This summer's sheer and form-fitting designs cry out for a special team of supporting players. We'll tell you why what lies beneath is just as important as what you've got going on the surface.

The buzz began when a scantily-clad Jennifer Lopez made her jaw-dropping entrance in a diaphanous dress at this year's Grammy Awards. Then R & B artist Sisqo's racy ode to underthings, "The Thong Song," began swamping the radio and video airwaves and started everybody thinking about what lies underneath it all. It seems underwear is coming out of hiding, and nowhere is this more apparent--or should we say transparent--than in the clothing that designers sent down the spring/summer runways.

A scant few of the fashions, like Ms. Lopez's Versace-designed number, come with the underwear already built in. But for the most part, women will likely be crowding the intimate apparel department in search of the perfect underpinning--one that doesn't show through, look lumpy or create visible panty lines. We've scouted out the best--and best of all--most comfortable ideas to see you through the season of skin without an ounce of self-consciousness.

Nothing To Hide

Come summer, you'll be hard-pressed to find a top or bottom that doesn't show some skin. From sheer blouses to chiffon skirts, from halter and bandeau tops to clingy capris and low-riding hip-huggers, fashion this season is all about baring as much as you dare. Fortunately, the makers of intimate apparel have come up with a myriad of options that offer a good foundation:

Top Options

• Another smooth move: a camisole style with or without a built-in bra. Many, like those by Donna Karan, come in a microfiber material that adheres to your body's curves and feels good against the skin. With spandex added, this option offers coverage, comfort and support in one lightweight piece. Layer it underneath a sheer blouse, mesh tee or printed tattoo top and you'll never have to worry about giving an unplanned peep show when the sun shines through your shirt.
• A bra with detachable straps offers the limitless versatility: it can be worn with everything from tailored shirts to halter tops, from spaghetti-strap cocktail dresses to strapless evening gowns. Some even come with features that allow you to convert it into a criss-cross shape.
• The modified corset is making a comeback, particularly those with lace detailing. It's an ideal option for fuller-busted women who want to wear something baring but can't afford to skimp on the support an underwire garment provides. The styles run the gamut from seamless to scalloped edging to old-fashioned boning details. Those with spandex added in strategic places eliminate the need for confining wires, and also prevent the slip-sliding that requires constant tugging to keep it from falling down. Pair this style with an allover lace shirt or layered underneath a gauzy blouse, and no one will be able to tell where the outer wear ends and the underwear begins.
• The simplest solution: a tube top. It's a lot more comfortable than duct tape (how some of those Hollywood types get their killer cleavage), can be worn underneath anything strapless and offers support without making you feel like a sausage.

The Bottom Line

• The hip-huggers, clingy capris, ultra-sheer chiffon skirts and skimpy short-shorts of summer present a few shopping challenges where your basic bloomers just won't do. For a seamless transition, the thong wins hands down.
  
  Not only does it prevent embarrassing panty lines, but it also allows you to breathe. There are even some styles, like Bodyslimmers by Nancy Ganz, that come with tummy control, so that you don't have to sacrifice support in order to look sexy.
• Shapewear is another one of summer's saving graces. Intimate apparel makers have gone to great effort to design styles that don't make you feel like a wrestler caught in a headlock. There are styles with spandex that fit like a second skin, yet allow a range of motion. There are hip slips that extend up to the waist for those who may need to pinch an extra inch. There are boy shorts and bike short styles that create a seamless, invisible line underneath flat front pants and hipster shorts.
• There ought to be a law against pantyhose in summer, but there are many offices that require that they be worn year-round. If this rule applies to you, you can kill two birds with one nylon by choosing hosiery with a built-in panty. It has the same effect as a pair of seamless bottoms--smoothing out any unsightly lines.

A Caveat

All of your hard work will be for naught if, after shopping for the perfect undergarments, you choose a color that screams out for attention. If inconspicuous is the look you desire, flesh-tones and pastel shades are the order of the day. If you do experiment with color, be sure to layer it tone on tone, a hot pink bra underneath a sheer blouse in a similar shade, or a white thong underneath white linen pants, for example.

Okay, so the look is hot, but will it FEEL hot? You can breathe easy: Unless you are opting for lingerie with the greatest percentage of spandex added, you should be able to have your seamless look and wear it too without any fear of overheating. Many intimate apparel makers are now using specially-designed fabrics such as Tactel nylon which give your skin some breathing room. With this exciting array of foundations at your disposal, you can bare as much as you dare. Look out Jennifer!

Vanessa Bush has covered the beauty and fashion scene for a host of magazines including Glamour and Honey, and she is currently an editor at Essence. She is the co-author, with supermodel Tyra Banks, of Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out. Vanessa and her family make their home in New Jersey.

Discuss this article with others right now at The Salon!

100% Safe & Secure
NO ANIMAL TESTING OR INGREDIENTS (100% VEGAN)
© 2007 Lamas, Inc. All Rights Reserved.