leggings at alexblake.com - just fold down the top to get the look of a sock.

Q. I live in NYC and I am attending a 40th HS reunion on Nov. 1.  My question is: Do I wear stockings with black suede peep toe shoes?  I bought a stunning black and brown dress and the suede pumps have a bit of brown on the edge of the peep toe.  Do I wear stockings?  Do I wear tights?  I do not think that the dress and shoes would look right with no stockings.
-Leg Show

A. We girls at StyleBakery, have been advising our stylish friends to wear opaque tights with peep toes this Fall. Just be sure to tuck the seam of the tights under your toes so they don’t show through the peep toe opening.

Q. My weight has gone up & down over the years, so as you can imagine finding clothes that fit is a problem. However, I have recently joined a gym as I am determined to lose 35 lbs. In addition to joining, I have a personal trainer for the next three months. It wasn't so hard to find my workout clothes & sports bras, but my bottom is a challenge. I have always used "Barely There" intimates, but since I have a belly & have gained weight, they really don't support it.

I have two questions: What kind of panties are best for working out? How can I find a perfect fit that will also be comfortable for everyday wear?
-Losin’ It

A.  High five to you for your determination to lose the weight! Look for a higher cut brief or thong in a microfiber fabric to help wick away moisture and help flatten your tummy. Skip shapewear pieces when you’re working out so you can focus on pulling in your tummy all on your own and be comfortable.  These panties can also be worn under your everyday clothes:

1. Moving Comfort Micro Thong, $15 at activasports.com
2. Moving Comfort Seamless Thong, $15 at activasports.com
3. Speed Boy Short, $17.99 at underarmour.com (Check out other styles from underarmour.com for panties that wick moisture and offer an abrasion, rub free workout.)

4.  Warner's Without A Stitch Hi-Cut Brief, $7.60 at barenecessities.com
5.  Jockey No Panty Line Promise Hip Brief, $8.50 at barenecessities.com
6.  Barelythere Flawless Fit Microfiber Hi-Cut Brief, $7.20 at barenecessities.com

Q. There is a question in a magazine that asks:  what do you always wear underneath a body-skimming dress?  They list four choices, from which one should be selected.  They all make sense to me depending upon the dress.  Which is the one that should always be worn? The answers to choose from are: thigh-shrinking hosiery; curve-accentuating bra; derriere-lifting underwear; tummy-flattening shape wear. If you have an opinion, I would love to hear it. 
-Baffled by Choices

A. I don’t know what the magazine answer was, but nobody has the same body so there is no one correct answer.  One or several can apply depending on the fit, and of course how you want to look in the dress.  While some of us may seek cleavage, others will want to look as slim and smooth as possible. Don’t  let a Q & A intimidate you, just aspire to look and feel good in your clothes.

For specific tips on what to wear under your clothes, check out our style recipe Underneath It All.

Q. I am quite small on top (just under b-cup) and I'm in a wedding in September. Bridesmaids will be wearing long black strapless satin gowns. I have always had trouble keeping strapless dresses up without puffing out my chest all night, and even when they are tailored just for me they still seem to fall down eventually or keep me pulling and adjusting constantly. I'm wondering if there is some kind of bra or chicken cutlet type insert that will keep my dress up and as a bonus make me look like I have more in that department as well. Many thanks!
-B-cup Bridesmaid

A. I know your annoyance first hand. I still remember raising my hands while dancing at my prom and my dress dropped down for a quick expose. Thankfully, I was speedy with my hands and no one noticed, but what a drag it can be to fidget all night.

Due to many past dress adjustments I went searching for the best strapless bras. I found three styles that work for me:

* One from Victoria's Secret that doesn t give me any extra in the breast department, but stays in place

* For a little "somethin' somethin'" I always reach for my Wonderbra strapless that stays in place and gives me sudden cleavage. It has built in side padding to create lift and cleavage and the interior of the bra "sticks" better to your body.

* A third option for coverage is an adhesive bra from Fashion Forms that basically sticks "chicken cutlets" onto your breasts for strapless coverage and adds a little more to your cup sie.

While you say a bra is not necessarily the answer, you may want to ask a tailor to sew a bra into the dress to help keep it up. There are also adhesive bands just like those on strapless bras that can be sewn into the top band of the dress to help stick it to your body. My other suggestion is to get matching fabric to the dress, and with the bride's blessing, have thin spaghetti straps added to the the dress to avoid your impending concerns. Just be sure the fabric matches and it doesn’t diminish the style of the dress.