I
think it’s about that time we talk foundations Dolls…and I don’t mean makeup. I
mean the dreaded girdle. I know that no woman wants to talk about or face
that moment when she needs a girdle because for some reason we associate them with 'letting ourselves go'. But let me just put your mind at ease right
now. You are not the only one that needs a girdle in fact its a staple undergarment for the young adult and adult woman! Every woman no matter what her size, shape, or
weight needs a proper foundation which means she need the correct undergarments under her clothing. This
is even more of a necessity if you’re a Pinup/Rockabilly/Vintage Doll. With
those crop tops, pencil skirts and wiggle dresses we all love some much it’s
even more important to actually look as good as we feel.
The dreaded word
girdle can have a lot of negative connotations (believe me I know), they tend
to be thought of as an old lady thing, or something you wear only if you're fat. Well that’s completely outdated, off base and untrue. Women’s underwear has come a long way
since the “old days” with all the options and styles out now out there its safe to saw it's
truly something for everyone. You no longer have to worry about being embarrassed
if someone sees what’s underneath your clothing. However anyway you look at it
not many of us are six feet tall and a hundred pounds, and with the average
American woman starting at a size 14 the reality is that most of us have
curves, pouches, etc… and if you are choosing to dress in form fitting clothing
you need to make sure your foundation is taken care of. Nothing ruins an outfit
more than a visible muffin top, or rolls. You don’t want to be THAT GIRL! None
of us do.
What’s
the point of wearing a girdle?
Well
it’s simple, no matter how much time passes some things always remain the same
and that is the admiration of the female form. Throughout the years with the
changes in society, economics, and style, women and men alike have always
agreed that a women with an hourglass figure is standard for feminine beauty.
The first girdles ever produced, the corset was designed to mold the female
form into the desired figure. Thank God we have moved past the days of the
corset, I don’t need to give you Dolls a history lesson on the damage that torture device has
done to women through the years. But I think it’s safe to say that in the end we
still hope to achieve the same results as back then which are to smooth out the
back, suck in the stomach, cinch in the waist and lift and separate the thighs.
What
are my options?
Like
I said before, shape wear has come a long way from Grandma’s time. Though we accept
the same results we have a lot more choices out there Dolls. In essence there
six different types of girdles or shape wear to pick from:
1.
Waist
Cincher:
The
waist cincher is designed to do exactly what it says. They are a few different
types however a traditional waist cincher will wrap around the waist. At its
highest it will go to just under the bust line (so one would usually wear a
brazier with these) and then stops at the hip or waist. For you Dolls that need
extra help for around the mid section. Waist cinchers will really pull you in
and create the appearance of a tiny waist when there isn’t one.
2.
Shape
wear briefs/ control briefs:
This
is basically a combination of a panty and a waist cincher. They can be in the
form of a panty or short or high waist brief, and will go up over the stomach and stop at your waist
or under the bust. These types of shape wear are great for you Dolls that don’t
need much, just need to smooth out a muffin top or accentuate the waist. These
are also great because they vary in range from low to high control.
3.
Full
body girdle/ All-in-One
The
full body girdle will give you the most coverage and tend to be the most versatile
when it comes to your choices. They will almost always include a brazier
(though you can find plenty that don’t). They cover the torso down to the hip, with
coverage also given to the thigh and butt areas (which is always great). You can
even find what is called a full body girdle and those can go down as far as the mid-thigh,
knees, or ankles.
High
point: http://www.classicshapewear.com/dmondaine-resultwear-audrey-boy-short-body-1010-p-3970.html
4.
Open
Bottom Girdle/ Garter Skirt
Is
exactly that, the bottom of the girdle is left open (which in my opinion make it incredibly more functional) with garter straps that can
range from between four to twelve. Typically the open bottom girdle will
resemble a highwaisted miniskirt. They will have a tummy control panel and the
skirt with go down past the hip and stop just at the upper thigh with the garter
straps attached to the bottom of the skirt. These give you great lower body
coverage and are extremely sexy for the Doll that’s conscious of those types of
things. This is also give you a great reason to start collecting vintage stockings ;)
High
point: http://www.girdlebound.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=GVG&Product_Code=L3033&Category_Code=OBG
5.
Maternity
Girdle/ Post pardon Girdle
Okay
this one isn’t very popular but for all you expectant mothers out there you will
love this one. The Maternity girdle is designed to offer lift and support to
the expectant mothers burgeoning belly. Within the girdle contains what is
called a ‘belly belt’ which is a wide strip that wraps under the belly providing support, lift and compression. For those that are worried the
Maternity girdle is extremely safe and will actually aid in making your pregnancy
more comfortable. If you are a woman who finds your back increasingly arching
as you baby grows this is perfect for you.
The
Post pardon girdle is meant to be used after the baby is born. It helps with
support and compression, mainly it as your stomach returns back to normal the post
pardon girdle with lift and compress your muscles speeding the process and
often aid in the prevention of loss of muscle mass. Dolls that need this one
will wear it daily and if you can when you sleep as well, the idea is to wear
it as much as possible.
Maternity
Girdle
Low
point: http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=922000113&MasterCategory_Id=MC32
High
point: http://www.feelfoxy.com/braless-powernet-maternity-girdle/
Post
pardon girdle
6.
Enhancing
Shape wear
In
my opinion this is the best kind of shape wear and self-explanatory. There’s
padded shape wear which will give you that extra padding you need in your hips,
booty and even thighs. Then the Brazilian butt enhancers, which resemble a shape
wear brief except that in the back there’s a hole where each butt cheek goes. (I
promise you they make your ass look bubbly and amazing) Another is skin
enhancing shape wear, which is really cool they give you all the benefits of
what you look for in your shape wear but they are also infused with vitamins or
skin treatments to seep into the skin and enhance the appearance, tone and
condition.
But
enhancer shape wear:
Brazilian
butt shape wear
Four
pad girdle panty
Skin
enhancing shape wear
How
do I find out my size?
Like
any piece of clothing you need to know your measurements. Typically you need
you bust, waist, and hip (ex: 40-30-42) from there you can refer to the
manufacturers sizing guide to the one you need.
Where
do I buy?
The
women’s underwear section of any department or clothing store will have a shape
wear section as well. Also there are a plethora of online companies which I recommend especially if you’re
like me and prefer to wear vintage shape wear.
Here are a few:
Hips
and Curves (plus size shape wear company)
Vintage
Inspired Shape wear
EBay
Vintage Girdle Search results
Hourglass
Angel Shape wear Company
Fredrick’s
of Hollywood (corsets)
So
don’t forgot Dolls shape wear is not only your friend but it’s a necessity. It will
help you look polished in your outfits and you will also feel more confident
because you know you are looking your absolute best. We take a lot of time on
our looks Dolls to have it ruined by carelessness or vanity. Por pavor Don't be that girl !
Awesome post. thanks for sharing this knowledge mireviewworld
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