Dear Layla - Shape Me Up!

June 9th, 2009

Dear Layla,

I recently lost a lot of weight in a short period of time and have a bit of loose skin/ sagging. What kind of products would be best for making me appear toned and fit underneath my clothes?

Desperately Seeking Shaping

Dear Desperate,

As you may know there is no miracle fix, but today’s shapewear has a lot of options for creating a more toned appearance. It won’t give you biceps where there aren’t any, it won’t create a washboard stomach, and it won’t turn your thighs into that of a supermodel, but if you’re realistic and you’re looking for a smoother cleaner shape you can find items that give you that. There is also your comfort level to keep in mind, because as with any clothing that restricts or controls (which is what shapewear does, duh!) you will have a certain level of discomfort. If you need to loose a couple of inches then you will need firmer control shapewear and that will definitely suck you in, which is usually a little bit of a wrestle to get on.

Since you didn’t specify what area’s you want to tone up, I thought I’d give them all a shot!

Tummy:

Plus Size Hide and Sleek Hi-Rise Panty 141 by Spanx

If you’re going for tummy shaping just make sure that the shaping extends up to your ribs like on this Spanx style below. That way you don’t get any unsightly rolls where it ends. It also extends below the waist unlike some of those “cincher” styles, which eliminates any “muffin” effect in the back as well!

Inner/Outer Thighs:

Hide and Sleek Mid-Thigh Smoother 064 by Spanx

It’s no surprise that yet again here is another Spanx product that you might want if you want thigh control, their focus is on shaping and toning without the fuss of a gym, so take advantage of these with slacks to work, jeans out to play, and skirts that hit close to the knee.

Get in Shape Long Leg Brief 805123 by Wacoal

This style by Wacoal has the goods to keep your inner/outer thighs in control while also providing a control panel for your lower stomach.

Booty:

A lot of the thigh shaping styles will also give your behind a really great shape, so think of those as double duty, but as an example of great shaping specific to the behind check oout this style from Spanx:

Slim Cognito Shaping Mid-Thigh Bodysuit 067 by Spanx

I love the back shaping of this style by Spanx. It also has a really great feature in the front which allows it to attach to any bra in your wardrobe, this also makes it an MVP since it not only shapes your thighs, tummy, and rear, but it also gets along with everything else in your wardrobe as well!

Back:

Got Your Back Shaping Tank Top 4246 by Barely There

This high backed style by Barely There is the type of style you should look for if you have back fat or even just some rolls that you want to smooth out. You don’t get a fabulous curvaceous figure without some bumps here and there, and if you’ve seen anything different in the fashion magazines it’s been retouched!

Torso Trim with Underwire UTT07 by Sassybax
This Sassybax style also has a pretty generous back that will give you a nice smooth appearance under clothes. Keep in mind if you want firmer control you need to consult the sizing recommendations because these will suck you in!

Arms:

Capilene 2 V-Neck Long Sleeve 44831 by Patagonia

This is a tough one; I had to mention it because there really isn’t anything in the shapewear department. Here I would look into some workout styles, or in this case some long sleeve T’s layered can eliminate the appearance of loose skin under the arms. I like this simple V-neck style by Patagonia.

Legs/calves:

Footless Bodyshaping Pantyhose with Super Control 034 by Spanx

These super control leg shaping leggings from Spanx will give you fabulous legs without all the miles of running. Make sure if you’re wearing these under slacks to get a color that will not show through, so nude to match your skin. Black might even be a great option instead of a regular legging during the day, just make sure your tunic is mid thigh length or longer if you decide to wear it that way!

High Waist All The Way Up Full Length Pantyhose 131 by Spanx

Some other styles from Spanx but this time with coverage all the way up to your bra line!

Under the Heel Tight-End Tights 039 by Spanx

This one is perfect pair to a dress, tunic length tops, and as a replacement for those everyday tights that don’t do anything to shape your figure!


The MVP all stars of Shapewear

Hide and Sleek Hi-Rise Smoother 096 by Spanx

This style from Spanx can be called the MVP of shapewear… it will tighten thighs, tone your buttocks, and tame your tummy! A real wardrobe staple, you could wear this with outfits for work, jeans and sweaters out, or under an evening dress. You might need to buy more than one!

