Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with lingerie

I used to sell lingerie, so this should be easy, right?

alynnk — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:27:20 -0800

Suggestions for a strapless bra for a smaller-chested lady? I've finally had it with my strapless bra. It's fine for wearing to work under a tank top, but I've got several weddings to attend next month and I'd like to find something that I'm not going to end up fiddling with all day long.

My problem is that I'm on the smaller side of things [34B on a good day] and the majority of strapless bras that I've found -- including my current bra, one of those multi-way, convertible jobs from Victoria's Secret -- are kind of huge on me. They cover so much area vertically that the girls are pretty much completely encased from top to bottom and I end up worrying about the top of the bra peeking out from the top of whatever I'm wearing. [I've been fitted several times, so I'm fairly certain that I'm not wearing a ridiculously inaccurate size.]

Can you suggest any brands or styles [or stores, even] that I should try? Thanks!

Help me find that lovin' feeling!

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:13:41 -0800

I'm not sure if this is an actual lingerie outfit or not, but I'd like to buy it (or something really close) for my wife. I challenge you to find an online source! The shirt, skirt, stockings . . . everything. I've looked through several search engines but so far haven't been able to find anything close to it. Particularly, I can't seem to find a skirt that short that has that fluffy stuff under it.

Your help will be greatly appreciated!

LINK TO EXAMPLE [NSFW]

Gee, you'd think this would be a cinch ;-)

sandra_s — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:18:30 -0800

Philadelphia or PA 'Burbs - Lingerie or costume shops or anywhere that I can get a plain red corset or bustier. (answers might get NSFW) I'm looking for other costuming of the adult variety as well, so related shops would be appreciated as well, but my primary focus this week will be for the corset/bustier.

I'm looking for something very plain, minimal lace or designs. Can be any material (satin, vinyl, leather...) Lace or zipper in the back.

Of course I could find one online, but I'd like to try it on and purchase it.

Thanks in advance!

Help a plus-sized gal be sexy in a photoshoot!

derogatorysphinx — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:24:28 -0800

My boyfriend is very much into photography. I would love to be the subject of one of his photo shoots. What advice can you give a plus sized gal about pose, lighting, clothes, etc? (Slightly NSFW link inside) So I'm about a size 16. This isn't really a large problem (pardon the pun) for either my boyfriend or I, but I really want to do a sultry, probably black and white, photo shoot so we can enjoy the pictures together. I'd prefer not to look like a house, so flattering poses and such are necessary.

I'm kind of at a loss for what to wear, how to light the scene, etc. Both of us know quite a few things about photography, but neither of us has much experience shooting people. Any advice from those who have modeled, been the photographer, or just throwing your two cents in would be greatly appreciated!

We have access to a Nikon D40X, D70, old 35 and 120mm film cameras, and a Canon 880IS. He has little lighting equipment other than a hot shoe flash cable.

If it helps, I own this:
http://www.torrid.com/torrid/store/product.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302035995&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442194790&bmUID=1235013645592

in black from Torrid, and several pairs of cute/sexy underwear involving lace and bows and other fancy bits.

Any advice is welcome! Thanks so much, MeFi.

Get me this trashy lingerie item, stat!

Cool Papa Bell — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:49:48 -0800

Trashy lingerie shopping help. Where can I find this piece? (mildly NSFW) Right here. This is Aubrey O'Day in a recent Playboy shoot. Where can I find that strappy thing she's wearing? I think Mrs. Cool Papa Bell would like it.

I know *I* would like Mrs. Cool Papa Bell in it.

Hopefully, it's not a custom-made piece.

Help her find her underwear.

Forktine — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:24:29 -0800

Do you recognize the underwear seen at 1:20 in this video, and secondly, recommendations for interesting artisanal lingerie? (Asking on behalf of Ms Forktine; video link basically SFW as long as your work is cool with improv people in un-sexy underwear on the subway.)

At about 1:20 in the video, there is a brief (pun unintended) shot of a woman wearing dark, striped knickers with some white detailing on either side in front, and some sort of X or bowtie in the center. Ms Forktine was looking over my shoulder, and said "I want those!"

First, does anyone recognize the specific brand/model the woman in the video is wearing?

