No matter how old you are, this time of year always incites back to school butterflies. And like spring makes you feel the need to clean out the house, for whatever reason, fall feels like the right time to stock up on those everyday foundations we all need to replenish, the no-brainers that make getting dressed and out of the house remotely possible on a busy morning.
To make rounding up these wardrobe staples even easier, our Bare Necessities buyers zeroed in on our best multipacks and Buy More Save More deals. (You can always find them on our promotions page.) Here’s our shopping list of what to load up on for you, for him and for any teens in the house (or going off to college) you may still be bankrolling. They’re the finds our shoppers love and keep coming back to.
Time to get back to basics, in the best possible way.
Summertime, and the living is arguably easier. What is it about a little sunshine that makes this the happiest time of year and, more importantly, how to bottle that feeling for the other nine months?
Bare Necessities looked into the science behind summer’s golden touch. We’re here to share ideas you can draw on when fall and winter start getting you down. Bookmark this for when you need it in the back half of the year!
Trend-seekers by nature, Bare Necessities staffers are pretty go go go, always seeking out what’s new and noteworthy for fresh inspiration. This month alone, we’re headed for Greece, Israel, Ireland, Mexico, Miami and Chicago.
Bare it All checked in with a few of these intrepid travelers to put together a list of the essentials for a fab summer escape, whether by plane, train or automobile.
The Olga Secret Hug Scoop Hipster has a following so devoted, most celebrities would be envious. Hundreds upon hundreds leave our warehouse every day. This word-of-mouth favorite has been around for decades and remains more or less unchanged.
“Customers know it by style number,” says buyer Alyssa Barnard. “This panty runs deep, okay? I couldn’t believe it, even when I first became a merchant in this area. This is by far THE panty, our #1. It’s legendary.”
For a time, Olga discontinued it—and they heard about it from fans. This past fall, by placing an order for “a boatload of panties,” Bare Necessities was able to bring them back. The Olga Secret Hug Scoop Hipster continues to be our exclusive, and it continues to fly off the warehouse shelves. We carry the entire size range (S/5 to 2XL/9) in classic neutrals, the just-reintroduced navy and lace dot print, and the newest hue, sand.
What’s amazing about its ascendency is that, for all intents and purposes, we’re talking about “a granny panty,” in the best way possible: It’s generously cut in the seat and the wide, lacy elastic waist gently supports a tummy.
“Women also love it during pregnancy because it’s stretchy yet soft; it doesn’t dig in anywhere,” Alyssa says. She thinks this unassuming style is repeatedly referred to in near-perfect reviews as the “best panties ever” because they’re feminine, flattering, exceedingly comfortable, true to size and affordable (three for $27), yet very silky and luxe-feeling.
We had five staffers road test the Olga913, as it’s known around here, to find out firsthand what makes them so against-all-odds outstanding, and the common thread was this: You don’t even know they’re on.
We asked our resident bra expert, Bare Necessities merchandise manager Heather Garcia, for her favorite summertime picks of each style of bra so you can put on the best, get outside and enjoy every minute of what feels like the shortest season.
Why you need it now: “Shoulder-baring fashion is everywhere, and it requires the right bra to be able to pull off the look,” says Heather. Our team of buyers constantly scours the market to put together the widest possible size range of strapless bras that actually stay up, so whether you’re going to a cookout or a cotillion, you can count on feeling put-together and supported. The two most important tell-tale signs that your strapless makes the cut: The gore should be tacking flat against your chest between the breasts, and the bra should feel comfortable right from the start. Otherwise, you’re not going to wear it, no matter how well it fits.
Strapless bras we love:
1. Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra(at left): You can bet your bra straps on this all-star for C-cups and up. When someone asks us for a strapless suggestion, this is where we start.
At the risk of jinxing it, it appears spring is finally, really, actually, officially and irrevocably here. Seems like a safe-enough time—quick, knock wood—to send the sweaters packing and turn to pressing matters like our sandal and swimsuit situations.
With Memorial Day squarely in sight, Bare Necessities is here to start things off with the swim part of the equation. And since we’re just coming out from under all those layers and feeling a bit more…well, pale and squishy, frankly…than we hope to be by July or August, we’re doing it delicately.
That can only mean one highly essential thing: cover-ups.
Those chic, breezy security blankets are the perfect segue between showing no skin and baring it all, between feeling warm rays on your shoulders and promptly burning to a crisp, between showing up for those first warm days and endlessly waiting for the height of summer.
This season, our swim buyer Megan Puma has assembled the freshest cover-up mix to date, and paired them for you with a few good suits. Pretty much all that’s left to do is put one on and head on out.
