Just like the rest of your clothing, underwear can either flatter your figure, or it can look a bit meh.
One of the tricks to getting underwear right is finding pieces that work for your body shape and make the most of your assets.
Since underwear forms the basis of every outfit you wear each day (and goes the distance into the evenings), it’s worth it to invest some time in choosing the styles that are best-suited to your body shape.
It’s also crucial to make sure that you’re wearing the right size: getting fitted for a bra is the first step to feeling fabulous in your underwear (and is especially important if you’ve recently lost or gained weight, had a child or are feeling any discomfort in your current bras).
We asked Tomima Edmark, lingerie expert and founder of online lingerie site HerRoom, for her top tips on letting your body shape guide your sexy underwear purchases.
If you’re small-busted...
Those with smaller busts are in luck when it comes to underwear shopping: all the top designer brands cater to smaller cup sizes (A-D), so there’s no shortage of sexy, lacy and intricate bras to choose from.
Of course, sexy underwear doesn’t necessarily mean a red bra with peek-a-boo mesh panels; baby doll nighties also look great on smaller busts, as does the classic T-shirt and boy-short look.
Women looking to amp up their busoms and create some cleavage should pick a push-up style. Padded bras can also help give your bust a boost.
If you have larger hips...
Flaunt them, of course! Larger hips are definitely enjoying their moment in fashion, thanks in part to social media stars and models like Barbie Ferreira and Jen Selter.
“The best fit for a full-hipped woman is a thong or a bikini - the less coverage, the sexier, when it comes to hips,” says Edmark.
If you have a longer torso...
Avoid bodysuits. The silhouettes are designed with average-proportioned women in mind and will only make torsos look longer (babydolls could also be an issue for the same reason).
Longer torsos look best when wearing separates like panties and bras - a balconette bra with sweetheart neckline is a particularly flattering silhouette. In terms of sleepwear, opt for something without a waist, or an empire line just below the bust.
If you have a rounded tummy or fuller waistline...
Often called the “apple” shape, women who carry their weight around their tummies and waists will look fabulous in plunge-neck bodysuits that elongate the torso and draw attention to the cleavage.
Shapewear that smooths and supports is also your best friend.
If you have wider shoulders...
Enjoy the strap-happy, major back-detail bra designs that are big this season. These styles break up a wide shoulder-line and bring the focus downwards - while also nailing that sporty-sexy look to perfection.
If you have a bigger bust...
The best bra for you depends on how firm your breasts are, says Edmark.
“The more deflated the breast, the sexier they look in some kind of bra support. We have seen a significant increase in sheer bras for the larger cup sizes. This is because new technology has created very supportive sheer fabrics.”
Some women that are full-chested often like to wear a minimizer bra, which provides full coverage and gives a lovely, rounded, natural shape to the breasts. Just like any other bra style, minimizers are available in every colour, print and sexy fabric your heart desires.
If you’re bigger than a D cup, avoid cup-free shelf or chopper bras.
If you have a short torso...
Hipster and low-waist knickers can help elongate your mid-section and can also be a
great choice for larger bottoms - just go up a size for a better fit.