How It All Started
Like most bra-wearing millennials, I was fitted at Victoria's Secret, during a time when the VS fashion show was still a must-see event, and Britney's thong was peaking through her low boot-cut jeans. I watched movies like Pretty Woman and Bridget Jones's Diary where I was taught about sexy lingerie and how I'd need it to win a man. All throughout my youth I was fed images of matching lacy black lingerie sets worn by a woman in a dimly lit bedroom in front of a man.
And Then There Was College
I rolled up to college with a few ill-fitting t-shirt bras, a sports bra, a handful of Victoria's Secret thongs and a dream. I was out in the world as an adult with all the freedom and possibility that comes with that time. I'm pretty sure at least one bra was well-past its prime and a thong or two likely had a hole or two, but I was broke and didn't know better. Today, I replace my bras every six months because I know that once they start to wear too much, I will have neck and shoulder pain, but back then, even $38 for a bra was VERY expensive. We would go to the mall after class, back to Victoria's Secret of course, and look at the sexy matching lacy black lingerie sets imagining the vixens we'd be if only we had the cash. TLDR, when the time came, I was not in a sexy lacy black lingerie set.
My First Real Job Was In Intimates
What can I say, when you know, you know. And I knew from my first job at Macys.com that I loved intimate apparel. I loved the idea of helping women find the right fitting bra. I loved discovering new brands. I loved the feel of lace in my hands. I loved learning about different bra silhouettes and how they shaped your breasts differently. Intimate apparel is the BEST! You might be thinking that working in intimate apparel means that everyone is walking about in matching bra and panty sets, all lace, all red, all sexy, all the time. And while it's true, some women do prefer a matching bra and panty set and some do prefer lace bras instead of tailored bras, what I've found is that everyone has their own style and their own rules.
Do What You Want!
Bra shopping can be very intimidating, confusing, overwhelming and overly sexualized. As someone who's worked in intimate apparel for over 15 years, I can promise you that you'll feel the most confident, happy and free when you wear what you want how you want. Sometimes I wear a matching bra and panty set because it's easy and fun, especially when it comes in a print or wild color. As I'm writing this blog post, I'm mis-matched because I was feeling rebellious and contrary. Tomorrow, I might choose to coordinate, but not match exactly. It's all a vibe based on the day. My advice to you is to choose your bra and underwear for yourself first and your audience second. Confidence is sexy, comfort is ideal and you should select pieces that best suit you. There are endless combinations and however you choose to put your bra and panty together is entirely up to you, but we're here to brainstorm if you need us.