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Should I Match My Bra and Underwear?

Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen

The decision to match your bra and underwear is a personal one and should be made on the basis of your need for a matching bra and underwear set, the clothing you wear and your body type. For many women, matching underwear is primarily an esthetic choice, and may be something you are most comfortable with in the context of an intimate relationship. On the other hand, one component of a matching underwear set may not be suitable for wear under some garments, and, in some cases, you may need more support in one area of your body than you do another.

When selecting underwear, it is important to make sure that its design will improve your appearance. If a bra and underwear set is made up of two pieces that can be comfortably worn under a particular outfit, wearing them together can be a good idea. In some cases, however, while a pair of underwear may go well under a pair of jeans or a skirt, the straps on its matching bra may be too wide for the top that you choose to wear. Conversely, the bra may look great under a sweater, but the underwear may cause visible panty lines through the trousers you wear.

A woman trying on a bra.
A woman trying on a bra.

Another consideration in choosing whether to wear a matching bra and underwear is your own need for supportive undergarments. If you carry extra weight around your midsection or behind, you may wish to wear underpants that provide you with additional support so as to make you look better under your clothes. Similarly, if you have a need to either maximize or minimize your bust, you may need to select a bra specially designed for that purpose.

A beige underwire bra.
A beige underwire bra.

If you have a situation in which you want to match your bra and underwear, but the two pieces of a matching set simply are not appropriate for your outfit, you may wish to try at least matching the color of bra and underwear. In such cases you can attempt to achieve a decent color match between both pieces of underwear while wearing the style of undergarment that best flatters your clothing and your body. One way to do this is to attempt to buy your underwear from the same manufacturer, as the company may use similar dyes in the coloring of both bra and panties. This would allow you to have the look of a matching set while getting the coverage and support that you need.

Discussion Comments

Oceana

@seag47 - I used to do like you do and choose my bra first, and then if my underwear matched or not didn’t matter. However, when I started wearing mostly dresses, I ran into a problem in both departments that led me to buy only matching sets.

When I put on a dress, my panty line almost always shows through. The same goes for the underwire or ribbons on a bra. So, I started buying matching sets designed to remain hidden under clothing.

I bought panties that were designed to prevent panty lines. I also bought bras that were seamless and wireless, yet still provided enough padding to maintain my shape.

So, though it wasn’t a fashion choice, I did wind up with matching bras and underwear. Now that I’m used to it, it would probably bother me to go back to random choices that didn’t match.

lighth0se33

I have about twenty brightly colored pairs of underwear. Some have patterns, and some are solid. I also have ten bright, solid color bras.

Because there is so much variety in my collection, it is easy to match them up. Technically, they are not matching sets, but because they did come from the same store, the colors go together. Bubblegum pink in underwear is the same shade in a bra.

I buy undergarments from this store only. Once I find something that works, I stick with it. Because I know that this brand is comfortable and durable, I keep buying it.

wavy58

I have a friend whose husband is big on hunting, and she thought it would be cute to get a matching camo bra and underwear set. She couldn’t have hidden among the trees very well with the one she chose, though!

She got a pink, gray, and black camo set. The bra has underwire, so it is supportive. It is also slightly padded for shaping. It has a matching bikini.

She always buys matching sets like this, so it is a little harder for her to find the right kind, as far as support goes. She was thrilled when she found this in a hunting catalog, and she surprised her husband with it.

seag47

I must admit that I don’t wear matching bras and underwear. As far as underwear goes, I just grab one from my drawer. I base my bra decision on what top I am wearing that day, and whether or not it ends up matching my underwear is up to chance.

I have several tops that require a lower cut bra. The necks scoop pretty low, and the tops of some bras would show, so I have to wear either my beige or my pink low cut bra with those. Since these are the only two bras I have that will suit these tops, there is a slim chance my underwear will match them.

On days when my underwear and bra wind up matching, I kind of pause and look in the mirror and go, “What a coincidence! Cool.” Then I go on about my day and forget what I’m wearing under my clothes.

Mykol

I feel good if I get out the door in the morning on time. Trying to myself and three kids to work and school on time is no easy task.

