What better way to start off the New Year than with fresh and fabulous underthings! This guide features our road tested recommendations for functional foundation garments that are the perfect gifts to give yourself after a season of thinking of everyone else. Pamper yourself – or someone else – with these carefully curated choices.
Le Mystere Seamless Comfort Hipster ($20 each, some on sale for $15, Bloomingdale’s)
These nylon/spandex undies feel like a second skin and don’t shift or ride up. The flattering hipster silhouette offers moderate coverage, and because the panties are seamless, they don’t leave lines. Available in several pretty colors and sizes XS-XL at Bloomingdale’s and discounted packs of 3 on the Le Mystere site.
la Vie en Rose Seamless Fabric High Waist Shaping Shorts ($24.95, laVieenRose.com)
This Montreal-based brand has several shapewear offerings, including these shorts, a high-waist thong, and high-waits bikini panty. The seamless shorts are my pick for wearing under skirts and dresses, offering just enough support and protecting against chafing. Available in black and nude and in sizes up to XXL.
BRANWYN Performance Innerwear Essential Busty Bra ($58, Branwyn.com)
BRANWYN is known for its signature Merino wool blend that is BPA and PFAS-free. Now, before you walk away because WOOL, trust that this fabric is so soft, comfortable, and not what you imagine wool underthings to feel like. Their Essential Busty Bra is a bralette for C-cups that are larger, which, if this is you, you know how hard it is to find a good bralette. There is plenty of coverage, the straps are adjustable, and the design is seamless, underwire-free, and offers more support than the bralettes you’ve tried. They also have the Essential Bralette for C-cups or smaller. The Essential Bralette is ideal for C-cup sizes or smaller, while the Busty Bra caters to C-cup sizes and larger, providing extra room and support. Both are available in several skin-toned shades in sizes XS-XXL.
SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra ($69, Shefit.com)
Many sports bras claim to be high impact, but you find that not to be the case if you’re playing pickleball or doing a hit workout. This Ultimate Sports Bra is truly high-impact and completely adjustable with the brand’s patented Zip. Cinch. Lift. adjustability on the shoulder and back straps. The 2-way stretch fabric offers maximum wireless support, there are removable breast cups, and the front zipper is chafe-free. Putting the bra on takes some getting used to, but it’s worth it! If you want an adjustable sports bra with lighter support, try the Flex Sports Bra. Both are available in several colors and in numerous sizes.
Forme Power Bra ($189, Forme.Science)
If you struggle with poor posture, consider adding this bra to your rotation. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s more than a bra – it’s wearable technology that can help correct your posture over time. The bra’s patented technology uses eight double-fabric panels and six varied tension fabrics to help to train your body to develop muscle memory for improved posture. Taylor Swift even used it while rehearsing for the Era’s tour! Available in six colors and sizes XS-3XL.
PAKA Apparel Crew Socks ($20, PakaApparel.com)
PAKA, a Certified B Corp, creates garments out of alpaca fiber apparel. The brand employs 200+ Quechua weavers in Peru at four times the living wage. Ninety percent of its products are locally made, and 1 percent of revenue is donated to Peruvian Hearts, an NGO dedicated to educating and empowering young women in Peru.
The brand has many lovely products, but the socks stand out for me. I have a couple of pairs, and every time I wear them, I notice how comfortable and cozy they are. The unisex alpaca fiber and Tencel socks, which are available in several patterns and colors (I love these with the alpacas on them!), are anti-microbial, odor resistant, non-toxic, and OEKO-TEX-Certified. They retain their shape and are naturally thermoregulating, which is ideal for activities like hiking and climbing as well as for relaxing and sleeping.
Miraclesuit Rock Solid Revele One Piece ($180, Miraclesuit.com)
If you struggle to find a flattering bathing suit, Miraclesuit will be a lifesaver! They use an innovative, signature fabric, Miratex®, which has a high concentration of Lycra spandex and provides three times the control of ordinary swimwear fabrics without layers of fabric or control panels. I had a chance to try the Rock Solid Revele One Piece, which is available in 5 colors and sizes 8-16 and fits like a glove, but there are several other styles that appear to be just as flattering.
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