Body Accent Long Leg Brief 80501 by Wacoal

You can see the shaping on this style by Wacoal! See the different textures that point out areas that have different levels of control, these will mold your body into the perfect silhouette! Thighs, tummy, and behind all in line, this style definitely warrants an MVP mark.

Full Figure Underwire Shaping Camisole 45630 by Body Wrap

Another MVP style, this time from Body Wrap, this one is an all in one solution, bra/waist/thigh slimmer. It eliminates the gap between your bra and your shapewear and keeps it all in line. The difficulty in fitting a piece like this is getting the proper cup size and also body shape all in one. If you want an allover solution with no seams in between, this is your best bet!

I hope you find the trouble spot you are looking to tame and that you will hopefully find some great toning solutions from this!

xo,
Layla

Top 10 undie DONTs for this summer - detestable fashion we can’t stomach or tolerate

May 20th, 2009

Like it our not, this is our top 10 undie DONTs for this summer. If you find yourself falling into one or, dare I say it, more categories below, please please please take a look at our Fit & Size Guide to find out what size is right for you.

These are crimes no underwear-wearing human should commit.

1. Bunchy butt

There’s nothing more uncomfortable than wearing underwear that’s baggier than your pants. It twists, bunches, rides up and sags. And we don’t want to see it either. If you decide to wear leggings, for heaven’s sake please wear something with a slimmer cut to avoid looking like a Shar Pei.

2. Strappy backs

Two straps are okay. Four straps are okay. Anything more is ridiculous. Black bra, pink tank, green tank, orange tank- the straps alone look like a blend of everyone’s thoughts at a Grateful Dead concert. If you’re going to sport more than one shirt, wear a strapless bra. Just thinking of all those straps is distracting me from my work.

3. Flyaway butt cheek

The beginning of summer doesn’t mean the end of blustery days. And less clothing does not mean less underwear. Short skirt + thong + wind = flyaway butt cheeks. You never know when a gust of wind will kick your skirt high into the air. Prepare yourself with undies that are cute, clean and cover your bum!

4. High rise

High-rises are great for New York apartments and South Beach condos, not as accessories for low-rise jeans. There is no reason to wear granny panties that rise 9 inches above your waistband. It is a waste of fabric and looks ridiculous.

5. T-back-a-saurus

What’s worse than too much underwear hanging out of your pants? What about too little? I don’t know one human being who enjoys seeing thongs hanging out of girls’ pants. It’s rude, embarrassing and completely avoidable with the correct pair of low-rise panties. Let’s all do our part to make sure the t-back-a-saurus gets extinct this summer.

6. Color crimes

Bras and underwear can be quite fashionable, but there is a time and place to show them off. Under white shirts and pants is not the appropriate place to wear your bright purple and orange lingerie. If there is one rule you remember all summer, let it be that white garments = nude undergarments.

7. Do your boobs hang low?

Do you boobs hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Can you tie them in a knot? Can you tie them in a bow? Can you throw them over o’er your shoulder like a continental soldier? Do your boobs hang low? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need to buy a better bra (or put one on to begin with). Ladies, if you are well–endowed, A BIKINI TOP DOES NOT COUNT AS A BRA. Nothing is more disgusting to see in the hot summer months than a pair of knockers blowing with the breeze.

8. Bra tan lines

The female farmer’s tan grosses me out like no other. It brings back memories of summer fun ruined by sports bras and two-a-days. Unless you work outside all day, every day, there is no excuse for bra tan lines. Look people, if you refuse to wear a bra that properly fits under your clothing, wear sunscreen. What is the point of an uneven tan?

9. Emergency underwear bathing suit

Swimwear is typically fabricated from materials such as nylon, Lycra, spandex etc. Why? Because these fabrics are resilient when wet and are quick to dry. Do you think your cotton underpants are going to have the same properties after jumping into a pool? Skivvies by land and suits by sea. Unless you are going for the sewer-dweller look, I’d steer clear of this situation.

10. Poopty peupty pants

Saggy, baggy and vomitous, OH MY! Do you realize that when you wear underwear six sizes too big, it looks like a diaper? We don’t want to hear the comfort argument because there’s no way a saggy butt can feel pleasant. You need to accept Goldilocks’ reasoning and refuse the too big and too small by going for something that fits just right.

It’s not too late - go out and get yourself a fresh pair!

