Update, sort of -- No VPL: What's your strategy? - YouLookFab Forum

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Update, sort of -- No VPL: What's your strategy?

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

I'm in great need of finding underwear that doesn't result in VPL. So far, I've been trying stuff from Target (Hanes, etc.) that promises no VPL, but it's all a lie! I need to get serious about this, because I only have two pairs that work, and that's only because they are several sizes too big so I just kind of pull them up or down or all around until the line is gone.

After not shopping in June, I decided this is a priority for a shopping trip next week once July rolls around. I have the blog post from here to start with and I plan to wear a pair of sweatpant capris that are one of my worst offenders... but when I try undies, I don't take my own pair off first, so you can't REALLY know in-store if a pair will work, right? I also don't wear anything, esp undergarments, without washing it first, not even for a few minutes. Is my only option to buy from Nordstrom so that I can return after trying them especially since I'll be washing them first?

I still have a few styles in slightly-too-big sizes, so simply sizing up doesn't work for me. No thongs. I can maybe do a boyshort if the inseam is very short; I wear cloth liners every day and need to be able to snap the wings together.

What's your strategy? I've flushed away so much money over the years looking for this elusive undergarment!

Shopping

48 replies

Latest reply was from sarah

Tina

Veteran

I have had the best luck with Calvin Klein, particularly the hipster with wide lace edging.
However, if you are like me, part of your problem may actually be the shape of your bum. I'm convinced my bum produces panty lines even when I'm wearing a thong (which I no longer attempt - bad memories of very long days of suffering, although few in number).

Angela K

Veteran

Jockey skimmies--they call them slip shorts--I wear these mostly with skirts since you don't need a slip with them. Otherwise, I like the Maidenform lace trimmed boyshorts.

rachylou

Veteran

I like the Gillian O'Malley stuff at Target that's made from modal. Size is important; things have lie flat just so. But straight up, I do wear thongs because that's surefire.

Tina is right tho. Sometimes you get VPL where there's no P to produce it. It's very odd.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I tried one of those G&O pairs from Target too, and they seem promising so far. They might not be completely invisible, but they're not obvious. I think I'm going for MPL (minimal panty line) because even though I don't have much of a booty, this seems to be a problem for me. I mostly avoid garments that are too clingy on the behind. I do have a couple of pairs of thongs, and they're OK but not my favorite for comfort reasons. I'm actually wearing some today with the ruched tube skirt.

I actually sometimes wonder if my underwear being slightly big can contribute to this problem -- if I size up to get leg openings sufficient for my big thighs, that sometimes results in baggy butt, sigh. Boyshorts are really popular, but they don't work for me because of aforementioned big thighs.

Gaylene

Veteran

Well, first of all, there are panty lines and there are panty lines. Total invisibility isn't always achievable unless you are willing to forgo everything else in order to achieve it. A very faint indentation isn't the same as a thick, heavy seam in my books.

Choosing styles with no seaming on the legs like the SOMA brand with silicone edges or Hanky Panky stretch lace styles helps, as do styles with very flat, tiny leg seams when worn with heavier weight fabrics. Boy shorts also work well if your shape can handle that style. I've also found that not all thongs are the same and some of the modified thong styles can actually be quite comfortable.

And speaking of thongs, the one thong that I did buy which I hated wearing actually comes in quite handy as an undergarment when I'm trying on knickers and bathing suits. I slip it on and then feel much more comfortable trying on different styles in the dressing room.

carambola

Veteran

Boyshorts work for me. Sizing up helps keep the legs from rolling up. I like the Shimera seamless ones.

Shimera Seamless Boyshorts (3 for $33)

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texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I usually buy a size larger of full briefs from Victoria's Secret and mostly that works but if something is truly skimming (like a fine knit dress or something) I would wear something else - I can't remember what I bought last time but they were modal briefs with a full cut (not all that flattering but they worked). Happily none of my daily clothes require this, only dressier things.

Day Vies

Veteran

I am so sorry this has been the bane of your existence.

I agree with everyone that boyshorts work and they also provide ample space for liners. I also find with boyshorts liners don't twist and end up in strange configurations but that's a little off topic. The same is also true with hipster fit undies for me.

I really like the Gillian O'Malley undies from Target. bought several pairs at the end of last year (no sale just liked how pretty they were). I have found that the GO panties with lace edging along the leg openings (like this) are perfect for avoiding panty lines. I don't have much in the butt or hip area, however some bottoms (pants shorts skirts etc.) cling more than others.

