The Lingerie Report: Best Lingerie for Your Body

“I’m in the best shape ever, belly bling and all. I want lingerie that enhances me and doesn’t call attention to itself.”
— Gina Mastrogiovanni, 43, personal trainer

We found skin-tone matches for her — and every woman who favors body-conscious tops — with smooth contoured cups, nonbinding edges, and body-smoothing camis and slips. Mastrogiovanni models a Wacoal T-shirt bra ($50) — “the best bra I’ve tried this year” — and a Commando slip ($48) that’s band-free and weighted at the hem, so it won’t cling or ride up.

Hanro Perfectly Nude underwire bra ($88) and briefs ($51) make a seamless body double that’s a favorite among models and celebs.

Jockey No Panty Line Promise soft-cup bra ($30) has light foam filler to round out asymmetries. The matching thong ($9) leaves you wedgie-free.

Maidenform Control It! camisole ($32) and Wolford Mat de Luxe Control panties ($65) minimize back fat and bloat with a high spandex content.

“Comfort isn’t a bonus. It’s the starting point. I prefer beauty products with built-in soothers, and I expect that from my clothes too.”
— Bonnie Gaulin, 55, interior designer

She makes relaxed construction a priority and looks for pieces that won’t chafe, bind, or scratch. Cotton-knit camisoles, soft boy shorts, stretch-lace hipsters, and wireless bras top her list. Bonnie Gaulin wears a Barely There Invisible Look bra with soft foam cups and convertible X-back ($29), and Fleur’t rayon hipsters ($35). Soma Intimates robe.

Hanes All Over Comfort bra ($10) dips low for V-necks, while this Hanky Panky stretch-lace bikini ($26) contours higher at the sides and rear to accommodate your sexiest jeans.

Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit soft-cup plunge bra ($38) and Chantelle hipsters ($32) mold gently with just enough spandex.

Adea microfiber knit cami ($48) and boy shorts ($26) are invisible beneath pants and sweaters, and can double as cozy sleepwear.

“A sleek, firm foundation is what makes those great dresses we’re seeing in stores work for so many of us.”
— Renee Rice, 50, financial services consultant

She loves her generous contours and considers body shapers as much a part of her arsenal as heels and a good bag. She knows that a bodysuit, a control slip, or brief and a minimizer bra (like the one above, top) give tailored clothes a better fit and leaner line. Renee Rice wears a Wolford bodysuit ($220) with a classy matte texture that resists pulls and snags. White + Warren cardigan.

Bali Lace Desire minimizer bra ($31) and Maidenform Control It! thong ($19) discreetly slim excess curves.

Sassybax by Amanda Kennedy Torso Trim cami ($68) and Body by Nancy Ganz Tumm-ee boy shorts ($26) tighten and smooth with sleek styling and compression fabrics.

Flexees Comfort Controlwear slip ($51) streamlines with a full built-in contour bra and 22 percent Lycra.

“There are no rules in choosing lingerie. What works for my body, lifestyle, and psyche now are simple-but-special whites.”
— Eileen Henry, 46, voice-over actress

She loves fresh twists on the classics in white or ivory: clean-lined bras in modern fabrics, shapely body liners that mimic workout pieces, ladylike demi cups and half slips in lace. Eileen Henry models a Gap Body Shaping T-shirt bra ($36) and Frederick’s of Hollywood Angelina boy shorts ($8). Tse cardigan. Me&Ro earrings and necklace.

Warner’s Elements of Bliss wireless bra ($27) and Eberjey half slip ($44), both in stretch microfiber, ensure no-show discretion and provide a silky layer beneath wool clothes.

Vassarette Heavenly Demi Romance underwire bra ($11) and Spanx Hide & Sleek panties ($42): a power duo with lace frosting. The bra has shape-boosting foam cups; the panties have 21 percent spandex.

Jockey Natural Shaping bra ($20) and Jockey Shapewear Light Control long-leg briefs ($18) give you a subtle lift and a seamless line under knits.

“Even my everyday lingerie has a special-occasion feel. On the tennis court, I mix Nike and lace.”
— Susan Director, 51, business owner

She heads straight for florals and feminine colors no matter what the season. She keeps it sophisticated, not too sweet, by choosing lace-trimmed pieces in sporty shapes like boy shorts and tanks, and by skipping the ribbons and bows. Susan Director models Jodi Gallaer’s frothy microfiber slip ($78) with built-in underwire bra. White + Warren sweater.

