Best quality but cheapest bras

Men's Underwear 101

2015-10-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

Men have been using underwear for centuries across different civilizations and perhaps were the first set of covering attire developed by the early man. The paintings or the photographs are available today of the earlier era obviously do not reveal its use, yet it is believed that they have been used for centuries. The style, shape and design of underwear used by men also have witnessed marked transformation over time. The objective of providing comfort and support to the user through adaptations of evolving technological innovations in the material (viz. elastic) and machines (viz. knitting) was the touchstone of the transformation processes.

Imagine that you accidentally go to outer space and meet aliens there. In the course of knowledge exchange with them about the culture and other relevant things, you have to describe underwear used by humans. The simple way to describe underwear would be to term it as a stitched piece of cloth which is worn next to skin and is covered by other outer clothes or attire; thus it is normally not seen in public. Citing cartoon character Superman would be beside the context here for he wears the underwear over its suit!!!

Despite being an innerwear which is hidden from public display, it has today become a quintessential fashion accessory for the modern generation. By definition, the demonstration is a very intrinsic characteristic of anything related to fashion. Brand consciousness and fashion complement each other in the consumer world. Even though the subject of underwear preference is seldom a matter of public conversation, bold ad campaigns by reputed underwear manufacturers have been successful in creating brand following for their merchandise. The sheer variety and designs of underwear available in the market under different brand names and price tags is enough to suggest that people do consider it a very important part of their dressing style. There are many international labels which boast of turnover of millions of dollars every year and have been flourishing in the business for decades now.

In modern times, briefs were perhaps the most preferred design which got widespread acceptance around the world. Trunks, Boxers, Shorts, Thongs, etc. are other popular types of men's underwear styles. The designers of these underwear varieties offer the array of colour and print choices. This seems to be a trend which is likely to stay in the current age of consumerism where new demands are created every day.

When is the Right time to buy a Maternity Bra?

2015-09-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

Every mum to be must at some point address the need for a maternity bra. Otherwise known as nursing bras, these bras make it easy to breastfeed – but they serve other purposes as well.

Maternity bras come in an array of styles and you need to find the right one for you.

Fullness and tenderness of the breasts can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Breasts grow significantly throughout pregnancy, and a good quality maternity bra worn from as early as the first trimester can make you feel much more comfortable and supported.

Most women begin to outgrow their normal bras by about ten weeks into the pregnancy. This is a great time to have a professional fitting for your maternity bras to accommodate sensitive, heavier breasts.

As soon as you are spilling out of your normal bras, finding band or straps are digging in, that under wires are uncomfortable, or your bra is simply too snug, it’s time to get fitted for a nursing bra.

What should you look for?

· Coverage – the entire breast should be covered without overflow at the top or sides.

· Support – wide straps, wide band, deep centre at the front, and straps made from firm elastic.

· Adjustability – with at least four rows of hook and eye closures. Early in the pregnancy, the bra should fasten easily on the tightest closure, giving plenty of room for widening rib cage in the coming months. Later in pregnancy, make sure you have a bra that is comfortably fastened on the last hook and eye closures – your rib cage will reduce in circumference gradually after you give birth.

· Comfort

ü Cups should fit smoothly and snug

ü Centre seam should sit comfortably on the breastbone

ü Soft cotton lining

ü Straps should be wide and comfortable

ü No under wires is preferred

Breasts change throughout pregnancy and even more so after childbirth when lactating, so your bra needs may well change also.

Every pregnant woman is different, and you need to accommodate your changing needs.

Is there a difference between maternity and nursing bras?

A maternity bra is a more supportive version of a normal bra.

Nursing bras are also supportive but have panels and clasps that allow easy nipple access for breastfeeding.

If you opt to buy nursing bras during pregnancy, allow for room to go up at least a cup size when your milk comes in. Buy at least two or three to keep on rotation.

A Little Story about Slips

2015-08-16T21:24:00.003-07:00

The slip is the successor to the older petticoat and chemise as worn during the Edwardian era. While the chemise covered the entire torso down to below the knee, the petticoat was worn from the waist down only and often gave shape to the outer garment.

A slip can be a full slip or a half slip (covering the waist down).

First dating from the late 1910’s and the early 1920’s, the slip is a lightweight garment worn under dresses and skirts, over the top of briefs and bra. Commonly used fabrics include nylon, silk, rayon, and cotton. Today microfibre and bamboo are also used to make some slips. In the past, satin and taffeta were favoured for wearing under sheer dresses of the same colour.

Traditionally, slips were made mostly in neutral tones of white, blush, beige and black.

Styles reflected each decade:

1920s – loose and tubular with little embellishment

1930s – plain but cut on the bias

1940s – the bust is well defined in the slip and it is more likely to be embellished with trims in lace – rayon the most common fabric

1950s – definition and embellishment are enhanced. The bra-slip appeared, combining the bra and slip into a single garment. Silk, nylon and satin are common.

1960s – smoother of fit, shorter in length, slips were more often made in bright colours and printed fabrics

Today’s slips are generally very plain, with minimal embellishment. They are worn purely to combat sheer garments, and these days most garments of this type are lined, so the need for a slip has diminished greatly. Whereas in decades past a woman was not considered to be properly dresses without a slip, today they are the exception.

Slips however can still be very sexy, and a pleasure to wear...

Hosiery – Luxurious Legs

2015-07-20T19:40:00.001-07:00

Hosiery is luxury personified for legs. And one of the most famous hosiery manufacturers in Australia is Voodoo.

Voodoo Hosiery is one of Australia’s premium brands for stockings and pantyhose. They have supplied Australian women with hosiery for many years that is both innovative and stylish. Voodoo is renowned countrywide for high quality, great wearability, and sensual style.

Voodoo Hosiery was created for the first time in1972, when the company was launched by Leon Worth. Worth, at the time known as Australia’s “hosiery king”, had been involved in the stockings and pantyhose manufacturing and marketing industry since the 1950s.

