Ask the Editor: Underwear for Summer Dresses

It’s mid-July, which means the humidity and sweltering heat of August is just around the corner.  When it’s unbearably hot, there is no chance that I’m wearing pants.  But wearing dresses means having the right undergarments, so let’s talk.

Hi Abra!

Quick question about, well, underwear….any recs on the best stuff under summer dresses/clothes? I’m in need of a refresh and am leaning toward Third Love on the top, but wondering if there are smart options for under summer dresses (i.e. what are slipshorts? Should I be involved?). Mainly, I don’t want to end up with the “hungry butt” situation where it eats my dress when standing up. Thanks in advance (if this gets picked. Maybe I’m alone in my struggles…)

– Erica

For the bras, I adore Third Love.  Their new lace racerback bra is the perfect mix or pretty and functional.

As for underwear, I always wear Hanky Panky thongs.  I particularly like their barely-there Eve thong because it’s invisible under clothing.  But I know thongs aren’t for everyone, so if you’re not a fan, try these Soma Vanishing Edge microfiber boy shorts.

As for slip shorts…

These are the Jockey Cooling Slipshorts.  They’re lightweight, seamless and perfect for wearing under dresses.  These are not Spanx, they are not constricting, just smoothing.  I wore them during the legislative session last winter and they are the only “shape wear” that didn’t make me feel like I was being squeezed  to death by a Boa Constrictor.

If you need a pair with a shorter inseam, they also make a mid-thigh-length short, but they’re in the original fabric.  So you will forgo some breathability, but the shorter inseam means they won’t peek out from the slit in the back of your skirt.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Jockey Slipshorts come in a myriad of colors, some of which would be ideal “nude” shades for women of color.

Lastly, if you have a problem with chafing in the summertime, I feel your pain.  I use the Megababe Thigh Rescue to keep my skin from catching on fire when I walk.  If you’re on the hunt for a drugstore option, Monistat Anti-Chafe gel is the best.

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