The 2009 Undie Awards

If you follow all things lingerie, you have to know about the Undie Awards. These awards are voted by regular folks (like you and me) in several lingerie categories - including men’s underthings - to determine what bras, panties and unmentionables are most loved by the consumer.

This doesn’t mean we are talking about lingerie that only looks good on a mannequin. This is lingerie that is loved and worn by women of all shapes and sizes. In fact, in many categories there is a “full figure” winner.

The Undie Awards this year introduced me to some brands I wasn’t that familiar with before. For instance, have you encountered Panache yet? Panache is a brand out of the UK that has some delicious styles - including the winner of the Full Figure bra category at the Undies. As a result of checking out the winners, I have completely fallen in love with the Pananche Superbra Tango II Underwire Balconette. Given that my post-baby weight is now dropping away (and not returning), I’m looking at buying a few new bras. Panache will be on my list.

Everyone has heard of Spanx, but have you run across Flexees? These are another keen competitor in this burgeoning market. They won in the Shapewear category for their Flexees Everyday Slimming Singlet. This is a one piece garment that will eliminate the dreaded “visible back fat” while also providing extra tummy control. It shapes from the upper back to mid thigh - and is designed so that you can wear your own bra under it! Thankfully, it’s also designed so that you don’t have to - ahem - get out of it when you are in the ladies room.

Four lovely bras took the ribbon for best t-shirt bras. Not surprisingly, these are all seamless styles. Panache wins again in this category for their Porcelain Molded Seamless Underwire (treat those molded cups carefully), but we also see Vanity Fair with its Body Sleeks Contour Stretch Bra, Fantasie with its Smoothing T-Shirt Bra and Anita with its Twin Air Underwire Support Bra.

Check out the winners yourself!