You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who knows less about lingerie than me; but I’m learning. My name is Judy and I’m a lingerie newbie [noun; an inexperienced newcomer to a particular activity or industry]. Here are just a few things I’ve learned after two trips to NYC with Carla Mackie, founder of Uplift Intimate Apparel (and my dear sweet friend), and 18 months of discussions about lingerie and women.
Bras. A bra is the most important piece of a lingerie wardrobe. It is the pillar of feminine support. The right bra can relieve neck and back pain, support “the girls” and be beautiful – all at the same time.
While attending the Eveden Fit School in NYC, I volunteered (reluctantly) to be the model for Freddy Z during her preliminary training class. What that meant was I got to wear two sacks of barley tied together and weighing a total of 8lbs. I just stood there wearing my “barley boobs” while Freddy talked about breast health. After about 10 minutes, my shoulders started aching, my neck was sore and my lower back was starting to feel the strain. As I squirmed, Freddy kept talking until I leaned over to relieve the back pressure. She asked me where I was uncomfortable and then explained to all of us all what I was feeling and why. The larger your breasts, the heavier they are, the more physical the impact is to your body
Freddy then fit me with a very large bra for the “barley boobs”. The relief was instantaneous! The weight was immediately taken off my shoulders, neck and lower back and distributed across my mid back – the largest and most capable muscle of the back. After 50+ years of not caring and not understanding bras, I got it!
Panties. There are lots of styles, fabrics and cuts for panties. Thongs, the ultimate in no lines, boy shorts, bikinis, French cuts, high waisted, etc. Fabric choices include cotton, modal, silk, polyester – all serving a different purpose. Find what you like and what makes you feel beautiful.
Sleepwear. Ladies, sleeping in a t-shirt or sweatshirt is fine when you are 12 or 22. But with all the styles and fabric choices available, sleepwear can be something beautiful, comfortable and functional! Make the switch.
Swimwear. Who knew this was part of lingerie. A bathing suit should be like your favorite LBD (Little Black Dress) – ridiculously comfortable, fits you perfectly and can take you anywhere you need to go. Choose your suit to fit your body and you’ll never be uncomfortable or self-conscious again.
This is just my perspective on lingerie. Many of you already know the joy and freedom of finding the bra that fits like a sweet hug; panties that make you feel beautiful; sleepwear that is all grown up. And all of this is for you and how it makes you feel in your soul. You are beautiful with all your curves and perceived imperfections. Find the lingerie that speaks to you and embraces the beauty you are.
Have a lingerie experience you’d like to share? We’d love to hear your story, either here or on our social media channels on Facebook, Google or Yelp.
[As I said earlier, my name is Judy and I’m the lucky one who gets to call Carla my very dear friend. Our trips to NYC have given me an insider’s view of an industry that truly loves women and strives to serve them with care and compassion. It really is a beautiful thing.]
