More Fun Facts About Undies!

·        Your Undies offer a peak into how “High Maintenance” you might be! Apparently, a woman who favours white cotton underwear is easier to get along with than a girl who likes satin and lace smalls. According to a clinical researcher named Dr. Baumgartner, simple undies are worn by women who are comfortable in their own skin, and who don’t need bells, bows and whistles to feel sexy.

·        Underwear is a very personal choice – and women tend to have very set preferences. Of more than one hundred thousand women recently surveyed:

§  37% preferred bikini briefs

§  23% preferred briefs

§  19% preferred thongs/g-strings

§  17% preferred boy shorts

·        According to a study from 2012 in the UK, the average woman owns thirty four pairs of undies; American women own twenty one pairs on average (no Australian data was available). This is easily five times more than owned by the average man.

·        Women typically have a range of underwear: everyday, work, sport, special occasion, and VERY special occasion undies.

·        Early American Spacesuits (yes, those worn by astronauts) were actually made by bra manufacturer, Playtex!

·        We keep our underwear for a LONG time. 15% of women commonly wear undies they have been wearing for up to ten years.

·        It’s not uncommon for women to “go commando” in order to avoid visible panty lines. Rather than opting for a thing, a significant number of ladies choose to just go without altogether.

·        Surveys suggest that women get grumpy if their underwear isn’t just right: if it clings, clumps, slips, chokes, or is simply ugly, a woman’s mood can be seriously impacted by what she’s go going on under her clothing.

·        The colour of one’s chosen underwear can speak volumes about their personality:

§  Black = classy, strong, ambitious

§  White = calm, tender, conservative

§  Blue = creative, pleasant

§  Yellow = loving, adventurous, cheerful

§  Green = independent and relaxed

§  Red = passionate, vibrant, naughty

·        As many as 64% of women actually wear the wrong size bra!

·        Men have their underwear preferences just as much as women do. Ten percent of men prefer boxers, twenty five percent prefer boxer briefs, and forty percent prefer wearing briefs. The remaining twenty five percent preferred “other”...

The Un-Hidden Power of Undies...

Superman, Batman and Robin, Wonder Woman, Flash, The Green Lantern, The Incredible Hulk, Aquaman, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Wolverine, Spiderman... the list goes on. Aside from being Super-Heroes, what else do they all (and their counterparts) have in common?

They ALL wear their underwear on the outside.

WHY?

Does wearing one’s undies over tights, a leotard, or a catsuit, for the entire world to see, instill one with superhuman powers?

Exterior underwear is the oldest of superhero conventions. The explanation for why this is so was provided by Julius Schwartz, who was the editor of DC Comics between 1944 and 1986. Back in the day when many of these heroes were created in comic strips, during the first half of the twentieth century, their appearance was based on what circus trapeze artists and wrestlers of the time wore – yes, costumes with tights or leotards, often worn with trunks over the top.

The leotard was a plain, full bodysuit which was tight all over and enabled a full range of comfortable movement.

Identifiable undies were given to superheroes because the plain leotard was somewhat boring. They made a distinction between the legs and the torso. Superheroes were given additional items such as masks, capes, belts, and underwear. These accessories gave the hero their identity.

The very first Super Hero to be drawn in this way was Flash Gordon, in 1934. He was the inspiration for the original Superman in 1938 – and Superman was the first of these heroes to wear a cape.

(Incidentally, did you know that Superman was first conceived not as an alter ego of  good guy Clark Kent, but as the alter ego of bad guy Bill Dunn, who was set on overtaking the world in 1933? Strange but true!)

So there you have it! It’s not because most Super heroes were orphaned in their infancy and had no parents to tell them how to wear their underwear correctly. It’s not because they wear undies on the outside on Krypton. It’s all about the era they were born in and the circus performers of the time. And identification.

Using Compression Socks – Quick Tips!

Wearing compression socks and stockings (or travel socks) is one of the best ways to maximise the health of your legs and their blood vessels during long periods of sitting, like during flights or following surgery, or for people who spend a lot of time on their feet. They are scientifically proven to assist in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis, to relieve tired, achy legs, and to help prevent varicose veins, ulcers, and fluid retention (cankles) in the lower legs.

