Happy National Underwear Day!
When's the last time you actually put thought and research into buying your underwear? Probably never (but don't worry, we anticipated that). That's why we called lingerie expert and designer of White Rabbit Underwear, Mariana Hernandez to help us celebrate this fun and flirty (and potentially made up) holiday. She's here to educate us on—and help correct—the eight most common underwear mistakes you're probably making, but had no clue you were making.
"When we talk about intimates, we hear a lot about bras—how we're wearing the wrong size, how they should really fit, etc. Underwear, however, is often overlooked," stated Mariana. "Therefore, we tend to over-simplify how we buy ours. We forget choosing the right type of underwear truly sets the foundation for your entire day. Taking more time to be conscious of what you're wearing under "there" can go a long way in helping you look great, and feel great too!"
Let's get to it.
1. You're wearing a size too small.
If there's ever a time to put vanity aside and purposely go a size up in your clothes, it's with your underwear! Too-tight skivvies can pinch and give you muffin top or VPL (visible panty line), not to mention increase your chances of nether-region unpleasantness like a UTI or yeast infection.
2. You're wearing the wrong underwear with that outfit.
A thong may prevent VPL, but it's not always the best underwear for your body-con clothes. If it's made from textured lace, for example, it will still show through a tight, lightweight dress. A better choice in this case might be a seamless boyshort, especially one with slightly longer "legs" to prevent ride-up. Wearing a high-waisted skirt? Try a high-waisted brief vs. a low-rise bikini to help smooth out the tummy area.
3. You're buying underwear without lay-flat seams.
Consider lay-flat, or "hidden," seams your BFF in the underwear world. If seams (both outer and inner) aren't flat, particularly across your waistband and booty, your skivvies will inevitably bulk up under clothing, create VPL (yes, even if it's a thong) and cause irritation against your skin.
White Rabbit ‘The Prince', $16; Hanky Panky Lace Low Rise Thong, $20; Yummie by Heather Thomson Emilie Mid-Rise Stretch Jersey Briefs, $10
4. You're wearing mesh underwear in the summer.
It may seem like mesh underwear is more breathable, but you'll be surprised to hear it's not. Synthetic materials such as polyester hold and trap heat, moisture and bacteria—putting you at greater risk for yeast infections and UTIs, not to mention just feeling uncomfortable all day. In the summer, it's best to wear underwear made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton or bamboo that absorb and/or wick moisture away from the skin.
5. You're wearing white underwear with your white clothing.
This may sound good in theory, but think again. Unless your skin tone is stark white, the contrast of the underwear against your skin will cause it to show through white clothing. Instead, wear underwear closest in color to your skin tone, which will literally disappear underneath clothing.
6. You're wearing light underwear with your dark-colored clothing.
Most people (we hope!) know not to wear dark underwear through light-colored clothing, but did you know you can also see light underwear through dark-colored clothing? Especially if a camera flash is involved. You're literally airing your dirty laundry. So if you're wearing a black dress, it's best to stick to black skivvies.
Stella McCartney Smooth & Lace Stretch-Jersey and Lace Thong, $35; I.D. Sarrieri High-Rise Chantilly Lace Briefs, $113; La Perla Calypso Embellished Low-Rise Stretch-Mesh Briefs, $191
7. You're putting your underwear in the washing machine (or worse yet, in the dryer).
Both hot water from the washing machine and heat from the dryer can ruin the stretch of your underwear. What's more, skivvies made with delicate materials such as silk or lace can easily get tangled or torn with zippers, buttons and other hardware from your other clothes. To extend the life of your underwear, it's best to hand wash and hang to dry. If you must machine wash, do so in the gentle cycle and always inside a mesh lingerie bag.
8. You're not spending enough on your skivvies.
It's tempting to save money on your skivvies and spend it on that pair of heels instead—after all, that's what everyone will see. But even if you are the only one who ever sees your underwear, remember that this is the foundation to your entire look. The right underthings have the power to literally make or break how you walk, talk, look and feel throughout any given day. A $5.00 pair of underwear may seem like a good deal at first, but most likely won't stand the test of comfort, or time. The cheaper the underwear, the lower the quality—expect materials that are rough against your skin, exposed seams that dig-in as well as show through clothes, underwear that's not lined properly, or ill-fit that can cause ride-up, among other things. Good quality underwear, on the other hand, will be made with first-rate materials for comfortable, all-day wear, superior attention to fit and will hold both its appearance and fit after numerous washings (hand-washings, that is!).
L'Agent by Agent Provocateur Odessa Embroidered Stretch-Tulle Briefs, $50; Nordstrom Lingerie Large Lingerie Wash Bag, $8; ARAKS Isabella Cotton-Jersey Briefs, $42