Voodoo introduced the comfort brief to their pantyhose range in 1974; this was much more comfortable for women for everyday wear than the traditional stockings and suspenders that women had endured for decades. It also offered a much better line under clothing and suited the shorter styles worn at the time.

The Voodoo brand grew and evolved in the following decades. The first control top pantyhose range was released in 1999, eliminating the requirement to wear separate shape wear and facilitating a slim and smooth silhouette underneath clothing.

Opaque tights came onto the market in 2001 – and this was followed in 2002 by Voodoo’s first fashion colour and patterned range for enhanced personal style.

Voodoo is a pioneer in innovative pantyhose and stockings. Ladder control technology, which was invented and first marketed by Voodoo in 2009, minimised the ever-annoying tendency for sheer stockings to ladder, and allowed women to look polished and classy despite a snag in the pantyhose.

Voodoo Glow was launched in 2010; this was the ultimate in sensual, nude leg wear, which affords a sun kissed, and bare but perfect look.

Another landmark design for Voodoo was the introduction of the Voodoo boot tight in 2011. A sewn in ankle sock for warmth and extra comfort when wearing winter boots was a real innovation. 2011 also welcomed the popular Voodoo Voluptuous – designed to fit and flatter plus-size girls.

Voodoo has something for everyone: sexy stay-ups, sensuous sheers, opulent opaques and simple everyday basics. Pantyhose, fishnets, boot tights, vibrant fashion tights, stay ups, knee hi’s and stockings. Invite some Voodoo into your wardrobe!

Why You Need Flight Socks

2015-07-06T22:11:00.002-07:00

Compression stockings, otherwise known as “flight socks”, are specifically designed for long-distance travel, specifically on planes. By gently compressing the leg from the knee down, flight socks have been proven to reduce the risk of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis by up to 90%.

These socks are also great for reducing the risk of blood clots, and just help to keep your blood flowing in your lower leg while you travel. So, while you may not have ever thought about investing in a pair of flight socks for your next trip, they could very well help you get through your flight safely and comfortably.

While flight socks are most often recommended for people who are at a higher risk of developing conditions such as DVT, anyone who is going to be sitting still for a long period of time (i.e. on a flight or even just driving long distances) should be advised to own and wear a pair. The reason for this is that when you are travelling and sitting still for such a long time, the circulation to your legs is affected. If you’ve ever gotten off a plane and have had your legs feel stiff, now you know why! By wearing flight socks, the circulation is improved by putting positive pressure on the veins.

When wearing your socks, remember to also keep your legs moving, whether it’s through small exercises while sitting down or even getting up during the flight to walk around a bit – this just reduces your risk even more.

There are numerous factors that increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, and therefore also increase the need for you to wear flight socks. If your journey if over four hours long, most doctors will recommend flight socks. Similarly, being over forty years of age, being overweight, being on the contraceptive pill, pregnancy, and a family history are all factors that will increase your risk. However, whether you consider yourself to be at risk or not, DVT can affect anyone, so make sure you stay on the safe side and invest in a pair of flight socks.

Undiewarehouse provides a range of premium flight socks products. Browse the range today.

Why Wear a Bodysuit?

2015-06-20T22:12:00.002-07:00

A bodysuit is an all-in-one garment which covers the torso and crotch, and can be a form of underwear. It often has a snap-crotch for easy access for toileting.

Many of us who are old enough will remember our mothers or grandmothers wearing these garments as “foundation” pieces; they were very popular in the 1960’s and the 1980’s, and in the 1990’s the bodysuit as upper-outerwear was, for a short time, very popular amongst adolescent girls.

Once a wardrobe staple, the bodysuit is making something of a comeback, and as an underwear item, it has much to offer women of all ages – especially during the cooler months!

Bodysuits are stretchy and are not unlike a one piece swimsuit in appearance. They create a slim and sleek line under clothing; bras and undies are all in one piece and there is no line where the bra ends or the undies begin.

Bodysuits are versatile. They can be worn in an array of ways and for an array of reasons:

· Warmth – wear a bodysuit in winter and you have no risk of bare skin if your top rides up for any reason

· Wear your bodysuit as a modest base underneath sheer tops or clothing with an open weave.

· High waisted jeans look great with a bodysuit underneath.

· Cropped tops look better with a bodysuit underneath them so as to avoid exposing the midriff if you’re not thrilled with showing it off.

· If you have a favourite kimono you want to wear, a basic bodysuit looks and feels better than wearing a singlet top which requires tucking in.

Why Choose a Bodysuit?

· It stays in place – no matter what

· It eliminates bulkiness of clothing that otherwise needs tucking in

· It is flattering and slimming – acting like shape wear

· Snap closures make using the bathroom a breeze

· It looks like a normal top – but better

Buy a bodysuit from Undiewarehouse. We have gorgeous bodysuits in store from Jockey and also from Ambra. You will look and feel amazing when you wear one – and will wonder why it took you so long to discover this versatile and comfortable garment!

Ways to Maximise the Health of your Breasts

2015-06-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

What we put in our bras deserves some attention. Breast health is imperative; and breast cancer is not only a very common women’s cancer, but a big fear for most women from middle age.

Here are some tips for maximising breast health for a long life and plenty of wellbeing...

· Maintain a Healthy Weight – being overweight has been shown to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. This may be because fat cells store oestrogen, a natural hormone which at high levels contributes to breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.

· Regular Exercise – boosts immune function, prevents obesity, and lowers levels of insulin and oestrogen in the blood.

· Moderate alcohol consumption – medical research has found that as few as two alcoholic drinks per day can increase breast cancer risk by more than twenty percent. Ironically, fresh grapes (which wine is made from) can potentially reduce the risks by lowering oestrogen levels. Drink in moderation and don’t have alcohol every day.

· Enjoy a low fat, vegetable-rich diet – particularly broccoli, kale, and cauliflower.

· Drink green tea – in particular, matcha Japanese green tea. It contains very high levels of antioxidants which fight inflammation in the body and may prevent the development of cancer.

