Tomima’s Blog – Lingerie & Underwear Expert

Like a column, this figure type has the characteristics of being slim and straight without curves or waist.  I happen to fall into this body type, so I know how frustrating it can be to have no body definition.  I run towards anything with an empire cut just to avoid revealing my lack of a waist. Oh what I would give to have that curvy sexy look!

On top, we have small to medium breasts.  So we can pretty much wear any cute bra we want, but it always has kind of a training bra look to it because of our straight lines.  One trick is to wear a camisole.  A longer line down your torso just always seems to be a better look.  Another great option on top is a bustier.  This type of garment helps to give you a waist and that long line to narrow you and give you some curves. A bustier usually has the under-bust seam that also flatters a column shape by giving you a line of demarcation right under your bust.  This makes your breasts look larger and helps you look taller and thinner.

As for the bottoms, this body shape can wear any style.  But again, less is always best.  Hi-cut panties make your legs look longer.  If you have a bit of a tummy, shapewear that looks like biker pants are a great solution.  Buy them in black and they will look like you’re wearing biker pants.

As an interesting aside, I was once told that this figure type is the most likely to have her breasts augmented.  A cheaper solution would be to purchase a contour bra or one with some padding.  The same look for less.

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Not all figure types are defined by fruit, but this the apple body shape is the second and final one.  What is an apple figure type?  It’s a woman with round curves who has a tummy bulge and round hips.  In silhouette, she would have a very round shape – as in contrast to a pear shape which would have a noticeably smaller top.  The apple shape tends to be petite in stature, and definitely has full breasts.

The best way to enhance this figure type is with lingerie that smooths and gives control.  Consequently, shapewear and bodysuits are great options. The breasts should be lifted and supported to make her look thinner and more youthful. She needs to have a round, full and lifted look. Anything less will make her look dowdy.

For her tummy and thighs, shapewear is her best friend.  And, how great that shapewear looks and feels so good these days.  It also comes in black which is not only slimming, but looks sexy, so it’s a look she can feel good about being seen in.

In our "What’s She Underwearing" series on HerRoom, we always include a petite plus size model.  I strongly suggest the apple shape figure type check out this section on our site to see the various solutions we put her in.

Find lingerie for your body shapeHerRoom in these departments:
Bras
Panties
Shapewear

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The lingerie industry has come up with six figure types that they feel captures every woman.  I know this sounds kind of crazy, but the truth is I have yet to find a woman I couldn’t classify in one of them.  By knowing your personal figure type, you can make smarter lingerie choices that will enhance your best points and disguise your less-than-favorable ones.

In my next six postings, I’m going to talk about each of these figure types. They are The pear shape, apple shape, column shape, the hourglass shape, the almost hourglass shape and the cornet shape.

The figure type known as the pear shape can usually be recognized by a small upper body and a large and heavy lower body.  Her shoulders are narrow, but her hips are fairly wide and her thighs are quite heavy.  Thus, in silhouette, her body would have the shape of a pear.  In most cases, the size she wears on top is 1 to 3 sizes smaller than her size on bottom which can make it very difficult if not impossible to buy dresses.

So, what are the best lingerie options for a woman with this figure type? Let’s start on top.  The goal here is to balance the body shape.  So, for a pear shaped woman with a small cup size, select a bra that is padded and gives the breast some more volume.  This will make the upper portion of her body look more in proportion and have the added benefit of creating the look of a waist.  For pear-shaped women with larger breasts, make sure breasts are lifted and supported.  Again, you get a waist and you’ll look like you’ve lost weight.

Now for the bottom.  I love repeating a comment made by Tyra Banks.  She noticed that the skimpier the bathing suit, the slimmer she looked – especially when she had put on a few pounds.  Her comment is absolutely correct. Women with large thighs and hips look much slimmer in a brief that is high cut on the sides and with a lower rise.  This makes your legs look longer and slimmer and because the briefs are lower, your hips and thighs will look more in balance with your shoulders. The absolute worst look for you would be to stick on a big full coverage brief.

One final note on this figure type.  It is almost impossible to find a longline bra that will fit you. The manufacturers had to make a decision as to your hip size, and they have chosen to design longline bras to accomodate a woman whose top and bottom are more in proportion.  So, my suggestion to a pear shaped woman who simply must have a longline bra is to purchase a corset  with a back or front lace-up.  This will allow great fit flexibility and better contouring to your unique shape.

Find lingeire for your body type at HerRoom in these departments:
Bras
Panties

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