Compression socks are, by their nature, required to be tight – but not uncomfortable. The fit should be firm but not restrictive. Follow these guidelines for wearing your compression socks or stockings:

·        Only ever wear graduated compression stockings or sock to bed if advised to by a doctor

·        Purchase your travel socks from a reputable supplier or a pharmacist

·        Put your compression socks on first thing in the morning, when your legs are at their smallest (that is, with the least amount of swelling)

·        Applying a little talcum powder to the bare leg may make it easier to pull the socks up

·        The fabric of the sock should be distributed over the leg evenly, without wrinkles, and not pulled tight at the top

·        Ensure seams are straight and the heel is positioned properly

·        Never fold the top band over – this will restrict the flow of blood to and from your legs

·        If you ever experience tingling of the foot or toes while wearing compression socks, remove them promptly and seek advice from your doctor or a pharmacist

·        Try wearing rubber gloves to put your stockings on – it will help ensure nails and rings don’t snag on the fabric

·        Never dry your travel socks in a clothes dryer – always wash according to instructions and air dry naturally

Who Should Wear Compression Socks?

·        Anyone flying for longer than three hours

·        Smokers

·        Overweight persons

·        Women aged over 35 who take the oral contraceptive pill

·        Previous clotting issues or DVT

·        Have cancer

·        Are pregnant or up to 6 weeks post partum

·        Recent surgery

·        Aged over 60

·        Have varicose veins

Graduated compression travel socks are designed to be firm and supportive. They are not meant to be easy to put on – so be patient and persevere. Once on, you’ll know they fit correctly when they feel supportive but do not cause discomfort.

What Are Compression Socks – and Why Wear Them?

Compression socks and stockings (or travel socks) are specialised socks and hosiery which are designed specifically to prevent and treat disorders of the veins in the legs. They are highly recommended for wear during flights, extended periods of sitting, and for those in occupations where there is a majority of time spent on one’s feet. Here’s why:

Compression leg wear improves blood flow in the legs. In the veins, blood must flow upwards towards the heart; there are “valves” in the veins to prevent blood flowing backwards. Over time, these valves can weaken and blood can pool in the legs and cause veins to swell and twist, and become unsightly and even painful. These are varicose veins. If the blood pools and doesn’t keep moving quickly throughout the body, blood clots can form (deep vein thrombosis). This is a serious condition which can be life threatening.

Compression stockings and travel socks provide a gentle pressure, slightly squeezing the muscles and veins of the leg in order to keep blood moving up the legs. This prevents legs swelling, and can also help to prevent blood clots. Compression is firmest at the ankle, reducing gradually up the leg.

Compressionstockings or socks can be of benefit to prevent swollen or aching legs, varicose veins, ulcers of the legs, and fluid in the legs. They are also invaluable during flying.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major health concern on long haul flights. When seated in cramped conditions for extended periods, blood can flow too slowly in the legs and a blood clot can form. Early symptoms include swelling or pain in the calf, with a feeling of heat in the area. If part of the clot breaks away (embolism) it can travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, causing death.

One way to protect against DVT when flying is to wear travel compression socks – and these also prevent tired, aching legs and swollen ankles.

While there are some serious, heavy duty, and quite unattractive prescription stockings available for wear following surgery, there are plenty of everyday options for wear which are quite stylish. Browse a range of products here...

Next time, we’ll look at how to put on compression socks, some tips and care instructions. Stay tuned!

Bridal Lingerie – An Evolution

One of a bride’s most important considerations, second only to her choice of wedding gown, is her choice of bridal lingerie. Just as fashions have evolved over time, so too have the styles and trends in bridal lingerie...

·        Minoan women in ancient Crete saw their breasts as symbols of power. They wore strips of leather around their breasts, pushing them out from the clothing, fully exposed, to achieve a warrior’s appearance.

·        Ancient Greek and Roman women bound rather than enhanced their breasts. They used bands of gauze under their loose shift dresses to flatten and support the breast.

·        During the Dark Ages, women of European cultures wore no lingerie, save for a plain and shapeless linen shift under their dresses.

·        By the Fourteenth Century, early corsetry was coming into vogue. Women not only cinched their waists, but flattened their breasts, achieving a straight and flat front to their torsos.

·        Elizabethan-era women wore decorative undergarments, with lace trims, whale-boned corsets, and an early version of the “bustle” to enhance the hips.

·        Despite the reputation for being prim, proper, and very buttoned up, the Victorians of the Nineteenth Century embraced colourful, lacy, embellished undergarments. Silk, frilly pantaloons were popular amongst the wealthy; garters were invented to hold stockings in place; and corsetry evolved to accentuate the breasts. Bridal dresses were, for the first time, most commonly white, and lingerie was worn to complement this.

