Sometimes when we’re deciding what to wear we totally forget what we look like from behind. Does the outfit make our bum look good? Or does that dress show the whole world what sort of underwear you’re wearing? This is Knickergate … Tips on what sort of underwear to wear under your clothes
A few weeks ago I was sitting front row at Singapore’s last fashion week watching a bunch of models walk their way down the runway. These were lovely looking women, tall, slim, beautiful, wearing sometimes stunning outfits, for the watchers to ooh, and ahh, over the beauty (or otherwise) of the clothes they were wearing.
Unfortunately, however, on one model after the other, there was something that took my attention away from the lovely clothes and made me totally focus on the models’ knickers.
Sitting at ‘bum-eye’ level on the front row, the mismatch of the models’ underwear kept interrupting my enjoyment of (or dismay at) the designers’ work.
You can read all about what I thought about Singapore Fashion Week 2017 and the original Knickergate situation in my recent opinion piece: The best, the worst and the scandals at Singapore Fashion Week 2017 …
So, after this experience – compounded by noticing many similar odd knicker choices on some of the most stylish women in Singapore at fashion week – I realised that somewhere along the way, the understanding of what was the best kind of underwear to wear under different types of outfits had gone missing. Which in turn led to this story … tips on how to choose the right underwear for your outfit.
We’ve already covered the best places to buy bras in Singapore no matter your body type in this story: Where to buy affordable lingerie, bras and other stylish intimates for all body types and sizes
First, some basic tips …
- Your underwear should be tight enough to stay up but not so tight that it causes your flesh to bulge out above and below the elastic; always size up if you need to and if your underwear is ‘baggy’ size down
- Never wear dark-coloured underwear under white clothing if you don’t want your knickers on show
- Repeat point: Wear nude (the colour that best matches your skin tone) underwear under white and light-coloured clothes, especially tight versions
- If you want to ‘show off’ your underwear as a fashion point ie. a long sheer dress or skirt, make sure you’re not showing too much and that the colour of the underwear stands out so that it looks like a deliberate choice and not a mistake
- If you’re wearing a bum-skimming dress or skirt wear ‘safety shorts’ over your knickers … these are the sorts of things tennis players or netball players wear under their skirts; remember these safety shorts should be bigger than your underwear
The G-String brief
So, what’s the difference between a G-String and a Thong? Is it just a difference in terminology? Actually, no. A true G-String is the smallest kind of brief you can wear; it’s also sometimes called a V-String or ‘dental floss’. It’s basically a small triangle of cloth at the front and the rest of the panty is made of narrow elastic. A well fitting G-String can actually be comfortable; just make sure you go a size up from your normal underwear size and you’ll be amazed at how comfy it is.
Wear under: This is the best type of underwear for bodycon dresses or skirts, very tight jeans or trousers – especially light coloured ones – and tight fitting gym clothes. Many models or very dedicated fashionistas would normally go commando under these sorts of outfits but if this isn’t you, then you need a nice nude (matched to your skin tone) G-String.
Where to buy: If you’re looking to invest in a luxury G-String, check out some of the brands in our story Where to buy lingerie, everyday underwear and sexy intimates. If you’re looking for a more affordable option try Bonds for great cotton versions, or Marks & Spencers.
The thong brief
Yes, the thong is actually different from the G-String. The cut is similar to that of the G-String but there is a little more coverage; the bands are wider, as is the waist elastic, and there’s an additional smaller fabric triangle on the back. Lots of women feel that a thong is more comfortable than a G-String, but personally I’ve found the additional fabric doesn’t really add much to the comfort level, particularly if the width is not quite wide enough to ‘float’ over your bum.
Wear under: So, thongs are meant to solve the VPL or Visible Panty Line situation. Ironically I’ve found that actually you can SEE the thicker lines more than you can a G-String, this is especially true if the thong is made of thicker lace or heavier cotton and the skirt or dress is of a very light fabric like silk, rayon or viscose; the fabric will catch on the thong and there’s the VPL. If your fabric is very light and you’re wearing a thong, make sure its one of the ‘seamless’ types that don’t stand above the skin too much and you’ll escape the whole VPL situation.
