When we think about personal styling we immediately think of what we wear outside, but underwear, especially for women, is actually a very important part of personal style.

What we wear outside, and the way we wear it, is definitely connected to our lingerie: from what makes us feel comfortable, to the right shape and size (both for our bra and pants), to the right style to wear with some specific clothes, the research of the right underwear is all but easy, regardless of our body shape and size.

And, just like for clothing, there is a personality component too, that affects our choices.

There are indeed specific rules about fit, alongside many different styles and shapes, and they all effect not just our comfort, but also our confidence and appearance.

I’ve learned this myself through life and work experiences, and understood more about the complexity of the underwear world after meeting lingerie stylist Monica Harrington.

Now, in my years as a style coach, I’ve helped many women with their style and shopping choices, and often I’ve been asked tips about underwear. And while I could share tips as a woman, and based on my personal opinion and experience, I couldn’t share professional advice, because I just didn’t have the specific knowledge and expertise.

For this reason (and also for personal interest) I decided to have a lingerie fit session with Monica. Here’s all about my experience:

First of all, Monica received me in a nice, private and cozy studio, and the moment I stepped in, I felt comfortable and at ease. Soft light, lovely music in the background, a nice atmosphere, and obviously all in the room that speaks about underwear.

Monica was very welcoming and the moment she started speaking and introducing me to the lingerie world, I had no doubt that she is a true expert, and that I could trust her.

Now, having a small bust, all I wanted throughout my entire life as an adult was to wear a bra that gave me extra volume, but often in shops I was recommended super padded bras, or bras with wire, and both gave me discomfort. After years of research, to the point I was feeling almost hopeless, I seemed to have found the perfect bra: a wire-less, push-up bra from a high street Italian brand. Feeling quite satisfied about how it looked and felt on me, for years I’ve been buying the same style, in different colours.

But my fit session with Monica actually showed to me that I’ve been wearing the wrong bra all this time! First of all, I’ve been buying the wrong size, all this time I bought a size too big for my back, and too small for my boobs. OOOPPSS.

This means I didn’t get the proper support (as this comes from the band, as Monica taught me); plus the cup was too small and sat in the wrong place! Even if I couldn’t feel discomfort, she showed me the marks the cup was leaving on my skin, and it helped me acknowledge that the fit wasn’t right at all.

She then picked 3 different styles from her “magic box” and I tried them, one after another.I was astonished as they all fitted perfectly, they made me feel comfortable, supporting without clinging nor leaving any marks on my skin. And, let me add, they gave me a much sexier silhouette!

Three different brands, some of which I’ve never heard of before, and all absolutely perfect for me! Lovely designs too, feminine and simple, as I like.

Monica also recommended some nude shades (as, even with nude colour, there are different shades and we need to choose the right one for us carefully).

The colour choice is important for underwear too!

So, after an initial shock, as I realized my wardrobe was full of the wrong sized and shaped bras (and that I have to replace them all) I felt happy and satisfied, finally finding my perfect bra fit, and more than one style to bring a little diversity into my lingerie cupboard!

Now, I went there mainly for finding out my best bra fit, but while there I asked Monica a few questions, and I’m sure you’d like to know the answers:

What are your top tips to choose the right type of pants?

While style is very personal, there are some universal rules that apply to everyone:

Stick to your size
Have a selection of different pant shapes to wear with varying outerwear
Choose seamless options under fitted outerwear to ensure they are not visible underneath.

In sight of an event, where we need to buy a new evening dress, what would you recommend to do when it comes to the undergarments?
Three top tips:

Take your underwear with you when you go to buy/try an occasion dress.
If you are wearing a strapless bra, ensure the band is fitting snug around the body, if the band is too big the bra will not stay in place.
If you are wearing shapewear under the dress to create a smooth silhouette, buy your size not a size down as this will feel tight and uncomfortable.

I recommend every woman to have a lingerie fit, it’ll reveal a whole new world, boost your confidence and help you look your best self (with or without clothes on).

About Monica

The quickest way to look and feel your very best is to invest in a personal lingerie, swim and sports styling session. Beautifully fitted lingerie will maximise your look and boost your body confidence. With over thirty years’ experience I pride myself on ensuring my personal sessions are a safe and comfortable place to learn about what works and feels best for you.

Over my career I have witnessed the unexpected power of lingerie to improve women’s relationship with their body and wardrobe. Not only do their clothes look better, but they stand taller, move more freely, and act with greater confidence.

I have worked with clients of every age, shape and size, everywhere from photo shoots to hospital wards, I’m here to help all women. There's no hang-up too deep or circumstances so unusual that we can’t tackle it together.

My aim is to help you unleash the unexpected power of lingerie to improve your body confidence and your relationship with your wardrobe by improving the fitting experience.