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!

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.

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:

• Brand
• product number
• style/function
• size

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!

• Wacoal
• Fayreform
• Glamorise
• Panache
• Playtex
• Olga

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!

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.

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!

Days are getting longer, clothes are becoming more noticeably absent - it’s time to switch things up for Spring.

Don’t worry - You won’t be alone, ‘new’ is showing up everywhere.

Case in point, a glimmer of this new-ness smacked me in the face this morning when I walked by a NYC construction site. This was a standard site, the ones epitomized by cat-calls and other unnecessary displays of faux-masculinity. But, while these huge burly, sweaty men were welding, hauling lumber and doing mason work, they weren’t shouting at passing women (or men, should they be so inclined)… instead, these dudes were blasting Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face”. It was interesting (to say the least) and definitely new.

I figure if they can mix things up for Spring, you can too. To help you get your ‘new’ on, I’ve gathered together some fresh underwear styles that should be of benefit…

Boxer Briefs:

	Ginch Gonch Multiple Stars Reworked Sports Brief Trunk MS You always said the whole universe was in your pants – might as well make it true. These starry stretch cotton trunks from Ginch Gonch are comfortable, fun (plus, are a limited edition print) and sure to add a twinkle to anyone’s eye who sees them.
	2(x)ist Optic Trunk 4023 Shed your pants and show off your 2(x)ist Optic Trunks. The bright, contrast waistband and bold colors are a show-stopper, plus, the trunk’s modal fabric is designed to hug the skin while being ultra-comfortable all day – perfect for spring.
	D&G Paintball Shorty Trunk M30813 La dolce vita is yours with Dolce & Gabbana’s Paintball Shorty Trunk. D&G’s fun, Spring colors that are sure turn heads – some classic Italian flair in your pants should keep everyone happy.

Briefs & Thongs:

	C-IN2 Core Lo No Show Profile Brief 4013 You don’t need bright colored underwear barely covering your goods to get approving stares – C-IN2’s recently updated Core Collection features basics that stand out – they are perfect for all day wear, insanely comfortable and cut to show off a guy’s body (without showing too much).
	Clever Tricolor Stripes Brief 0581 These are just fun. Clever took a standard brief and spiced them up with some contrast edges, a fun striped dye job & microfiber fabric for all over comfort. Every guy needs underwear that shows his playful side – these will definitely fit the bill.
	Pikante Scottish Thong 8406 Not that I’m a big thong fan, but how could I pass over plaid ones? Pikante, the Spicy Underwear, recently introduced this hot little number for the guy who wants to show some skin while also paying homage to the Scots and their fun tartan pattern. Who needs a kilt when you have these?

Dear Layla,

Briefly EmBareAssed

Hi EmBareAssed,

Well I can understand how she feels, I think it makes a girl feel more like a mom than anything to have to ask her boyfriend to buy new underwear and socks, but as much as I feel for her I do understand where you are coming from. It isn’t something you would necessarily worry about for yourself, but you know you obviously care because A. She’s in the picture, and B. You’ve written in. So I’m happy to lend a helping hand. Here are a few boxers I think you should try:

	Classic Woven Solid Vineyard Boxer Short U62612958 by Tommy Hilfiger I really like this classic style by Tommy Hilfiger, I think the printed waistband and solid colors are understated and subtle enough but still a little more “done up” than what you might be used to!
	Woven Slim Fit Boxer U1513 by Calvin Klein You definitely cannot go wrong with Calvin Klein! Come on, I think the classic plaid and the subtle logo are really nice and definitely an upgrade your girlfriend will appreciate.

Above I gave you a couple of boxer options but if you’d like to go in the brief direction there are a lot of nice styles out there. This is totally to your preference because it’s really about what you will feel comfortable in. If you’ve never tried one or the other before I always suggest branching out, who can it hurt right?

I recommend trying any of these briefs:

	Steel Micro Low Rise Trunk U2716 by Calvin Klein I think the Calvin Klein Steel collection in microfiber or cotton are both really great options for briefs.
	Classic Button Fly Boxer Brief U62512352 by Tommy Hilfiger I think this classic button style by Tommy Hilfiger might also fit the bill of not being weird but definitely being pulled together and updated.
	Basics Button Front Boxer Brief 50125009 by Hugo Boss Another classic button up, this one from Hugo Boss I think might also keep you securely in your girlfriend’s graces…just don’t let these wear too thin if you know what I mean!