Get Fit Q&A – A Fresh Fitting Start for Mother’s Day

May 6th, 2009

Dear Layla,

I’m a new mommy and excited to be celebrating my first Mother’s day next Sunday! I have my party planned out and can’t wait to see all my friends and show off my little baby. However, I’m a little apprehensive on what I’m going to wear. I love all the new spring colors but feel like I should stick to black what with all those new bumps and bulges. Any suggestions on how I can hide those unsightly bulges but still wear one of those bright spring colors?

Thanks a bunch!
New Mommy

I can imagine how nervous you are to reveal your new baby to friends and family, but please don’t worry about your body! I’m sure most of that pressure is internal because family and friends that love you should not be judging you on how quickly you lose the bump. So relax a little…and let some shapewear do the rest!

I don’t know what type of bulges we are talking about but nothing should keep you away from those spring brights! Try some of the styles below in nude so they blend in with your skin and you will be able to wear whatever you like over it.

Spring Dress:

Your legs are probably in good shape so show them off and tame your tummy in this Hide and Sleek Hi-Rise Panty 140 by Spanx

White jeans & Colorful top:

Get some tone in your thighs and butt, while checking your gut before squeezing into classic white jeans and one of the colorful spring tops. This Get in Shape Long Leg Brief 805123 by Wacoal can help.

Summery skirt:

Don’t let your worry about the things your disappearing baby bump is leaving behind, shape up with a style like this one from Body Wrap with sheer skirts that flutter you still won’t be able to see this second skin shapewear piece. Try the High-Waist Brief 44811 by Body Wrap.

Again, please remember, your friends and family are going to be supportive of you with or without that extra little bulge. Enjoy the day, you deserve it!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Xoxo,
Layla

10 Worst Places to be Caught without Clean Undies

May 5th, 2009

I don’t know about you, but my mother always stressed the importance of wearing nice underwear. Just to be an obnoxious rascal, I would ask, “But why mom? Who is ever going to see my underwear on some random day of the week?” As they say, mama knows best because no matter how hard you try to cover your skivvies at all times, there will always be a defining moment in your life when you wish you’d have worn a fresh pair. Here is a list of the top 10 places you wouldn’t want to be caught wearing undies resembling the yellow, crumbling parchment on which the Declaration of Independence was written.

10. Riding the bus

Maybe I’m just clumsy, but I’ve fallen down dozens of times while getting on and off the bus. Luckily, even during my nastiest fall, all clothing stayed in place. But you may not be so lucky. You don’t want your entire neighborhood to see your dirty knickers.

9. Gym class

The horrors of grade school gym class still haunt me. Although I only pretended to run the mile and ducked under every softball I was supposed to catch, it was impossible for anyone to get out of changing from his or her uniform into sweatpants. Wear clean underwear kids. You don’t want Gossip Gretchen to make adolescent life worse than it already is.

8. At a World Cup soccer game

Soccer fans are bat-shit crazy. They yell, curse, fight, spit and burn things down. World Cup games are very exciting and extremely entertaining. The next World Cup is only one year away. If you decide to go, make sure you pack plenty of clean underwear. If the opposing team loses to you, its fans might fight you for your pants.

7. Las Vegas

You never know what’s going to happen in Vegas. Pack cute underwear.

6. Walking down the sidewalk

Have you ever felt the air blowing up from the grates in the sidewalk? Have you ever felt your skirt hit your face because the air blew it over your head? Flashing the entire block is embarrassing enough. Doing so in last Tuesday’s underpants is much worse.

5. Dancing

Boogie woogie rock and roll, dance the night away. When you are in super serious dance mode, crazy moves and bizarre body angles take over your motor skills. If your underwear happens to peak out of your trousers when your in the zone, you want to be sure they are super fly. People should be crowding around you because you have ill moves, not because your undies belong to your grandmother.

4. On a roller coaster

Nothing is more fun than riding a really scary roller coaster. Disagreeing with me would make you wrong. It’s also wrong to wear contaminated underwear on one of these joy-generating contraptions. Gravity is not your friend and will bite you. One loose button on those pants, and everyone in line will be entertained. Don’t be embarrassed by your souvenir photograph.

3. The dressing room

Sales associates can be annoying. I know because I worked as one back in the day. And let me tell you, many customers provided me with too much information. Rule #1: Don’t exit the dressing room in your underwear. It scares the other customers. Rule #2: Don’t exit the dressing room wearing underwear that resembles remnants of a Mount Vesuvius eruption. It’s gross.

