Men's Underwear 101

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?

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

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

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

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?

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.