When properly constructed and fit, thong underwear is the most comfortable panty a woman can wear. In 2006, Katie combined her sewing skills, background in anatomy/kinesiology and interest in fitness to design a comfortable women's thong panty in stretch cotton. It is available in multiple sizes at http://www.everybodywear.com/.







6.07.2012

Clothing Labels - Country of Origin

All garments sold in the United States are required by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to be  labeled with the name of the country where that garment was made. The name must appear in English, or a phonetic English equivalent such as "Brasil" for Brazil.

For a clothing label to say "Made in USA," it means the item was both manufactured in the USA and made of U.S. fabric. If the garment was made in the United States but not of American fabric, the label must read, "Made in USA of imported fabric."

Much of the fabric made in the United States is actually constructed of imported fibers, but because the finished fabric is an American product, it qualifies for labeling as Made in USA. Trims such as elastic, zippers and buttons are excluded from labeling and might come from anywhere in the world.

Everybodywear makes a point to source all our fabric and materials, including elastic trims, from U.S. producers. Several years ago, a small quantity of everybodywear was made in the USA of imported fabric and was labeled as such. Shortly thereafter we secured a source of U.S. fabric and have used it ever since. Everybodywear specifically requests that our made-in-USA fabric is also made from U.S. cotton.

A related article, "Clothing Labels - Fiber Content" was posted on this blog 04/13/12.

6.05.2012

Muffin Top

"Muffin Top" in an unsightly condition that occurs when adipose tissue in a women's abdomen pushes over the waistband of her clothing, resembling the top of a baked muffin. It frequently is cause by low-rise clothing or styles that are not intended for a woman's body type.

Even the most fit among us can be vulnerable to this phenomenon. Muffin Top can be dimished or prevented completely by avoiding styles that constrict the abdomen below the belly button. In thong underwear, women with a tendency toward Muffin Top should select a high-rise style with a small percentage of spandex in the fabric for a smooth fit.

Be sure to wear your correct clothing size and maintain your best posture. After trying these if you still struggle with Muffin Top, straighten your shoulders and smile big. Your charm will prevail.

6.02.2012

Glutes vs. Leg Elastic

The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the human body. It is joined by gluteus medius and gluteus minimus to form what we commonly call "the glutes." The glutes are in constant motion as we walk, run, jump, ski, dance, bike or climb.

Consider then the futility of stretching an elastic band across this muscle group. Any leg opening on a pair of women's underwear that attempts to stay anchored upon a glute will most certainly fail. And it will be caught in the act of trying as an unsightly panty line.

Thong-style underwear eliminates panty lines by allowing the back leg-opening elastic to rise undetected by way of the gluteal fold, taking a direct vertical path from the crotch triangle to the waistband.

6.01.2012

The Skinny on Low Rise

Traditional thong underwear is classified as either high rise or low rise. Because low-rise thongs create a visual illusion of extra weight in the abdomen and thighs, they are unflattering on most women.

Low-rise thongs are usually available in one or two smaller sizes, intended for very slim women. The waistband - in this case more aptly described as a "hipband" - stretches around the female pelvis near its widest point. Without a natural location for that horizontal band to rest, the back rise often must play a structural role keeping the garment in place. This leads to an uncomfortable pulling sensation between the buttocks.

One or two well-known manufacturers have used synthetic fiber blends to address the comfort issue, winning a group of enthusiastic loyalists. However many will admit privately that their favorite thong stays in their locker at the gym because it is unsuitable for exercise.

5.24.2012

No-Fold Laundry

If you've ever purchased 2 dozen indentical pairs of socks, you already know how clever you are. Nevermind matching or folding, just toss them loose in a drawer. Whatever you pull out will be just what you expected!

It's time to apply this same genius to your underwear. Now that you've discovered everybodywear is the only panty you want to wear, clear out all that old crummy stuff and restock your drawer. When you purchase 5 or more pairs of everybodywear, the shipping is free.

Best of all, there's no laundry to fold. Just fill your panty drawer with everybodywear. Whatever you pull out will be just right.

4.13.2012

Clothing Labels - Fiber Content

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that all clothing sold in the United States be properly labeled with fiber content, care instructions, country where garment was made, and manufacturer's name.

Fiber content means the ingredients in the fabric - cotton, polyester microfiber, nylon, spandex, wool, silk, bamboo, etc. These fibers need to be shown by percentage. For example, everybodywear is 90% cotton 10% spandex.

The FTC does not require the fiber content of trims to be listed on a clothing label. This is understandable because trims are generally incidental - zippers, buttons, velcro, elastic, etc. In the case of everybodywear, the trims are 1/4" foldover satin elastic on the leg openings, and 3/4" elastic used in the waistband casing.

As you read clothing labels for fiber content, know that in certain types of clothing that rely heavily on broad bands of trims such as lace, the trim fiber is not specifically recognized on the clothing label. In cases where the garment is small, such as thong underwear, the trim may comprise 40% or more of the actual garment. This could be confusing, so read the label carefully to determine whether you've got a natural fiber such as cotton in contact with your skin, or something else.

4.12.2012

How Much Cotton is in Stretch Cotton?