2. A bonfire

I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve seen it happen with my own two eyes. Someone gets too close to the flames and catches on fire. He or she stops, drops and rolls to save his or her own flesh from burning. The fire is out but there’s a hole in the pants. Oh my goodness did the underwear burn!? NO, they are just dirty? Oh that’s really gross; you should probably just toss those in the fire.

1. Birthday parties

Hip hop hooray ho! Everyone loves a birthday party. Cake, ice cream, loud music, clowns, elephants etc. But what happens when the party gets out of hand? You get excited, start swinging from a chandelier and someone runs by and pulls your pants down as a joke. Woops! Hope you were wearing a fresh pair!

For Men, Size Does Matter

May 1st, 2009

The auto-response most are trained to give when asked “Does size really matter?” is “No, of course not.”. This is a misleading & culture deteriorating lie we should stand up against. Of course size matters!

Now, maybe you think this doesn’t apply, that you are immune and that it’s not important. Your naivety is precious, but, alas, no one is impervious, it will creep up on you eventually (literally).

So what can you do to combat this problem? Measure yourself, know how you size up and let others weigh in if needed.

Measuring

Know that the true size of your underwear is typically the same size as your jeans. When you measure your waist, be sure to wrap the tape measure around your body at the same level as where your jeans are worn, make sure the tape is flat, taunt and laying horizontally on the body.

Brand Sizing

Always check each brand’s size guide to be sure your medium is their medium. There is nothing worse than buying a fancy pair of boxer briefs to have them be a size (or more) smaller than what you expected. It’s uncomfortable, unflattering and definitely not the show you want to put on when you take off your pants. We’ve gathered together all the size charts in one place to help you compare apples to apples – See our Fit & Size Guide for underwear, then choose your brand from the dropdown.

Read Reviews

If you still can’t decide if a brand’s medium is truly a medium, then read reviews for that product and similar products from that brand. Freshpair has thousands of reviews from actual customers that include comments on sizing and fit. Who better to advise on how a specific product fits than the people wearing that product day-to-day? If there’s an issue, they’ll let you know.

With this information at hand, you can now avoid the sad situation when your new mediums fit like a small and feel like some S&M contraption meant to restrict your movement.

Plus, check out all our Fit & Size guides: underwear, t-shirts, socks, and sleepwear.

Happy Underwearing.

April Showers Bring Spring Fashions - B.tempt’d by Wacoal

April 27th, 2009

So the tulips are in bloom, the birds are starting to reappear, and the buzz of spring is in the air. Just in time for the romantic spring mood the b.tempt’d by Wacoal collection comes in with a perfect capsule of looks for spring. They capture a younger feeling with this new collection, and with the same attention to fit and style of it’s mother brand, this line directed at a younger consumer is sure to be a big hit!

Sheer Brilliance Underwire Bra 951120 by b.tempt’d by Wacoal Sheer Brilliance Thong 942120 by b.tempt’d by Wacoal Sheer Brilliance Low Bikini 943120 by b.tempt’d by Wacoal

This sheer patterned mesh set is so sexy and soft for spring! Keep the romance alive in this number, pair the bra with the bikini or the thong, both are adorable!

Teeny Weeny Thong 976150 by b.tempt’d by Wacoal

Sweet, flirty, innocent all describe these cute panties in a variety of shades. I love the little skirt detail with the polka dot! It’s the perfect pint-sized bite of spring flirtation and if you’re not into sets you can pair this with a black bra already in your closet for a mix and match look.

So another adorable set from B.tempt’d, this one in microfiber with a allover polka-dot print and sweet bow details. I think this number would be great for Valentine’s but since it’s not Valentine’s why not make it a special evening any lustful spring night you choose!

The Flirt Push-Up Underwire Bra 958170 by b.tempt’d by Wacoal http://www.freshpair.com/fp_content/itempics/btemptd-by-Wacoal/948170/40602.jpg

This set is a little “racier”. Check out the sexy back on this thong/garter combo! It’s not every day that a guy or girl gets to see their significant other like this. What better way to rev up those motors for summer lovin’ than with some temptation driving lingerie.