Hanky Panky stretch-lace camisole ($68) and boy shorts ($40) provide a light mesh base for empire dresses or weekend wear.

Vassarette Heavenly Demi Romance underwire bra ($11) is a great booster for A and B cup sizes. Malizia by La Perla hipster-thong ($95) is more than a thong, less than panties.

Fantasie Gabrielle bra ($72) and boy shorts ($54) provide deceptively gorgeous support in sizes up to 38J and XL, respectively.

“I’m a runner, and I do yoga and work out daily, so sports-minded underwear is what I typically wear for performance, support, and comfort.”
— Lois Elise, 42, clothing designer

She likes underwear with an active attitude and demands quality construction and design: moisture-wicking capability; full coverage, top and rear; and supple, body-friendly fabrics. Lois Elise shows her strength in an Adidas ClimaCool seamless racerback bra ($35) and American Apparel cotton jersey boy briefs ($13). Michele watch.

Everlast sports bra ($20) and LIJA by Linda Hipp boy shorts ($20) are two softies with a cotton-like texture and minimal control for sensitive skin.

Bali Downtime soft-wire bra ($28) and Hanro Net Life full-cut cotton mesh briefs ($46) won’t let curvaceous yoga and Pilates devotees down.

Champion Powerback sports bra ($38) supports you with separate sturdy cups; the New Balance boy shorts ($38) in a ribbed, seamless control fabric are slung low like hipsters.

“My lingerie needs to be as flattering as my clothes and have the same visual aesthetic. Each gets equal attention in my closet.”
— Monica Dothard, 62, aesthetician

She insists on simple, well-designed pieces that complement her fashion-forward wardrobe. Sheer fabrics with contrasting piping, architectural lines, and unexpected colors lift hardworking basics to the next level. Monica Dothard wears a Soma Intimates Travelers Allura contour bra ($42) and Smooth Hi-Leg briefs ($14). Tse sweater.

Eres Insolite silk tulle bra ($180) and Bambin briefs ($85) take a minimalist approach.

Commando laser-cut tank ($44) and DKNY Body Light boy shorts ($29) are light, stretchy nylon/spandex blends that offer total ease under loose layers.

DKNY Mesh Fusion plunge racerback bra ($39) has sensible foam cups and dips low for trendy necklines. Calvin Klein Naked hipsters ($20) are a no-show.

“Even if no one sees it, the psychological lift is a pure morale booster.”
— Gail Kasper, 43, motivational speaker

She appreciates the distinctive workmanship and intricate detailing of pricey designer lingerie, but she frequently mixes delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon with sturdier microfiber pieces, much as she blends a $10 tee with a designer skirt. Gail Kasper in a Chantelle Africa Wild & Sexy T-shirt bra ($78) and boy shorts ($48). Loro Piana robe. BCBG Max Azria sandals.

Dior by John Galliano silk slip ($865) has a noble lineage, but we’d slide this beauty under our H&M dresses with a wink and a smile.

Elle Macpherson Intimates Intuition silk chiffon cami ($65) and boy shorts ($45), in elegant navy and cream, are for those who are model-trim or just supremely self-assured.

Eres Attraction bra ($315) and Voluptueux briefs ($135), in tony taupe, are a high-fashion support system — like Champagne and a Chanel bag for the body.

“I’m unapologetic about buying feminine, sensual underwear. My clothes are conservative, so this is where I have fun with fashion.”
— Rhonda Jensen, 43, real estate property assistant

She puts sexiness first and practicality second, but always demands both. She lives on the edge in black or red plunge bras and alluring slips with seductive lace insets. Rhonda Jensen wears a Julianna Rae Isabella silk cami ($100) and shorts ($80).

Goddess Emma lavish underwire bra ($54) and matching control briefs ($31) are an aptly named pair that flaunt and define Rubenesque contours.

Fashion Forms Cleavacious push-up bra ($28) and Lily of France French & Flirty shaper ($28) are sultry self-starters that adjust your decolletage and suck in your tummy.

Adea microfiber and lace slip ($132): a slinky piece that’s more old Hollywood than new.

Originally published in MORE magazine, December 2007/January 2008.