Experts Answer Your Bra, Underwear, Shapewear, and Lingerie Questions

Article by Maddison McKinley, in collaboration with Sasha Vurnakes and Becca Michelet. The products featured in this article were sourced independently and chosen for the benefit of the reader. Daily Inspirato doesn’t financially benefit if you buy any of these products.

Bras, Underwear, Shapewear & lingerie Oh My!

You’ve heard that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Well, it can also take a “village” of undergarments to support a strong look.

Intimates are like the silent partner in a business deal, the unseen heroes eradicating crime from your neighborhood. You know they’re doing their best work when they go undetected.

Bras

And though you may say “no thanks” to a base layer of Spandex, we do all need a good-fitting bra. The right bra can shift your self-esteem for the better, just as an ill-fitting one (Hello, UNDERWEAR IN MY ARMPIT) can make you hate the world. 

Underwear

When it comes to underwear, we have a whole range of options. Maybe you go commando. Maybe you’re walking around with panty lines you didn’t even know were on full display. 

Shapewear

Take shapewear. There isn’t a celebrity on the red carpet (I don’t care if they’re in their 20s and have a standing appointment with Gunnar Peterson), who isn’t wearing some kind of shapewear. So please, forget the idea that shapewear means admitting defeat. Kim Kardashian created SKIMS because she saw a need in the marketplace! 

Lingerie

Lingerie does not have to be for the bedroom, only. The “innerwear as outerwear” trend is here to stay because it’s a timeless look (see: The French). Purposefully showing off some lace can feel feminine and empowering. With that being said, there’s a reason Rihanna’s lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, is now valued at 1 billion dollars: women are embracing lingerie in the bedroom, with, or without, a partner.

We’re going to talk about undergarments and the right kind for each situation and person. Below, the experts share their wisdom, and I offer a pearl or two when I’m able! 

Meet the Experts

Your Intimates Starter Kit

Sometimes, it’s hard to even know where to begin. That’s why Sasha and Becca put together an easy, go-to starter list for your intimates needs! We’ve done the research, all you need to do is pick your size and color :)

Bra Starter Kit

(1) Strapless, (2) Lacey, (3) Wireless, and (4) Pushup

Underwear Starter Kit

(1) Thongs, (2) Bikinis, (3) High-Waisted, (4) Crotchless, (5) Vibrating, (6) No-Show, (7) Period/Moisture Wicking

Shapewear Starter Kit

(1) Thigh Savers, (2) One-Piece SPANX, (3) Compression Tank, and (4) Bustier

Lingerie Starter Kit

(1) Bodysuit/Teddy, (2) Corset, (3) Babydoll, (4) Thigh-Highs, and (5) Silk Robe

TOPIC: BRAS

What are bras doing for me? 

A bra's functional purpose is to provide support, structure and protection for the wearer’s bust, shoulder and back.

—Sasha Vurnakes

It also provides a nicer silhouette and fit for your clothes!

—Becca Michelet

How do I figure out my bra size at home?

How should a bra fit?

Bra sizes are based on your band size (the number) and your cup size (the letter). These measurements are usually determined by using a tape measure around your rib cage and bust. The number/letter is your bra size. Finding the right bra size is crucial for the right support and for a smooth comfortable fit.

—Sasha Vurnakes

Bras should fit snug like a hug around your ribcage. Because a bra’s main purpose is to support, it is imperative your band fits snug and parallel to the ground and the straps are not overtightened. You always want to start your bra on the loosest hook that way with more wear and stretch you can tighten up your bra over time. Typically if you have to start your bra on the tightest hook you need to try the smaller band size. Your band does about 80% of your bust support!

—Becca Michelet

How do bra extenders work?

Extenders are fabulous! Good quality bras are an investment and an extender helps to ensure a proper fit if your weight fluctuates maintaining your investment. They’re also helpful if you are inbetween sizes. 

—Sasha Vurnakes

Or going through pregnancy and nursing!

