What’s Under There?

Appropriate Intimates for Three Outfit Types

Choosing what to wear under there depends on several factors. Eliminating the “there’s nothing else to wear so I’ll wear this because it’s laundry day” excuse, the deciding factor in what you wear underneath is the style of clothing you are wearing to display to the rest of the world. Deciding what you need or want to wear underneath your clothes depends on the type of outfit you are wearing in the first place. Some situations give you more freedom than others, but comfort should be a priority no matter what you wear.

Professional Dress

When dressing for business, the main goal is to look professional. While it is true that your boss or co-workers will not see what you are wearing underneath your work clothes, there is still something to be said for choosing intimates that match the general purpose of your outfit. Keep in mind that you are going to be either sitting or standing off and on all day as you work. The intimates you wear at work should be more for comfort than style.

This doesn’t mean you have to wear granny panties and a bra that takes away any defining characteristics of your body. Unmentionables for work should match your attire. It’s perfectly fine to wear undergarments that are comfortable and match your general style of dress. Certain cuts of underwear avoid the appearance of a panty line. Certain bras can accentuate your features in a way that does not make you seem less professional.

Hose and other accessories should be neutral. You may consider wearing undergarments with some type of tummy flattening feature or intimates that shape and contour, especially if you are concerned about looking your best at all times. However, the general focus should still be on comfort and keeping it simple. Some companies have a specific dress code. This doesn’t usually cover intimates, but it can include regulations for pantyhose and other items that may be visible.

Business Casual

If you have a casual work environment, you have a little more freedom with what you can wear underneath. You can probably get away with more risque style choices underneath without feeling to guilty. However, the general rule of thumb should still be comfort.

Keep in mind that you are going to be around the office for at least eight hours a day. You want to be comfortable, not feel sexy all the time. For guys, it’s just basically a matter of boxers or briefs. For women, there are different cuts, styles, and colors. You still want to either go for neutral colors, such as black or white, as a general rule of thumb.

You still want a bra that does not show through your blouse or top and panties that don’t show a panty line. You might want to leave the water bra at home, but you can still pretty much wear whatever makes you feel comfortable for the duration of the work day.

Informal/Relaxed

This is where your personality shines. Victoria’s Secret selections can come out of hiding for many informal situations ranging from an evening out with the girls to a special date. This doesn’t mean you have to be naughty or sexy to be relaxed. However, if that is the part of your personality you wish to express, this is the time you can do it and not feel guilty about it.

Instead of wearing a standard white slip under your dress, you get away with something a little more form fitting or stylish. You don’t have to dress like a lady of the night to feel sexy. It’s about making selections that express your personality. This is when you can pull the water bra or push up bra out for a little added boost here and there. If you choose to spice things up with that special someone, this is when you would go for those special intimate items you usually put away for special occasions.

On the other end of the spectrum, informal can also mean slipping into a pair of Hanes Her Way underwear and throwing on a jogging outfit while you run errands on a Saturday. For guys, this could mean slipping on some basketball shorts and heading to the gym or out to shoot some hoops. Informal is more open to definition. In other words, wear whatever style works best for you when you’re off the clock.

Author Bio:
Katelyn is a copywriter for Julianna Rae, makers of luxury, women’s lingerie.