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Lingerie is more than just a necessity; it can amp up your confidence and make you feel empowered. However, if you are new to the realm of lingerie, the various options can be overwhelming.
To make sure you are getting your money’s worth, it is important to wear pieces of lingerie as they are intended to be worn.
Why do you need lingerie?
Different types of lingerie are specifically designed to serve their purpose and help you achieve the look for which you are aiming. If you find yourself confused about how to build a lingerie collection that suits your needs, then worry not.
Whether you are a bride-to-be building her trousseau or a professional looking for everyday pieces, we have you covered.
Our handy guide on the types of lingerie that are a must-have in your wardrobe will set you on the right path.
What are the Different Kinds of Lingerie You Should Know About?
Panties
The first word that pops into most people’s mind when they think of lingerie is ‘panties,’ and with good reason.
Underwear like panties have become an essential due to the very practical purposes they serve.
Panties keep a woman’s nether regions protected from friction that could irritate delicate skin. They can also help shape your body as per your preference and offer support when needed.
Today, you can pick from a plethora of panty options. If utmost comfort and breathability is your priority, then regular panties are the ones for you.
If you want to achieve a smooth and uninterrupted silhouette, then seamless panties will give you just that.
For a more sensual and glamorous alternative, you can also opt for a classically cut bikini underwear.
A plunge bikini panty is both elegant and stretchy and can serve you in many ways.
Hipsters
Often, you might need an underwear option that provides more coverage and support. This is where hipsters come into the picture.
Hipsters are a kind of panty that sit low on the hips. To compensate they come with extra fabric that cover more of your bottom.
Apart from providing more coverage than your regular underwear options, hipster underwear also depart from traditional cuts and lend a trendier look.
Bras
Now that they bottoms are sorted, it is time to move on the top. Regardless of how new you are to the realm of lingerie; you must know about bras.
A staple in every woman’s wardrobe after a certain age, bras have become indispensable.
Designed to offer support and coverage, this undergarment has spawned various iterations that serve your specific desires no matter what the occasion.
Bras are segregated based on padding – you will find unpadded, padded, lightly padded, push-up bras in this case. They are also divided according to whether they are wired or not. Other markers of division are strapless, multiway straps, removable straps.
You will also find bras that are lacy and the ones that are made of plain cloth. The material can vary. There are also bras that are suitable for heavy busts like minimizer bras that will reduce the size of the breast by at least an inch.
If you are a young woman who is just starting out, a regular bra would be most suitable. It comes with cups that hold your breasts, a band that helps fasten the garment, and straps that keeps it in place. However, if you need extra support, you can always go for bra with underwire.
To create shapes and silhouettes that are flattering, you can choose a padded bra.
From sports bras for workout days to strapless options to do away with annoying straps, you can find everything under the sun.
Bralette
A variation on the classic bra, a bralette is lingerie that you can wear as regular clothing.
An amalgamation of a bra and a crop top, a bralette lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. The structure of a bralette is pretty like that of a regular bra.
Cups cradle your breasts while straps fasten keep the garment in place. You can find padded bralettes that provide added support too.
Usually, you will find bralettes with exotic lace, embroidery, stylish cuts, and innovative straps.
In a range of colours, you can pair a bralette with shorts or skirts for a breezy summer look or layer it with formal wear for a relaxed yet elegant outfit.
Camisoles
Another member of the lingerie family is the ever-elegant camisole. For the uninitiated, a camisole is a lingerie tank top that usually comes with spaghetti straps.
A camisole is structured more like an A-line silhouette rather than a form-fitting shape. The roomy fit of a camisole ensures that it is as breezy as it its sophisticated.
You can opt for a cotton camisole to pair with pajamas or lounge pants to spend a relaxing day at home.
Alternatively, you can also go for a camisole that is made using a silky or satiny fabric.
Such fancier camisoles are embellished with lace accents, and when paired with thongs or lingerie shorts can help create a sensual and sultry look.
Chemise
If you are looking for a lingerie option that you can slip in and out off easily, then a chemise is exactly what the doctor ordered.