· Be aware of your family history – up to fifteen percent of breast cancers may be genetic. A mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer or ovarian cancer doubles your own risk, and more than one of these with cancer of the breast or ovary increases personal risk fivefold. If you are of Eastern European Jewish descent or have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, see your doctor about genetic testing.

· Use HRT with Care – consult with your GP about the optimal time period for HRT use for its benefits and without risk. Additionally, if you use hormonal contraception, use the lowest dose you can.

· Practice Self Examination – every woman, from age twenty, should get to know her own breasts and what is normal for her. Lumpiness and soreness may be normal for many women, and as long as nothing changes and no new lumps, soreness, or issues such as dimpling, redness, itching or nipple discharge occur, are usually of no concern. Any changes or concerns at all, see your GP.

· Attend for Breast Screening – Australian guidelines suggest women have mammograms for screening every two years between the ages of fifty and seventy four. Younger women from age forty are welcome to have screening if they wish, however mammogram is not as effective in younger women with dense breast tissue.

Additionally, make sure your breasts feel good by wearing a correctly fitted, good quality bra. Massage your breasts in the shower from time to time, and sleep without a bra. If you prefer some support or coverage while sleeping, choose a crop top. Always wear a sports bra while exercising to offer extra protection.

Undressed Exhibition

2015-05-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

On Sunday July 12, 2015, at 10am, the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney’s inner city suburb of Ultimo is showcasing its exhibition “Undressed: 350 Years of Underwear in Fashion”. This exhibition was organised by London’s famous Victoria and Albert Museum, and features over eighty items from the V&A’s remarkable collection of underwear. Many of these have never before been publicly displayed.

The purpose of this exhibit is to explore and showcase how underwear has been used over the past centuries to manipulate and decorate the human form. Spanning garments worn over three and a half centuries, it includes corsets, bustles, petticoats, brassieres, and negligees which have in turn been worn to reduce, expose, lift, and adorn the body.

The collection is built around the themes of modesty and practicality; control and corsetry; volume, curves, bustles and petticoats; decoration and seduction; uplift, support and the bra; body image; and high fashion and underwear as outerwear.

Exhibition highlights include one of the world’s earliest known bras; Queen Victoria’s underwear; a seventeenth century iron corset; and men’s underwear. Intricately designed pieces worn by glamorous and famous women are included, as are modern pieces by famous designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Christian Dior.

If you love lingerie, costume, fashion, or are enchanted by history, this exhibition is for you. Located at 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, it makes for a great day out and a new appreciation for how far lingerie and undergarments have come – as well as for how amazingly beautiful what we don’t see has always been.

Hose, Stockings, and a Century of Sheer Sexiness

2015-04-21T17:41:00.004-07:00

There is nothing sexier than a woman slowly pulling up her stockings. Those thin, leg-hugging garments make your legs look so soft and tanned. But when did that all start?

Back in the late 1500s, William Lee of Nottinghamshire invented the first knitting machine and made the first machine-made seamed hose. At the time, men of good families wore stockings and garters under their doublets. It was not for women until the Victorian era. Stockings were made of wool or silk until a revolutionary yarn was invented in 1912: the rayon fibre, also called artificial silk. Then, in the 1930s, nylon was created for the first time. It was such a popular material that stockings quickly became known as nylons. “Strong as steel, as fine as spiders web”, declared its inventors Du Pont, as they showcased it at the New York World Fair in 1939.

Nylons were an immediate success. Women rushed out to buy them. In Europe and in America, with the WWII restrictions, nylons could be had for a whopping $10 (a fortune in those days) on the black market. While nylon is a strong fibre, it has no stretch, so manufacturers had to shape them and make stockings in many sizes so they would fit perfectly.

In 1959, Du Pont (yes, them again) came up with a new, stretchy fibre called lycra. Goodbye baggy ankles, say hello to comfortable hosiery that fits! Say also goodbye to the seam as circular knitting became the norm. This was perfect timing as, with the 1960s, hems went up and mini-skirts became popular. Hose, or as is what now called pantyhose, became more visible. This created a demand for fun, colourful hose, in a variety of patterns.

Today, hosiery is enjoying a revival. Its sex appeal makes it an essential item in your lingerie drawer. At Undiewarehouse.com.au, we have the pleasure to offer over 200 different choices. No matter which type you want, we have it. We thrive to be your one-stop shop for the ultimate in high quality hosiery.

We offer the best names in the industry such as Ambra in footless, no waist, body shapers, fishnets, ultra sheers, opaque and ladder resistant, control tights, and hipsters just to name a few. We are proud to carry some amazing Razzamatazz pantyhose such as the curvaceous line in sheer and opaque . We have a large collection of amazing stay-ups such as the Voodoo Killer Legs that not only stay up but boasts a pretty lace border and a sensual aroma.

For an edgy and trendy look, why not try our leatherette leggings available in blue or silver? These full-length leggings only need a slinky top and some high heels for you to go out on the town.

No matter the look you want, we're sure to make you a very happy customer with our extensive lines of hosiery.

Post Natal Undies – When comfort counts the most

2015-03-31T16:27:00.002-07:00

Congratulations on bringing a brand new little one into this world! Being a new mom is an incredible experience. After the months of waiting, eating right for the baby, decorating the nursery, and buying more gear than for a trip around the world, you have a wonderful bundle of joy to cuddle and rock to sleep.

That is fantastic but what about you? Everyone is so focused on the new baby that mothers can be forgotten. Talking about postpartum is either taboo or reserved for others to recount their stories and insist that they had it worse. Take matters into your own hands by making yourself comfortable. A great new outfit, some soft undies, maybe even a visit to your favourite hair salon, will do wonders to boost your spirits.

Undiewarehouse offers the best nursing underwear. Of course, you already know about the “Barely There” bras we mentioned last week, but have you considered our singlet http://www.undiewarehouse.com.au/bonds-bumps-maternity-hideen-support-singlet.html ? With its built-in invisible support lining, it is definitively a must-have. As your belly gradually returns to your pre-pregnancy shape and size, this singlet helps you feel slenderer and prettier. The nursing clips make feeding baby a breeze even when you're out and about. Available in black and white, it will be your go-to underwear. Another great choice is our nursing tank top http://www.undiewarehouse.com.au/cantaloop-nursing-tank-top.html offered in black, white, brilliant cobalt and feminine honeysuckle. With its integrated nursing bra and its comfortable support, this top adjusts to your body as it changes during and after your pregnancy.