Eliza

Veteran

I am not often a VS customer, but they do have no line underpants in bikini and brief styles. They are not cotton, but have all flat edges and come in a variety of tones and colors. I would say the durability is moderate and you get a discount by buying 3 at a time. I wear them a lot with summer whites especially and find they eliminate the VPL quite well.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Can't do boyshorts. They don't work for my figure and just ride way way up. So uncomfortable. I do modal thongs by Gilligan O'Malley at Target. They are unlike any other thong. I'm so convinced they are the best thing since sliced bread I would beg every thong hater to spend the $3 or $5 (depending on sales) just to see. Best. Ever.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Mo, that's good to know. I like the modal bikini, so I'll try the thong next time I'm there...

kellygirl

Veteran

Several people have recommended the lace trim "shortie" style from Victoria Secret. The have lace at the top and at the leg openings and are cotton, I believe. I haven't had a chance to try them yet but I'm going to one of these days. I tried the Shimera boyshort in my size and the size up and all they do is cut into my muffin top. DD on the other hand, who is an hourglass, loves them. Just my 2cents.

Victoria's Secret

Cotton Lingerie Lace-waist Shortie Panty

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Mo

(website)

Veteran

Just a note on the thongs - be sure you get the modal. And you might have to size down. I have 37" hips and wear a small.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Here's my roundup:

http://youlookfab.com/2014/06/.....t-panties/

Gigi

Veteran

I do thongs too. Mo, I should try one of the ones you mentioned.

The other thing I was going to say was that at the VS I last visited, they had disposable thongs in the dressing rooms for you to use when trying on underwear. This might give you a pretty good idea what the underwear would be like in real life. You could bring along some of the bottoms that are showing the panty lines and see how the different styles of panty at VS work.

You might want to call ahead to make sure that the VS store near you has the disposable panties. I just happened to notice them in the fitting room when I was there last, but I don't recall seeing them on previous visits. They might be only in some of the fitting rooms or only in some stores.

AviaMariah

Veteran

I love the Hanky Panky boyshorts that Angie has in her roundup. I seems to get panty lines no matter what I wear but none with these. Also, as others have already said, size up on whatever you buy.

minimalist

Veteran

Hotpant-style panties, to my surprise, result in no VPL for me.

http://www.lace-lingerie.com/commodity/6919

fuzzylogic

Veteran

I have had good results with Berlei Barely There underpants (thongs, boy legs and full briefs).

lari

I highly recommend soma vanishing edge panties. they offer variety of styles and materials, so you can choose one that works best for you. underwear is well made and fits true to size. they often run promotions, e.g. 5 for $35 and send out coupons if you subscribe to their website. I wasn't sure about silicone first but it works

DonnaF

Veteran

Commandos are the best because they are raw edged at the top and legs so there is nothing to create a line. At all. For me, they are also shockingly expensive, even if purchased on sale at NAS (which I did two years ago). I also bought low cut lacey panties with raw edges in nylon and not cotton like Commandos at Ross once and they were just as excellent in their absence of VPL. The Shimera boy shorts above and anything not a raw edge at the top give me VPL where VPL might be an issue.

Disha

Target has these Gilligan OMalley "tangas", which are all lace, hence no panty lines at all!

I love them despite not being a fan of non-cotton underwear. They look sexy, too, I think!

http://www.target.com/p/gillig.....lot=medium

April

Veteran

I really don't like synthetic underwear, but after reading Mo's raves so many times, I'm really tempted to try the Target G&O modal thongs. Modal is made of cellulose, so it shouldn't be as objectionable as non-breathing fabrics like nylon.

And I'm *so* sick of my boyshorts producing a little roll at the top of each leg every time I pull up my jeans.

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, all! I've made a list. I just might try one of those modal thongs... at least it will help when I need to shop for additional underwear, LOL. (That's a great idea, Gaylene.)

I tried the Soma vanishing edge but couldn't tolerate the silicone. I have several other pairs from their 5/35 deals, but they are all VPL central! It wasn't such a problem in the winter when I wore jeans and long tops. Now things are showing!

I also don't know how I'll feel with any of those styles that don't cover the entire cheek, like the Hanky Panky boyshort. Just looking at it, I think it would drive me nuts. But I'm willing to try anything at this point!