I hope this gave you a start. The selection of men’s styles really goes on and on, and if you’re anything like my boyfriend, I know some of the pics may be much. But think about it this way… you can shop from the privacy of your own home, it’s better than staring at those pics in a department store with some creepy guy hanging over your shoulder right?!

Good luck, and please keep them fresh!

xo
Layla

When most women hit the search for panties that fit they get overwhelmed by the number of options. Thong, bikini, hipster, boyshort, brief, full brief, hi-cut, low rise, seamless, lace, print! It’s enough to make even a lingerie aficionado’s head spin. To cut through the confusion and all the jargon, find a couple of styles that you are comfortable with. Keep a couple of special styles reserved for special occasions or specific items in your wardrobe, and maybe bookmark this page!Based on your body type you’ll probably feel more comfortable with different silhouettes or styles of underwear. Just because you see celebrities flashing their thongs doesn’t mean you have to be. Hipsters and Boyshorts are becoming more popular as the opposite but hideous side effect of thongs lack of VPL is that Peek-A-Boo thong top above jeans and slacks! Hipsters and Boyshorts hit below the waist and below the fleshy part of your rear keeping lines minimal while offering more flattering coverage.

If you’re wearing a thicker pair of jeans you don’t really need to worry too much about color so you can pick the style of your choice in fun colors that let you mix and match! You can also wear the safer colors which will appeal to many in this economy of black, white, and nude. But I think, if you have freedom to play why not do it where the random eye won’t see!

	This Calvin Klein hipster exemplifies great fit, cool detail, and fabulous fashion print for the season. You could match this with a white bra, a steely blue, pink, or even purple. So if you have any of those lying around add instant mix match life to an old style by pairing it with these!
	What about a more subtle print option? This Hanes Perfect Mix and Match Print Bikini 42PM adds just the right touch with a little print on the hip of a bikini silhouette.
	Another really great option is pairing a printed waistband and fabric. This Printed Cotton Stretch Boxat Boy Short by Diesel is in cotton so if you lean away from synthetics you can still have fun in a updated cotton basic.

Underneath a slinky pair of slacks, skin skimming pants, or leggings these seamless options are your best bet for seamless coverage. You could really wear any silhouette here based on how comfortable you are with your body. I’ve picked the fuller coverage pieces but if you’re comfortable with thongs go for it! If you’re wearing white make sure to order a color that matches your skin, white panties plus sheer white actually shows up as a brighter shade of white therefore outlining your rear, not something you want to do, you want your underwear to disappear. The same goes for summer dresses, a nude style will disappear when other colors might shine through. Make sure for summer you stock up on nude undies to avoid this!

	Calvin Klein does seamless really well. This hipster is a great seamless silhouette because it usually hits below any fleshy areas so you don’t get digging in.
	Add a little dash of femininity to this Calvin Klein Seamless Hipster with a little lace edge and you still keep it pretty seamless and invisible but definitely not as much as with the lain seamless.
	If you want something with waist control, Shapewear panties are definitely a great option. This high waist Hide and Sleek Hi-Rise Panty 141 by Spanx will do the job.

Super low rise jeans pose a difficult issue, what can you wear that will not peak above the top! There a two brands that I think poe the best solutions for this issue! On Gossamer and Hanky Panky both offer great low rise styles with style.

	Sexy low rise styles in lace are their signature at Hanky Panky. The size is one size fits all because this lace does not dig in it also doesn’t pose the risk of VPL especially with denim.
	In mesh or cotton the OnGossamer Hip G offers a low rise option for those low rise pant silhouettes.
	On Gossamer also has a really great stretch lace style.

I also want to mention that fashion panties are so often overlooked in our search for the basics, but some of these styles are so flattering you won’t want to miss out on them for special occasions.

	I really love the mix of fabric and lace and the little details in this Sheer Ribbon Thong E16-328, details that the Elle Macpherson Intimates brand is known for.
	How fabulous is the rear view on this panty! The ruching flatters a flat or full figure and really accentuates a woman’s unique curves. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for seamless but if you want something sexy but still covered this is a great look by Natori.
	Another sweet Natori look is this lace trimmed thong, and again with stretch lace you don’t really get panty lines since it doesn’t dig in the way that elastics do in many cases.

I hope you feel like you can tackle the panty world with a little bit more style knowledge. There are definitely many more variables to keep in mind but when it comes to your underwear always keep fit first, because if it doesn’t fit right it will just show through and not in a desirable way!