Your choice of bottoms will vary with the type of delivery you had. For those who had a C-section, choose something that will not rub on your stitches and give gentle control to your tummy area. It helps to cover the area to prevent outer clothing from irritating your healing scar. Full briefs may not be your usual attire, but you will enjoy our pretty Jockey briefs http://www.undiewarehouse.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=jockey+women . With many options to suit everyone's specific needs, you are sure to love the soft and breathable fabrics. Opt for a cute jacquard design, a bit of lace, or the several models that show no panty lines.

After having a baby, be prepared to have a looser body. To help you get back into your former shape, we have several shaping briefs for you to choose from. Boy legs, high or low waisted, thigh or abs shapers, there is something for every new mom. Check them out at http://www.undiewarehouse.com.au/women/briefs/shaping-briefs.html . All are made with high quality fibres and the softest yarns.

We are delighted to assist you in choosing the best undies for those special months in your life. At Undiewarehouse.com.au , we are so confident that you will love our products that we offer free shipping with very low minimum purchases.

Going Braless: Benefits and Drawbacks

2015-03-16T18:32:00.003-07:00

Some of us have heard that going braless is healthier than wearing a bra. Others are convinced that bras are essential – and a few even wear a bra to bed. What’s the truth?

There are numerous myths relating to the wear or non-wear of a bra. We all know how much better we generally look wearing one, but also how good it feels to take almost any bra off at the end of a long day...

Myth: Bras Can Cause Cancer

Fact: While some of these claims may seem to have some possible merit, to date there is no scientific evidence to support that bras in any way contribute to the development of breast cancer. There is no proof that bras are in any way good for us, but there is similarly no proof that wearing a bra is bad for our health and wellbeing either.

Myth: Bras Prevent Sagging

Fact: Bras only prevent sagging while they are actually on. They give a much nicer and uplifted shape, and support, but as soon as the bra is off, the breast sits where it would whether the bra was ever worn or not. A French university study actually suggests that, over time, wearing a bra may actually cause breast sag. When no bra is ever worn, muscle tissue development in the chest wall may actually be enhanced – equating to natural support resulting in more natural breast life and higher positioning of the nipple. But be warned – discarding one’s bra, unless very young, will not lead to better natural support for women who have been wearing bras for decades...

Myth: One Should Sleep in a Bra

Fact: Some believe that wearing a bra to bed will keep breasts pert and perky. There is no evidence to suggest that this is the case. If anything, sleeping in a bra can be uncomfortable. It won’t hurt your health – but it won’t help, either.

Myth: Bras Make Our Breasts Look Normal.

Fact: Here’s the thing: “normal” is a misnomer. We assume “normal” is what we get when we wear a bra because we almost all wear bras. And while it is aesthetically pleasing, nobody can deny, what we consider to be “normal” is actually not. “Normal” breasts are asymmetrical. One is usually smaller than the other. One usually sits higher than the other. In some women, this is a subtle difference – in others, the difference is obvious and marked. Some women have large and prominent nipples. Up to ten percent of women have flat or even inverted nipples – and this, if lifelong, is quite normal. Some women have natural breasts; others have had enhancement or reduction surgery. Some women have had lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery. A normal breast is as individual as each of us is.

Queen Victoria’s Undies

2015-03-02T18:22:00.001-08:00

In October 2014, royal bloomers belonging to Queen Victoria were auctioned in Ashford, UK. Along with her silk stockings and a chemise, they sold for a combined price of almost eight thousand British Pounds.

Queen Victoria ruled Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 (at just age eighteen) until 1901, and she was also Empress of India between 1876 and 1901. She remains the longest serving monarch in British history.

Dating from 1890, later in the queen’s life, the underwear was enormous and majestic in its proportions. The silk, split crotch drawers (as was the fashion of the time) had a waist measurement of fifty two inches (130cm) and the chemise accommodated a bust size of sixty six inches (165cm). Considering the queen was only a very diminutive five feet tall, she was certainly rotund!

The bloomers bore the embroidered royal emblem monogram of Victoria Regina. The chemise and bloomers are the equivalent of today’s size thirty six – astounding proportions. The chemise has delicate buttons and frilled lace on the border

When Queen Victoria died, she had willed much of her clothing and undergarment collection to her servants who had loyally seen to her needs throughout her reign. Many items were distributed amongst her household. The bloomers had been in the possession of a family in Kent since at least the1920’s.

The buyer who won the bidding war for these garments is unknown but believed to be a memorabilia collector from Israel.

Another item of underwear belonging to Victoria and still in existence is her petticoat – again, dating from the 1890’s. It is of cream wool and exquisitely embroidered along the hem in beige silk, with thistles, shamrocks, roses, crowns, and her VR monogram. These symbolised Scotland, Ireland, and England, over which she ruled.

The auction was held in aid of a Guide Dog charity. Considering the fact that Queen Victoria was a lover of animals and had many dogs as companions, we believe that one may well have been amused at the sale of one’s bloomers for such a good profit!

Should You Go Commando?

2015-02-22T17:48:00.001-08:00

We ladies all love our underwear. But some women love going commando – and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Aside from missing out on wearing beautiful and sexy underwear, are there any cons to occasionally (or frequently) going commando? Are there any pros?

Aside from common decency (if wearing a short dress or short shorts) and modesty, why should we wear undies?

· Underwear protects us from infections

· Underwear protects us from parasites – for example, pubic lice and other nasties can live on towels and linen, and can be picked up very easily by sitting on these sans underwear

· Underwear protects us from irritation, due to seams, studs and zippers in clothing

· Underwear protects our outer clothing from natural bodily secretions and sweat, keeping odours and stains to a minimum

There are, however, some good reasons to go commando at least some of the time – like at night when sleeping, or when at home, or when wearing a maxi dress or skirt.