Over the following century, bridal wear became an industry in and of itself, and bridal lingerie also came into its own. Today, bridal lingerie serves two distinct purposes: to make the bride look and feel sexy, seductive, and beautiful, and also to create the perfect silhouette under the bridal gown. Depending upon the style of bridal gown chosen, today’s bride might wear a backless bodysuit, a bustier and thong, suspenders and stockings, a bridal petticoat, a push-up, plunge, or adhesive bra, and, of course, a garter. The choices are almost endless.

The Pros and Cons of Wearing an Undershirt

In days gone by, every man wore an undershirt or singlet on a daily basis. Outer garments were not as comfortable against the skin, not as easy to wash, and the undershirt not only provided warmth and comfort, it protected and preserved the life of the outer shirt.

These days, however, undershirts are, for some men, something of a taboo. For others, they’d never leave the house dressed well without one.

So should you wear or not wear a singlet or undershirt?

Here are some pros and cons for wearing an undershirt...

PROS:

v Undershirts (particularly T-shirt styles) reduce the incidence of sweat marks appearing on and staining your shirt or even jacket

v Undershirts can be more comfortable and prevent chafing when wearing stiff or starched dress shirts

v A cotton undershirt can be cool under synthetic shirts in hot humid weather

v An undershirt provides a thin but effective insulating layer of warmth

v Undershirts hide dark nipples from showing through light coloured shirts

v Undershirts disguise heavy chest hair and prevent it from poking through the surface or buttons of a shirt

CONS:

v Multiple layers can feel constrictive

v An undershirt can be stifling in hot weather if worn under a cotton shirt

v Undershirts are obvious under a lightweight or light coloured shirt

v Historically, “elegant” men did not wear undershirts under their dress shirts

v Today’s antiperspirants work so well the need for undershirting is negated

There are, even today, many proponents of the belief that without a vest or undershirt, a man is not properly dressed. Fortunately, the days are passed when all undershirts were obvious through clothing. The humble white vest now has evolved and there are other options available in flesh tones, or other colours to complement the over shirt so as not to be as obvious.

And from this woman’s perspective, a plain white T-shirt under a casual button down shirt looks very well put together – and gets a thumbs up from me. Think Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando... enough said! 

Singlets: To Wear or Not To Wear?

When I was a child, in the late 1970s and into the 1980s, it went without saying that I wore a singlet – all the time. I was not considered by my mother (or grandmothers, for that matter), to be fully dressed unless I had my white cotton Bonds girl’s undershirt under whatever I was wearing. If said singlet was untucked, I was told I would catch “cold in the kidneys” or, even worse, pneumonia. When I got older and graduated to a bra (and made the choice that wearing a singlet as well was ridiculous), my grandmothers were almost scandalised.
It goes without saying that babies wear singlets, for the extra warmth and comfort they offer, but what about everyone else?
Small kids can also benefit from the extra warmth a singlet offers. There is also the aspect of modesty, where thin fabric on T-shirts or shirts offers just a little too much information (particularly true in prepubescent girls).  But what about older people?
We all know grandpa religiously wears his white cotton singlet, probably tucked into his white Y-fronts. Grandma most likely wears a singlet with her bra, “step ins”, petticoat and pantyhose on a daily basis as well (well, my old granny does, anyway). Do younger generations still wear them?

The original purpose of the singlet (as with other undergarments) was not for warmth, insulation, or even comfort, but to protect the outer clothing  from sweat and the smelly body – remember, in the old days, few people bathed on a daily basis. Outerwear was also scratchy, so softer undergarments offered some respite.
Today’s outer garments are most commonly made with breathable fabrics – and we generally wash frequently – so the necessity of the singlet is not the same as it was forty years ago.
So why wear a singlet? Not just for warmth in cooler weather, they are comfy and great for layering. It also does still protect your clothing – and can be washed much more than outerwear.
Today’s singlet is so much more than an undergarment! And when worn as an undergarment, there are many options – the white cotton tank top under a man’s shirt is not the only choice. Other popular options are crew neck T-shirts, V-neck T’s, long sleeved T-s, and athletic undershirts. Some women’s singlets have inbuilt bras, or are fitted to provide a shape-wear style advantage.
Next time we will look at the Pros and Cons of wearing a singlet...