InStyle magazines September 2009 issues features an article on Organizing your Lingerie. The article talks about how to store your lingerie, and keep it looking it’s best. It was a great article, that I wanted to pass on to you ladies. After all if you are going to spend the money to get the merchandise, it is nice to know how to keep it looking it’s best.
Step 1
Toss items that are old or don’t fit. Anything with holes, is stretched out, or just uncomfortable has to go.
L.Michelle’s commentary:
This couldn’t be more true, lingerie should be looked over twice a year just like your clothes. There is different lingerie that goes with every season, so twice a year, try everything on, look in the mirror and decide whether you would be embarrassed if you had to go to the hospital in those skibbies.
Step 2
Know what you need. InStyle’s recommendation is to have 3 everyday bras(seamless smooth cups), 2 bras that match your skin tone(for under sheer tops), 1 black bra(for under dark items), 1 lacy or embellished bra(for special occasions), and 1 strapless(for shoulder baring pieces). Panties should be 10 pairs of your favorite cut.
L.Michelle’s Commentary:
I feel there should be 3-4 everyday bras(smooth cups) that can go under anything, you should have 1-2 nude(for under white), 1 black(for under darks), and 1 fun color(now a days smooth cups can come in a variety of colors. So get your self a pink, red, brown, or blue smooth cup. It will make you feel sexier about your t-shirt bra).
I don’t agree with the amount of panties they are suggesting, or to have just one cut. There is no such thing as having too many panty options, so long as you wear them, and they are comfortable. I typically recommend owning 2 pairs of underwear per bra.
- Your panty drawer should have at least 2 pairs of seamless nude(for under whites)
- At least 2 pairs of seamless black(for under dark colored hugging bottoms)
- 3 pairs of athletic panties(if you are a gym rat and spend more time working out, then 5-7 pairs.
- A handful of sexy comfortable lace/silk thongs/panties/boyshorts(these will go with your everyday bras adding a little something extra, and turn those everyday bras into a set. For example if you have a plain white t-shirt bra, pair it with the Cosabella Never Say Never Cutie in white. Waala! A new sexy set.
- And finally 3-7 comfort panties, for that dreaded time of the month.
Step 3
Determine where they go. Sort your lingerie by silhouette, color or function. Keep the styles that are most worn at the front, and least worn towards the back. Stack molded, and padded bras flat. Never fold cups inside one another, or you will cause the fabric to ripple. You may however fold your non-padded underwire, or soft bras with the matching panties. Place your bras in silk lined boxes, to keep the soft lacy fabrics from catching on drawers. Separate bras, panties, or different styles of bras from each other. Put panties in a multi-compartment divider.
L.Michelle’s Commentary:
I completely agree with the way to lay your padded, or molded cup bras. You never want to twist those bras, these are your big investment pieces. You wear these on a daily basis, so make sure you spend the money to get the most comfortable, best fitting bra you can, wash them by hand in the basin with Soak fine fabric wash, and definitely lay them flat in the drawer for storage. If you choose to fold your non-padded underwire bras/soft bras, you may run the risk of getting the fabric twisted on the wires. I say go ahead and lay those flat as well. They look prettier, making them more tempting to wear more often.
I am a huge fan of the multi-compartment organizers. If your drawers are stuffed with all the panties, you will never see all that you have. Since I am recommending more quantity than InStyle magazine, what I suggest is that you get your organizer, and stuff the compartments with more than one pair. In other words put both pair of seamless nudes in the same compartment, put all your black lace in the same compartment, etc. It will still keep you organized, and allow you to see your options, without taking all of your dresser space.
Step 4
Separate out your workhouses and non-lingerie. Devote one lingerie drawer to the “tool kit” items, this should be support items(thigh slimmers), short slips, sports bras, and exercise tops. Keep chemises on padded hangers in the closet, keeps the wrinkles out.
L.Michelle’s Commentary:
I definitely agree that your items should be seperated out by product category. I recommend thinking of your lingerie drawers like solution compartments, but don’t over think it. Look at it as what is this items role? For example put all support, and accesory items together. All of these items would go into a drawer together: slimmers, NuBra, push up pads, lingerie tape, stockings, and garter belts. Don’t forget your organizers here, so you can see everything.
I love the suggestion of hanging your chemises/babydolls/gowns on padded hangers. Not only does this keep the items looking nice, but it sets the right mood. When you pull something out of the closet on a pretty padded hanger you automatically feel special, and sexy.
As for sports bras, and exercise wear these do not belong near your lingerie. These items get really nasty dirty, require a much harsher detergent than your lacy pretties, and just kill the romance of lingerie. Keep the workout utilitarian items in another area. It will keep your lingerie something that makes you feel special about yourself, rather than reminding you to count calories.
The last part of the InStyle article mentioned using drawer liners, and scented candles to keep things smelling nice in your drawers.
L.Michelle Commentary:
While I myself am a huge lover of fine scents, and believe having lightly scented lingerie is a luxury we should all let ourselves have I do not agree with using candles. The scented drawer liners are fantastic, they are pretty, and smell nice, and do not represent any harm to your lingerie. However candles, can get hot, and could leak wax on your fabrics, or flake wax onto your lingerie, which can be almost impossible to get out. I recommend putting scented soaps, or empty perfume bottles in your drawers. You will achieve the desired effect of lightly scented pretties, without running the risk of ruining any of your delicate fabrics. Keep the candles burning in the bedroom to keep the romance in the room, but don’t put them in your drawers.
Enjoy organizing, you will be glad you did it!
Love,
L.Michelle
