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Bridal LingerieFor
every woman's special day, the day of her wedding, she should have special
bridal undergarments as well. Everyday underwear and bra should be left at home
and fresh, new and form fitting garments should be worn under the most important
garment you will ever wear. It makes you feel good and you tend to walk more
upright and "regal". The bridal undergarments should be chosen to
flatter the style of dress you will wear, your figure and also to be a good
foundation for that perfect fit.
How do I start? How do I know what I need or what looks best on me?
It is best to start shopping as soon as your
dress is chosen. You can start by talking to the salesperson at the bridal salon
where you purchased your gown. They often have ideas and some even carry a small
line of undergarments. You can check the Internet or catalogs to get ideas even
before you purchase your gown.
Specialty shops are often the best to give you more private one on one service
from a knowledgeable salesperson who can show you a bigger selection, suggest
flattering styles. take your measurements, offer particular pieces for you to
try on, etc..
When
shopping for these items, it is best to bring photos of your dress (front and
back) with you. If you do not have photos of you in your dress, bring the
magazine shots of them. It is best if you know how deep a plunge is in the front
and/or the back when choosing a bustier, bra, corset, or bodyshaper
Because the fabric will be so form fitting against your skin, you will want to
choose a fabric that does not cause you to itch, perspire excessively, or has
very stiff boning in the construction that might become uncomfortable to you
throughout the day. If you need boning, it is best to choose one that is
flexible.
What style do I need?
If your dress is strapless or an off-the-shoulder
style, you might prefer a bustier rather than just a strapless bra. It
completely surrounds your torso and at the same time pushes the breasts upward.
This style works especially well if you have a full figure or a low cut back. If
your dress is a halter style or backless, often cups sewn into the dress are
fine or even the stay cups that are adhered directly to the body. There are also
bras with straps that wrap over the shoulders and around the waist to conceal.
If you choose an Empire style gown, which is flattering on many different
figures, you can look lovely in just about any bra without having to use a
bustier or corset.
Will
it show through my dress?
Sometimes, when you purchase a bra, bustier or
corset and then try it on with your dress, you realize that the boning, straps,
or embellishments show through the dress! If your dress is somewhat sheer with
fine fabrics such as chiffon, you should keep this in mind when shopping. You
may want to choose a "nude" color rather than white for your
bra/bustier/corset .
If your dress is beaded, made of a brocade, shantung or some other heavier
fabrics or has 2 or more layers, then this should not be as quite a concern for
you.
What about panties and hosiery?
It's best to choose a panty that is sleek and
fits close to the body, and most of all is made of a comfortable fabric for you.
If you have a close fitting "sheath" style gown, it will be important
to make sure no panty lines are visible.
Often brides find that a one piece body shaper is the best answer-that assures
no panty lines and provides a smooth look. Body shapers can also be very helpful
for the bride concern with "tummy issues" .
For hosiery it is best to choose a size that fits you very well without bagging
or slipping and one that will help support the stress on your legs from being on
your feet and in heels for much of the day and evening. Also a good quality
hosiery will not be prone to snag or tear as easily.
On
to the slips!
There are a few different styles of slips to
choose from as well. The style that will look best will with your gown will be
dictated primarily by the style of gown you choose.
A very full, bouffant skirt will definitely need lots of lift to keep the weight
of the dress from pulling the fabrics down and dragging the hem of your dress,
so a crinoline slip with many layers of very stiff netting is what will work
best.
If you gown is merely an A-line style or an empire style, a crinoline of only a
couple of layers of medium weight netting will be necessary to hold the crisp
A-line look.
If you wear a sheath or "mermaid" style gown, you may opt for only a
nylon half slip or perhaps only a smooth fitting body shaper with hosiery.
Whatever you choose, remember that the undergarments are the foundation for a
great look!
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