Why Wear a Bodysuit?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!