We’ve come a long way since Jane demanded more support than the loincloth her boy Tarzan offered her. We’ve had the chemise and petticoats, the corset and the chastity belt, the camisole and drawers, pantalettes and bloomers, the brassiere and the girdle, the granny panty and bikini panty, and of course, the push-up bra. But these innovations are nothing compared to the technology revolution that’s been sweeping through our drawers for the past few years. By refining both fabric technology and garment design, knicker-mad (and some just plain mad) scientists and have made amazing strides to make our underwear fit, feel, and look much better on the body.
I’m not sure if Jane would favor moisture-wicking knickers or strapless g-strings for hanging on the vine, but these are a few recent favorites of mine:
Backless Bra
I’m an inventor at heart, so I love to watch shows like ABC’s American Inventor and support inventors whose products actually get developed. This clever backless bra was seen on the show and it’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” products that will surely become a staple in my underwear drawer. It’s crafted to prevent strap slippage while still providing a seamless and supportive shape. I just hope it doesn’t feel like my bra is open …
Strapless, Backless Bra
The strapless, backless, seamless (and maybe even genius) bra is the ultimate answer to the “how do I wear a bra with this?” question that often arises after spotting a fabulous dress in the store. Unlike other stick-on bras, this one has silicone adhesive inside the top and bottom of the cups, and on the side tabs for an extra secure hold. It’s also made from a satiny microfiber, so it won’t cling or make weird shapes under sheer fabrics.
Strapless G-String
Strapless g-strings free you from the nuisance of visible panty lines (but only if you don’t mind the nuisance of waxing), and they come in handy for pole-dancing or keeping yourself decent in that Liz Hurley safety-pin dress you bought on eBay. But taping a strip of cloth to your hoohoo? Crazy!
Nundies
You could bare-ass those new tweed pants and endure scratchy discomfort in the name of invisible panty lines, or you could just kinda bare-ass your new tweed pants using a disposable “panty” called a Nundie. Unlike the strapless g-string, Nundies adhere to the inseam inside of your pants and they are as soft as your conventional underwear, but less, well … there.
Raw-Cut Panties
If you’d rather not tape your knickers to your crotch or wedge a strap of elastic between your cheeks, but bare-assing your suit to work is not an option, raw-cut panties––the latest weapon in the battle against panty lines––will be your new best friend. Made from second-skin microfiber, the panties have no visible seams or hems and they sit flat on your skin in a way that looks and feels invisible.
Numberless Undies
There are all sorts of numbers that make me mad: my height, my age, the numbers (missing) on my paycheck. The one set of numbers I don’t want to waste numerous hours worrying about are the numbers on my knickers—even when they are vanity downsized. Thankfully, I don’t have to, because cute undie-maker Sister Underwear, has done away with numerals and introduced a sizing system based on the shape of creator Sara Graham’s seven best friends. Instead of zero, I can be “Kate,” and instead of fourteen, I can be “Sheila.” Let’s hope they’ll help a sister out with bathing suits next.