"Stretch Cotton" is a term without a standard. In general, it is a woven or knit fabric that contains some percentage of cotton, and some percentage of synthetic fiber that stretches.

Possibly the best-known stretchy fiber used with cotton is Lycra, or spandex as it is known generically. When spandex is blended with cotton, it provides elasticity and durability to the fabric.

 How much actual cotton is in stretch cotton? Each garment is different. Check the care label for exact percentages.

When shopping for women's underwear, be sure the fabric contains at least 75% cotton for best feminine hygiene. A cotton-lined crotch is not sufficient; the entire garment must be at least 75% cotton.

Everybodywear contains 90% cotton and 10% spandex. The cotton provides softness and breathability, and the spandex allows the knit fabric to stretch 2x vertically and 4x horizontally for a comfortable fit.

3.07.2012

Laundry

It's best to launder any new garment before wearing to remove chemical residues used in fabric production. Everybodywear care instructions are machine wash warm, tumble dry low.

The cotton in your everybodywear will shrink a bit in the dryer and we have sized it with this in mind. Be sure to wash and dry your panties before wearing them, and be confident putting them in the dryer. Everybodywear is created for 10-year durability, and we've been wash testing the product at our own laundry facility for more than 6 years. The color and elastic are holding up beautifully.

3.06.2012

First-Time Wearers

The first time you wore earbuds or a pair of glasses, you noticed them, right? You felt the texture and gentle pressure of how they contacted your skin. And then you forgot about them.

That's how it is getting used to wearing a thong panty. At first it's strange to feel your outer clothing against your buttocks. Whatever style of underwear you wore previously covered that area. But within hours - minutes - you've forgotten about it. And when the thong panty fits as well as everybodywear, only when you undress at day's end will you remember you've been wearing a thong panty all day.

Wow - that really is comfortable!

3.05.2012

Gift Cards in Braille

If you would like to send a gift of everybodywear to someone who is blind, we can create a gift card in Braille. Just know that Braille takes up 2-3 times more space on the card than the handwritten notes we usually produce, so messages need to be shorter.

We can also craft a tactile gift wrap for gift recipients who are blind. This takes extra time and care, so please contact us directly to arrange this custom option.

3.04.2012

Elastic Sensitivity

Some women have a sensitivity to elastic against their skin. The everybodywear thong panty features a 3/4" covered waistband. The elastic is completely encased in the garment's soft stretch cotton, preventing skin irritation.

Everybodywear also utilizes a stretch-satin foldover trim for the leg openings. The trim lines both sides of the fabric edge, which is different from other brands which sew the elastic on one side.

If you have an elastic sensitivity and are concerned about the elastic fibers in the stretch-satin, email info@everybodywear.com with your mailing address and we'll send you a sample of our stretch-satin to test.

3.03.2012

Microfiber

Just what is microfiber? Polyester. It got a fancy name after it fell out of favor with consumers who associated it with tacky leisure suits and clingy plus-size pants. Now it's been reinvented in lighter weights and is frequently used in sports apparel. It's also cheap compared to natural fibers, making it attractive to manufacturers.

3.02.2012

Distance Running

Marathon trainers will insist you wear microfiber for running - even your underwear - to prevent a chill from moisture retained in the fabric. This is sensible. After your post-run shower you can change back into your cool cotton everybodywear.

For shorter distances, our wearers report that everybodywear remains relatively dry. Each woman perspires differently, so gauge for yourself if everybodywear is a suitable training companion for you.

3.01.2012

Dressing in a Busy Locker Room

At home, you probably don't give much thought to the look and fit of your underwear. You've resigned yourself to the condition of whatever is in that panty drawer. You grab a clean pair and go.

This changes a bit if you're dressing in a busy locker room. When you pull those undies out of your bag, they need to be suitable for an accidental audience. It's a girl thing.

In a group study conducted by Pristine Garment, with all brand identifiers concealed, women were asked to evaluate 7 pairs of thong panties to identify which they "would feel most comfortable putting on in a busy locker room." Everybodywear was one of two styles chosen across the board, and the only style in cotton.

Step into your everybodywear just as you would a pair of shorts and pull them straight up. Then reach behind you, place your forefinger perpendicular to your tailbone just under the top of the back strap. Slide your finger down and away from your body. The back strap will untwist and fall into place in a single quick motion.

2.29.2012

Senior Women

Everybodywear has wearers of all ages and the oldest - of whom we know - is 79. The reasons older women like everybodywear are generally the same as younger women: Everybodywear fits, is comfortable, affordable, durable and made from hygienic cotton in the USA. Its attractive styling provides light tummy-smoothing properties without "muffin top," and it has no panty lines. Nonetheless, there are important concerns older women share about thong underwear.

For example, if a woman is experiencing bladder leakage and needs to wear an absorbent pad, she may require a brief-style panty to accommodate the pad's bulk. A few women have success using a thong-style panty liner, but liners can only handle the most incidental volumes.

Another concern for certain thong wearers is hemorrhoids. If you have hemorrhoids, do not wear thong underwear. Even the best-designed thong panty can irritate them.

