8 Undergarment Essentials Every Woman Should Own

During a recent Closet Edit and Styling Session with a client, we started discussing the overwhelming number of undergarment styles available now. We talked about nude tanks, Spanx, custom bras, lacy bralettes and everything in between. Undergarment shopping can be overwhelming enough as it is, but the numerous options available can make it a downright daunting task. 

So much time goes into styling the perfect outfit for date night, drinks with the girls or a day in the office, but what you're wearing underneath is often an afterthought. A good slimming tank or the perfect fitting strapless bra can be the difference between feeling frumpy and feeling really fabulous. 

In an effort to make undergarment shopping a little easier, I'm highlighting the 8 essential undergarments every woman should have in her lineup. 

BRAS

The Everyday Bra

The SPANX Bra-llelujah! is a full coverage bra perfect for everyday wear. A front close allows for a completely smooth back and the hosiery fabric and reinforced back smoothing sections are invisible under T-shirts. Your everyday bra should be a lace-free, frill-free go-to for wearing underneath knits, sweaters and silks.

The Strapless Bra

When shopping for a strapless bra, look for a wide band with no-slip functions for a comfortable fit. I've searched far and wide for a strapless bra that makes the masses happy and I think this Wacoal Red Carpel Full Figure Underwire Strapless Bra is a real winner. 

The Racerback Bra

A racerback bra is perfect for wearing underneath tanks, cold-shoulder tops with wider straps or tops that tend to show the straps of your everyday bra. The racerback fit relieves you of constantly having to tuck in and adjust your straps. Not only does this Wacoal Lace Impressions Racerback Contour Bra have a nice lace overlay detail, but the fit is great and the functionality is perfect for those tops with straps that narrow at the shoulders. 

Bra Alternatives

While these bra alternatives aren't ideal every bust, they are definitely viable options for wearing with the strapless, backless pieces in your wardrobe. Just make sure it provides enough support for your cup size before heading out on the town for the night. 

These Hollywood Fashion Secrets Silicone Coverups are self-adhesive covers that act as a nipple concealer. They provide a nice smooth appearance for the perfect braless look. 

This Strapless Sticky Bra is backed with silicone gel adhesive that gently adheres to skin. It provides a bit more coverage than the Silicone Coverups, but summer heat can definitely take a toll on the adhesive. When sweating isn't an issue though, this sticky bra is a great go-to. 

TANKS

The Basic Tank

When I am working with a client on a Closet Edit, I'm sure to include four basic tank colors in their personalized shopping list if they don't already have them in their drawers. Keep black, white, nude and navy tanks in your arsenal for easy layering. They are exactly what you need for wearing under sheer tops and light sweaters. 

The Slimming Tank

This SPANX Thinstincts Tank has it all. Their slimming tank is lightweight and breathable and it creates a smooth look under clothing without compressing the bust. I would recommend keeping a nude and black version in your wardrobe to throw on when you just want a little extra support. 

SHAPEWEAR

Everyone needs a little help smoothing things out sometimes! So while I wouldn't choose to lounge around in these all day, shapewear is an undergarment essential. These SPANX shorts are my personal favorite. These, these, and these are also all great options to keep on hand, but it really just comes down to what you want out of your shapewear! 

SLIPS

For me, this was one of those undergarment essentials that I didn't realize I needed until I put on a dress that desperately needed a slip layered beneath it. Needless to say, I saved that dress for another occasion until I purchased a proper slip. My grandmother wore slips underneath nearly everything she put on besides pants. So while the idea of a slip may seem outdated, I found a few updated versions that make sense for the modern woman. If dresses and skirts are your cup of tea, keep a few options, like this full slip and this half slip on hand for different fits. If you really only pull out a dress for special occasions or events, black and nude half slips should do the trick. 

If you finished reading through this and still just don't know where to begin, that's where I come in. If you're in the Aiken, South Carolina or Augusta, Georgia area, I would love to chat! Whether you just need help finding some new key pieces for your wardrobe or you're ready to take on a Closet Edit, fill out this form to get things started!