|

|

How to Look 10 Years Younger and 10 Pounds Lighter

Believe it or not, I’m not going to tell you to revamp your diet, hire a trainer and sign up to run a half marathon. (Although if you REALLY want to look 10 pounds lighter and 10 years younger…. it’s not a bad idea!)

No, what we’re going to talk about today has nothing to do with diet and exercise. This is much less painful, I promise. I’m talking about the importance of proper undergarments.

3 easy ways to look 10 pounds lighter and 10 years younger... I’m talking about the importance of wearing the proper undergarments.

It doesn’t matter how cute your clothes are, if you’re sagging and dragging, you’ll look schlumpy, but fortunately there’s an easy fix! Here are 3 easy ways to instantly look younger and thinner without ever darkening the door of the gym.

3 Easy Ways to Look 10 Years Younger and 10 Pounds Lighter

#1. Get A Professional Bra Fitting

How long has it been since you’ve had a professional bra fitting? Have you ever?

It is estimated that something like 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. And if you think that’s just a clever marketing ploy, just take a look around. I believe it.

The older we are, the more of a problem this becomes. Our bodies change, yes, but I think we also put less of a priority on our underwear. Let’s face it, most of us aren’t as cute and perky as we used to be, and it’s just not as much fun to shop for. But it must be done.

If you were last fitted for a bra 5 or 10 years ago, you probably aren’t the same size anymore. As we age and our weight hems and haws, our bodies change. Every woman should get a professional bra fitting every 5 years or with any major body change (weight loss or gain, childbirth, pregnancy, etc.)

Plus, experts say that bras that we wear on a regular basis should be replaced every six months. I’ll stretch that to about a year, (haha, stretch… I’m so punny) but after that, it’s time for a new one.

Again, this is not just a brilliant marketing strategy on the part of bra manufacturers. Take a look at the straps on your favorite bra — especially the band that goes around your back. Does the elastic look stretched out and worn? See that? It’s time for a new one.

Have you ever bought the same bra as one you have in your closet and compared the new with the old? These babies don’t hold up for much more than a year of regular use. Once they start to stretch out, they don’t do their job, and the next thing you know, you’re saggin’ and baggin’… and one wants that!

So take an afternoon for yourself, go to Nordstrom or Soma or a place that provides professional bra fittings, and freshen up your foundation garments with new ones that put the girls back where they’re supposed to be. Then see how much better your clothes look.

Of course every woman is different, and what works for me may not work for you, but these are my favorites:

For daily wear, I usually alternate between the Wacoal Embrace Lace and Freya Idol Underwire Balconette bras. Both have light padding that doesn’t add bulk but does provide a little extra coverage, and they come in larger cup sizes with smaller back sizes for those of us who need that combination.

The best strapless bra I’ve found for larger chest sizes is the Wacoal Red Carpet. I won’t say it’s comfortable, because no strapless bra is, but it’s about as good as it gets.

And for sports bras, my favorite was discontinued, but this Panache High Impact Sports Bra is similar.

#2. Invest In Good Quality Shapewear

There was a time when a lady would not leave the house without a girdle, and that time wasn’t all that long ago. Nowadays, in the name of feminism or comfort or I’m not even sure what, we just let it all hang out. Fortunately there’s a movement to bring back shapewear, and I’m willing to be the president of the organization.

Now, before you balk, shapewear has come a long way in the past ten years. I promise, good quality shapewear will not be terribly uncomfortable or make you hot. Most shapewear these days is moisture-wicking, so it actually can keep you cooler, and if you go for medium control rather than heavy control, it’s actually quite comfortable to wear all day.

Here are some of my favorites:

I’m a huge fan of the Wacoal Body Base Smoothing Short. I wear them under all my skirts and dresses, and also under white jeans. They have light control for a sleeker, streamlined appearance, and they keep your skirt from getting stuck in unfortunate places when you stand up… ahem. They also have a raw edge so they don’t show through your pants.

Jockey Skimmies Slip Shorts are another good option, but they’re a little thicker. I prefer like for under skirts. They keep things smoothed out without binding, they’re moisture-wicking to keep you cool and comfortable, and they provide some coverage if your skirt flies up.

For form-fitting dresses or jumpsuits, a bodysuit is a great option, but I usually just wear a fitted slip over my smoothing shorts.

Another piece that’s good to have is a waist cincher. I tend to carry extra weight in my belly and midsection, and a waist cincher is great for controlling those pesky belly rolls; it lays under your bra and tucks into your pants or jeans and smooths everything out.

#3. Eliminate Panty Lines

Nothing ruins a classy look like visible panty lines. I think I shocked a bunch of you when I admitted a few months ago to wearing these almost exclusively. Yes, they’re pricey, but they are the best I’ve ever found, and you can get them on sale if you’re patient.

When I wear shorts or dresses, I usually wear these briefs instead. They stay in place and are very comfortable, but they don’t completely eliminate the panty line issue, so with most pants and jeans, I go for the Hanky Pankys. For a more budget-friendly option, I hear great things about the Maidenform version.

Finally, make sure your clothes fit and work for your body. Wearing clothing that is too big or too small will add visual weight and make you look older and heavier than you are. Dress for the size you are now, and you will look better and feel so much more comfortable.

Don’t miss a post!