Demi Desire Contour Underwire Bra 953158 by b.tempt’d by Wacoal
Demi Desire Garter Thong 948158 by b.tempt’d by Wacoal

Now that I’ve introduced you to some of the sweet, sexy, and flirtatious styles of b.tempt’d by Wacoal, don’t you feel a little tempted to pick some up? I know I am!

Rainy Day Rescue

April 22nd, 2009

Spring is a blast. It rains, gets sunny for five minutes, rains again, then the temperature varies from 78 one day to 45 the next. Not only can this bipolar weather be tricky to predict, it can be even more problematic to dress for.

Most rainy days fall into one of three levels of exertion…

  • Excessive: Going to Work
  • Moderate: Going out puddle jumping (figuratively or literally, depending on your ambition)
  • Minimal: Lazy-comfy day of doing nothing at all (Best Option)

Let’s Review…

Excessive Effort – Going to Work:

Requires:
Getting out of bed, making yourself look presentable, getting dressed, becoming rain-proof, vaulting puddles that somehow are the size of small lakes, dealing with traffic jams/delayed buses/mobbed subways, plus then actually working (if you make it there in one piece).

Recommended Duds:
Good boots, slicker, huge golf umbrella to annoy those you almost stab in the face, some colorful boxers (the day is dreary, your underwear shouldn’t be) and a micro modal t-shirt. Start with these:

Art Trunk 2022 by Clever
Soft-stretch cotton with a fun, colorful print that gives your underwear a hint of culture – not only will these emphasize your body, but they’re like an art class in your pants!
Modal Silver Crew Neck T-Shirt RCC-4024 by Report Collection
An instant favorite with anyone who wears it - this tagless-tee is made of a smooth-as-butter micro-modal fabric that’s body defining and provides a great fit all day.

Moderate Effort – Leaving Home:

Requires:
Getting dressed, rain-proofing (optional).

Recommended Duds:
Comfortable clothing that can transform into bum clothes once you get back home (while optimally not looking like an actual bum). Wear a shirt you can layer and boxers that are comfortable for running through puddles and sitting in a coffee shop. This duo is great on a wet day:

Steel Micro Cocoa Low Rise Trunk U2716-32509 by Calvin Klein
Sexy, edgy micro-fiber trunk that provides the ultimate softness against your skin – the silver waistband adds a little glimmer to your dull day when it peaks out from under your low-rise jeans.
Miami Vice V-Neck T-Shirt M30795 by D&G Dolce & Gabbana
It takes a masculine guy to pull off pink – if you have the gumption, check-out D&G’s euro-styled V. This ringer tee is super soft, body-defining and adds Miami spice even in a downpour.

Minimal Effort – Becoming a Hermit

Requires:
The will to not do anything at all (it can be hard to muster, but keep at it!).
Recommended Duds:
Stay in your most comfortable clothes…be it underwear, a tee or some other pj derivative. Two sexy styles to maximize your comfort:

Pima Cotton Square Cut Tank Top 2927 by 2xist
Pima cotton is your friend – it’s insanely soft and accentuates your body like no other. The square cut design is great for your rainy day do-nothings (but versatile enough for almost any occasion – layered or not).
Argyle Reworked Long John 1217ARG by Ginch Gonch
Yes, long johns - I can’t help it, they’re argyle! Ginch Gonch can make anything sexy and they succeeded here. The soft-stretch cotton hugs the body and plush-backed waistband won’t rub the skin during your stint of sitting.

Behind the Brands- Why finding the perfect fit is harder than it seems

April 21st, 2009

An exclamation I have heard time and time again is Why can I never find a bra that fits perfectly?! What is the perfect bra? It is every woman’s dream and nightmare to search for a bra that fits and flatters, and has the right style to express her personality. Even being in the industry of underwear does not give you the magic looking glass. I cannot tell anyone that they can find the “perfect” fitting bra. I think you can find a fabulous bra, that fits your needs but here are the things you need to understand about the bra industry behind those perfect peaks you are seeking so that you might have a better chance of maneuvering through the bra aisles and pages, to a brand and a bra that fit you just right.