Second, and more generally, can anyone recommend any specific artisanal or small-scale lingerie designers who sell online? There are so many on Google and Etsy that it is overwhelming trying to sort through them; what I'm hoping for here is suggestions from happy customers, friends-of-a-friend, or other ways to cull the possibilities. Every-day or special-occasion; cost is not the primary factor; plus-sizing not needed; she is open to anything from corsets to knickers to chemises to whatever, as long as it is better quality and/or more interesting than what you find at the mall.

Cute and classy lingerie online or in NYC?

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:41:45 -0800

Ruffly panties online, or in NYC? i.e. cute, classy panties/bras/corsets/etc that won't break the bank. Victoria's Secret falls apart pretty fast, in my experience. Looking for something a step up, but not ridiculously expensive or (on the other hand) trashy. At the very least, how much should I be looking to spend on such a thing? No stretch lace, or "crotch-free," or no neon pink is the idea here. I've checked the archives and not really come up with anything helpful, other than one post about vintage online stuff. Sizes are "average" = 34C, dress size 6-8.

Are you hiding your valuables in your crotch?

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:56:49 -0800

What are the "pockets" on the inside of women's panties for? In some of my panties (similar to these) there is this pocket-like thing inside the crotch area that opens from the front (not like a fly on men's briefs which opens to the outside world; it only opens to the inside). It's like there is a dual layer of fabric in the crotch area that is not sewed down in the front. My best guess is that it's for a sanitary pad or a vibrator, but it seems too small for a pad, and odd that a major brand would sell something specifically for a vibrator. That seems like something you'd buy at a sex shop. Hanes brand panties don't have these in my experience, and the cotton Jockeys mostly don't either. (these definitely don't). If it's functional, why don't all panties have them? I feel horribly naive asking this, but not knowing is driving me crazy.

Best place online to purchase retro/vintage-styled lingerie?

krisken — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:12:14 -0800

Best place online to purchase retro/vintage-styled lingerie? Bonus points if it's in the US. (I've seen some great sites in the UK, but shipping is just too much.) Thanks!

Bed, bath and lingerie shower giftHelp me find a cool gift for my cousin's bed, bath and lingerie themed bridal shower.

easy_being_green — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:11:46 -0800

Help me find a cool gift for my cousin's bed, bath and lingerie themed bridal shower. I've only been to one bridal shower before and I showed up with a cheap lingerie set from Ross because I thought the lingerie theme was a joke. Not so, as it turned out, and everyone else brought really nice stuff. Help me not embarrass myself this time, please. I saw this thread but the suggestions I liked (beach and picnic baskets) weren't in keeping with my cousin's theme.

Caveats:
- no more than $40 or so
- something unique and original
- nothing too sexy (I would feel weird giving her something super-sexy with my mom and sister there)
- I'm flying there and I would rather not check my luggage, which means no liquids or gels. I realize that this is really limiting and I may cave and check my bag anyway if I'm out of options.

More info:
- she's not registered anywhere
- I live in the SF Bay Area, she lives in Chapel Hill NC
- she's a librarian, he's a musician
- the wedding is in July
- I don't know her fiance at all or what their relationship is like, things they like to do or where the honeymoon is, etc.

That's about it - thanks for your help!

undies for under my dress

chickaboo — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:00:16 -0800

What is the correct underwear to wear with this dress? I don't plan to wear a bra, but the spanx I would normally wear are too long. I don't think pantylines would show given the laser cut layers of fabric but maybe they would?
And for the record, the dress I bought is cobalt blue, I would not wear lavender.
I want to wear a yellow wrap with it, and silver shoes. too many brights?

Why do underwires never want to stay put?

Mael Oui — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:05:43 -0800

Brassiere filter: Is there some kind of trick for preventing underwire poke-through? Can the ruined bras be repaired (by someone with little to no sewing skills)? It's always a bad day when a favorite bra becomes, literally, a pain in my side. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm wearing a cheap one or an expensive one (though, the latter hurts A LOT more), all of my bras seem to reach their demise in the same way. These aren't bras that have spent too much time in the washing machine, and they're never put in a dryer. Also, underwires are a necessity, so it'd be useless to suggest another style or a whole other sort of less supportive garment!

Is there any way to prevent underwire poke-through? If a bra seems to be succumbing to poke-through, is it possible to slow or stop its progress? Can a bra be successfully repaired and rehabilitated using little supplies and sewing skill (I have neither)? My mom, who actually has some sewing skill, used to attempt to repair them, but they would never be the same!

[I did see this post, but I don't have the skills necessary to follow the advice.]

