Whether one is talking about bras, panties or something similar, a woman's underwear is the most intimate element of her wardrobe due to how close it clings to her body. When women wear clothing like this so close to their forms, there are certain elements they need that are more important than with outerwear. A well-fitting bra and some matching panties can do wonders for a woman's self-esteem and sexiness. There is also something to be said for the comfort of feeling like the entire body is safe and secure, without risking any sort of "wardrobe malfunction." A proper pair of undergarments can keep a woman's most unflattering body features concealed, preventing any unflattering situations like muffin tops or cameltoe. There is also something to be said for choosing an outfit that can be worn for someone else, like a partner or a serious date, to better appreciate that woman.
Underwear Styles
There are plenty of styles to choose from when it comes to women’s underwear. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Boyshort. This style of panty offers maximum coverage and tons of support.
- Sports Bra. This is a durable form of bra that protects the musculature area around the breasts and is intended to be worn when engaging in high-impact exercise. This results in increased comfort, improved support over a regular bra and reduced chafing.
- Briefs. These give a small degree of coverage and have a low rise.
- Thong. The lack of any coverage or support means that this type of garment is intended for showing off the woman's body.
- Cheeky. This has a degree of soft coverage and fits in a way that highlights the woman's rear, hence the name.
- High Rise Briefs. These provide full coverage and have a high-waisted fit.
- Slip Shorts. These provide full coverage while yielding a smooth fit.
- Hipster. This sort of underwear emphasizes the hips with its combination of medium coverage and leg holes arranged lower than on your average pair of panties.
Common Fabric Used
While style is important, what they are made from is just as important.
- Cotton. This is an organic fabric that offers breathability but only a little stretch.
- Nylon. This is a synthetic fiber that offers a great degree of stretchability.
- Satin. This soft, shimmery fabric is ideal for items like panties, nighties and baby-doll tops.
- Silk. This fabric is derived from the extrusions of worms and is known for having a soft and sumptuous feel against the skin. Silk garments also have some degree of transparency to them.
- Muslin. This sort of fabric is actually a plainly woven form of cotton. Garments made of this fabric have a greater durability than normal cotton while also feeling wonderful against the skin, which it greatly clings to and accents.
- Organza. This diaphanous material tends to show up as an accent to undergarments made with other materials. It is very light, very delicate and very see-through.
- Bamboo. The food most commonly associated with the dietary habits of the giant panda can also be refined into a clothing material.
Best Women's Underwear Retailers
You can get underwear from a lot of retailers. Not all are good and reputable. Some of the best include:
- Macy's This storied American department store tends to have some great deals on attire.
- Victoria's Secret. This is arguably the name in American lingerie and offers a wide variety of sexy looks for women of most figures.
- Frederick's of Hollywood. This spin-off from Victoria's Secret covers the flashier and saucier sorts of looks that a woman might be in the market for. It is also a bit friendlier to customers who tend to be on the larger side.
- Torrid. This is one of the most prominent retailers for plus-sized women, advertising coverage for up to size 30 bodies. Any larger woman will have plenty of choices if they shop this store for any or all of their delicates..
- Jockey. This American retailer offers a decent variety of bras and panties. Furthermore, this particular retailer offers discounts for students and members of the U.S. military.
- SKIMS. This is one of the best retailers a woman can frequent for garments that are both light and form-fitting.