A final concern women with aging bodies have about thong underwear is the fit. As skin and adipose tissue loosen and sag, wearing a low-cut thong becomes unflattering because the top band of the garment bisects the abdominal area, creating a "muffin top." And in cases where a woman's body weight redistributes away from the gluteus muscles on her posterior, she may not have enough tissue to hold a low-rise thong in place without it slipping.

Everybodywear is the best thong panty available for senior women. Its high waist keeps it well anchored just below the hip, and a touch of spandex in the fabric lightly smoothes the tummy for a flattering fit. The back rise is just the right width to sit lightly without rubbing and is virtually undetectable when worn.

2.28.2012

Thong Underwear and Menstruation

Women who wear low-rise thong underwear sometimes tell us that they switch to "granny pants," a colloquialism for brief-style underwear, during their periods because their thongs are uncomfortable for the duration of their menstrual cycle and excess fluid weight makes their lower abdomen protrude.

The sensation of a tight fitting thong can be avoided with the everybodywear thong panty. With its high waist and stretch cotton front panel, everybodywear remains comfortable throughout a woman's period. The same fibers in the fabric and trims that move with your body for a comfortable fit also accommodate changes in your body weight. Some fans of everybodywear have even reported wearing their regular thong panty size through their 7th month of pregnancy!

If you prefer sanitary pads to tampons, Carefree and Kotex both offer a thong-style panty liner.

2.27.2012

Teen and Pre-Teen Girls

At what age is a girl old enough to wear thong underwear? Certainly this is a question parents must discuss and many dads will simply say, "never." Even so, certain snug-fitting sports uniforms like volleyball shorts force the conversation and Dad might need to relent.

To begin, consider which brand of thong underwear you would allow her to wear. Do you really want your daughter running around in "Hanky Panky?" Probably not. Although the Hanky Panky thong is made in USA, most styles are low, lacy and named to suggest activities more related to removing them than wearing them. The price is also a drawback at $18-$37 per pair.

Prices are considerably lower for Victoria's Secret, but so is the quality. Expect these imports to fall apart in the wash, and good luck finding anyone who finds them to be comfortable.

Cosabella makes some lovely imported thongs, but they are low cut, synthetic and even more expensive than Hanky Panky. Jockey has a few sportier and more affordable styles, but they are also low-cut and made of synthetic fibers.

Everybodywear women's thong underwear is the clear winner for teen and pre-teen girls. Made of comfortable and hygenic stretch cotton, its modest front panel rises just under the navel. Leg openings are edged in stretch-satin, and a 3/4-inch covered waistband anchors the garment firmly in place for a smooth, comfortable fit. Everybodywear is made in USA.

The everybodywear team of fit testers and style advisers includes young wearers between the ages of 12 and 18. They enthusiastically report the everybodywear thong panty to be "super-comfortable" and appreciate being able to wear everybodywear in a busy locker room without feeling embarrassed.

2.26.2012

About Body Shapers

Sometimes you just have to fit into that special dress. We understand. Body shapers can compress and redistribute adipose tissue to give the appearance of a slimmer shape.

While body shapers are fine now and then, they are unsuitable for everyday wear. Binding your pelvic area in heavy elastic can restrict normal range of motion and traps bacteria against your skin which can cause odor and infection.

Instead, celebrate your authentic shape. Everybodywear provides light tummy control while allowing you to move freely without panty lines. Shed your shaper for a cool, comfortable everybodywear thong panty.

If you're concerned about a lumpy posterior showing through your clothing, give yourself a careful look in the mirror. You may look better than you expect. If you're still seeing unsightly marks, choose a heavier fabric and stay with dark colors.

2.25.2012

About Spanx

Why would any hygiene-conscious woman encase her body in a tight synthetic sleeve like Spanx? Even if Spanx are worn over a cotton crotch - and truth be told, many women wear them bare-bummed - that robust wrapping of nylon holds bacteria against the skin. It simply can't breathe.

During everybodywear's development, we consulted three prominent gynecological physicians who all reiterated what we women have heard for years from our OB/GYNs: Wear cotton underwear and clothing that can move against your body.

These same physicians independently agreed that the 90% cotton in everybodywear was easily sufficient to meet the wear-cotton requirement.

Instead of using Spanx to smooth out panty lines, avoid them all together by wearing thong underwear that fits properly.

2.24.2012

Health Reasons for a Correctly Designed Thong Panty

If you are going to wear thong underwear, choose a well-designed cotton style and be certain that the panty fits properly or you could risk injury or infection.

Look for a thong panty with a waistband that anchors just above your hip bones, and leg openings that stay put. This will prevent the back rise from shifting. Excess movement in the back can conduct fecal bacteria from the anus forward, causing a urinary tract infection or vaginal infection. Severe rubbing can even cause lacerations.

Before you purchase thong underwear, check to be sure there is ample crotch coverage. Observe the quality of the construction and trims to ensure the garment will keep its shape after laundering. For example, a thin piece of elastic "floss" attached to a triangle of thin fabric for the crotch will eventually break down in the wash and lose its structural integrity. And plain elastic is a poor choice for a back strap because it will move too much.

Finally, there is no need to wear thong underwear while you sleep. Be free.