Here’s why:

· No underwear = no visible panty line. Of course a g-string eliminates this too, yet g-strings are not healthy to wear every day. Yeast infections and other regional issues are exacerbated by wearing a g-string, leading to potential urinary tract infections.

· Underwear in summer traps heat and moisture. This can cause itching and, again, yeast infection – going commando allows for better air circulation in the region. This is imperative for optimal health.

· Whisper to your guy that you’re sans underwear and he’s sure to look at you in a whole new and exciting light!

Our tips?

· Whatever underwear you choose to wear, make sure the gusset is made of cotton

· Change your underwear at least once a day, and shower or bathe at least once a day

· Don’t use harsh bath products or feminine perfume products on your genitalia

· Don’t wear g-strings every day and don’t wear them to sleep in at night

· Avoid synthetics and polyesters in underwear on the hottest, most humid days. Cotton is your best friend.

· Always wear underwear while menstruating

· Make sure your underwear fits comfortably and is not too tight

· Always wear underwear underneath jeans, capris, or other trouser-style clothing which has seams that can irritate the delicate genital area.

· Even if it’s just at home in the evening, go commando from time to time. Especially if you suffer from yeast infections, irritation, or cystitis.

· If you do choose to go commando – NOBODY NEEDS TO KNOW!!!

· Buy underwear that you love – and you will love to wear. Whether you’re a girl who loves a lacy cheeky pair or cotton full coverage, you will rock it if you love it.

A Fetish for Stealing Undies

2015-02-09T16:56:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of months ago, an hilarious news story was reported in which a Chinese man, having stolen and stashed hundreds of pieces of women’s lingerie, was exposed when a ceiling collapsed under the weight of his hidden stash.

Located in the southeast Chinese city of Yulin, the man, aged in his thirties, who later admitted to psychiatric issues and a lifelong obsession with women’s lingerie, had been stealing and hiding the underwear in a ceiling above an emergency exit in his building. After the ceiling collapse, police found more than two thousand items, including bras and panties hidden in the roof.

The underwear had, seemingly, been stolen from other residents in the offender’s housing complex – they had been complaining of missing and vanishing underwear for some time. The offender had accessed a master key and entered the other residents’ apartments during their absence with the sole aim of stealing and hoarding their underwear.

He stored his stolen items in his own ceiling, until he ran out of room there; at this point he accessed the ceiling cavities in communal fire escapes.

This is not the only underwear burglar to make his way to infamy in the news recently. A Singaporean man who had been stealing lingerie from women’s indoor washing lines was caught in the act – and was publicly shamed into wearing one of the stolen bras as he was paraded around the block.

Why do men steal women’s underwear?

· Some men want a kinky keepsake of their sexual encounters with a specific woman.

· Some men get off on the risk of pinching something intimate.

· Some men get off on the thrill of stealing – full stop – and getting away with it.

· Some men have a fetish for worn underwear. There is even an industry for selling and buying worn (and unwashed) panties. Japan even sells used panties in vending machines, alongside tobacco products and beer, so extreme is this fetish in that country.

· What causes a man to have an underwear fetish? A Japanese study used MRI scanning technology to look at the brains of men with self-confessed panty fetishes, and found that decreased blood flow to the temporal and occipital lobes of the brain was a factor in all subjects. Whether this is a cause or just a correlation is unknown. Like all fetishes, it begins in early life and is usually triggered by an event.

The Annual No Pants Subway Ride

2015-01-25T17:00:00.003-08:00

January 11^th, 2015, was the day of the annual No Pants Subway Ride. This novel event, started for the first time in 2002 with just seven participants in New York City, has grown to incorporate more than sixty cities worldwide.

The premise of the event is that transit passengers ride trains without wearing anything but undies on their lower halves. The top half must be as if they were going about their normal day. No acknowledgement of pantslessness is to be made.

Growing over four years from seven riders to one hundred and fifty in New York City in 2006, but 2013 sixty cities had people coordinating the event.

The event was the brainchild of Improv Everywhere, which is a New York prank collective, whose motto is “We Cause Scenes”. Their aim is to create joyful chaos in public places. The fact that many participating cities are shivering through winter does not dampen enthusiasm!

This year, tens of thousands of people participated worldwide – with four thousand in New York City alone. The oldest registered participant was eighty four years young, and the youngest was just seven months old. Other cities which participated include Chicago, Tokyo, Bangalore, Madrid, Copenhagen, London, Jerusalem, Hamburg, and even a pantsless ride on a ski gondola in Fukushima, Japan.

Even Australians jumped on this bandwagon (and let’s face it, our climate is much more conducive at this time of year!) Trains and trams from Bondi to Adelaide had pantsless riders.

The founder of the event, Charlie Todd, has stated that the event is now an “international celebration of silliness”.

Missed The No Pants Subway Ride for 2015? Don’t despair. World No Pants Day is still to come – held in numerous nations of the world on the first Friday in May. This previously informal, college event became official in 2000, and has been embraced in colleges and universities in the US, Canada, Sweden, Finland, the UK and Australia.

Best get some nice undies!

Japan’s “Boob Goddess”

2015-01-05T19:02:00.003-08:00

We all love our beautiful bras, and as such we should all want to look after what goes into our bras. We all know this involves wearing well-fitted, supportive bras and regularly checking the breasts for anything abnormal. But what about breast massage?

A novel invention has recently come out of Japan (where else?). Invented by Japanese midwife and founder of the Wellness Life Institute, Takiko Shindo, aka the “Boob Goddess”, this is a modified “rake” which is claimed to firm a woman’s breasts – and to even make them bigger by up to three centimetres.

Called the Oppai Taisou Hand (which translates as “Boob exercise massage”), it is a pink hand-shaped plastic rake which is used to stroke and brush the breasts. Modelled on Shindo’s own hand, it looks a little like a blunt back scratcher. Shindo claims breast massage to be not only effective for enhancement of breast size and shape, but also to improve shoulder stiffness, menstrual cramping, menopausal symptoms, and overall breast health.