Thinking about wearing a matching bra and underwear is the very last thing on my mind. As long as they are clean, then I am good to go.

I put a little bit more thought in to this if I am going out to a party or a nice wedding. For something like this, I like to wear a pretty satin bra and underwear. For every day wear, this is something that doesn't even cross my mind.

Maybe someday when life is less hectic, I will be more organized and put a little bit more thought and energy into thinking about this.

sunshined

My daughter has several pair of cute bra and underwear sets. When we are shopping for underwear, it seems like most of these styles are geared towards the younger girls.

When I am going to work or dressing up for a special occasion, I like to wear a bra and underwear that match.

On the weekends and when I am dressing down, I am not so particular about it. For me, a matching bra and underwear is something that is the same color, and not necessarily the same matching set.

I think it might get too expensive to do this every day. I have found sound nice matching sets on clearance, and like to wear them for special occasions, but usually stick to the ones that are at least the same color.

golf07

I have a hard time finding bras that fit right. In order to get the best fit with a full coverage bra, I need to spend quite a bit of money.

I simply cannot afford to have a matching set of bra and underwear for every day. I don't get too carried away with colors and patterns, so it isn't that big of a deal to me.

Most all of my bras and underwear are neutral colors, so they look fine together. I just like to make sure they are in good shape.

Some women wear their bras and underwear when the bras have lost their support and the underwear have holes in them. Even though I don't have a lot of extra money, I make sure my under garments are in decent shape.

SarahSon

I don't wear a matching women's bra and underwear set every day, but I really do feel better if they are at least in the same color spectrum.

I would not want to wear an orange bra and a bright pink pair of underwear. I know nobody sees them, but I know they are there. I also know how I feel after I am dressed in the morning.

I also make sure the patterns don't clash. I would not want to wear a bra that is a leopard print with a pair of underwear that has pastel polka dots on them.

ddljohn

As a guy, I can honestly say that I don't care if my wife wears a matching bra and underwear or not. Yea, it looks nice but it's not something that I would demand from her and I'm sure the same goes for most men.

I do agree that this is a personal choice for women. You should wear comfortable bras and underwear that makes you happy. One thing I would like to say is, even though bra and underwear doesn't need to match, it shouldn't be granny underpants and all worn out either. That is a major turnoff!

I know my wife puts on a new underwear like every day, so they get worn out pretty fast. So ladies, please get a new batch when that happens. If it happens to be of nice material and matching your bra, that's an extra but not necessary.

ysmina

@burcinc-- I don't agree with you at all. No one sees my undergarments but I still match them. I've always matched them since I started wearing bras in Middle School! I just think that it looks nice, if they don't match, I feel annoyed.

I don't think that women should dress to please men, I certainly don't. I wear matching bras and underwear because it looks good and it makes me feel good about myself.

It doesn't need to cost a lot either. It's possible to get different brand panties and bras to match as long as it's the same color. Black and white for example, is super easy to match. And I don't shop at high end lingerie stores either. Lots of stores carry a nice selection of matching lingerie that is affordable.

burcinc

I do own several pairs of matching bras and underwear. But I don't usually wear them on a day to day basis. I enjoy buying quality and matching lingerie for special occasions but I agree with the article that wearing matching bras and underwear doesn't always work with the clothes you're wearing.

Since I pay more than usual for my matching lingerie, it doesn't make sense to wear them everyday. I mean, if I'm the only one seeing them, why does it matter? I wear a matching underwear and bra only when my boyfriend comes to see me from out of town and when we are celebrating an anniversary or special occasion.

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    • A woman trying on a bra.
      A woman trying on a bra.
    • A beige underwire bra.
      By: Graça Victoria
      A beige underwire bra.
    • A strapless bra.
      By: Brooke Becker
      A strapless bra.
    • Matching bra and underwear is primarily an aesthetic choice.
      By: Ruslan Kudrin
      Matching bra and underwear is primarily an aesthetic choice.
    • It is not necessary to match underwear with bra.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      It is not necessary to match underwear with bra.