ISO sexy, cute, and inexpensive lingerie

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:40:29 -0800

Can you help me find some cute lingerie to surprise my sweetie for his birthday? I don't really have any lingerie, and he seems totally happy with my comfy, everyday wear (cotton or flannel babydollish nighties -- something like this but less floral -- and boy short-type panties with silly things written across the bottom), but his birthday is coming up and I wanted to get something special. The facts are these:

I've noticed that he really, really likes stuff he can untie, even if up until now that's been limited to tie-back shirts and my bathrobe. He also prefers a simple bra that has a criss-cross pattern in the front that gives the suggestion that it laces to my more revealing plunge or push-up bras.
I don't really have the budget for Agent Provocateur and certainly not La Perla.
I don't want it to be really trashy, flowery or look like a lace doily.
I'm a 36DD, size 12.
I'm in the DC area.

If I could afford it, this Agent Provocateur bra would be perfect. My friend described something that she had years ago that sounds promising, but she can't remember where she got it: a bustier where each of the cups tied in a bow at the top, so you could be all, "oops!"

I Need Lingerie That Fits!

Irontom — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:18:53 -0800

Mrs. Irontom here - I need a professional bra fitting in the DC metro area... I've never had one, and it's time. I want some comfortable, attractive lingerie, but I have no idea where to go to get a good fitting. I'm not a skinny girl, and I don't want to be sneered at in order to find some bras that fit properly. Hivemind, please hope me!

ISO lingerie, looks not important

minervous — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 16:33:28 -0800

Where, oh where, can I find a garter belt without frippery? I prefer the garter belt/stocking combo when wearing hose. But I'm having trouble finding belts that aren't so encrusted with bows, lace and other decoration that they're useless underneath slim skirts.

I'm not so interested in garter belts attached to corsets or bodysuits. A simple belt, especially one that can sit lower on the waist, is what I'm hoping for.

So, ladies (and knowledgeable gents), where do you buy your garter belts? (I know some of you do.) I'm looking for recommendations for specific belts, brands, or retailers in NYC or online.

Thanks very much!

Where to get bras made for sleeping in? And should I?

esilenna — Thu, 24 May 2007 04:36:47 -0800

Should I wear a bra to bed? As it is now I tend to sleep on my stomach which is playing havoc with my neck. Will sleeping in a non-underwired bra actually be more comfortable, and enable me to lie on my side in supported comfort? If so... where can I get such a bra? The only companies I'm aware of that cater to my bra size (28FF/G aka 60FF/G) don't seem to make non-underwired bras. Shopping locally isn't an option, so what are my best on-line options for finding a non-underwired bra in my size that doesn't look like I stole it from my granny?

Do men get bored of seeing sexy underwear on their girlfriend all... the... time?

trampesque — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 05:50:39 -0800

Do men get bored of seeing sexy underwear on their girlfriend all... the... time? I've been with my boyfriend for nearly 4 months, and I am a big, big fan of very sexy underwear. Stockings, hold-ups, different styles of knickers (different colours, shapes, fabrics, see-through, not see-through - though always very very classy: the term 'crotchless' makes me cringe) and my boyfriend absolutely loves it.

He does comment on it a lot, once to say "its basically off the scale how sexy you look right now". So I'm guessing it's working very well. (I'm not being vain at all here, just giving an indication of how much he does like it.)

I was just wondering, if he sees it all the time, is he going to tire of it so that I somehow have to crank it up a notch? (And I don't really know how one would do that without, say, passing on underwear altogether.) Or do men just never tire of seeing their girlfriends in a variety of sexy lingerie?

Oh, as a sidenote, I do really enjoy wearing it, it's definitely not all for him. Most of it I've had for years and wear it just for myself. So to calm it down a little would actually be pretty boring for me. But I was wondering if maybe I should calm it down occasionally so that it's extra pleasing for him when I do break out the really hot stuff.

Do I have to have perfect thighs to wear stockings?

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 13:24:43 -0800

Does one have to have perfect thighs to properly wear thigh-high stockings? I've worn thigh-highs before - Victoria's Secret and another anonymous department store-type brand - and every time the top band ends up rolling into a tight torniquet-style roll. It's pretty uncomfortable. I'm not overweight per se, but do have a little extra chub on my thighs (who doesn't?), which seems to be the only cause of the problem. This wouldn't be a huge problem except for the fact that I know someone... who quite likes the look... and they DO feel very sexy, and I like them a lot in theory. So my question is, am I destined to not wear stockings unless I find a way to banish the cellulite? Can only people with perfectly slim thighs pull these off, or am I wearing the wrong types?

