STYLE The seven deadly underwear sins

The seven deadly underwear sins


Maggie Gibbons

Now that the festive season has begun it’s time to review the undies situation and tackle all the wobbly bits!
Wearing underwear that enhances your body shape is the most powerful thing you can do to improve your wardrobe and your image. Like a house build you too need a good foundation. You can actually create that dream body image with just a few simple tricks. The following are my seven deadly underwear sins, complete with suggestions on how to correct them.

Tummy bulge
This is one of the most common problem areas, unless you’re 20/30 and fit as a fiddle with a stomach like a washboard. Most of us carry fat here but there is hope… The main advice I give is to avoid waistbands that dig into this area making matters worse; all you will get is overspill – not a pretty sight.
High-waisted control pants are the real deal here and they are available everywhere. A tip I also recommend is to pin them to your bra if you find they are inclined to roll down.

Double boobs
If you have ever seen someone that looked as though they had four boobs you get the picture. A badly fitting bra is the culprit here. Flesh spills out over and under the cups, and it’s disastrous. All large stores and specialist underwear boutiques will offer a proper fitting service, so go for it. You will also feel slimmer, I promise.

Muffin tops
Some of us call them love handles while others will call them spare tyres, but whatever name we have for them we know they create unsightly bulges over skirts and trousers. High-waisted pants are the only solution to this particular problem. You will look and feel a dress size smaller.

White under white
The only colour to wear under white is nude/flesh colour. A white bra under a white shirt just stands out as white and is not stylish.

Visible panty line
The only answer to the VPL deadly sin is a pair of seam-free knickers. Sloggis are brilliant. If
the bottom is a bit wobbly opt for
bottom-lifters, you
will get these wonders in all major department stores. For under skirts, control tights do a great job.

Back bulges
Wearing the wrong size bra is the culprit here. If the strap digs into your back you will have lard spilling out over and under. Check out the convertible bras in stores, or go for a wider back band. The final result will be a smooth and shapely back line.

Grey wrinkled underwear
When your panties and bras have passed their sell by date, surrender them to the undie crematorium. Don’t hang on to them as they will lose shape and sag, giving a most unflattering silhouette.
So there you have it. Some of these sins are unforgivable irrespective of age or size. Wear the right underwear and you will look and feel a million dollars. Your clothes will love you for it. Sure you know you’re worth it!

Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.