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I like wearing linen dresses and I've shared a lot on how I care about the type of materials that I put on my skin. Although I like wearing dresses, I'm also very active and like to be able to move freely in whatever I'm wearing - whether that's to stretch or go for an impromptu swim. So how can I be more prepared, prevent thigh chafing, and be modest when swimming, even if it is in my under layers? I've found the answer to my summer comfort: base layers!
I don't like to feel restricted and really have never been much of a fan for layering, but shorts and a stretchy crop tank under my clothes (dresses especially) have been a great choice for me this summer.
Here's a breakdown of the tops:
Racerback - It can be a challenge to find just cotton clothing, but I was glad to come across these tanks. I got them in a 4-pack: army green, black, white, and grey. Racerback is one of my least preferred styles, but it works well under a lot of my dresses. And I don't know how I missed it when I first ordered, but they also have a tank style. To be clear, they are not 100% cotton - they are mixed with spandex for a little stretch.
Tank style - These are very similar to the racerback, but leave the back open, which I prefer - primarily for comfortability and second, if I wear a silk bra underneath, it hides the straps. I picked these up at JCPenney out of necessity on my Tennessee trip when I forgot my luggage!
Here's an example of my under layers: racerback tank and cotton shorts.
For undershorts, I tried quite a few different styles. I ordered two different brands that looked really similar and in fact, they are. Oh, one more thing before I share about that, I like that I can clip on my pedometer to the under part of my tank (seen above) or what I do most of the time, slide it on the top part of my shorts (since it's most accurate at the hip). No, it's not a pager like my hubby likes to joke!
I wore this style under my dress at a music festival this summer -- which means I was walking around a lot and also sitting on blankets. It was perfect to not have to worry about anything in this setting. They came in a 4 - pack of: black, white, grey, and tan. At 8 inches long, they haven't rolled up on me yet! This style and the next one are made from all cotton and spandex.
This brand does have a not stitched crotch area which is definitely comfortable. They came in a 3-pack of: black, white, and tan and are less expensive per unit than the four-pack above. Honestly, I don't think the shorts from both companies are necessary, but it definitely helps me on the laundry front!
These ones are not made of approved materials, but they came highly recommended. They don't have a ton of compression, but more than I'd like to feel on a daily basis - I don't want my lymph getting congested!!! I do like them, but only wear them with fancy dresses or something more formal (i.e. wedding). I don't notice a line with them in form-fitting dresses like I do with the cotton ones from above, which is a plus for more formal dress.
But, the best, thinnest, most comfy undershorts are The Cotton! Made mostly out of pima cotton and modal, they're semi-sheer (I don't really care if they're a little see through because most of the time I am not swimming in them, lol) and they come in different lengths: 5, 7, and 9 inches which is nice. I think the 7 inch would be ideal (will also try the 7" in The Cotton, next!), but I was surprised by the 9"; you can't see my shorts coming out underneath my shorter (still not short) dresses, which works for me! They're really versatile. With the 5" I can wear them under my linen shorts and they don't show like the other cotton ones I mentioned at the beginning of this post! They do have other styles and materials, check out their site here. I tried the The Cotton 9" in Chambray, The Cooling 5" in Indigo, and The Staple 5" in Indigo - that blue color is so pretty! If you try them, let me know which is your fave! Read the deep dive on these slip shorts here.
I don't know about you, but when I'm traveling especially, I am sitting in all kinds of different ways. If you can't tell, these shorts were much needed in my life, haha! I guess this post sums up that I should have been wearing long shorts under my dresses all along to experience freedom, lol! But true freedom comes from the Lord, Amen!!! I hope you enjoyed reading about all the different under garments I've tried. If you have any favorites, be sure to share with me in the comments. Stay up to date with my travel, clothing, and other adventures on my socials.
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