There are claims that there is “science” behind this strange invention. According to Shindo, the breast’s supporting ligaments need to move so that the naturally occurring breast fats don’t settle amongst the chest wall musculature, hence causing the breasts to sag.

Modern medicine and cosmetic surgeons tend to disagree with this theory. The fact is that ligaments do stretch over time – but unlike muscles, they never bounce back. Once they are stretched, they are stretched forever.

It’s not all bad news for this invention, though. Using the “rake” to massage and lift the opposite breast, the pectoral muscles are being massaged and exercised. These muscles lie under the breast tissues, and with exercise, they can be tightened and enlarged – providing better shape to the upper torso. It is also scientifically considered that stimulating the breasts mechanically can encourage breast growth. And better circulation is encouraged, which promotes better overall breast health.

Does it work? Who knows? But it has to be a cheaper, healthier option than getting breast implants!

Looking Back – The Codpiece

2014-12-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

It can be funny sometimes to think how styles and trends and the epitome of manliness have changed over the years. When this writer was a little girl, manly men wore white Y-front undies and never went without a white chesty Bonds singlet (at least, that’s what my father wore ... and does to this day. Some of us don’t move with the times so easily, it seems).

Five hundred years ago, the epitome of the quintessential manly man was expressed in the codpiece. Worn almost exclusively through the 1500’s and all but gone by the 1600’s, this was one unforgettable garment which was basically underwear worn as outerwear.

Men of this era wore hose to cover their legs; these did not cover the genitalia as well. The stylish length for jackets and doublets rose over time, and men found themselves embarrassingly exposed in their nether regions when they sat or mounted their horses. To cover their genitals, they wore a simple piece of linen which was tied down or buttoned to the hose. It was named the codpiece, from the Middle English word “cod” which meant “scrotum”. The codpiece also offered better freedom of movement.

It wasn’t long before codpieces became a way for men to enhance rather than hide the area. They were padded, embellished, and made longer and bigger - to the point of being ridiculous. Some were crafted from metal. The bigger a man’s “ego”, the bigger he wore his codpiece.

There may have been other reasons for this than to simply emphasise and exaggerate a man’s sexual wares. Anthropologists believe that the prevalence of venereal diseases dictated the use of codpieces to allow them contain dressings and medications for the area, without being obvious to others.

King Henry VIII of England is perhaps the most famous wearer of the codpiece; a look at his surviving armour shows just how big he wore this garment. Considering that it is well known that he suffered from advanced and severe syphilis, and in light of the medication theory, one can surmise that perhaps it wasn’t all about his ego. Not entirely, anyway.

These days we usually only see codpieces at Renaissance Fairs and on Superhero costumes...

G-Strings – The Pros and Cons

2014-11-24T19:28:00.001-08:00

G-Strings. Otherwise known as “thongs”, you either love them or hate them.

I have to admit, I am a fan – and have been for the better part of twenty years, when I discovered them at the age of nineteen. My mother was confused by this. My grandmother was scandalised. They could never see how it could possibly be comfortable – or what the point was if my butt wasn’t covered.

But therein lies the whole point. Don’t get me wrong; I do like big “Bridget Jones” undies under certain circumstances. Like in winter. Or when the tummy absolutely MUST be given a little extra help at being sucked in. But come summer, when it’s hot, or when thinner clothing might display the dreaded visible panty line, there’s nothing better than a G-string.

Some ladies might say going commando in these circumstances is the better option. Um, no. I’m afraid I just can’t do that. It seems, somehow, totally unhygienic...

For the uninitiated, a g-string (or thong) is an undergarment which covers the pubis and the genitals, passes between the buttocks, and is attached to a thin band which runs around the hips. It was first invented in its modern form during the age of jazz, when it was worn for modesty by burlesque dancers.

So what are the pros and cons of wearing g-strings?

Pros:

· Feels like wearing nothing if the correct size is worn

· No visible panty line

· Can look and feel very sexy

· Can be cooler in hot weather

· Can be incredibly comfortable

· Guys tend to love them

Cons:

· Can be uncomfortable or even painful if the incorrect size is chosen

· Should not be worn every single day

· Under some garments, your butt might get rubbed or irritated – for example, rough or heavy jeans

· They are not going to absorb sweat on a hot day like briefs will

· Worn with pants that sit on the hips, you may be able to see the thong above the waistline – not a good look

Tips to Successfully Wearing a G-String

· Always choose a cotton garment, or at the very least, one with a cotton gusset

· Change regularly – at least every day.

· Choose a size larger than your normal underwear – this is both more comfortable as well as more sanitary

· Accept that it can take some getting used to

· Accept that wearing a lace thong might defeat the purpose of wearing them insofar as the visible panty line – like lace bras, lace on a thong will often show its texture through clothing

· Don’t wear a g-string every day

· Never wear a thong for sleeping at night

· Avoid wearing a thong when menstruating

· Avoid wearing a thong for long trips, like flying

What was going on under all those Skirts?

2014-11-11T16:05:00.001-08:00

Historical women’s underwear was truly mind boggling. They might not have worn bras or underpants, but they certainly didn’t skimp on hidden fripperies under their skirts. In fact, there was some seriously hardcore hardware worn underneath clothing.

Here is a rundown on what well-dressed ladies wore underneath those long skirts...

· Open Crotch Pantalets – these were basically two individual leg covers which came over the hips at the sides and tied at the waist. They provided no cover to the genitalia whatsoever, being fully open from the thigh to the waist. It was believed that women required proper ventilation in the area. In the mid-1800s, some of these pantalets or drawers had optional buttons applied to the crotch.

· Dimity Pockets – before the days of handbags, this was how women carried their bits and bobs, including keys. There were worn under the skirt, tied at the waist, and were accessed via a slit in the folds of the skirt. In time, pockets were sewn directly into skirts instead.