Brand Loyalty

This goes two ways, it goes between a customer and a brand, in that if you keep buying the bra, the brand will keep making it. This means no waiting years to buy another, if you see it in a different color stock up. If you notice your bra’s fabric and elastic getting shot don’t hold out a couple more months! Here at Freshpair, we try to make finding your favorite styles easy. You can search by:

If you’re above a D finding a bra that can balance the weight of your chest becomes an uphill battle. You’ll want to stick with brands that specialize in fuller figures because they’ll inherently understand your needs better than a brand that takes a 34B bra and sizes it up to you. Here is where a brand’s loyalty to you comes in, because it is in their best interests to know who their customer’s are and to continue making great bras that fit their needs.

Here are some great brands that make sure they make bras with fuller figure women in mind!

Refit yourself often as well, because throughout the month and year your body can fluctuate in size and throw off your fit, in some cases by one full cup size! In that case different fitting bras may be appropriate. For fitting tips check our fit guide.

Fit Models

One thing you might not think about when purchasing a bra is the planning and fitting that goes into getting that bra just right. You might not know that for all of the apparel industry there are models who fit specific sizes that come into designer showrooms and actually try on and comment on the fit of the products that wind up in your closet and lingerie drawers. These fit models must maintain the size they are hired to fit in, and here’s where you can get a lot of insight into why one company’s size 34B might fit slightly differently than another’s- they have different fit models!

If one fit model is a young perky 34B while another is a fuller, older, and heavier 34B the bras will serve two completely different body types. One will be built more for function and lift because it is being fit on breasts that need them, and the other is being fit on a tighter figure so it can be less about function and more about fashion. This explains so much as to why certain brands fit what many term “real women” while others fail to meet those needs.

Another thing you might find interesting, there is no way to fit all the bra band/cup combinations, so the major bra fit sizes are the ones you find most women end up buying 32A, 34B, 36C, 38D, and it all gets a little more complicated above D when companies differ in their size labeling.

Materials

Each fabric stretches differently, and when you combine fabric with elastic the stretch needs to be “married” properly. A lot of experimentation and fittings go into getting each new fabric variation of a bra right. For instance, just because the microfiber version fits one way, does not automatically translate into cotton.

Since Calvin Klein has a really great fit team behind their brand these styles in their Perfectly Fit collection in different materials should fit great across the board. One is a microfiber T-shirt bra, another allover and unlined lace, one a lace and microfiber combination, and finally a push up.

Perfectly Fit Push-Up Bra F2541 by Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit with Lace Push Up Bra F2597 by Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Naked T-Shirt Bra F2837 by Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit All Day Lace Unlined Underwire Bra F2857 by Calvin Klein

Underneath it All

Underneath fabrics the cups and underwires are major reasons that one bra fits differently from one to another even within the same brand. The rise of the molded cup has been a great revolution because you can get a molded fabric without seams or a molded pad with a natural shape and even push built in, but at the same time you are trying to fit all the many variations of natural breasts into a very specific shape built by a molding machine. Not every woman will fit into each mold. So from one shape cup to the next the mold is going to be different which means even if you are a Calvin Klein girl, you might not find the perfect fit across the brand. That’s just an example because a brand like Calvin Klein is pretty true to size across their product range. It is really all about your personal shape and finding a bra that fits you.

Directly connected to the cups the different thicknesses and styles/shapes of underwire are also a big part of the fit. If you are a fuller figure that needs a more secure fit don’t go for underwire with a wide or half moon shape like you’ll find on plunge styles below:

Underneath, Sheer Scroll Convertible Ultra Light Contour Plunge Bra 131040 by Natori Strappies Bump Push-Up Plunge Underwire Bra 2111796 by Lily of France

Look for underwires that are more U-shaped which hold and support. Make sure you are wearing the right size, because improper sizing is a major reason women feel digging underwires!

Satin Comfort Lined Underwire Bra 35110 by Olga Hedona Seamless Molded Underwire Bra 2031 by Chantelle

I hope this has helped give you some insight into what goes into a product behind the scenes that might affect the fit once you get it home! Hope you have some more luck armed with a little bit more information!

Double the Trouble for National Look Alike Day

April 20th, 2009

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Well, that’s what they say at least. Maybe you’re the type of person who gets a kick from dressing like your best friend. Or perhaps you’re a photo-fanatic mom who loves getting portraits of your children in matching outfits (if you check out my parent’s living room, it’s obvious my sister and I were children of this hullabaloo). But not everyone likes to play these games. Sometimes you want your individual style to stand out. Whatever your disposition may be, throw it out the window. Why? Because it’s National Look Alike Day!! This doesn’t mean you need a twin sibling or scarily accurate resemblance to one of your cousins. And I guarantee you can imitate someone else without the casual observer knowing. How? By wearing matching underwear of course! Here are some his and her styles adorable enough for matching photographs.

