Q How do you choose panties that don't reveal visible panty line (VPL) when you wear very fitted trousers or skirts? Also, is there a foolproof way of choosing a bra that fits well?

A Yee May Chow, brand manager of Japanese lingerie brand Bradelis (Dressing Room, Level 2 Tangs Orchard, above right), says there are two tried-and-tested undergarments that are VPL-resistant.

One is the G-string and the other is a panty designed to cup the butt cheeks entirely, usually termed the full cut or full coverage cut. In the latter, the natural outline of your derriere will disguise any VPL.

Also look out for underwear lines designed to be 'invisible'. These include Triumph's Stretty Skinfit range ($17.90 to $18.90, Photo 2) and its Maximiser Seamless V-fusion range ($27.90). If VPLs persist, you may be wearing outer garments that are too tight.

As for bras, Lorna Tio, Triumph Singapore's vice-president for marketing, suggests that you get re-measured every time you are buying new bras. Also, always try new bras on before buying.

'Fluctuations in bra sizes are quite common, due to factors such as weight changes and water retention', she says.

Yee adds: 'Before the onset of menstruation, most women experience some swelling of the breasts that can bump them up by up to one cup size.'

Prices for Bradelis underwear range from $190 to $400 for bras and $59 to $109 for panties.

Remember, fit is fab.

'Bras that are too loose will not support the breasts properly, making them more prone to sagging due to the force of gravity,' says Dr Martin Huang, director and consultant plastic surgeon of The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic at Paragon.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Jan 30, 2009.