If you are unfamiliar with this undergarment, a chemise is a slip dress that falls on the shorter side of the spectrum.
While you can certainly wear a chemise on its own to turn up the heat in the bedroom, you can also wear it over a pair of panties and bra for more coverage.
Although they are similar, try not to get a chemise confused with a baby doll. A baby doll is shorter than a chemise and hits right below your panties.
While the two kinds of lingerie are slightly different, they serve the same purpose; to make you feel flirty, fun, and confident.
Shapewear
Shapewear is a kind of underwear that is designed to create a smooth and contoured appearance under tight-fitting clothes.
It is made from comfortable, stretchy fabrics that smooth out any lumps or bumps and make your silhouette more flattering.
There are many styles of shapewear to choose from, including bodysuits, briefs, shorts, and tanks, and both men and women can wear it.
It is important to select the right size for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
While shapewear can help improve confidence and self-esteem, it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and should not be worn for extended periods.
With proper fitting and care, shapewear can be a helpful tool to enhance your appearance and feel your best.
Now that you have a fair overview of women lingerie types, you can ensure that you create a collection that meets your varied needs, from the mundane to the extraordinary.
Bridal lingerie
Bridal lingerie is an integral part of every bride's wedding wardrobe. It is a special type of lingerie crafted to be worn on the wedding day and honeymoon.
The fabric of this lingerie is delicate and includes materials such as silk, lace, and satin, to produce a soft and romantic touch.
The selection of the right style and fit of bridal lingerie is vital to ensure complete comfort and support.
The overall purpose of bridal lingerie is to enhance the beauty and confidence of the bride-to-be on her special day and even after.
It is a necessary addition to the wedding wardrobe of any bride who desires to feel confident and beautiful.
Boyleg
You can call them boyleg, but at Wacoal we know them as boyleg panties.
This is a type of underwear for women that looks like shorts for men.
They offer more coverage than regular panties and are often worn for practicality and comfort, as they can prevent chafing and create a smooth appearance under clothes.
They are available in various designs, from basic and simple to ornate and fancy.
Boyleg are a favored option for women who are active or those who prefer a comfortable and fashionable alternative to typical panties.
Tips to shop for lingerie online
Here are five important tips to keep in mind when buying lingerie online:
Know the right size:
It is essential to know your measurements before shopping. This way, you can choose the right size and fit. You should also refer to the size chart.
Learn more about the product:
Make sure to read the product description carefully, including the size chart and washing instructions, to ensure that the product meets your expectations.
Know the return and exchange policies:
Check the return policy before purchasing to make sure you can return or exchange the item if it does not fit.
Read reviews:
Reading customer reviews can give you an idea of the quality and fit of the product, helping you make an informed decision.
Shop from a trusted online store:
Always shop from reputable online retailers to ensure that you get high-quality products and good customer service. Wacoal is one brand that you can trust.
To browse through a wide array of options walk into a Wacoal store near you or visit the official website.
Wacoal Recommends
To get you started, here are a couple of lingerie items from Wacoal that are a must-have in your wardrobe:
Contour Padded Wired Full Coverage Mesh Fashion Bra: This t-shirt bra is wired, padded, and offers full coverage, providing the support and lift you need. It features a mesh design for extra coverage and is specially designed to give a natural contour to the bust. The U-shaped back also helps keep the straps in place and prevents them from slipping.
Missy Pack Mid Waist Medium Coverage Comfortable Hipster Panty Pack: This is a hipster panty with a mid-waist and medium coverage. It is an everyday panty for those seeking comfort and an easy feel. Enjoy this pack of three in different colours.
Basic Mold Padded Non-Wired 3/4Th Cup Everyday T-Shirt Bra: This bra has a 3/4th cup and is non-wired but padded for added support and lift. It is seamless, which means you will not have to worry about visible lines showing through tight clothes. The double band ensures a secure and comfortable fit, and the multiway straps make it versatile for different outfits. Although it is non-wired, it still provides support and lift like a wired bra would.