Stepped-up sleepwear is a smart gift idea because it’s one of those things Mom loves but probably doesn’t treat herself to very often. So between our expert Bare Necessities buyers and Bra Fit Experts, we’ve put together the ultimate mother-approved sleepwear cheat sheet. All you have to do is skim and click and, presto, you’re Mom’s favorite.
Here’s the thing: You have to order by today if you want to get it in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13th. (Stepping up to preferred shipping buys you a few days and lets you cut the line for a nominal fee.)
Read on for our top 10 gift picks that are all about comfort and heart. If you need even more fast, fab ideas for a very particular mama, call 877-728-9272 x4 or chat via barenecessities.com with a Bra Fit Expert before time’s no longer on your side.
And if all else fails, send an e-gift certificate and remember to tell Ma how much you love her in the message.
Those comfy thongs with a cult following, Hanky Panky panties were first made by Gale Epstein and Lida Orzeck using repurposed embroidered handkerchiefs (so that explains the name). Safe to say that eco-friendliness has been a priority since Day One. Hanky Panky shares its sustainability policy loud and proud, stressing made-in-the-USA carbon savings, low-impact dyes and fibers (expect 100 percent organic cotton by 2025) and recycling of textile waste, packaging and shipping materials. #impressive
“As we all become more dependent on synthetic textiles that don’t biodegrade, we’re also more aware that we must be better stewards of our planet. Most used garments can be handed down, repurposed or donated, but intimate apparel—specifically panties and bras—cannot,” Gale told Bare it All.
For the best support, industry experts, including our Bare Necessities Bra Fit Experts, recommend replacing your heavy-rotation bras about every six months. What’s a girl gotta do to keep pieces that have lived out their useful lives from ending up in the trash heap?
This month, in time for Earth Day, they’re taking things a step beyond…by bringing you into the fold.
Lingeriecycle™, Hanky Panky’s new sustainability initiative, helps divert worn-out, no-longer wearable items from clogging up landfills, where more than 10 million tons of clothes wind up every year. Hanky Panky is even covering the processing costs for customers in exchange for taking greater ownership over the eco impact of its garments.
“It is the right thing to do for the planet. We hope that in the future, all brands and retailers will take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of the items they sell, and we are proud to lead the way for the lingerie industry to transition into a sustainable future,” says the mission statement. “In keeping with Hanky Panky’s 40-year commitment to sustainability, the brand has partnered with a textile waste management organization, B.R.A.Recycling Agency, to make it easy for customers to mail in their old, worn-out bras and panties, which will be shredded and remade into carpet padding.”
Through Lingeriecycle, Hanky Panky will provide single-use envelopes free of charge, which customers can fill with panties and bras of any brand. Add postage and drop into the mail to the recycling center address pre-printed on the envelope.
Want to know what you’re going to be seeing filling your underwear and pajama drawers later this year? Bare Necessities just cruised the aisles of CurvExpo in New York City, the twice-yearly, industry-leading lingerie and swimwear exhibition, to find out what’s going to be in when it comes to in innerwear.
Read on for the 2018 lingerie trends you can look forward to:
The Little Bra Company
PURPLE REIGNS SUPREME
We saw purple everywhere we looked. This year’s shade is a softer, smokier plum that could be inspired by your eyeshadow palette. It’s not exactly the Ultra Violet shade chosen by Pantone as the Color of the Year, but it’s definitely derived from it. We saw mauve in the upcoming collections from some of our favorite bra brands like Le Mystère, The Little Bra Company(near left) and Curvy Kate. Burgundy was hot on its maribou heels, as we noticed at Elomi and others.
Green is also a go, trending in an emerald-inspired tone that’s a lightened-up take on forest, deeper than Kelly green yet brighter than olive drab. Robins-egg blue also made several unexpectedly spring-inspired appearances for fall/winter.
Millennial Pink keeps on keeping on, as blush tones are such a natural fit for intimate apparel; ditto every shade of skin, from pale beige to rich cocoa colors.
When it comes to swimwear, blue still rules the pool, particularly when played up against black or white in graphic, geometric prints.
YOU’LL BE PUTTING ON THE GLITZ
Adina Reay
More than a few brands integrated sparkly elements—silver glitter, gold stars, shimmering metallic threads and Swarovski crystal embellishment—making for some very extra night-out (be it with yourself or someone else) bras.
Other special little details we spied: buttons in untraditional shapes like stars, grommets and studs on bras, zipper details, appliqué flowers and the continuation of cheeky printed sayings.
EXPECT EMBROIDERY AND SHEER
Speaking of special detail, we noticed sheer mesh—often embroidered—at every turn. The look is modern and minimalist, not ornate and tutu-inspired. “Sheer and light” is the theme at Le Mystère; stitched pops of neon orange flowers dotted a shimmery beige mesh background at Adina Reay, the mistress of luxe metallics (near right). Sheer trim on ankle-length robes was a recurrent look, as well.