Birthday lingerie suggestions!

Anonymous — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 03:50:46 -0800

I would like to buy my wife some lingerie for her birthday that will make her feel extra sexy and special. Any recommendations? She is small, fit, and fairly conservative about clothing and fashion.

Lingerie for the Big-of-Boob

Anonymous — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 15:22:33 -0800

Where can I find honeymoon-worthy lingerie for the big-of-boob? The problem: I'm not a big girl (size 12) but no one told my boobs that- they're a "healthy" G. I'm getting married soon and want to be pretty on my wedding night and honeymoon. I'd love to find a traditional white set, robe and gown, that is simple and elegant.

I've been searching for a couple of months and all I can seem to find is a) stuff that I know won't fit and b) true plus-sized stuff that would drown the rest of my body (and looks pretty tacky too)! I know there have been threads about big bras and dresses for big-boobed girls, so I know I'm not alone in MeFi land. Please help a sister out!

Help me get into my corset!

fizzyliftingdrink — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:55:07 -0800

help lace me up...into a corset! I'd like to get a corset, but don't know where to start. The cheap ones available at places like victoria's secret or frederick's of hollywood obviously don't seem like the real deal... but the real ones I've seen can run pretty expensive ($200+), which is intimidating for a first-time purchase. And there are a million styles - I have no idea which would be best to start with, which would work best with my figure (tallish, slender), etc.

I don't envision getting anything really fancy or restrictive straight out of the gate - maybe something in basic black (fabric, not leather) to cinch things up a few inches. Recommendations for types/stores, anyone? Thanks.

I use to be a superhero

nadawi — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 12:49:27 -0800

It's time for my boyfriend's birthday and I need clothing advice. [The boyfriend needs to stop reading and friends should probably skip it]

On his birthday I dress up like a superhero (or, really, comic book character). First it was Wonder Woman and then Supergirl. This year I want to blow his socks off, do something clever and inventive, and for added difficulty my budget is VERY small.

To accomplish the first two outfits I just bought the pajama sets...tight tee shirt or tank top and panties with stars or thong with the Superman symbol. I definatly want to break out of that mold this year. I know The Baroness and Poison Ivy are on the wishlist but I kind of want to wait to do The Baroness just right and I don't really know how to accomplish Poison Ivy.

So what have you dressed up as? What do you wish your woman would dress up as? How do I score sexy points while also scoring nerd points?

I have two weeks.

I'm Mad As Hell And I'm Not Gonna Take It Anymore

Crushinator — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 17:05:39 -0800

Victoria's Secret is running a racket and I want out. I just spent $15 on shipping, handling, and tax for an online Victoria's Secret purchase of one teeny, tiny bathing suit. I never want to pay that much for shipping again.

I really like the style of Victoria's Secret's bathing suits and underwear and I like ordering online. I do NOT like the way they price shipping by how much the items you purchased cost rather than how much it will cost them to ship the item, and I do not like the way that VS seems to be using cheaper and cheaper materials for their products every year. I know that VS can charge me whatever they want for shipping as long as I'm willing to pay it. I'm not willing to pay it anymore.

Any suggestions for other relatively "classy" online lingerie companies that don't gauge you for shipping? I've seen these two threads on lingerie shopping. I am looking for specific feedback on successful shipping experiences with other companies like VS.

Where to go bra shopping in Vancouver BC?

Emanuel — Fri, 23 Sep 2005 15:55:17 -0800

Where to go bra shopping in Vancouver BC? My wife hates bra shopping. The only place she's really liked was a lesbian-run lingerie store in western Massachusetts, where the staff could always point her to a perfect, practical, comfortable bra of whatever kind she needed at the time (e.g. it's the only place she's ever been able to find a truly comfortable bra for horseback riding). Unfortunately, we're a long way from MA now. Any suggestions for such places in Vancouver? Suggestions in Victoria BC also welcome.

Fancy Bras

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 14:53:34 -0800

I've finally undergone a proper bra fitting, and it turns out I'm a 40J. While this would be okay if I was happy just wearing old lady bras, I want to wear nice sexy bras too. Are there any places that sell fancy lingerie for the overly large-breasted women? (Bonus points for online and/or in the UK.)