Lingerie Questions

Q:Are bras with clear straps tacky?

A:The answer is not so simple—as with many fashion items, it's all in the way you wear them. Sporting a strapless or halter top or dress that completely exposes the clear straps is definitely not chic. Stick with strapless bras when your shoulders are completely bare. That said, these bras were invented because strapless bras can be hard to wear—they often slide down and you end up tugging and readjusting just to keep them in place. Clear strapped bras work best in two situations: 1) when you wear sheer summer shirts or dresses and 2) when you wear tank-style tops and dresses. Wear them alone under semi-sheer silk or with a camisole under a sheer chiffon top to keep your look clean. You won't have multiple straps showing this way, but you will have the comfort and support of a full bra. It's perfectly fine if the clear straps peek out from your top a bit. If you're in the market for clear straps, I recommend Wacoal's Convertible Clear Strapped Bra because the straps are removable—so you get the benefits of two types of bras in one, or their flattering Seamless Push Up Bra.

Q:Can you recommend some cute low-rise underwear that won't peek out from my pants when I sit down?

A:Absolutely. Belabumbum, maker of consistently adorable undies (many in delicate yet virtually snag-free stretch lace), gives some of its styles an extra low cut—ditto for Bodas, Hanky Panky, and On Gossamer. And for zero risk of panty peekage, consider Underglam thongs and bikinis, which have the absolute lowest cuts—and some of the cutest prints—out there.

Q:I have a size 36A chest, so I am always looking for a good padded bra that looks totally authentic. Any suggestions?

A:On Gossamer's Floating Cup Contour Bra is a good choice if you're looking for a basic T-shirt-appropriate bra style. The cups are molded, not padded, so it gives you a nice shape without making you look bunched up. If you're going to wear a low-cut top, try wearing the Ritratti Sensation Gel Plunge. The bra is cut low in front and is padded only at the very bottom so it lifts and gives you cleavage without looking padded. For something super-sexy, opt for Chantelle's Mistinguett, a gorgeous violet and white lace demi-cup bra with an open, plunging neckline. The underwire somehow lifts you up and rounds you out, and the bra comes with optional padded cookies if you want a little added oomph.

Q:I'm not overweight, but no matter how many sit-ups I do, my stomach is still a problem area. Where should I look for some comfy control-top panties that aren't granny-style?

A:The tummy is a pretty common problem area, so there are a lot of great options out there for you. Barely There makes really comfortable briefs and thongs that will hold in your stomach with no panty lines. The non-binding waistband prevents bulges, too. Hanes Her Way also offers a wide range of control-top panties. You can choose from light, medium, or firm control, and also from different styles and fabrics. If you're looking for something a little prettier, Wacoal makes several sleek lines of body-shaping lingerie, in a wide variety of textures, styles, and trimmings.

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