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When it comes to underwear, I’m a basic’s kinda gal (much to my hubby’s disappointment).
Give me simple skin coloured undies and a good padded bra (I need the padding desperately, being an A cup!) over a racy, lacy number any day.
You see, for me it’s all about comfort. Does this mean I’m getting old, or worse, am I stuck in an underwear rut?
So, I explained my dilemma to the lovely ladies at Triumph. Was I the only woman shunning sexy lingerie in lieu of comfort? While I had their ear, I also asked their advice on how to build the perfect lingerie wardrobe.
COMFORT IS KEY
According to Triumph Senior Product Manager and Designer, Taryn Cooke, the bulk of one’s lingerie wardrobe should in fact consist of “super-comfy, smooth bras in neutral colours that mold to the body and can be worn under everything".
Phew, thank goodness for that!
Taryn says one should opt for a silhouette that compliments your natural shape. For a natural-looking boost, she advises choosing a push-up bra, or a moulded bra for light coverage and a smooth look under t-shirts and clingy tops.
KEEP IT BRIEF
Coordinate panties & bras in nude and neutral shades that compliment your unique skintone. For everyday wear, choose styles that are clean-cut and unfussy to eliminate unsightly VPL (visible panty lines).
Ensure that gussets are lined with cotton – this is more hygienic as cotton breathes.
TAKE CONTROL
If you’re looking for a smooth silhouette that’s free of lumps and bumps, shapewear is the way to go. But be sure to purchase the correct size.
“If shapewear doesn’t fit properly, it will accentuate what you’re trying to cover up. Squeezing into a size too small will make your wobbly bits spill over. The level of support is determined by the style, fabrication and engineering of the garment,” explains Triumph fit expert Linda Swanson
Key shapewear pieces for every lingerie collection include:
- A minimizer bra to reduce the projection of cleavage.
- A pair of support briefs to support and shape tummies and bums.
- A long leg brief to eliminate saddle-bags.
- A bodysuit to minimize the ‘muffin top’ effect.
INVEST IN A MULTI-TASKING BRA
Every lingerie wardrobe should have a neutral coloured multi-way bra that can convert into a strapless, traditional, crossover or halter-neck.
GET SPORTY
You really should invest in a sports bra (or three) for exercise.
Match the type of bra to the level of activity you’re undertaking. “Depending on your bust size and shape, and the type of exercise you do, you’ll either opt for a sports crop top that holds the whole bust area tightly against the body and prevents bounce; or a sports bra that lifts and separates each breast, offering extra support for larger-busted women.” explains Linda.
SEXY
Once you’ve got your basics sorted, you can look for pieces that reflect your personality, creativity and sensuality. Everyone needs a sexy lace bra and panty set!
MATERNALLY YOURS
When I was pregnant (nine years ago) I had no idea that maxi briefs were available for an expanding tummy, let alone that one could find pretty bra’s with drop down feeding cups – and I was a fashion editor back then! When selecting a maternity bra, it’s important to choose one with the following features:
- Drop down feeding cups.
- Extended hook & eyes.
- A wire free underbust and wide elastic around the diaphragm for support.
- A frame surrounding the rise of the breast for support when the cup is dropped for feeding.
DON’T
Wear one bra for work, play, gym and everything else in between! There is NO ‘one size fits all’ solution and it’s likely to cost you in the long run.
DID YOU KNOW?
80% of women wear the wrong size bra. Triumph Quality and Technical Manager Linda Swanson says: “An ill-fitting bra can cause backache, neck pain and premature drooping, so it’s worth having a professional bra fitting every six months – or whenever you experience hormonal changes, or gain or lose weight.”
Triumph consultants at selected Edgars and Stuttafords stores nationwide offer expert complimentary bra fittings – treat yourself to one! Contact the Triumph customer service consultant Debbie Divine on 021 521 6730 for more information.
Triumph Maternity bras are available at selected Edgars and Dischem stores in a variety of styles, colours and fabrications, along with a coordinating supportive maxi briefs.
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us Facebook.
