Underwear. We wear it every day, and yet we so often feel awkward or uncomfortable at the thought of using our knickers to express our femininity and sexuality. As women of the 21st century, we are constantly bombarded with images of scantily clad models in daring lingerie on a daily basis; our magazines, Instagram feeds and even the sides of buses seem to reflect the world’s obsession with underwear.
While these often airbrushed images can cause comparison anxiety in many women, incorporating lingerie into your daily and sexual life and becoming comfortable in a sexy two-piece could be just the trick to make you feel cute, sexy and empowered. There are so many styles, patterns and cuts to suit every shape and size, so there’s no excuse to not.
It will not be a surprise to hear that lingerie can help spice things up in the bedroom; and not just on your partner’s behalf. Before you cringe at the sheer thought of garters and stockings hear me out; confidence is sexy, and you’d be surprised at how a silk slip could unleash a new lease of life. However, it can be scary to build up the courage to don your negligee, and so a little help can never hurt!
First of all, head up to your local independent to get expertly fitted; there’s nothing less comfortable than a bra that is too tight or gaping. If you’re a lingerie newbie, start slow. A push-up or plunge bra, or an unlined demi bra are staples, and wearing your new pieces to work or college could add a little excitement into your day and build anticipation for the night ahead! The more you wear, the more comfortable you will feel in your underwear, and you can bet your partner will be thanking you for it!
The world of lingerie is vast and daunting; it can sometimes feel that high street retailers place a heavy focus on smaller sizes, while compensating on plus-size underwear. However, thanks to the body positivity movement headed by models such as Ashley Graham, Jada Sezer, Tess Holliday, Iskra Lawrence and Serena Williams, there has never been so much focus on empowering women of all sizes in embracing their femininity and allowing women to feel sexy.
For us girls on a budget, Aerie’s comfortable yet affordable underwear caters to every preference. While Dunnes, Penney’s and even Marks and Spencer’s have been every Irish girl’s port of call when it comes to underwear, sustainable underwear brand Stripe+Stare have been dubbed ‘the most comfortable knickers in the world’ by celebrities such as Poppy Delevigne and Pandora Sykes, and are guaranteed to make you feel like the goddess you truly are!
It goes without saying that you don’t need a boyfriend, girlfriend or partner to make you feel sexy; the only person you need to impress is you! The days are getting longer and darker, and while we may be wrapped up in 20 layers outside, knowing that there is a sexy matching set can add a little excitement to an otherwise dreary day! So, go on! Buy that crazy bodysuit, silky romper or lacy bra, and as our favourite girl band so wisely put it… spice up your life!