It’s all an inside job!

There is a fair amount of understanding with regard to fashion and style among women folk. What suits one’s body and what complements it is the thought that goes into the clothes that people wear most often. But there is a lack of knowledge on how to choose and wear lingerie and this ignorance is usually because of the embarrassment attached to buying and speaking about it in the open.

“Most women go to the store, ask for their size and quickly buy the pack and walk out. Not much is said and there is an uncomfortable embarrassment if you are buying from a male shop assistant,” says Patricia D’costa, freelance model.

Different types of lingerie are available in the market, suitable for different occasions and body types. Understanding the difference and picking the right one not only enhances your figure but also helps in maintaining a healthy life. Women are in a bra and panty throughout the day, some women even sleep in it, taking it off only in the shower, so it is the one wear that you must get absolutely right, says Patricia.

Sheetal Raj, director, product, Strawberry Lenceria says, “Comfort is a key requirement while picking up lingerie, but it usually isn’t the determining factor. Women buy lingerie to feel good, attractive and it does make you feel sensuous.”

Elaborating on how to pick the right brassiere or bra, T.H. Krishna Das, founder and managing director, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd. states that it is important to know under what outfit you would be wearing the lingerie and to serve what purpose.

Size
Most women aren’t aware of the right size. Research shows 80 per cent of the women wear wrong bra sizes, says Krishna. This leads to a wrong fit and discomfort that can have health repercussions in the long run.

When you are not comfortable it shows. There is a quick way to know your size and Sheetal explains the steps involved, “Start by measuring your underbust with a tape and round off the measurement to its closest number. Since most sizes in the market are only in even numbers, round it off to the closest even number and if you are confused between two, try them both. Once that is out of the way measure your bust, nipple to nipple. Subtract the underbust size from the cup size and that would provide you with the cup size for an accurate fit.” This takes time but saves you from shabby and ill-fitting bras.

A right fit would be one which allows your breast optimal breathing space, without being too tight or loose.

Wearing your lingerie right
There is a tendency to pay no attention to the right way of wearing a brassiere. Patricia states that what one may consider a wrong size may just be a strap needing a fix. If your bra feels loose or too cramped, try tightening or loosening the straps respectively. And if that does not solve the issue, go for a size down or up depending on the kind of discomfort you are facing.

Sheetal states that a right fit is when your breasts sit comfortably in the cup without spilling or suffocating. “Bear in mind that the underwire must not stick out and poke you, neither should the centre of your bra,” she informs.

Colour
Colour is another major determining factor while picking bras. Krishna states that daily wear needs to break the monotony of nudes and women too like an array of hues. If you want your lingerie to be just a beautiful support system without being a hindrance by being visible through your outfit, you can choose skin-toned bras.

On the other hand, if you are wearing solid-coloured clothes with a thick fabric, then the choice of colours are plenty.

Style
For a t-shirt you would want a folded-cup bra, and for one with a deep neckline, you should go for a demi-cup bra, suggests Sheetal.

A convertible bra is another style you could choose if the outfit is a racer-back tank top or sleeveless. And for those who love an open back or an off-shoulder, a strapless bra is the best option. “You don’t want peeking straps ruining your outfit and if they do show, it must add to and complement the overall design,” she advises.

There is also the question of padded vs. non-padded. It depends on the weather and your taste, Patricia states.

The right brassiere to complement your outfit
Delving further into the many styles available in the market and what you can pair it with, Sheetal says that a lightly lined cotton bra is best for causal wear, especially in summer. It is airy and feels light. Loose cut tank tops are usually paired with a strappy back bra. A sports bra can be worn as an individual piece while in the gym or performing a physically draining activity.

“For someone with small breasts, a strapless bra is an indispensable wardrobe essential. It is also best for the summers and the ones in lace are beautiful pieces,” she smiles. Panties too come in different styles: bikini, hipster, seamless panties, thongs, shapewear etc.

Women have a gamut of lingerie options to choose from and at affordable rates. Do not let a false sense of shame and embarrassment attached to a piece of clothing that is the most essential in every woman’s wardrobe, take away your freedom of choice and ruin your sense of style. Lingerie shopping is fun and as important as it is to shop for an outfit for the day.