Check out Candice-Lee's blog for more articles like this.
Give me simple skin coloured undies and a good padded bra (I need the padding desperately, being an A cup!) over a racy, lacy number any day.
You see, for me it’s all about comfort. Does this mean I’m getting old, or worse, am I stuck in an underwear rut?
So, I explained my dilemma to the lovely ladies at Triumph. Was I the only woman shunning sexy lingerie in lieu of comfort? While I had their ear, I also asked their advice on how to build the perfect lingerie wardrobe.
COMFORT IS KEY
According to Triumph Senior Product Manager and Designer, Taryn Cooke, the bulk of one’s lingerie wardrobe should in fact consist of “super-comfy, smooth bras in neutral colours that mold to the body and can be worn under everything".
Phew, thank goodness for that!
Taryn says one should opt for a silhouette that compliments your natural shape. For a natural-looking boost, she advises choosing a push-up bra, or a moulded bra for light coverage and a smooth look under t-shirts and clingy tops.
KEEP IT BRIEF
Coordinate panties & bras in nude and neutral shades that compliment your unique skintone. For everyday wear, choose styles that are clean-cut and unfussy to eliminate unsightly VPL (visible panty lines).
Ensure that gussets are lined with cotton – this is more hygienic as cotton breathes.
TAKE CONTROL
If you’re looking for a smooth silhouette that’s free of lumps and bumps, shapewear is the way to go. But be sure to purchase the correct size.
“If shapewear doesn’t fit properly, it will accentuate what you’re trying to cover up. Squeezing into a size too small will make your wobbly bits spill over. The level of support is determined by the style, fabrication and engineering of the garment,” explains Triumph fit expert Linda Swanson
Key shapewear pieces for every lingerie collection include:
- A minimizer bra to reduce the projection of cleavage.
- A pair of support briefs to support and shape tummies and bums.
- A long leg brief to eliminate saddle-bags.
- A bodysuit to minimize the ‘muffin top’ effect.
INVEST IN A MULTI-TASKING BRA
Every lingerie wardrobe should have a neutral coloured multi-way bra that can convert into a strapless, traditional, crossover or halter-neck.
GET SPORTY
You really should invest in a sports bra (or three) for exercise.
Match the type of bra to the level of activity you’re undertaking. “Depending on your bust size and shape, and the type of exercise you do, you’ll either opt for a sports crop top that holds the whole bust area tightly against the body and prevents bounce; or a sports bra that lifts and separates each breast, offering extra support for larger-busted women.” explains Linda.
SEXY
Once you’ve got your basics sorted, you can look for pieces that reflect your personality, creativity and sensuality. Everyone needs a sexy lace bra and panty set!
MATERNALLY YOURS
When I was pregnant (nine years ago) I had no idea that maxi briefs were available for an expanding tummy, let alone that one could find pretty bra’s with drop down feeding cups – and I was a fashion editor back then! When selecting a maternity bra, it’s important to choose one with the following features:
- Drop down feeding cups.
- Extended hook & eyes.
- A wire free underbust and wide elastic around the diaphragm for support.
- A frame surrounding the rise of the breast for support when the cup is dropped for feeding.
DON’T
Wear one bra for work, play, gym and everything else in between! There is NO ‘one size fits all’ solution and it’s likely to cost you in the long run.
DID YOU KNOW?
80% of women wear the wrong size bra. Triumph Quality and Technical Manager Linda Swanson says: “An ill-fitting bra can cause backache, neck pain and premature drooping, so it’s worth having a professional bra fitting every six months – or whenever you experience hormonal changes, or gain or lose weight.”
Triumph consultants at selected Edgars and Stuttafords stores nationwide offer expert complimentary bra fittings – treat yourself to one! Contact the Triumph customer service consultant Debbie Divine on 021 521 6730 for more information.
Triumph Maternity bras are available at selected Edgars and Dischem stores in a variety of styles, colours and fabrications, along with a coordinating supportive maxi briefs.
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us Facebook.
Check out Candice-Lee's blog for more articles like this.