Subscribe to get email updates! In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and a peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox. You can choose the daily post alerts or weekly recap option.

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

Join The Conversation

38 Responses

  1. I absolutely love your sense of humor! This is a great post and I agree with everything you wrote. I have been getting bra fittings at Nordstrom for years now and it changed my life. I already took your advice on the hanky pankys and I like them very much. Thanks for the advice on the belly cincher – I need that!

      1. Thanks for sharing your wonderful posts. You are doing amazing work! I’ve been using Retin-A (Tretinoin)+Moisturizer for about 3 years now. So happy I’ve got Retin-a (Qacne365). It is hands down the most effective anti-aging, anti-dark spot, anti-whatever skin flaw you may have. It’s also the only thing that has actually helped with my acne. People comment on my skin daily, and have for the past 3 years since I started using it.

  2. This was a much needed post.  I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I read it.  Would like more in the future. I hate my back boobs!

  3. Perfect timing Spanx girl shorts will be my
    New best friend with my first mother of bride
    Experience coming up fast!

  4. Quick question, does the waist cincher roll up at the bottom?  I am short waisted and some of these are just a tad long.
    Thanks!

  5. That waist cincher looks like a winner.  After two c-sections, I’m so self conscious of my lower abdomen. Thanks for the suggestion.

  6. i just went to Nordstrom for a bra fitting – my first ever at 49! I bought the Wacoal bras and cannot believe how much better “the girls” look in everythiing!! I had my old bras for 4 years, soooooo you can imagine how those were., 🙁 Great advice. I am on the hunt for the shapewear next. Thanks for a great post.

  7. Love this post!  Soma makes some awesome panties called “vanishing edge”. They are available in various party styles and are truly life changers!!!

  8. What an interesting post!  I recently bought two new bras from Belk.  I HATE trying them on and I HATE how expensive they are!  I will confess that I am guilty of wearing my undergarments much longer than I should.  I really like wearing Vanity Fair Body panties for a smooth look, and they are more economical.  I have been looking for a new sports bra, but I don’t like the ones that don’t have a hook closure.  I’m glad the rain seems to have moved out of your area.  We saw how bad it was on the National news last night.  Have a blessed day!

  9. Good post and I’ve been wearing the Wacoal bras for years and they are worth the price. Sometimes I can find them on sale at Macy’s. I am 5’1 with a petite frame but have a D-cup so bras have always been a challenge and I would be interested in trying the Cantelle Sports Bra. It’s a bit pricey but I guess it’s much less than a lift and a reduction. Lol. Thanks for sharing. 

  10. Love this post but can’t wrap my head around thongs for me. But the Soma invisible high cut works for me. Seems to lift up my tush. May not have spelled that right. 🙂

  11. Totally agree with you. I just bought 3 new bras at Nordstroms and will be on the look out for a belly cincher. The shapewear I’ve worn in the past would just roll down my belly. I have a hard time wearing a camisole because I feel they give me extra bulk where I don’t need it.

    1. I don’t like a cami because it reshapes the girls or looks like a uniboob under my t-shirts. I haven’t tried this waist cincher, but the one I have doesn’t roll because it is held up by the bra strap and held down by the waist of my pants. 🙂 I do have to tug it down occasionally, but I’d rather do that than have the belly rolls. 🙃

  12. I think I really need this post …menapause has changed my body so much. The smallest part of body used to be my waist but now at 58 I am fighting muffin top I will be ordering these items Thank you

  13. I’m going to have to go in and have a bra fitting! My current bras feel like a vice around me- too tight. So I’m sure that means I need a bigger size around and I think my cup size has increased too…..Menopause delights – LOL!  Have you tried any of the wireless bras?

    I saw clips of all that flooding back east on the news last night- yikes! Glad to hear it’s starting to dry out. 

    1. Yeah, it’s been really crazy here!

      So yeah, menopause issues… ugh. My back size isn’t bigger, but my cup size is up to a G now. Good times. I haven’t tried the wireless bras, I feel that I always need the shape and support an underwire gives, but maybe there’s some new technology these days.

  14. I bought that sports bra on your recommendation a year (or two?!) ago, and it’s so well made and comfortable. Really supports my DD situation while running 🤪 Thanks!!

  15. I love this post! I am saving this for future reference! I just turned 44 and have noticed that my bra’s don’t fit as they used to. I am going for a professional fitting asap. Also the information about the other shapeware is great. I don’t wear that but I realize I definitely need to! I’ve never wear thongs and I don’t think I can get used to that, so in the panty department I need some other options but will try some when I go underwear shopping! Thank you

  16. Excellent post and I’m keeping it for future reference. I could use the waist cincher! One other thing to help us look 10 years younger and thinner is to work on good posture. Poor posture adds visible weight around the midsection and makes everything sag. Plus it makes us look tired and lazy.

    1. Forward her my blog post? 😉

      I dunno, I probably wouldn’t tackle that, but you could talk about how you went and got fitted for new bras and see if it lights a spark.

  17. I totally agree with all of this information. I’m on a mission to replace all of my bras this summer because they are all over two years old, ahem. I was once asked how I didn’t have back fat or back rolls, lol and a good fitting bra goes a long way with that. Of course, diet and exercise go even further.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search
Close this search box.