How to Choose Lingerie for the Summer
During the Summer months I find myself grabbing my favourite white bra every morning; that is until I realise it needs to be washed and hurriedly handwash late at night, praying that it’ll be dry in the morning. For someone who is in possession of a pretty large lingerie collection, I still find the majority of my lingerie is either black, red or navy.
Seasonal Adjustments
The summer may bring with it warm sun, long evenings and good moods, but it also brings a whole new wardrobe. Thin-strapped tops, low-cut dresses and lighter fabrics all contribute to having to rethink what lingerie to wear! Not only are we plagued with thoughts of bumpy lace spoiling the look of our favourite skimming top (I for one have yet to find a T-shirt bra I like), heaven forbid if an unsightly bra strap were to show!
It’s worth mentioning that if you’re in the larger cup category, it is advisable to wear a bra for support and look. It might be tempting to go ‘commando’ in your summer gear, but really, it’s a look you want to avoid. Wearing a bra will not only give your girls a lift in the right direction, it will enhance your body as a whole and if you haven’t already tried it, stand in front of a mirror and do a before and after experiment!
Summery Options!
If you’re a fan of lace or embroidery it’s wise to go for something low-key – avoiding lumpy, bumpy designs. Fantasie and Freya are both good options for well-fitting, low-key prettiness that won’t spoil your summer look. For those who aren’t in need of super support, pretty bralets are a great option (see our post on smaller sizes) and secret support camisoles and tops are invaluable for smaller cup girls.
In terms of colour, work out what colours you wear most in the summer and choose your lingerie to match. It’s not about having a bra to match every colour in your wardrobe; it’s about buying wisely! If you wear white shirts or dresses, you might want to invest in a plain, nude bra to keep wandering eyes at bay. White is also a good staple for your summer lingerie drawer, and any simple, pastel colours will enhance your summer wardrobe as will bright, colourful tones – providing you keep inner and outerwear coordinated. Black or dark colours under a light-coloured summer outfit really are a no-no, unless you want to make a statement.
Seasonal Adjustments
Wearing not only the right size, but also the right style of bra, goes a long way in getting a great overall look. Your favourite balcony bra might look fabulous under a blouse, but wear it with a low-cut dress and it could end up being a flop. Check the line of your top or dress and choose your bra style accordingly: a plunge bra will give you a fabulous cleavage in a low-cut top and will provide a clean line, with no awkward bits of fabric poking out. A balcony will come up a little higher and give you a great lift and a full-cup bra will provide you with overall coverage and maximum support. For many a strapless bra is also a valuable investment when it comes to backless, strapless and halterneck garments. If you’re unsure of what bra to buy, why not take your outfits with you to a shop and give different styles a try? If you’re buying online you can try on in the comfort of your own home – most online stores offer free returns, just remember not to remove any tags!
Relax and Enjoy!
Because lingerie designers follow seasons and trends in similar ways fashion designers do, you will often find colours, prints and styles overlap. As with fashion, getting the latest styles in the latest colours and prints is a fabulous way to keep on trend, but for those whose wallets groan at the very thought of investing in a new lingerie wardrobe every season, don’t fret! Designers bring out seasonal colours and if we buy wisely, our seasonal buys will last for longer than just one season – wash and store your lingerie like you would your favourite cashmere jumper and you’ll find it perfectly preserved when you unwrap it the next year!