To feel like a kid again, put on some Ginch Gonch Multiple Trucks Loader Dumper Briefs:

Multiple Trucks Loader Dumper Brief 1116Mt by Ginch Gonch Multiple Trucks Loader Dumper Hipster Brief 2116Mt by Ginch Gonch

These playful, colorful briefs from Ginch Gonch will bring back memories of a time when mom picked your clothes out for you. It’s rather stylish to be a copycat these days.

To make a fashion statement, strut in Calvin Klein Steel:

Steel Cotton Sea Thyme Short D1348-1125 by Calvin Klein Fashion Steel Micro Low Rise Trunk U2716-12509 by Calvin Klein

The thick, branded waistband is back and making a fashion-forward statement. The two of you will be looking fly all around town with the 90s revival Calvin Klein Steel undies peeking out of your jeans.

If sexy satin is your pick, how about Bjorn Borg:

Fun Satin Brief 085-7-2012 by Bjorn Borg Fun Satin Trunk 085-10-2005 by Bjorn Borg

Show off your smooth moves in these matching satin unmentionables from Bjorn Borg. Available in fun and punchy colors, even the manliest man and most un-girly girl will want to slip into these.

For fresh and bright spring nights, go with Diesel:

Fresh and Bright Cotton Stretch White with Contrast Trim Oxi Brief 00AEDNPZP by Diesel Fresh and Bright Cotton Stretch White with Contrast Trim Lukex Brief 00ADX8SDR by Diesel

If clean and simple is your look for spring, Diesel has the brief for both of you. Brightly colored trim spices up the boring, basic white knickers. These are guaranteed to make you smile.

For the twin gym enthusiasts, think Champion:

Cotton Blend Low Rise Boy Short 3315 by Champion Double Dry Seamless Rib Trunk U521 by Champion

For some, the gym is a prime location to strut their stuff. Both ladies and gents, can look foxy in the locker room with these performance undies from Champion. Stay dry, look fly.

And there you have it! Whether you and your look-a-like twin will show these off in public or keep them a playful secret, you know you’ll be fully covered for the occasion.

Organic Solutions for Earth Day

April 17th, 2009

The first Earth day was celebrated April 22, 1970, marking the beginning of the modern environmental movement. On Earth Day we strive to recognize the needs of the planet above the needs of ourselves, and since 1970 the “Green” movement has slowly become a year round effort to support sustainable products that would minimize our impact on the environment.

I’m so happy to share the range of organic products that are making their way into the intimate apparel and loungewear categories. What makes organic cotton the most logical evolution in this category is that cotton is such a staple of men’s and women’s intimates already. Cotton processing is also one of the most laborious and currently lacking in sustainability. From picking, to cleaning, to grading, and then to producing fabric there are many opportunities for chemicals, pesticides, and other environmentally harmful practices to enter into cotton production. There is therefore a natural need for us to transition into eco-friendly products in the cotton category. These products reduce or eliminate the impact of the cotton harvest.

There are a few women’s brands that are featuring collections in organic cotton. Sleep easy in these organic Hane’s styles knowing that you’ve done a part in reducing your impact (in style of course!)

Hanes Organic Sleep Crew FDTE Hanes Organic Sleep Pant FDPT Hanes Organic Sleep shirt FDSS

Here is another range of great organic cotton products for women by Patagonia. These comfortable and stylish loungewear pieces could take you to the gym, beach, and are perfect for lounging around the house!

Patagonia Serenity Organic Cotton Tights 21261 Patagonia Hotline Organic Cotton Tank Top 21114

Click here to see the full range of Organic Products for Women we have at Freshpair!

For the fellas, you can take on the organic trend as well. Baskit and Guilio have great collections of organic cottons that embrace the effort to go green with style:

Giulio Organic Cotton Boxer Brief 285L-550 Baskit Cotton Classic Crew T-shirt A1600 Giulio Organic Cotton Low Rise Brief 285L-529

Click here to see the full range of Organic Products for Men on Freshpair!