· Panniers – these were wide hooped petticoats. The woman tied the support garment at the waist, which gave the shape to dresses during the 1700’s. The style of the time dictated a very wide skirt from the hips – panniers created the effect.

· Bustles – these were worn in the later 1800’s and early 1900’s. Women wanted an hourglass silhouette and the bustle nicely contrasted with the cinched and corseted waist. The bustle enhanced and showed off the buttocks – so that even the flattest-bottomed woman had a pleasing rear.

· Cage Crinolines – these were the undergarment big guns. The shape of the early Victorian era dictated tiny waists and voluminous skirts – the bigger the better. Enter the Cage Crinoline. Rings of steel were attached with string and worn tied at the waist. They not only distributed the enormous amount of fabric in women’s skirts, they allowed a woman to walk without getting tangled in said skirting. They had to be removed to catch public transport, and women required assistance to dress.

Underwear in Space?

2014-10-28T17:23:00.003-07:00

Carrie Fisher famously told the story of how, during the making of the Star Wars movies, director George Lucas convinced her to go commando under her costumes, because, “there is no underwear in space”. So off with the bra and panties!

According to what Lucas reportedly told Fisher, in space, when one is weightless, the flesh expands – and normal underwear would become too small and constrictive. Is this true?

Another space film which received some criticism on the underwear issue was Gravity. Sandra Bullock’s character floats weightlessly in the space station in boy-short undies and a singlet. According to a professional astronaut, this just does not ring true at all...

It seems that attire in space is anything but sexy.

So what do astronauts wear under their space suits?

Underneath the heavy and cumbersome space suit, an astronaut wears a liquid cooling and ventilation garment. This resembles a set of thermal underwear, with cooling tubes for water to keep the body temperature stable. And underneath this? Adult diapers, or nappies.

Called Maximum Absorbency Garments (MAGs), they have extra absorbency properties and are worn during lift off, landing, and “space walking”, to absorb what would usually be deposited in the toilet. Both male and female astronauts wear them. While in all possible instances the astronaut will use lavatory facilities on the space station instead, the MAG provides peace of mind. Space suits are not easy to get on and off.

NASA astronauts are given MAGs for launch, spacewalking, and re-entry attempts. They also drink a large amount of salty water before re-entry as fluids are not retained in zero-gravity; this prevents them from fainting when being re-exposed to gravity on Earth.

These undergarments become drenched in sweat – apparently the human body gets hot out there.

And what happens to the dirty underwear? Apparently dirty laundry gets tossed into a resupply ship which is unmanned. When the ship is chock full of rubbish (including those adult nappies), the hatch is closed, it is undocked, and floats off into space to fall into the atmosphere – where it burns up on its fall towards Earth. Now we all know what is in space dust...

Amazing Historical Underwear: Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chemise

2014-10-13T21:16:00.002-07:00

There are numerous undergarment relics to be found around the world. One of these can be seen in Warwickshire, England, at Coughton Court. This manor house is the seat of the famous English Catholic family, the Throckmortons, who have been in residence there for six hundred years.

The relic is purportedly the chemise worn by Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots during her execution on February 8^th, 1587. This Catholic queen was beheaded in Scotland on the orders of her Protestant cousin Elizabeth I, due to various plots by Mary which threatened her seat on the throne of England as well as her life.

The queen’s death was anything but clean and precise. Her beheading required three attempts before it was achieved, and the whole spectacle was a very grisly end to the life of a woman and an aristocrat.

Considered to have been worn for the occasion, the long white linen chemise was worn as an “underdress”. Low in the collar and wide across the shoulders (which, if genuine, might explain the absence of bloodstains), it has been carbon dated to the year of the Scottish queen’s death in 1587, and it is stitched with the words, “of the holy martyr, Mary, Queen of Scots”. It has been taken very seriously as a genuine relic by devout Catholics ever since the sixteenth century.

Whether the chemise is genuine we will never know – though that likelihood is somewhat questionable. Not only due to the absence of any stain. Contemporary reports stated that her undergarments were all crimson red – to represent a Catholic martyr. Whether this is true of fabricated is a mystery.

There are also reports that everything connected with the execution was ordered to be burnt – from the block and the scaffold to the queen’s clothing. Yet it is not a stretch to imagine that loyal supporters would not have secreted away whatever they could to be kept as relics of the event.

We will never know. Personally, I think it more likely that, yes, the chemise was owned and worn by the Scottish queen – just not on that last grisly day when she lost her head.

The Joys of Bra Shopping – the Teen Perspective

2014-09-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

As a teenager, I have mixed feelings about bras. Most of those feelings are negative. As an example, when the only bra I have left is that one bra which is visible through my shirt. As I walk around, I’m perfectly aware that every single person in my vicinity knows the colour of one half of my underwear. And I begin to wonder, why did I buy this bra? Ah, yes, bra shopping. I love shopping for myself, but bra shopping is something I could very easily do without.

Firstly, since I cannot drive, and when I’m starting out with bra shopping require some … assistance, I have to go with my mother. Which would normally be fine, if we were shopping for something like clothes or presents for friends. But bra shopping is a bit more perilous in this situation. It begins with the moment I walk into the bra section, and I am bombarded with the sight of neon pink and bright green bras, and I think “how do people even wear those without the aforementioned see-through shirt disaster?” With a quick glance over my shoulder to make sure there is no one I know within a 50 metre radius, I reluctantly press on further into the shopping section of doom.

It turns out, while I was busy contemplating the issue of bumping into school peers and neon bras, my mother has already picked out a selection for me to try on. And since I’ve already managed to get separated from her, she is forced to hold it up in the air and call out to me. At this moment, I have one of two choices: walk towards the bra being suspended in the air and reveal that it is beckoning for me; or I can hide, and no doubt succumb myself to more calling out and eventual anger from my mother. Let’s face it, angry mothers are scary. So, I make my way towards her, once again hoping that no one I know is nearby.