Where to buy: Again, you can buy thongs at both high-end lingerie stores like Exquisite Intimates, which is actually available online, or try brands like Bonds for a more affordable – and less lacey – option, especially if you’re going to be wearing them every day.
The bikini brief
OK, personally I can’t think why anyone would ever want to wear a pair of bikini knickers. They don’t really do anything for anyone’s backside and just bunch up under your clothes. Basically the bikini knicker lands between the thong and the full-coverage brief. The sides are thicker and there’s more fabric on both back and front. It’s this extra fabric that is the main culprit of the VPL. Almost every woman wears a bikini brief. Yes, they can be sexy if you’re not wearing anything else, but under your clothes it’s obvious that you’re wearing underwear. You can see the edges of the bikini brief straining across your bum under jeans, trousers, skirts, fitted dresses. As far as I’m concerned you really don’t need these in your underwear drawer.
Wear under: Nothing. OK, OK, you CAN wear a bikini brief under an A-line or circle skirt or dress in a heavy cotton or denim, or under wide-legged pants, also in heavier fabrics. Basically just make sure that the fabric of your panty isn’t being tightly held against the fabric of your outfit.
Where to buy: You can find bikini briefs everywhere, from high-end brands to high-street stores. Again, I’d suggest wearing one size up so that the underwear isn’t being pulled tightly against your bottom, and also so it won’t tempt you to wear it under tight fitting clothes.
The full-coverage or high-waisted brief
Sometimes the full-coverage or high-waisted brief is called the ‘granny knicker’ – and honestly, until fairly recently they weren’t all that attractive – but these days there’s a whole different connotation for a full brief thanks to lots of celebrities basically wearing briefs out in public ie. the forgot-to-put-pants-on look. If you’re wearing heavier fabrics like heavy cotton or denim skirts – that aren’t too tight – or wide-legged pants, a full brief is a great option especially if it’s got some ‘tummy control’ (although even without having expensive ‘support’ a full brief can help smooth out your lines in this area if it’s a concern).
Wear under: Heavier fabrics where you know that you’d like a smoother line but the clothing isn’t too tight fitting. I find these sorts of full-coverage briefs are great under a loose sack dress, or tunic, as the underwear gives you a smoother line and makes you look a lot slimmer.
Where to buy: You can buy full briefs from most lingerie stores but the quality of the fabric may not be quite enough to give you the smooth lines you’re looking for. Spend a bit more on these sorts of knickers with higher end brands and you’ll get your money’s worth as they’ll last a lot longer. Check out our story on some of Singapore’s top lingerie brands for some inspiration.
The boyshort brief
I have a love/hate relationship with boyshort briefs. On the one hand I love that they cover up everything that needs to be covered, and – if they’re long enough – don’t give you a VPL. My problem with them, however, is that I can never find quite the right length. A boyshort brief is basically a pair of close fitting boxer shorts for women, mostly made of comfortable soft cotton stretch fabric. There are high-waisted versions, but they mostly come as mid-waist briefs. The problem is that you can’t really judge the length of the ‘short’ leg based on your usual size. You may fit the waist size easily but then find that the leg of the boyshort isn’t long enough to not ride up your thighs; if you have thicker legs like me you end up trying to pull the legs down and out of your bum all day. If this isn’t an issue for you, the boyshort brief is a great option if you like wearing short skirts and dresses – extra coverage for windy days.
Wear under: Short flirty skirts and dresses, overalls, mom jeans, trackpants and non-skinny jeans of all types. They’re also great for lounging around in.
Where to buy: Just about every store that sells underwear sells boyshort briefs these days. Depending on whether they’re for everyday wear or a special occasion, choose your price point and go for it.
If you’re looking for some new underwear, check out the luxe pieces from French lingerie and swimwear brand Eres, or the wide variety from Victoria’s Secret.
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