Refresh Your Underwear Drawer
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REFRESH YOUR
Underwear Drawer
As the seasons and trends change, I know one thing is sure. Properly fitting undergarments will ALWAYS be in style. When investing in new wardrobe pieces this season, consider undergarments a part of that as well. Properly fitting bras and underwear set the foundation for any good outfit and can make getting dressed a much easier experience when you have the knowledge and power to determine what works best underneath. Consider me your official cheerleader for investing in yourself and your undergarments.
If you’re new to me or following this blog, a sincere hello and welcome! I encourage you to check out the “undergarments” tab of my blog, where I’ve explored a variety of topics such as what to expect at a bra fitting (and where to locate a proper one), a beginner’s guide to shapewear, how to wash your undergarments and understanding what a minimizer bra actually is. We’ve also discussed post-mastectomy and reconstruction, my favorite underwear, my most worn bras, sports bras, and the secret to finding a perfect strapless bra, among much, much more! We’ve covered a lot in the last several years, but it feels like I’ve barely scratched the surface! I look forward to figuring out more ways to share and have this knowledge become more accessible and talked about.
Today I’d like to share a refreshed roundup of a few items that I always want to have in my underwear drawer that make getting dressed easier and more seamless (pun intended) as we enter the warmer months. Kicking things off with underwear, I’ve previously shared a bunch of my favorites but have added a few new styles to my rotation since. When I need full coverage underwear with a touch of support, I always look to Soma’s Vanishing Tummy or Vanishing Edge underwear. They’ve got a silicone edge that lays completely flat, so you cannot see the line (when you have the right size, I wear large). When I just want something comfortable, I love Chantelle’s SoftStretch panty. They’re one-size (up to 14), which was terrifying at first, but they work! They also come in 1X-4X here. I always receive thong requests, and while I’m usually able to avoid them for the VPL (visible panty line) situation with the Soma ones, I love a high waisted one by Hanky Panky. Their low-rise ones are a favorite as well.
I LOVE wearing dresses as soon as it’s warm enough so I like to have a good mix of shapewear that helps me feel smooth and supported. For jumpsuits or short options, I recently discovered this brief that smoothes out my tummy area. When I need maximum support, I look to the OnCore collection (use CARALYN10 on Spanx) for more special occasions. My go-to everyday short is the Thinstincts 2.0, and I wear it as underwear (no undies needed underneath, but you can certainly wear them if you prefer). I haven’t tried these, but I’ve heard fantastic things about them if you’re looking for something non-constricting without any shaping to wear to prevent thigh chafing. May I also suggest Megababe’s Thigh Rescue (anti-chafe balm), it works wonders and has SAVED my thighs.
Most undergarments are based on preferences, so I’ll keep my bra section concise here. As life continues to open up, I encourage you to step away from those underwire/lounging bras, go and get properly fitted and get yourself at least one bra that can be worn with dresses (I love a plunge style bra like this one or this one) and a strapless bra you love so you can wear things with ease!
A few things I always love to have on hand in case of fashion emergencies include silicone nipple covers, for when I want to ensure some modesty for unlined bras and swimwear. Not all nipple covers are created equal, I’ve tried a ton and the key to a good nipple cover is a thick center and thin edges so that you’re covered from headlights but don’t see the outline. They’re also available in ‘cocoa.’ Fashion tape is always a good idea to have on hand, I like to use this on unruly button-down shirts (more on that here) and special occasion dresses/straps that could use a little extra security. I like this kind because they’re pre-cut strips and come in a nice carrying case.
Of course, I can’t let this post go by without mentioning my favorite fabric care wash for washing delicates. Check out this post to read the importance of washing your bras and other undergarments after every wear with a delicate wash. TLDR, it extends the life cycle of your garments and protects your investment. Don’t forget a drying rack too, this one is my favorite. If you’re finding yourself wear more racerback styles, you can convert any bra with these to slightly pull your straps inward. Lastly, you can organize your sock and/or underwear drawer with this convenient divider! As for bras, I gently arrange them in a drawer too.
I hope you enjoyed this post and it inspires you to take another peek at your underwear drawer to make sure they are serving you well. If they’re not, get rid of them and consider donating to The Bra Recyclers. They will either donate and place them with women in need or recycle the materials. Feel free to leave any questions or your underwear favorites below. Thanks for reading! xx CMK