Build a Better Wardrobe: 5 Must-Have Undergarments

Undergarments aren’t something I thought I would be writing a blog post about, but when I started this Build A Better Wardrobe series, I felt like it made sense to include this post! Plus, I get asked about my favorite bras and underwear more frequently than you may think, which is one of the weirder things about this career. ;). So, today I’m sharing my all-time favorite brands for bras and underwear and even socks, although I have a whole post dedicated to running socks here as well.

5 Must-Have Undergarments for Women

1. Classic T-Shirt Bra 

My favorite bras of all time are by Third Love. Their sizing is much more detailed than other brands (they have half cup sizes!!), they make lot of styles, they’re comfortable and they have a great return policy. The straps on their bras are the only kind that don’t slide off my shoulders. I have a variety of styles from Third Love, but if you need a classic everyday bra, go for the Classic T-shirt Bra.  I’ve had these bras for years and I still love them just as much as I did when I first tried them (although, really, I probably should replace them more often).

2. Strapless Bra

This is the perfect strapless bra. A really good-fitting strapless bra is an essential in any woman’s closet, so I don’t mind that this one is a little pricey. I recommend having a nude one and a black one, but if you prioritize just one, get one color closest to your skin tone. I haven’t tried Third Love’s strapless bra since I like this one so much, but I DO want to try theirs to compare. A strapless bra also works if you don’t have a racerback bra. (For open back tops or dresses, go for a sticky bra!)

Outfit Details

3. Bralette

I don’t really have the option of going braless, but sometimes I want something more comfortable than an underwire bra or something with more structure. This and this are my go-to’s. If you get a cute lacy one, it can also layer well under some tanks.

4. Undies

I swear by Hanky Panky thongs. They only come in one size so you don’t have to worry about them fitting correctly. (Well mostly. Their high-waisted thongs do NOT work on me.) But, their classic thongs have converted even my thong-hating friends. They’re on the pricey end too, so I always add one pair of each of my Nordstrom orders or into my Trunk Club so I don’t have to buy $100 worth of underwear at once.

But, sometimes a thong just isn’t going to sound appealing. I love these seamless comfortable hipster panties under shorts or dresses where you can’t easily detect a line. Because even the most seamless undies will still show a line if they’re not a thong!

5. No show socks

The best no-show socks I’ve found are actually by Lululemon. They have grippy stripes on the heel so they don’t slip off, and they’ve held up for a good while. I won’t say they last forever, but I get a year’s worth of use out of them I feel like. They are also on the pircey end, but I’m happy I have them when I’m in need of no-shows. I also really like Bombas no-show socks.

I wear these socks with my cute sneakers (not running shoes), or booties that have short shafts.

Outfit details

Pregnancy Undergarments

Okay, what about pregnancy undergarments? I’ve got you covered. You can see more of my pregnancy wardrobe must have here.

Sports Bra 

I ran throughout my entire pregnancy, including the day I went to the hospital! I wore this bra non-stop during pregnancy, and I’ve continued to love it for running now that I’m breastfeeding. It’s cheaper than most sports bra, so I didn’t mind buying a larger size every couple of months and the straps make it great postpartum for breastfeeding.

Nursing Bra

This Spanx nursing bra is AMAZING. I wish I had found it earlier than I did. It also works well during pregnancy since it’s stretchy and will accommodate your growing breasts (very common throughout pregnancy). Third Love also has a nursing bra I want to try!

Maternity undershorts

These maternity shorts are a MUST under dresses!! Shapewear is misleading since I think of Spanx and they’re far more comfortable and forgiving than spanx shorts. They prevent chafing and just made it so much more comfortable to wear dresses, even in the hot humid South. I had a nude pair and a black pair, and sometimes just wore a long shirt with the black pair since they look like biker shorts. 😉

I’m wearing the nude pair under this dress.

I hope this post helps you find a few new undergarment essentials for your wardrobe! They may not be the most fun purchase, but since you wear them every single day, it’s only right that you love them!

Shop the Post