A Black Girl's Guide to Lingerie

Lingerie is a wardrobe essential.  

It was made to skim and wrap around the curves of a woman’s body, and it was designed to leave women of all shape and sizes with feelings of comfort, femininity, and sexiness. A primitive form of lingerie was first designed by Lady Duff-Gordon, who aspired to free women from the restrictive whale boned corsets that were popular during her time. As her visually appealing and less constricting corsets grew in popularity, Caresse Crosby, who was arguably inspired by her predecessor, designed and patented the worlds first brassiere in the 20th century. Padding, breathable fabrics, form fitting cups,  hooks, lace, and other adjustments were added to brassieres, and the rest, is history. Designed by women for women, lingerie is something that you need, especially as a Black woman.

While femininity, or rather, womanhood, does not live in its sexy stereotypes, it did have its beginnings there (to an extent). In the centuries before us, white women were able to don their attractive panties and lacy bras in an effort to continue their almost ritualistic traditions of femininity, and Black women, were not. We were forced, whether it be by slavery, colorism, financial circumstances, or by demeaning caricatures (such as the Mammy, Sapphire, and Jezebel), to flee from feminine luxuries. But, as time has droned on, Black women across the world have found themselves exploring the graces and luxury of traditional feminine undergarments (*cough cough* thanks in part to SavageXFenty). This exploration is not only exciting and empowering, but it is a necessary step in the continuation of reclaiming the womanhood that was stripped from us.

Types of Lingerie:

     1.) Baby Doll (Short nightgowns that have a delicate, flowing fit, defined cups, and low neckline.)

     2.) Teddy (Resembling a one-piece bathing suit, teddy's hug your every curve. Often made of lace, and or, a sheer material.)

     3.) Bra & Panty/Thong Sets (Sexy and only as a simple as you want them to be. A bra and panty set is a classic for a reason.)

     4.) Chemise (Similar to the baby doll, a chemise mimics a short nightgown. However, unlike the baby doll, they can have higher necklines, and lack defined cups.)

     5.) Corset (A fitted garment that extends from under the breasts to the upper hip. Generally created with a boning material that lifts the bust and slims the waist. Can be fastened at either the front or back by way of hooks, clasps, strings, or ribbons)

     6.) Bustier (While a bustier is similar to a corset, it should be noted that they cover the breast and stop at the waist [unlike a corset]. A bustier provides the appearance of a fuller bust and can come with matching panties.)

     7.) Costumes (Lingerie costumes can come in a range of themes and styles [to say the very least]. Be a sexy Disney princess in a corset and matching G-string, a sweet nurse in a cleavage exposing stripers uniform, or a naughty school girl in a matching plaid skirt, thong, and bra.)

       8.) Stockings & Garters (A garter belt, is a piece of fabric that rests on the waistline. There are generally four to eight straps on the belt that are meant to be attached (either by hooks or clasps), to a matching stocking. Stockings come in a range of styles, and lengths, knee length, mid-thigh, upper thigh, lace tops, sheer, fishnet, etc.

Source: Savage x Fenty Daisy Teddy

So, how do you choose which lingerie piece is for you?

Well first let's decide what you're aiming to showcase, conceal, or alter.

       To accentuate the butt: Shoot for a cheeky panty, or thong. Pair it with a mid to upper thigh stocking to create a more lifted appearance to your butt.

       To slim the abdomen and waist line: A corset or bustier is the obvious choice here. With their defined structures and stiff boning materials, these are great for cinching in the waist, something which can create an hour glass shape.

       To amplify your bust: While a push-up bra with underwire is the go to choice for many (and for good) reason, we also recommend a bustier for those who want to show off their breasts.

       To bring attention to the leg: A stocking in a sexy fabric and or, material, (i.e. fishnet, sheer hosiery) is a great choice. Stick to stockings that are mid to upper thigh in length, as knee length stockings can cut off the length of the leg.

       To highlight your curves: A teddy is the perfect choice for women who are aiming to show off the dips and curves of their body.

       To conceal the midsection: A baby doll or flowing chemise will glaze right over lumps, bumps, or rolls.

3 Reasons Why Every Black Woman Should Own Lingerie:

        1. Lingerie is one of many steps that assist in reclaiming our femininity.

        2. Lingerie is powerful and intimate; it is the closest thing to your skin.

        3. Lingerie is a reminder of your own sensuality and sexuality.