—Maddison McKinley

These are great if you are in between band sizes. Many women will fluctuate several times throughout their life and something as simple as an extender can help to make your bra a little more comfortable I tend to be in between a 34-36 band so I will pop on an extender on my 34s and after about a month of wear my bra will have just enough stretch to be able to take that extender off.

—Becca Michelet

What is the best place to buy bras online?

For my larger-busted clients, I suggest Lane Bryant or Torrid as their sizing is more inclusive. Regardless of the site, my professional advice would be to read reviews. Before purchasing, check to see if the piece you’re interested in runs true to size and has reviews for being durable.

—Sasha Vurnakes

Go to www.thebragenie.com! We offer an extensive size range larger than department stores and would be happy to assist over the phone with any questions regarding styles. Oh, and we ship for free if your order is over $50! Her Room is an AMAZING size with excellent customer reviews and testimonials. HOWEVER, lingerie is one of the most frequent items for return as all bras fit differently.

—Becca Michelet

TOPIC: UNDERWEAR

Should I choose different underwear depending on what I’m wearing (e.g. panty lines)?

When choosing the style of underwear you should consider what you’re wearing, how long you’ll be wearing [it] and ultimately, your personal style. EveryBODY is different and tastes vary—some prefer a thong and some favor the additional coverage a hipster can offer. Specialty panties (such as lace, crotchless, or vibrating) are only made for special occasions. For everyday wear, you’ll want to choose a fabric that breathes well such as cotton or bamboo. Personally, my favorite is a high-waisted solid black cheeky cut. In my opinion, it offers an equal mixture of sultry style and practical functionality.

—Sasha Vurnakes

You should also pick out your panty style depending on the type of garment you are wearing, not the other way around. Seamless/no-show panties are a no-brainer as these could go under anything, but just like bras, it is about finding the right cut and style for your body type.

—Becca Michelet

TOPIC: SHAPEWEAR

What is shapewear?

Shapewear acts as the foundational undergarments that provide structure or reshape your figure. Shapewear comes in a variety of styles—from high-waisted bikini briefs to cami-style tops.

—Sasha Vurnakes

Not all shapewear is going to tuck and slim. Shapewear styles vary by the style and level of support. A light shaper may provide just enough to smooth any unsightly lumps or bumps, whereas firm control will smooth, shape, and suck in to provide extra support!

—Becca Michelet

How does shapewear work and how does it help?

Successful shapewear is made from compression material that holds and offers additional support to areas such as the thighs or lower stomach region. Shapewear or tight compression-based undergarments have many uses such as accentuating curves, adding smoothness to an outfit, or even helping with back pain.

—Sasha Vurnakes

How to choose shapewear, and when to use it?

Adding any article of clothing to your body is always up to your discretion, but typically, folks wear shapewear when they’re dressing more formally. 

—Sasha Vurnakes 

It is a personal preference. Many women wear light to moderate shapewear every day to work. Shapewear makes your clothing lay more smoothly and can hide panty lines and double as a slip under sheer dresses. The most common occasion someone will wear shapewear is when [they] are dressing up for an important event, such as a board meeting, wedding, or prom!

—Becca Michelet 

Have you ever experienced summer (erm) chafing? Try these thigh savers to protect your skin when the weather gets warm.

—Maddison McKinley

How should shapewear fit?

Shapewear should be snug but [don’t] size down too eagerly. Otherwise, you’ll experience discomfort during extended wear.

—Sasha Vurnakes

It all depends on the type of shapewear. An undergarment like a waist trainer is meant to shape and train your waist, but a lot of women will not find this comfortable for a long workday of wear because of the boning. However, a moderate shaper piece could be snug and still comfortable all day. The main thing is to try on many styles to see what fits your body the best and won’t roll throughout the day.

—Becca Michelet

TOPIC: LINGERIE

Can I wear lingerie … visibly?