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

So far, the recommendations that I've tried have been a bit of a bust. I tried some G&O modal undies from Target (thong is a no-go). I found Shimera boyshorts and bikini, Commando cotton bikini, and Hanky Panky boy short at Nordstrom Rack for cheap. I thought the Shimera boyshorts had the best chance, but they ride up all the live-long day.

The others, I just don't understand! Here is my question: when undies fit like they do in the links below, where they don't cover the whole backside... do you just get used to it? I tug, tug, tug constantly to get the bottom of the undies to the bottom of my bottom, but then that exposes the top. Am I abnormal to want fabric to reach and cover that bottom curve? Is it so unusual? Please, I'm asking seriously! Every pic of undies these days is cheeky, and now I'm thinking maybe THAT'S normal and I just have to get used to it.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....ts/2905011
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/co.....ni/3060189

ETA: The backside pic in this link is the very definition of a wedgie! How do people wear it like this? http://www.herroom.com/calvin-.....anty.shtml

That was the one I was going to try next, but I don't think so. Help!!

rabbit

Veteran

I'm totally with you pastrygirl in hating all those that ride up the cheek in the back, they equal painful wedgies, worse than any thong (I need to try Mo's thong rec though). This happens when I wear boyshorts too.

I have a few kind of over-sized granny-cut briefs with high waists that are okay, but still show some VPL under tight or thin material. Actually the most comfortable 'invisible' panties I have are a version of these: http://www.maidenform.com/inti.....s-weightle they basically smooth everything down mid-waist to upper-thigh and aren't uncomfortably tight (I might have sized up, don't recall). They are thin enough to wear under skirts in hot weather, and work great for me under thin knit clingy summer dresses and skirts where otherwise undies are pretty visible. I don't think I've tried them under pants much though, mostly because my pants are thick enough or dark fabric so regular panties are fine.

Style Fan

Veteran

I wear Jockey. I buy the kind that promises no VPL. It is not perfect but a few weeks ago I wore a pair with my Lululemon Yoga pants because all my thongs were in the laundry. I was surprised to see that there was no VPL!!!! I rarely wear thongs and now I have lost another reason (Yeah!).

I also like Jockey because they cover my large butt. At least to me it seems big. All the other undies only cover half the cheek. Sexy maybe but not for daily wear.

Gaylene

Veteran

OK, if you are looking for backside coverage, try a pair of these No Panty Line Jockeys:
http://www.jockey.ca/catalog/p.....tel-hi-cut

These are actually my favorite travel undies. Comfortable on a 12-hour flight, can be swished out in a sink and dried with a hair-dryer, last forever even if you throw them in the washer and dryer, and are almost invisible--emphasis on almost--with good backside coverage. They do, however, have a very faint line if you are wearing very tight, very stretchy legging-type pants, but with that kind of pant, and if total invisibility is a must, the only real alternative is a thong. These Jockeys are also frequently on sale--3 for $25 in my neck of the woods--so the price isn't bad.

Anonymous

Pastrygirl, I am SO WITH YOU! I want my whole cheek covered as well, TYVM. If I wanted a wedgie, I'd jam a thong...err. Sorry. But seriously.

A few years ago I bought a set of the Soma vanishing edge underwear. The first, trial pair I bought was nylon. It worked great and was super thin and stayed in place. Then I found out they had the same style made of modal, so I bought the rest of my set in that fabric. It was okay at first, but since has relaxed and bags out, somehow. The silicone doesn't grip my bum anymore and the whole thing flaps around my rear like a drag racer's parachute (at least that's what it feels like). They aren't worn out looking (I never put them in the dryer) but I still need to replace them. I'm pretty sure you can see VPL when I wear my white jeans, so I usually try to leave my shirt out in back and just semi-tuck the front.

I just got a 2-piece bathing suit from Lands' End and I really like how the bottoms are cut. The leg openings are nice and snug, and they manage to contain my entire bottom. That's really what I want in my underwear. Does that mean I need granny panties? I feel like the line they would create would be so much less obtrusive than a line creeping diagonally across my cheek. What is it with the VPL paranoia anyway? People show their bra straps all the Live. Long. Day. and I've seen more whale tales than I ever cared to see. Whew. I apologize for the rant.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I love these:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/un.....igin=Predi

They are one size fits 0-10. I am usually a 4.

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