I’m focusing on the ladies in this piece, as my blog is
geared towards women, but I might do a piece on men’s foundation garments at
some point.
Foundation garments are a subject not often addressed in the
fashion blogs (both Goth and non-goth) that I read, but something that is
quintessentially important for your outfit. Without a proper fitting
foundation, clothes will not sit properly and will not hold their shape. This
is especially true of more shapeless pieces, those that do not have tailored
fit or that are not cut for specific body types.
Technically speaking, foundation garments are meant to alter
your shape so it looks more fashionable, but I say it goes beyond this.
Foundation garments are the base upon which you build your outfit, even if you
aren’t substantially altering your shape. Foundation garments do not
technically include push up bras and the like, but for purposes of this piece I’m
including them in this post.
Foundation garments include (but are not limited to): bras,
stockings, garter belts, control top stockings, tummy control or shaping
garments (like spanx, tummy smoothers, etc), underwear, or slips. For more
vintage or Victorian designs, you can add things like proper bloomers, corsets
meant to be worn as underwear, crinolines, panniers, etc. There is a reason professional costumers focus on correct under garments! They can really make or break an outfit. Corsets additionally require
liners or camisoles underneath to protect them from your body sweat and oils as
well as protect you from chaffing.
