Finding the right underwear for your party dress can be a tricky feat. You’ve got your low plunge necklines, sheer frocks, figure-hugging bodycons – all adding up to the painstaking task of making sure our underwear remains concealed and hidden in all areas.
Thankfully, for every unique cut of dress out there, there’s a lingerie that matches it just right.
Here are the 10 types of lingerie that every woman should know about when it comes to party dressing.
Thongs/G-strings
Top left to bottom right: La Senza Superstar thong panty, $13.85; Agent Provocateur Poppie thong, USD 45 (S$61.66); Victoria’s Secret double-strap v-string panty, $29.70
Appropriate for: Bodycon dresses and skirts, tight-fitting pants and shorts
Let’s start with the obvious. This is the only way to eliminate the odds of getting a VPL (visible panty line) besides going commando – which is entirely at your own discretion. Get one that fits you immaculately, as too-tight thongs can also result in VPLs.
Seamless panties
Top left to bottom right: Victoria’s Secret No Show geo mesh cheeky panty, $18.90; La Perla second skin espresso coloured thong, $80.90; Marks and Spencers No VPL Brazilian knickers, $19.90; Triumph beauty-full darling hipster, £13.00 (S$22.68)
Appropriate for: Bodycon dresses and skirts, tight-fitting pants and shorts
If g-strings aren’t your thing because it feels like you have a permanent wedgie, try seamless panties that are exactly like underwear, but without the hard seams. They will “melt” into your skin so they won’t show up (hopefully) when you’re in tight-fitting clothes.
Shapewear
La Senza lace waist cincher, US$24.95 (S$34.20); Triumph magic wire lite sensation, $79.90
Appropriate for: Anything tight-fitting and A-line silhouettes
What’s a woman got to do when there’s feasting and party dressing involved? Use shapewear, of course. It’s the shortcut to preventing that post-meal bump as shapewear lingerie works like a corset by nipping in the midsection or constricting the upper thighs.
Seamless bras
La Senza lightly lined balconette bra, $49.95; La Perla Liaison off-white embroidered tulle triangle bra, $606.80
Appropriate for: Tight-fitting tops and dresses
Sure we’ve got everything we need to tackle the VPL, but there’s also a less notorious sister we need to note: The VBL (visible bra line). It’s an unsightly strapline or underwire that shows up when you don’t get the right lingerie. Get a seamless or lacey bra and voila, problem solved (plus, you have more cute lingerie).
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Push-up bras
Agent Provocateur Anna padded underwire bra, USD 215 (S$294.61); La Perla Desert Rose Black Leavers lace push-up bra, $987
Appropriate for: Low-cut necklines
Some of us need more support to fill out a low-cut neckline. There’s no harm giving your bosom buddies an extra boost with push-ups. So if you’ve got a dress that will look extra good on you with an enhanced cleavage, these bad boys are your best bet.
Low-cut bras
La Senza U plunge bra, $69.53; Fashion Forms seamless U-Plunge bra, USD 34.06 (S$46.68) from Net-a-Porter
Appropriate for: Low-cut necklines
If you’ve got a dress with a plunging deep V-neckline on your hands, it’s best to invest in heavy-duty protection. U-plunge bras will offer you full coverage and protection while also remaining hidden underneath your low-cut dresses.
Convertible strap
La Perla Shape-allure American multiway bra, $320.40; Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels multiway bra, $63
Appropriate for: Halter dresses, toga dresses and low-back dresses
Sometimes we like wearing things with unconventional necklines, but our bras shouldn’t compromise on that front (or back) as some of us really just want that back support for comfort. Try these multiway bras with convertible straps for maximum support and zero visible straps.
Slip dresses
Agent Provocateur slip navy, USD 1,525 (S$2,090.04); Savage X Fenty slip and robe set, $63.10
Appropriate for: See-through dresses
If you plan on wearing a sheer lace or tulle number, the everyday essential that is the slip dress is perfect for wearing underneath those tricky (but trending) ‘naked’ dresses. Choose one in satin so that you’re extra comfortable through the night, and to prevent the dress on top from bunching up in places.
Low back teddy
Savage x Fenty Geo mesh teddy, $103.60; Victoria’s Secret eyelash lace teddy, $111.60
Appropriate for: Low necklines, low arm holes, high leg slits, halter dresses and low-back dresses
Featuring ultra low necklines, and an equally low back, a sexy halter teddy is perfect for revealing dresses that have plunging necklines or really low-cut sides. For dresses that have a high leg slit that rides up the hips, these teddies also have high-cut legs so that it won’t show.
Strapless bodysuit
La Senza lace bandeau bodysuit, $55.62; h:ours x Yovanna Ventura bustier bodysuit, $106.28 from revolve
Though strapless bras are undeniably great for strapless dresses, they tend to slide down throughout the night especially if you have a larger sized bust. Strapless bodysuits prevents this while also providing great support.
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