ANSWER YES! If you find lingerie pieces that properly fit you then you will find endless options for incorporating your favorite lingerie essentials into your everyday OOTD. You can wear lingerie underneath your outerwear for an additional dash of confidence or you can wear it as a visible part of your outfit. Before we talk about how you can embrace a lingerie-inspired outfit, let’s go back to talking about that important word: confidence. Often the customers I meet through my lingerie boutique or intimate boudoir portrait studio have minimal experience with lingerie ... As a professional, I love to expertly fit a customer in a piece that I know will showcase their favorite parts of their body [and] leav[e] them feeling empowered. That surge of self-love a customer experiences during a boudoir session or lingerie fitting is our goal.  So how do you maintain that badass feeling? You continue to include sultry articles of clothing when designing your outfit. Regardless [of] if you wear it under a dress or as a stand-out part of your OOTD, just knowing you have it on will help you stand with more confidence and [have] a better appreciation for your body. One of my favorite quick, lingerie-inspired looks is a soft bralette tossed under an oversized sweater so the lace of the teddy shines through on your shoulders. For the perfect juxtaposition add a structured blazer over a lace teddy [or] bodysuit. The opportunities to kick up the heat with your styling [are] limitless.

—Sasha Vurnakes

Fashion has no rules! You can wear whatever makes you look good and feel good. Bustiers, corsets, [and] thigh highs ... have become mainstream in fashion and can be worn outside the bedroom.  Confidence starts from within!

—Becca Michelet

If it makes you feel Clothing Confident, GO FOR IT! I feel SUPER sexy when I go out in this … it’s shapewear AND it’s hot!

—Maddison McKinley

What should I consider when buying lingerie?

When choosing lingerie you should weigh fit, function, and cost. The cost of lingerie varies—there're very affordable pieces that you can get a handful of wears from and there are staple luxury pieces that you will want to invest in so that they last a long time … At Sasha Lee’s we try to merge the two ends of the spectrum, providing a large collection of well-made pieces at an affordable price. Most of our pieces are under $50. Another thing you will want to consider when purchasing lingerie is the fit—does it feel comfortable? Is it enhancing your shape? Is it showcasing your favorite parts of your body? There are several different styles of lingerie and some cater to certain shapes more than others. For example, if you have a larger chest, you … will want a piece that offers structure to your bust like a bustier. If you’re short, you might find a chemise hides too much of your body, but a teddy with a high-cut leg showcases your lower half more favorably. Not sure what style would be best for you? Consult an expert. At Sasha Lee’s we work with all genders, ages, and sizes to offer inclusive fittings. 

—Sasha Vurnakes

You need to determine function & cost. Higher quality garments will cost more but will need to be replaced less frequently. If you are going with a lower price point, you may need to replace your garments more often. However, with any bra, it all depends on how many you have in your rotation. Every woman should have three-five bras in their rotation if you are wearing a bra seven days a week. The heavier the bust, the more … work your bra is doing so you may need to swap them out sooner [than] someone who has a petite bust. You need to look at your bras as investments and take good care of them, so they can take better care of you. Bras are not meant to last forever, and your size can change! ... It is important you hand wash your bras but also get fitted every six months to a year to ensure you are still in the correct size.

—Becca Michelet

TOPIC: CARE AND MAINTENANCE

How do I take care of my undergarments so that they last a long time? 

HANDWASH! I know many of us these days are super busy and can’t even fathom taking the time to do laundry, let alone hand wash our undergarments, but it is super important. Most lingerie stores will carry gentle lingerie wash, such as SOAK or Ovacion. Our fitter favorite is SOAK because it’s super easy and takes no time at all! Just add a teaspoon of the solution to a gallon of cold water in your sink. Let your undergarments soak for 10-15 minutes and voila! Hang to dry, and your garments will smell nice and last much longer! If you must put your bras in the washer, it is imperative you always hook the backs of the bras, put them in a lingerie bag (shop this one on Amazon for $10) and use cold water with a wash made for delicates. Always hang to dry. Do not cook your bras in the dryer!

—Becca Michelet