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7 Underwear Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making

Recover from all your under-the-surface woes with this lesson in bras, panties and shapewear
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The Fix: Bring in the Backup
"Lifting the bustline will instantly make every woman look more proportionate, taller and slimmer," explains Nethero. How do we achieve this, you ask?

Our guru says that a good bra "should lift the breasts to midway between the elbow and shoulder. The bra support from the straps should be only 10 percent." The rest of the support should come from the back band. On that note, Hernandez suggests trying a band size smaller and a cup size bigger than you're used to.

Ideally, breasts should be positioned "inside the body frame and centered on your chest wall," Nethero says. For the best shape and definition, there should be a 1-inch space between them. Sound complicated? Take a field trip to your nearest lingerie shop for a complimentary bra fitting, and ask your stylist to walk you through.

In the meantime, recommended sag-fighting bras include the Freya Gem bra, Panache Porcelain bra and Chantelle Merci 2-Part Cup Underwire Bra.

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No. 4: Muffin Top
Here's another issue that comes up not because there's something wrong with your body, but because your ill-fitting undies are doing you zero justice.

"Unwanted bulges occur when panties fit too small," says Hernandez. "There isn't a universal sizing system for brands. It's almost impossible to grab your size and go without trying it on first. I've seen mediums that fit like extra smalls." Try to squeeze into a too-tight pair, even if they're marked your size, and you'll be rewarded with copious muffin top.

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The Fix: Size It Up
To combat muffin top, hit the dressing room when you go underwear shopping. "Slide a pair of panties over the pair you're already wearing for sanitation/hygiene purposes. And remember to fit your body, not the number or size on the tag," says Hernandez.

Translation: Don't be afraid to go a size up. It doesn't mean you've gained weight or need to panic -- it simply means that brand's sizing system is different.

If you want to eliminate any hint of muffin top while wearing something very fitted, celebrity stylist James Cornwell recommends investing in a pair of Spanx Power Panties.

"They really contour the love handles, while controlling the tummy and thighs at the same time," says the stylist, whose client list includes the likes of Jessica Alba and Patricia Arquette. On that note, Cornwell also cautions against buying a too-tight pair of Spanx. "I think people tend to make that mistake because they think they really need to squeeze in the love handles, squeeze in the tummy, but that's not going to work. You're not going to get a better shape." The moral of the story? Smaller underwear does not equal better underwear.

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No. 5: Camel Toe
We've all seen it. Maybe we've even had nightmares about it. The unspeakable frontal wedgie. What could be the cause of this catastrophe? As it turns out, the answer is simple: Too little coverage.

According to Cornwell, it can actually be a good idea to go commando or wear a barely there G-string when you'll be donning a fitted dress that would show panty lines no matter what. But in tight jeans and leggings, skimping on underwear altogether is a bad move. "You won't get enough support in the back or coverage in the front," says Cornwell. That's when you run the risk of the calamitous camel toe.

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The Fix: A Little Goes a Long Way
"If you're worried about panty lines showing through leggings or tight jeans, don't go commando," advises Cornwell. Instead, choose a seamless low-rise panty, like the Commando Cotton Low Rise Bikini.

Low-rise panties are also great for preventing your underwear from riding up above the waistline -- you know, that awful thing that happens when you inevitably end up flashing everyone in the room each time you bend over or reach across the table?

Hernandez's favorite low-rise options include the Cosabella Trenta Lowrider Thong and the Hanky Panky Signature Lace Low Rise Thong.

BY AMANDA MONTELL | MAY 25, 2016 | SHARES
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