After a hasty discussion involving my mother holding the bra up to me and asking me whether I think it will fit (if I say yes, does that mean we can leave early?), I have to go try it on anyway. Now, I don’t know about you, but stripping down in a change room is hellishly awkward. They don’t have CCTV cameras in there, right? Not to mention the straps on this bra probably won’t be set right, and the band will be stubborn and not want to attach, and basically it will just be a disaster. Still, it’s a bra, and it fit eventually, so I’m done here, and I’m ready to leave this shop as soon as possible.

Okay, so maybe I’m being a bit harsh on the bra shopping experience. It is important, and when you learn you’ve gone up a bra size, well, that’s always a bit exciting (as a teen it is, anyway). There are definitely aspects which are less than desirable, and when you’re a teenager, the bad tends to outweigh the good. Thank goodness for online shopping at Undiewarehouse!

Grab Your Gonads!

2014-09-16T17:55:00.001-07:00

Everyone is more than aware just how important it is for women to self-check their breasts on a monthly basis, to note any lumps, bumps, dimpling, or other changes which may indicate there is something that needs to be checked out by a doctor. But what about guys?

It is every bit as important that men regularly check their testicles, in a similar way to how women are recommended to keep a watch on their breasts. Called Testicular Self Examination (TSE), it takes just a few minutes (in the shower can be a great time to do so) and can help detect testicular cancer in its earliest stages, when it is very highly curable.

Though testicular cancer is relatively rare, it also has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers – which is why it is so important to find it early. Men of all ages may be affected, but most commonly they are between sixteen and forty years of age.

All guys should regularly check their testicles, to be familiar with what is normal for them, and to easily note if a change presents. Those men for whom the risk is greater include having had an undescended testis at birth, or who are infertile - but any man can be at risk. There are also other, non-cancerous testicular conditions which need to be seen to and which TSE can identify.

TSE takes only a minute or two – literally. Choose a day once a month. Make sure the scrotum is relaxed and warm, such as just after a shower. Check one testicle first, then the other. Roll the testis using fingers and thumbs of both hands, and also feel along the underside of the scrotum (this should feel like a small bunch of tightly curled tubes). Healthy testicles should feel like smooth, firm eggs, not be painful or uncomfortable to gently handle, and one may be slightly larger than the other. One will commonly hang lower than the other.

If you note any kind of irregularity or change, see your doctor promptly. It may not necessarily be cancer! There are a number of other conditions which may cause irregularities. If it is cancer, early treatment is vitally important.

Look after what you have in your undies – grab your gonads every month!

An Heroic Campaign from Jockey...

2014-09-01T21:59:00.001-07:00

Jockey underwear has a long and illustrious history of providing men with briefs, boxers, singlets, and much more for many decades. They have recently released a global advertising campaign which may well be their cleverest yet...

The idea of putting sporting greats in underwear advertising campaigns is nothing new – and Jockey has done so, from baseball’s Baltimore Oriole pitcher Jim Palmer in the 1970s, to basketball player Michael Jordan, and, more recently, soccer legend David Beckham.

The latest Jockey campaign, with the catchphrase slogan , “Supporting Greatness”, shows images truly great American heroes doing what they did in their briefs.

Astronaut and moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, military man General George Patton, and baseball king Babe Ruth were all known to wear Jockey briefs – that is a fact – and the company is taking advantage of the fact that these great men wore their merchandise.

Buzz Aldrin, now aged eighty-four, was the second man to walk on the moon – and he has expressed great pride in being a part of this exciting new campaign. As he said himself, “everybody wears underwear” and “this commercial is fun”.

The television commercials are especially fun. Aldrin is seen in a spacesuit on all kinds of planets, planting the American flag whilst swatting away aliens and asteroids. Commercial spots with Patton and Ruth are in planning stages.

There are both television and print commercials to be broadcast and published, and for Jockey, the aim is to remain cool, appeal to men as buyers of underwear, and to deliver the powerful message: that if these men wore Jockeys, today’s guys should do so as well.

And we know they did. Babe Ruth was a spokesman for Jockey during the years of his career; Patton, like almost all of the American military of the time, wore them, and Aldrin wore them in training as they were a supplier to NASA. (He did not actually wear them on the moon - apparently space requires specialised undergarments – who knew?).

The end message is that Jockey is enduring, reliable, functional, and supports greatness of all kinds in its wearer. Get yours from Undiewarehouse today!

Knickers Snippets

2014-08-18T22:48:00.004-07:00

· Acquired from the estate of the late Baron Joseph de Bicske Dobronyi, and auctioned on eBay in 2012, a pair of underwear reputed to have belonged to Queen Elizabeth II sold for US $18,000. Described as a “museum quality collectible”, the panties were mistakenly left onboard a chartered plane in 1968, which was used that year during the queen’s first trip to Chile. Kept in a marked, manila envelope ever since, the knickers are vintage silk, with a scripted monogram “E” on them, and have an exquisitely crocheted lace hem. Buckingham Palace refused to neither confirm nor deny whether these undergarments did in fact once belong to the queen.

· A pair of bloomers worn by Marilyn Monroe during the making of 1954’s River of No Return sold at auction in 2012 for US $44,000. The item had been kept by her long-time makeup man, Alan Whitey Snyder, and was auctioned along with many other of her belongings which were kept by his estate.

· Crooner Frank Sinatra was very slight in both stature and body size – for much of his life he could even have been considered to be unhealthily thin and of no manly shape. He was, however, very generously endowed in the manhood department. Contrary to expectation, Sinatra was not proud of this fact – quite the opposite, he was very self-conscious. He even had his underwear custom-made to ensure that everything was properly contained.

· A pair of periwinkle coloured silk underpants custom made for Elizabeth Taylor to wear in 1963’s Cleopatra we auctioned in 2014 for US $1875. They have small snap closures, hand sewing, and a costume label inscribed with her name.

· A pair of soiled underpants belonging to Elvis Presley failed to sell at auction in 2012. Worn in 1977 under a jumpsuit, during what would have been one of his final performances, the style was chosen by the King as they did not give visible lines under the tight fitting jumpsuit. A reserve price of US $10,000 was set but failed to be reached – perhaps because they were visibly dirty?