GO FROM “SLEEP TO STREET”
We also heard this trend referred to as “bed to breakfast,” and it means separates that effortlessly transition from in the house to on the go. The look that blurs the lines and defies strict categorization was a common thread at PJ Salvage, UGG and many others.
Now more than ever, celebrities are helping “to expand what ‘intimates’ means, to push the limits, to make them more visible,” said Sarah Healy of Commando, where leggings, bodysuits and mesh tops have transcended basic base layers and become pieces meant to be seen in their own right: “It’s not just about sizing up or down; every size has its own pattern. Fit, function and luxe, high-tech fabrics are being applied more broadly,” Sarah added, showing us real-world-road-tested features like built-in tummy shaping panels in the washable, dryable, faux-leather leggings to stretchy, snap-crotch bodysuits.
Mapalé
SETS SELL
Unlike ready-to-wear, innerwear is not a place where you’ll have to mix and match to create your own look. From timeless pajamas pairings at Karen Neuburger to a sexy-sweet Mapalé teddy (near left) with matching robe that also sounded the sheer trend note, pieces intentionally styled together take the guesswork out of getting undressed.
REACH FOR TOUCHY-FEELY TEXTURES
As one could hope to expect from intimate apparel, texture is half the equation. Inspired by outerwear and ready-to-wear were the nubby, fuzzy teddy bear robes and lounge layers, and faux-fur trim seen at the likes of Splendid, PJ Salvage and UGG. Smooth panne and crushed velvet carried over from last year in bras, sleep shorts and loungewear. Diaphanous waffle knits are as cozy as they are light. Modal fabric finds still more applications in everything from bras to pajamas. Super soft microfiber starred at Le Mystère, especially in wireless molded microfiber and mesh for light, smooth, breathable bras. Flat mesh is cleverly layered atop lace for a romantic look with a smooth finish at The Little Bra Company.
RUFFLES, RUFFLES EVERYWHERE
We noticed flounce details all around—on the hems of robes and bedroom jackets, nightgowns, bra straps, even eye masks—giving more feminine fashion interest to otherwise functional pieces.
Kisskill
CUTE EYE MASKS MAKE SLEEP CHIC
We saw them (ha!) all over the place, from PJ Salvage’s ruffled version to pretty and silky at Josie Natori to Kisskill’s edgy turns of phrase (“Go Away,” “Shhh…” and the more direct “F*** Off,” near right).
Annie Dean (above left) and Anna Auerbach (above right) were strangers living on opposite coasts when they quit their high-powered careers to change the world together.
Connected by a mutual friend over a call that was rescheduled three times, Annie, a “recovering corporate real estate attorney,” and Anna, an immigrant from Kiev who went to Harvard Business School before becoming a McKinsey consultant and social impact COO, bonded over working-mother worries. Though they could have commiserated and carried on with business as usual, they decided instead to disrupt the outdated system.
That’s how Werk was born. The service pre-screens for leadership-track, career-advancing jobs with built-in flexibility so that women don’t have to ramp down, opt out or never see their families. The 600+ openings listed come from the likes of HBO, Deloitte and MM.LaFleur.
“Employees no longer work standard hours in a single space with one parent at home,” reads Werk’s manifesto. “We cannot parent like we don’t have jobs and work like we don’t have children. Flexibility is the highest-impact, lowest-cost tool companies can use to optimize their workforce.” Maybe that’s why Fast Company recognized Werk as one of the Top 11 Innovations That Made Women’s Lives Better in 2017.
Since our mission at Bare Necessities is to lift women up, we’re firmly in favor of Anna and Annie’s script-flipping vision. Read on for how these friends are advocating for women in the workforce on a mass scale. Thanks to them, more of us will be able to “have it all” in the not-so-distant, female-led future.
An above-average bottle of Champagne. Seventy-percent-minimum dark chocolate. A ridiculously fancy candle. Some treats are timeless, best savored every so often all year long and filed under “self-care.”
Of course, they happen to be extra decadent when experienced altogether. Often the only time all those stars align is on Valentine’s Day.
Sexy lingerie is one of these things, too. Consider V-Day a perfect excuse to indulge or show off some of the more special pieces you’ve collected.
If you’re plugged into pop culture, you’re probably hearing about half-size bras. At Bare Necessities, we know the phenomenon is nothing new; it’s been tried many times before. Playtex introduced the “Thank Goodness It Fits” collection years ago, which included “nearly” sizes (Nearly A, Nearly B and Nearly C) and the “Half Sizes Too” line.
Half-sizes seemed revolutionary when they launched but, despite a big marketing push, the collections were discontinued—they just weren’t relevant. Here’s why they’re nothing more than smoke and mirrors…
