Foundation garments

This is a delicate post about delicates.  A few weeks ago, I made my annual visit to Intimacy in Boston to replace and replenish undergarments.  No, there will be no images from that trip.

However, that shopping trip made Lisa and I want to discuss the importance of foundation garments.  They are IMPORTANT.  You know it too; you've seen those poor women with so little support going it's a wonder that they are even wearing a bra!  Or, bra straps hanging out everywhere.  And, if you don't pay attention to the condition of your delicates, it's a slippery slope, if you know what we mean.

So, let's start up top. We believe in an annual bra shopping trip, picking up at least 4 new bras that you would wear on a daily basis, plus others as you need depending on the tops you have (racer back, strapless, sports, etc.).  And if you have not done so in recent times, we also HIGHLY recommend starting at a specialty store, where the ladies working there have seen it all and can take one look at you and will know what fits.  For us in the Boston area, that means making an appointment at Lady Grace or Intimacy.

Image from ladygrace.com.

Lady Grace is the old school bra store.  They do all delicates, but the sales ladies are really well-versed in fitting bras and it is a great place to start.  They have several store locations (MA, ME, and NH) and usually have the same model bras (until manufacturer design changes) from year to year, which makes replacing them as easy as a click to your online shopping bag.  Lady Grace has sales at times too, and if your timing is right, you can save a lot.

Image from Jennifer Houston.

Intimacy is an updated Lady Grace and the company has stores across the country, from Atlanta to Scottsdale.  Intimacy carries more expensive European lines that you will have a difficult time finding elsewhere.  The good news there is that they have some great lines that fit unlike anything else.  Personal favorites are Simone Perele, Lou, and Marie Jo.  You can make an appointment online and a saleswoman will be dedicated to finding you the right garments for your hour.  It's fabulous.  They carry sports bras too, and the Anita line of sports bras are fantastic.  

I personally have shopped at both, and continue to return to Intimacy because the brands they carry fit me better.  But that's me.  I know of friends who have found great fitters at Macy's and Bloomingdales and swear by those establishments.  The key is to find a great fitter who puts you in a great product.  Once you have worn your new delicates for a while and know the style, size, and brand of bra that works for you, you can surf online to find the best prices for future purchases.

We aren't done yet.  There is more than just shopping for delicates.  You have to care for them.  Rule #1: do not use normal detergent.  Put your delicates aside in a lingerie bag or the Tide Bra Bag, and use Forever New Fabric Care Wash.  Here are some images of the tools of the trade:

Image from containerstore.com.

Image from containerstore.com.

Image from amazon.com.

The Forever New wash is AH-MAZE-ING.  It completely restores the elasticity in your delicates with just one 1/2 cap-full per each wash.  Yes, you have to do a separate load of laundry, but it's worth it.  Rule #2:  Drip dry. Also a pain in the you-know-what, but your dryer will kill any elasticity quickly.  Trust us.

Let's make our way down the path, shall we say, and focus on other delicates.  To thong or not to thong, that is the question.  The bottom line is (no pun intended) that none of us want VPL (visible panty lines), so what's a girl to do?

If you on Team Thong, here are a couple of options to think about.  First, the classic Hanky Panky thong.  One size fits almost everyone.  Seriously.  There's just one size.  The classic is an original-rise, but they have low-rise, mid-rise, and they come in every color under the rainbow.  The con is that they are about $20 a pair.

Image from barenecessities.com.

Gap Body has some great and super affordable options too, in all rises and plenty of colors.  Lisa got a fabulous pair in Paris but can't find the brand domestically.  They were nude color, modal and seamless which is perfection under white pants for summer. Gilligan & O'Malley is the closest to it shown here in a white in a 3-pack for just $9.99.  

For those on Team Not-to-Thong, Lisa and I just heard of a great option at a softball game.  Yes, sitting on the sidelines talking about VPL.  No joke.  Anyway, another mom turned us onto Target briefs by Gilligan O'Malley which have a 'rubber' or highly elastic band around the legs which completely diminishes VPL, according to the mom.  Might have to test drive these to see, especially since they are $6 a pair.  After researching on Target.com, I wonder if they are the Gilligan O'Malley seamless brief:

Image from target.com.

Another option is a type of boy-short or 'hot pants'.  These Cosabella ones 'virtually eliminate lines' and are light as a feather.  At $25 a pair, I would test one before replacing all undergarments in your drawer.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

I know, I know, the next topic we should tackle is 'shapewear'.  We'll save that for another day and another post.  Until then, it's time to tackle and refresh your delicates! ~ LB & JH