How to Choose the Right Underwear for Your Body Type
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Why Choosing the Right Underwear for Your Body Type Matters
Bras: The First Layer of Confidence
Different Kinds of Women's Panties: Find Your Fit
Underwear to Wear with Dresses and Special Outfits
Best Underwear Material: Comfort Comes First
Lingerie for Body Types and Confidence
Best Underwear for Everyday Life and Where to Buy It
Choosing the right underwear might seem like a small detail, but it can completely transform how your clothes sit, how you feel, and how you move throughout the day. In this guide, based on insights from Fashion Stylist and Accountability Coach Stephanie Rumble, we explore how to select underwear that supports, flatters, and works for your unique body and wardrobe.
Why Choosing the Right Underwear for Your Body Type Matters
Getting your foundation garments right means everything else falls into place — literally. Whether it’s a bra that supports you or panties that stay put and don’t dig in, good underwear helps create smoother lines and improved silhouettes.
Stephanie reminds us that the right pieces enhance your figure, add comfort, and ensure your outfit looks intentional rather than distracting. This is about confidence and style starting from the inside out. When you feel supported underneath, you naturally stand taller and move with more ease.
If you need help identifying the best fit for your body shape, our body shape consultation service helps you match your foundation garments to your wardrobe and proportions.
Bras: The First Layer of Confidence
Choosing the right underwear always starts with the bra. For many women, it’s the most essential item in their wardrobe — and unfortunately, often the most overlooked. A poorly fitting bra can throw off your entire outfit and lead to discomfort throughout the day.
Here are a few key considerations:
Support first: A snug fit under the bust ensures the band does the lifting, not your shoulders.
Shape matters: Moulded cups enhance shape without adding volume, and reduce show-through.
Fit check: If your band rides up, it’s too loose. Spillage at the top? The cup is too small.
Strap style: Larger busts benefit from wider, more supportive straps.
The perfect bra adds lift, comfort, and confidence. It should feel snug yet supportive, smoothing your silhouette and letting your outer layers sit cleanly.
Pro tip: Don’t stress about the size on the tag — comfort and fit matter more. If needed, snip the tag and move on!
Different Kinds of Women's Panties: Find Your Fit
When it comes to choosing the right underwear women can feel confident in, it really depends on your shape, comfort, and the clothing you’re wearing. Panties are personal — but the wrong style can lead to bunching, chafing, or visible lines.
Popular styles include:
Bikini briefs – Low-rise, balanced coverage
High-cut briefs – Leg-elongating and flattering for curves
Full briefs – Reliable coverage and comfort
Boyleg – Straight-cut, great under trousers
Thong/G-string – Minimal lines, ideal for bodycon styles
Understanding your own body shape — including your bottom fullness or hip placement — helps you choose what stays put and feels good all day.
Have a curvier bottom? A thong may prevent riding up. Prefer full coverage? Try seamless briefs for smooth comfort.
Underwear to Wear with Dresses and Special Outfits
The underwear you choose for dresses can be the difference between feeling secure or self-conscious. Stephanie recommends planning what’s underneath with as much intention as your outfit itself — especially if you’re dressing in lightweight or form-fitting fabrics. Consider:
Anti-chafing: On warmer days or during travel, longer leg styles prevent rubbing.
Invisible lines: Go seamless or try a thong to eliminate VPL.
Colour choices: Nude under light colours, black under dark — avoid visible contrast.
A small change in your undergarments can dramatically improve your outfit’s silhouette and your confidence in it. If you’re unsure what works with your wardrobe, our wardrobe audit and co-ordination service can guide you.
Best Underwear Material: Comfort Comes First
Fabric is the foundation of comfort. Choosing the best underwear material can resolve common issues like sweating, rubbing, or general irritation.
Cotton: Natural, breathable, and reliable for daily wear.
Merino wool: Warm, soft, and perfect for layering in cooler seasons.
Microfiber: Lightweight and ideal for smooth, seamless silhouettes.
Many small underwear complaints can be traced back to the wrong fabric. Investing in soft, flexible materials improves comfort across your day — whether you're seated at work, exercising, or out and about.
Lingerie for Body Types and Confidence
Shopping for lingerie for body types means embracing what you have while highlighting what you love. Great lingerie blends form and function — supporting your clothes and your confidence.
Whether you’re dressing sheer fabrics or looking for shaping support, the right lingerie helps you feel secure without sacrificing style. Stephanie encourages clients to embrace their "scones and muffins" (we all have them!) and choose smart designs that flatter without restriction.
Choose lingerie to match your outfit’s neckline or transparency.
Consider shapewear or smoothing camisoles for a streamlined effect.
Opt for higher sides or longer singlets to manage problem areas.
Your lingerie should make you feel comfortable in your skin — not like you're hiding it.
Best Underwear for Everyday Life and Where to Buy It
Finding the best underwear for your routine is about balancing comfort, quality, and style. Stephanie’s current go-to? Invisible thongs from Aura Online — camel-toe resistant, seamless, and genuinely wearable.
