7 lingerie myths debunked for Valentine’s Day

<b>Myth #1: Style is more important that fit</b><br> Wrong, says Ashley Graham. “The first rule is to know your size. No one wants the dreaded ‘over-boob’ or ‘under-boob.’ Too many women are wearing the wrong size so it’s very important to get fitted by a specialist. Your band is your foundation and it needs to fit perfectly – not too snug and definitely not too loose.” Plus, the perfect-fitting bra can change over time. “I recommend getting re-fitted if you experience a significant change in your body weight that affects the fit of your bra.”
<b>Myth #2: Wearing a bra is always uncomfortable, there’s no way around it</b><br> False. Karine Allard explains that putting the work into finding the right features makes all the difference. “A well-fitted bra that feels like a second skin can make all the difference in terms of comfort and appearance. If your straps dig in, try loosening them or select a model with broader straps. Adjust for comfortable tension. One finger should be able to run smoothly between the strap and your shoulder.”
<b>Myth #3: Your undergarments should always be concealed</b><br> Not true. “You can wear a low-cut top and let the top of your bra peak through or even a top that’s a bit sheer and shows the details of your bra,” says Ashley. “I also love wearing deep-V shirts and a bra with bondage-inspired straps. People think the straps are part of the top, until they get up close.” But she draws a line where panties are concerned. “I can’t stand a visible panty line! If you’re not a fan of thongs, try seamless underwear.”
<b>Myth #4: When it comes to shopping for bras, stay within your comfort zone</b><br> Old habits are meant to be broken, and Sarah Shotton’s sexy Agent Provocateur collections are a great place to start. “For a first-time buyer, I think you can’t go wrong with a sexy black lace set. We have plenty in our Classics collection, with options such as Love – a traditional shaped suspender with scalloped edging, satin bow details and satin suspender straps. We always advise women to buy a full set of lingerie including a suspender belt with matching stockings to ensure they get the full effect of the look.”
<b>Myth #5: One bra can serve all functions – day or night</b><br> Karine recommends a well-stocked boudoir. “Aside from minimizer and push-up bras, as well as bras with additional support and shaping for fuller busts, I would say that the essential styles every woman should have are: a lace or embroidered bra with decorative straps that will embrace your curves and provide a flattering décolleté, a lightly padded T-shirt bra, a strapless underwire bra and a wire-free bra with molded cups. For the active sports lovers, a sports bra with a support level adapted for their exercise is a must.”
<b>Myth #6: A bra can never be worn as outwear</b><br> “The great thing happening now is the move towards underwear as outerwear,” says Sarah. “I design all of my collections with the view that they will be shown off with or without clothes over them, I think it’s very liberating. For those looking to spice things up, I would recommend one of our playsuits. Always buy something that you feel great in because sex appeal has to come from within. Confidence is key; if you feel self-assured then you carry yourself in a totally different way.”
<b>Myth #7: Always think practical over sexy.</b><br> Why not have both, says Ashley. “One of my favourite trends right now that’s perfect for women on the go is wearing bodysuits as a top. You can wear it with a pair of high-waisted jeans, throw a blazer on, and it looks like the perfect-fitting top. I’ve had women come up to me and say they’ve worn my chemises as dresses or my halter bra as a crop top. I’m a fan of multi-use pieces.”
While many believe lingerie dressing is bound by a series of hard-and-fast rules, industry trends and personal preferences are actually quite fluid – just look at Miranda Kerr's bandeau/bondage suiting, or Susan Sarandon’s peek-a-boo bra top at the SAG Awards. Still, some key factors can help you look and feel your sexiest this Valentine’s Day, and we’ve turned to the experts to debunk the myths undermining your undergarments. <p>American plus-size model and Addition Elle spokesperson Ashley Graham, Agent Provocateur creative director Sarah Shotton and Wonderbra designer Karine Allard give the lowdown on finding the perfect bras and panties – and you’re the most confident version of yourself – on the most romantic day of the year.</p> <p>Click through for some lingerie truths...</p>
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