It's common for girls in our community to say things like "I hate bloomers, they look like nappies" or "Bloomers make me feel like a clown". I've heard instances of girls not allowing their boyfriends to take off their lolita dresses because they are afraid of them seeing them in their bloomers and a sports bra. Though the outer layer of lolita is beautiful and refined it seems like the inner lolita clothing can sometimes be...well, embarrassing. This does not have to be the case!
There are many ways for a lolita to wear underwear that is just a pretty as her dress and you don't have to spend a bunch to get it imported either! Though some girls claim that the underwear isn't important I personally feel that if I am wearing something pretty underneath my dress I feel more beautiful overall. My under garments are a pretty little secret that only I know about.
Here are some fantastic alternatives to boy shorts/bloomers and tank tops:
Fitted Bloomers
Fitted bloomers are a godsend. I've recently discovered them and I can't get enough! Fitted bloomers are similar to regular bloomers except they have more shape to them. They are shorter and don't sag so much in the crotch. There is a difference in the cut of the material in the front than in the back, taking bloomers from frumpy to lovely.
Fitted bloomers are often made in opulent materials as opposed to the ordinary cotton of regular bloomers giving them a luxurious quality. I feel that if the wind blows up your skirt and the world is treated to a view of your delicates (which with a petticoat happens quite often) fitted bloomers provide enough coverage to avoid humiliation yet also are so pretty that you won't really mind showing them off!
This type of bloomer can be quite difficult to find both in stores or online. Your best bet is to hunt through vintage consignment stores or check out online historical undergarment stores. If you are capable with a sewing machine it may be easier to just make them yourself.
Though they may be elusive fitted bloomers are totally worth it if you are able to find a pair! They also never stay in stores fast so if you come across one buy it quickly.
Corsets
Corsets are very underrated in the modern world. If they are worn at all in mainstream fashion they are usually worn as a substitute for a top. In reality they were designed as underwear and are both gorgeous and useful.
Though corsets require assistance to put on they make for a very pretty addition to your intimates. Corsets also can help you slip more easily into those tight brand dresses and assist in creating an hourglass figure for your body. Besides being pretty corsets actually have some health benefits as well! The sturdy structure of corsets helps to give you better posture, they have even been shown to improve cases where the spine is curved! For those with larger breasts corsets can alleviate back pain and provide greater support for your chest than a bra can.
Of course it would be immoral of me to praise the health benefits of corsets without speaking of the serious health risks involved with everyday or frequent wear. If laced very tightly over time the wearers body will begin to conform to the shape of the corset. The ribs will compress and the vital organs will be pushed together. The muscle tone of the abdomens will greatly decrease causing Glenard's disease. Also the womb may be affected making it difficult or impossible for the wearer to have children. These side affects only occur if a corset is worn very often, if you just wear one now and again (and do not lace it too tightly) then your body will remain healthy.
It's fairly easy to find a corset in a style that fits your fancy. There are hundreds of stores online that specialize in making Victorian style corsets, many also take custom orders. A good corset will run you anywhere form $75 to $200, but if you just want one for the occasional wear then there are cheaper ones available from stores like Bodyline.
Delicate Bras
If corsets seem a little too scary for you then why not try a delicate, elegant bra? Bra's of course are the easiest to find because they are sold in almost every clothing store. Finding a lovely, lacy one may not be as hard as you think either. Although the main perception of bras is that they are tools to make you appear sexy and voluptuous there are several places that cater to the idea that bras should make you feel pretty.
Victoria's Secret has a line called Angels which specializes in pretty, feminine bras which very much match the lolita aesthetic. When shopping for new bras you should take the opportunity to have a free fitting as your breasts change size all the time. Your breasts will look and feel their best only if they are in a bra that fits them perfectly!
On special occasions you might want to try wearing fitted bloomers, a delicate bra and a corset all at once to make you feel extra gorgeous. I hope this entry has inspired you to feel beautiful!