Some good places to buy underwear across New Zealand include:
Bendon – Widely available with expert fittings
Farmers – Reliable styles and brands
Ballantynes and The Fitting Room – Christchurch-based fittings specialists
Kmart – Budget-friendly and surprisingly good quality ladies underwear
Brands like Skims and Nancy Ganz also offer great shapewear options and are accessible online or through select NZ stockists. You’ll also find excellent best quality ladies underwear options by sticking with trusted retailers.
Once you find your ideal fit, it’s worth investing in a few pairs that you can rely on for every situation.
Women’s Underwear Guide Recap
Every woman’s wardrobe should include a mix of styles to match changing needs, outfits, and occasions. Think of underwear as your wardrobe’s foundation — it’s the starting point for comfort, confidence, and seamless dressing.
Seamless panties for tighter clothing
Full briefs for relaxed or lounge wear
Thongs for body-hugging outfits
Shapewear for formal wear
Singlets for added layering
There are countless names of underwear for women, but the goal is the same: comfort, confidence, and control. Whether you’re buying underwear online or in store, make the choice that feels right for you.
Final Thoughts
Underwear isn’t just what’s underneath — it’s the foundation of how you carry yourself. When you wear styles that fit well, feel good, and function with your wardrobe, they empower you from the inside out.
The right underwear can change how you wear your clothes — and how you feel in them. Want personalised advice? Explore Bright Red’s styling services to get expert support from Stephanie on everything from wardrobe coordination to finding your perfect foundation garments.
Bright Red also offers tailored workshops and speaking engagements that focus on confidence, communication, and personal presentation — ideal for individuals and organisations looking to empower their people.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important factor when choosing a bra?
The most important factor is proper fit — especially around the underbust. A bra should feel snug under the bust to provide the support you need without relying heavily on the straps. If the band rides up or your shoulders feel the weight, the fit is likely off.
It’s also essential to choose a bra that complements your clothing and lifestyle. For example, a molded cup can smooth your silhouette under fitted tops, while a lacy bra might suit social events or layered looks.
How do I know which underwear style suits my body type?
Start by considering your body shape and how underwear tends to sit on you. If you have a curvier bottom, briefs may ride up, while a thong or seamless style might stay in place better.
If you prefer more coverage, full briefs or boyleg styles can offer comfort without compromising fit. Bright Red offers body shape consultation services that help you identify the best foundation garments for your specific proportions.
What’s the best underwear to wear with dresses?
The best underwear for dresses is seamless and smooth, especially under tighter or lightweight fabrics. Nude colours are ideal for lighter garments, and longer leg styles can help prevent chafing on warmer days or when travelling.
If you're wearing something sheer or fitted, consider shapewear or bike-short-style options that stay invisible and comfortable.
How often should I get a professional bra fitting?
It’s recommended to get a professional bra fitting at least once a year, or whenever your body changes significantly (e.g. weight changes, pregnancy, ageing).
Many women wear the wrong bra size for years without realising it. A proper fitting can dramatically improve comfort and appearance, especially under structured or fitted clothing.
Do moulded cup bras make you look bigger?
No — moulded cups are designed to shape, not enlarge. They help create a smooth, consistent silhouette and often prevent nipple visibility through your clothes.
They’re ideal for workwear or light fabrics and are a practical choice for a foundational, all-purpose bra.
What’s the best underwear material for comfort?
Cotton is a great everyday choice for breathability and comfort. Microfiber offers a smooth, seamless finish under clothing, and merino wool is ideal for layering in colder seasons.
When shopping, look for materials that move with you and don’t dig into the skin. Comfort should always come first when selecting underwear.
Where can I buy quality underwear in New Zealand?
There are several great options available locally. Bendon and Farmers have widespread accessibility and fittings. Ballantynes and The Fitting Room in Christchurch are great for specialty sizing.
Kmart also offers surprisingly good options at a budget-friendly price. For shapewear, Stephanie recommends checking out Skims or Nancy Ganz.
What is the purpose of shapewear?
Shapewear is designed to smooth out your silhouette, not to change your size. It helps redistribute lumps and bumps to create a more even shape under fitted clothing.
It's ideal for special occasions, weddings, or any outfit where you want a little more structure and polish underneath.
Is it better to have just a few good bras or many cheaper ones?
Quality over quantity is usually best. A few well-fitting, versatile bras will go further than a drawer full of poorly fitted ones.
Start with a reliable molded nude bra and build from there depending on your lifestyle needs. Stephanie often helps clients identify their staples during wardrobe audit sessions.
How do I stop panty lines from showing?
Choose seamless underwear styles or thongs when wearing tight-fitting garments. Look for materials like microfiber that lay flat against the skin.
Also, match your underwear colour to your outfit. Nude is typically the most versatile and least visible under light fabrics.
