Panty Girdle

If you’ve ever found yourself wishing for a shapelier figure, a panty girdle may just be the answer to your prayers.

Advances in Panty Girdles

A panty girdle is a special type of undergarment made from elasticized fabric that resembles a tight pair of athletic shorts. Unlike the girdles that were popular in the 1920s and 1930s, a panty girdle generally does not have the garters necessary to keep stockings in place.

Traditionally, girdles were only available in a plain white design. Today, however, you can find these garments in a number of different styles and colors. Girdles made from spandex, lycra or microfiber, as well as girdles detailed with lace, ribbon, or embroidery are available.

Since the term “panty girdle” has somewhat negative connotations among younger women, these undergarments are often marketed as control briefs.

Benefits of Girdles

If your lingerie drawer is filled with skimpy thongs and camisoles, you may be struggling to understand the appeal of girdles. However, these versatile undergarments offer several advantages:

• Shape: Girdles shape your figure in a way that simply may not be possible with diet and exercise. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your body’s trouble spots, a girdle can provide a much-needed boost.
• Fit: Girdles make your clothes fit better. Even if you’re already blessed with a near perfect figure, you probably have at least one outfit in your closet that never seems to fit properly. A girdle will save you from the hassle of expensive alterations.
• Fashion: Girdles bring to mind images of glamorous Hollywood starlets from the 1940s and 1950s. When worn with confidence, they are a seductive part of a retro lingerie ensemble. Designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and pop stars like Madonna are examples of contemporary figures who sport the benefits of these versatile undergarments.
• Support: Girdles provide support for both the back and stomach, making them a popular choice among pregnant women searching for maternity lingerie.

Types

There are several different types of panty girdles on the market today. For example:

• A girdle brief looks similar in appearance to a pair of high-cut panties.
• A boy short girdle has legs that extend to the mid-thigh area.
• A long leg panty girdle has legs that extend down the thighs.

Support and Fit

Most of the girdles sold today are classified as light control, medium control, or firm control. Many women find light control girdles to be the most comfortable, but firm control panty girdles offer maximum support. Depending upon your existing wardrobe, you may need to purchase different girdles to always look your best.

Girdles are generally sold by waist size and designed to fit women with hips that are no more than 10 inches larger than their waist. However, even if you have larger hips, it is recommended that you select your girdle to fit your waist.

When choosing a girdle, it’s important the garment fits properly. Make sure your girdle isn’t too tight. If worn too tightly, a girdle can act like a tourniquet and restrict the flow of blood from the feet and legs. This can cause painful swelling.

Shopping

The Internet has made it easier than ever to shop for a new panty girdle. Consider completing your lingerie purchase at one of the following retailers:

• Frederick’s of Hollywood has a girdle that features removable pads to allow you to create a sleek, sexy shape, available in black, nude, or pearl white.
• JCPenney hosts a complete line of girdles and shapewear. Extended sizes are available and sales occur on a regular basis.
• Lady Grace offers a wide selection of panty girdles, as well as a number of other body shaping undergarments.
• Galactic Bra sells a complete line of shaping undergarments, including plus size panty girdles.