Unlike basic underwear like the bra and panties you wear every day, lingerie is a type of undergarment on a whole different level. Rather than serving as “workhorse” pieces like your typical undies, lingerie is meant to flatter the female body and make you feel sexier and more confident, albeit for a special someone or to give yourself a confidence boost.
In order to buy the most comfortable and best-looking lingerie, it’s important to know your body type and shop accordingly. With this in mind, here is a breakdown of different lingerie styles, followed by a primer on how to choose the best pieces for your figure:
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Teddies, Garters and Corsets, Oh My!
A teddy is a one-piece suit made from a variety of fabrics, including net and lace criss-cross styles, leather, silk and more. Similar to a one-piece swimsuit, the teddy comes in a number of styles and cuts. Another type of lingerie is the corset, which was once viewed as a symbol of patriarchy and restriction. These days, however, it’s now seen as an empowering and shaping piece that sits below the chest and goes down to the hips.
Garter belts, which have been worn for decades by blushing brides, often come with a corset or bra in a set and are meant to hold up sexy lingerie. Other common styles of lingerie include the bustier, which is similar to the corset and helps achieve a classic hourglass shape; a pretty camisole that can be worn in combination with matching panties; and the nightgown, which is often made from a lightweight and shimmery fabric like satin and is either short or long.
Lingerie for the Hourglass Figure
Women with a larger bust and hips and smaller waistline will look especially amazing in a corset or teddy that accentuates this classic hourglass figure. Conversely, sexy panties that are high cut paired with a lacy bra would also be a solid choice — and you can never go wrong with a garter.
The Ideal Pieces for a Triangle Body
A triangle body tends to be smaller on top and larger on the bottom, with hips that are wider than the shoulders. When choosing lingerie for this body type, go with pieces that will add balance; for instance, a short nightgown that’s tauter in the bust area and flowier around the hips are two great options. A bustier will also draw attention to and enhance your chest and a bra with ruffles or other accents will also look great on you.
Inverted Triangle? No Problem!
For those with an inverted triangle-shaped body, your shoulders are broad and your bum is narrower and flatter. To complement this shape, you can pretty much choose whichever feature you want to accentuate. For instance, go with a teddy that will show off your full bosom while taking attention away from your small derriere. A matching bra and panty set also flatter this body type, as will a lacy camisole that’s worn with sexy undies in the same color.
Adding Curves on an Athletic Build
Women with an athletic build, also known as a rectangular body shape, do best with lingerie that will give the illusion of having curves. A corset, which will make your waist look smaller, is a great choice, as is a bustier. You can also go with a push-up style bra to accentuate your bust and show off your strong, sexy legs with a high-cut teddy and garter belt, or simply choose an amazing matching set of a gorgeous bra and panties that looks incredibly feminine and highlights the entire body.
Look and Feel Your Best with Lingerie
As you can see, there is literally a style of lingerie for every body figure. By knowing which styles will complement your body, you will find wearing lingerie is not only fun and sexy but also comfortable and confidence-boosting.