Underwear trends for 2012 range from sexy red to pretty pastels and dramatic dark tones, with colour being a major player.
Underwear, like outerwear, can be bold and exciting as the strong blues, reds and turquoises on the catwalk at the recent Jockey show in Ballito showed.
But while style is important, comfort is too, and the brand’s spokeswoman Garlai Combrinck gave these tips for smart shopping:
* Choose the right size. Comfort is about fit before all else. Underwear that pinches, pulls, squashes, and generally makes your life unpleasant should be avoided. Look for quality fabrics. Fabric can be a big cause of discomfort, especially if it is scratchy, sweat-inducing and doesn’t allow your skin to breathe.
* Feel the material for smoothness, softness and comfort. Run your fingers through the underwear. How does it feel to you? If it feels too thin or too thick, keep looking. Thick fabrics can bunch up and look unsightly.
* Look for soft fabrics. Cotton is good because it breathes well and is easy to care for. Other good choices include microfibre, bamboo, silk-feel nylons and high quality polyesters (make sure your nylons and polyesters have a cotton gusset). Silk and satins require hand washing and blends are a good choice because they give support and contours your body at the same time.
* Replace underwear regularly. As it ages, it sags and comfort and support levels drop. Rotating underwear frequently and good care will extend the lifespan. – Lindsay Ord