the sunday brief | summer bras

recently, i partnered with Wacoal on Instagram to discuss summer bras. because when those temps heat up, and we bare a little skin, we wonder what lingerie to wear with tricky summer silhouettes? so today, we’re talking all things lingerie. if we’re wearing the right undergarments easy breezy sundresses, halter tops, and open knit sweaters can be worn with confidence and ease. it all starts with the right bra. think of it like building a house – the foundation is laid first. this is an important step. even the most spectacular outfit can go awry if we’re not wearing the right undergarments. here are a few of my tips and tricks for summer lingerie.

first, i suggest a twice-yearly bra-fit session. all reputable department stores from Neiman Marcus to Nordstrom to J.C. Penney have trained bra-fit specialists that will equip you with proper measurements – it’s a service they offer at no charge to their customers. why twice a year? because in the space of six months, our bodies may have changed. weight fluctuates, ladies, and as we age our bodies can morph. take heart, this is when wearing the proper lingerie will help! once you know your correct bra size, then it’s a matter of deciding what brand you prefer. in my opinion, bras are like jeans – we’re always on the hunt for the perfect one. so don’t be afraid to carve out an afternoon and try on every brand known to mankind. once you find the perfect match the hard part is over. remember, the band should be snug when hooked on the first row. then over time as the band stretches, you can fasten it on the next hook for a tighter fit. Simone Perele and Wacoal are my top picks for bras with Chantelle pulling up the rear. recently, Third Love, has become a favorite of mine. their bras are incredibly comfortable with tagless bands and no-slip straps. the Third Love website offers loads of information about fit issues & solutions or lingerie care. yes, we should handwash our bras or at the very least run them through the delicate cycle securely fastened inside a lingerie bag.

every three months i shop for bras. why? because bras are one of the hardest working items in our closet. we need lift and support every single day – yes, even A cups especially as we age. at all times three styles of bras are always at my beck and call and two colors.

a push-up or plunge bra is perfect underneath special occasion or evening wear. this is the bra that gives a nice lift and adds a bit of cleavage. next on my list is a minimizer. many of you may not need this type, but if you are a C cup or larger this is the bra to reach for if you wear button-up shirts. it keeps you in place and your buttons fastened without tugging! last but not least is the t-shirt bra that gives smooth coverage with its molded cups and fits beautifully underneath beloved tees and sweaters.

for tricky summer styles, i reach for a t-back or racer-back bra and a strapless bra. i know, i know, strapless bras never stay in place. but i put Wacoal’s halo lace strapless bra to the test. guess what? it holds up beautifully in all the right places while giving shape. and this bra comes with convertible straps.

since exercise is a key component in my fitness journey, a good sports bra is important. and Wacoal comes to the rescue once again. take a peek at this bra in haute berry that not only holds me in place during high impact exercise but looks utterly cool on its own.

as for bra colors, i keep a nude or skin tone bra in my rotation at all times. it goes underneath a sheer blouse with ease. next, i add a black bra. once these basic colors are tucked inside your lingerie drawer, then it’s up to your aesthetics as to what additional colors find their way into your line-up.

next, let’s talk about panties, i have bikinis on hand, cheekies, and boyshorts. my favorite brands are Hanky Panky and Natori. don’t forget to look for panties that give a ‘no visible panty line’ underneath snug fitting pencil skirts or pants. my favorite nvpl (no visible panty line) brand is Jockey. also, i have several sets of matching bras and panties in my lingerie drawer. i always feel like a million bucks when i wear a matching set. 

once you’ve tackled the basics, shapewear is a nice addition in your lingerie drawer. a slim-fit one-piece bodysuit is a dream to wear underneath a curve-hugging dress. or try a slim-fit slip or camisole. personally, i love Wacoal smoothing shorts underneath dresses and skirts. it’s lightweight coverage with a smooth silhouette. but when it comes to shapewear, it’s pretty much up to your personal preference as to what area you like smoothed and controlled. believe me, if you need an area of your body sucked and tucked there is shapewear made just for you.

a nude camisole with slim straps is a must-have to wear under sheer blouses. but don’t forget to add a nude tank camisole. i also have white and black camisoles tucked in my drawer and lace. don’t forget a cami looks great all by itself underneath a cashmere cardigan or v-neck sweater.

all right ladies, are you ready to find your perfect bra? you won’t be sorry. once you have the right foundations in place, you’ll look and feel your best every day!

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 63, 5’8, and size 8.

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