Helena Triumph

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I’m giving away a lingerie voucher from Triumph valued at R1500 to one lucky reader. To stand a chance of winning, subscribe to ‘In My Bag’ (if you haven’t already) & leave a comment in the ‘comments’ section below telling me why you’d like to win. The competition closes on Monday 2 September at 9:30am. The winner will be notified by email shortly thereafter. Good Luck!

When it comes to underwear, I’m a basic’s kinda gal (much to my hubby’s disappointment). Give me simple skin coloured undies and a good padded bra (I need the padding desperately, being an A cup!) over a racy, lacy number any day. You see, for me it’s all about comfort. Does this mean I’m getting old, or worse, am I stuck in an underwear rut?

So, I explained my dilemma to the lovely ladies at Triumph. Was I the only woman shunning sexy lingerie in lieu of comfort? While I had their ear, I also asked their advice on how to build the perfect lingerie wardrobe.

COMFORT IS KEY

According to Triumph Senior Product Manager and Designer Taryn Cooke, the bulk of one’s lingerie wardrobe should in fact consist of “super-comfy, smooth bras in neutral colours that mold to the body and can be worn under everything.”

Phew, thank goodness for that!

Trayn says one should opt for a silhouette that compliments your natural shape. For a natural-looking boost, she advises choosing a push-up bra, or a moulded bra for light coverage and a smooth look under t-shirts and clingy tops.

5665-2 Sloggi Light 2pk WHP Golden skin

Sloggi Moulded cup bra, R229.95 for a pack of two bra’s (Brilliant value hey?)

KEEP IT BRIEF

Coordinate panties & bras in nude and neutral shades that compliment your unique skintone. For everyday wear, choose styles that are clean-cut and unfussy to eliminate unsightly VPL (visible panty lines). Ensure that gussets are lined with cotton – this is more hygienic as cotton breathes. (Sloggi)

5121-3 Salsa string golden skin

Sloggi panties, R169.95 for a pack of 3 (white, skin tone & Black)

TAKE CONTROL

If you’re looking for a smooth silhouette that’s free of lumps and bumps, shapewear is the way to go. But be sure to purchase the correct size. “If shapewear doesn’t fit properly, it will accentuate what you’re trying to cover up. Squeezing into a size too small will make your wobbly bits spill over” explains Triumph fit expert Linda Swanson “The level of support is determined by the style, fabrication and engineering of the garment.”

Key shapewear pieces for every lingerie collection include:

  • A minimizer bra to reduce the projection of cleavage.
  • A pair of support briefs to support and shape tummies and bums.
  • A long leg brief to eliminate saddle-bags.
  • A bodysuit to minimize the ‘muffin top’ effect.

7000_Minimizer BSW_Black

Triumph Shape wear Minimizer Bodysuit, R499.95

INVEST IN A MULTI-TASKING BRA

Every lingerie wardrobe should have a neutral coloured multi-way bra that can convert into a strapless, traditional, crossover or halter-neck.

GET SPORTY

You really should invest in a sports bra (or three) for exercise.

Match the type of bra to the level of activity you’re undertaking. “Depending on your bust size and shape, and the type of exercise you do, you’ll either opt for a sports crop top that holds the whole bust area tightly against the body and prevents bounce; or a sports bra that lifts and separates each breast, offering extra support for larger-busted women” explains Linda.

7615_ MINIMIZER W_ FASHIO & SEAMFREE_ BLACK & CORAL MIX 137

TriAction Minimizer sports bra, R259.95

SEXY

Once you’ve got your basics sorted, you can look for pieces that reflect your personality, creativity and sensuality. Everyone needs a a sexy lace bra and panty set!

9668_WDU_Sensual Lace_Black & Vintage Pink 195

9669_Hipster_Sensual Lace_Black & Vintage Pink Mix 195

Triumph Seduction lace black & vintage pink push-up bra, R239.95 & matching hipster panties, R129.95 (available Nov)

MATERNALLY YOURS

When I was pregnant (9 years ago) I had no idea that maxi briefs were available for an expanding tummy, let alone that one could find pretty bra’s with drop down feeding cups – And I was a fashion editor back then! When selecting a maternity bra, it’s important to choose one with the following features:

  • Drop down feeding cups.
  • Extended hook & eyes.
  • A wire free underbust and wide elastic around the diaphragm for support.
  • A frame surrounding the rise of the breast for support when the cup is dropped for feeding.

7814_Printed Maternity N_Sweet Spot

 

Triumph Maternity ‘sweet spot’ bra, R279.95

  • Triumph Maternity bras are available at selected Edgars and Dischem stores in a variety of styles, colours and fabrications, along with a coordinating supportive maxi briefs.

DON’T

Wear one bra for work, play, gym and everything else in between! There is NO ‘one size fits all’ solution and it’s likely to cost you in the long run.

DID YOU KNOW?

80% of women wear the wrong size bra. Triumph Quality and Technical Manager Linda Swanson says: “An ill-fitting bra can cause backache, neck pain and premature drooping, so it’s worth having a professional bra fitting every six months – or whenever you experience hormonal changes, or gain or lose weight.”

Triumph consultants at selected Edgars and Stuttafords stores nationwide offer expert complimentary bra fittings – treat yourself to one! Contact the Triumph customer service consultant Debbie Divine on 021 521 6730 for more information.