Matching Bra and Panty Sets
From LoveToKnow Lingerie
There isn't much that is cuter or sexier than a matching bra and panty set. Simple and basic, but oh so sweet and charming, it's a great way to feel fully dressed from the inside out. You know you are completely coordinated.
Matching Bra and Panty Sets History
Almost from the beginning of bra manufacturing, panties of some sort were made to match. Since women had been accustomed to all-in-one pieces of lingerie, such as the chemise or corset, it made shopping sense to buy a set. The panties that traditionally went with bras were more like the silk and satin knickers that are worn more as part of dress-up lingerie today. For several decades they were the standard in underwear, as they were more breathable and practical for wearing with garters and stockings.
The simplicity of much lingerie meant that the items didn't necessarily have to have matching decoration. A woman might simply buy a basic white bra and white knickers. But manufacturers saw that women would respond to details like matching embroidery or ribbons and so made these readily available.
As women found that bras and panties would wear out at different rates, the shopping trend moved towards separates. The matching set became something bought for special occasions, such as a bridal shower or Valentine's Day. But they have never lost appeal and many women still gravitate towards them for an extra-snazzy feel.
Shopping for Matching Sets
Shopping for bra and panty sets is one of the easiest things in the world – or at least the mall. All lingerie shops carry them, along with department stores. And of course, you can get them anywhere online. While shops understand that most women will confine their general shopping to one or the other, they do love it when you want a set and designers try to make those sets as appealing as possible. Many upscale shops will offer the panties at a bargain price as an added incentive. They also understand that sets are a favorite for men to buy for their wives and girlfriends.
The one difficulty you may come across in shopping is that many matching panties are thongs. That's fine if you love them, but plenty of women don't. Fortunately, at the best shops there is usually a choice – a high-end bra should come with either panties or a thong. Additionally, you can also get knickers, should you so choose. And retro lingerie shops, such as Dollhouse Bettie, will have charming vintage-style sets. Check out the Fleur de Peau set from Blush – a microfiber matching bra and panty set with rouching and rosettes.
When shopping, remember to focus on the need for a properly fitted bra. Of course, you want the panties to fit as well, but this is far easier to accomplish. Take your time to test the bra and make sure it works for you.
Organic Sets
If you're eco-minded and also want to look cute and sexy, designers are getting the hint. Even Victoria's Secret offers organic cotton matching bra and panty sets. But most eco-friendly underwear can still only be bought online. Demand will make more available. If you're just starting out in looking for eco-friendly underwear, try Faeries Dance. While they don't sell their pieces as a set, there are matching bras and panties like the Charme Bikini that looks so sexy with the Charme No Wire Bra.
Creating Your Own Matched Set
If you can't find something you like that fits well and suits your needs, you can always be a little inventive. Sometimes, you are paying considerably more money for just a little detail, so you might consider buying a good black bra and panty in the same fabric and then heading down to the fabric shop to buy a few flowers or ribbons and sew them on yourself. It won't take you much longer and you'll end up with a set that is absolutely unique.
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This page has been accessed 1,273 times. This page was last modified 03:15, 8 April 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
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