From the most flattering bra to the sleekest slips, how the right intimate apparel can make you look slimmer and more toned

Sponsored by Fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS™ Intimate Edition

By Taylor Lorenz For Dailymail.com

Published: 06:11 EST, 14 September 2015 | Updated: 06:12 EST, 14 September 2015

We all know how the perfect tailored white shirt or little black dress can hide a multitude of flaws. But, it's not only the clothing on the outside that makes a difference. 

In order to present a truly flawless figure you have to start with what's underneath and no, cheap drugstore pantyhose won't cut it.

From slimming your figure to making your shoulders look more toned, high-quality, well-tailored intimate apparel can transform a woman's look. So in celebration of Britney Spears' Fantasy Intimate Edition perfume, we reveal how the right bra or shapewear can radically alter how your body looks with (and without) clothing on.

Britney's secret weapons: From making your abs appear more toned to smoothing your thighs, high-quality, well-tailored intimate apparel can transform a woman's look

Find out how you measure up

According to industry experts, anywhere between 70 and 85 per cent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. In fact, many women purchase these underpinnings knowing that they're not the right fit. A study of 10,000 women by Triumph International found that over one third of women who wore poorly-fitting lingerie purchased the garment fully knowing that it was not the right fit. The fact is, that the right fitting bra can make you look ten, even 20 pounds lighter. It's all about finding a style and cut that works for your shape.

The first step is to get re-measured. Even if you haven't gained or lost weight recently, your body naturally shifts as it ages. Many women get measured once, memorize the number and blindly purchase bras in that certain size for years. Not only should you have your body re-measured on a yearly basis, you should also take time to try garments on and learn what types of styles work best for your body.

Supportive: A black seamless push-up bra is a classic piece that can provide lift as well as comfort

Tone your tummy with a push-up

For a bra to truly flatter your figure, it must support your chest. Some women with smaller breasts gravitate away from supportive underpinnings thinking that their chest is so small they don't need to worry about support. However, large or small, most women will find they fill out clothing a bit better with a little lift. A supported chest also not only improves your posture - making you appear slimmer - but can make your stomach appear much more taut as well. A black seamless push-up bra is a classic piece that can provide lift as well as comfort for all sizes.

Whittle your waist with padding

Some well-placed padding can work wonders on your waist. Some average to larger-chested women shy away from padding thinking that it will make them appear heavier. In fact, filling out the upper portion of your figure can make your waist and stomach appear smaller. You can even add a high-waisted belt to your outfit to maximize the impact.

When searching for a push-up, look for a bra with soft, fibrous padding. The bra should fill you out while contouring to your shape. There's nothing worse than strapping on a padded bra that looks like it was stuffed with tissues. Proper padding should enhance your assets without drastically altering your natural curves.

Proper padding: Filling out the upper portion of your figure can make your waist and stomach appear smaller

Show off your shoulders in a strapless

When the occasion calls for a strapless bra, find something supportive. In an attempt to find a bra that doesn't slip down, many women purchase strapless bras that are too tight. A too-tight strapless bra can smush your chest and cause awkward lumps by your arms. The right bra should provide lift without constricting your chest.

Look for a bra that clasps snugly around your body and doesn't cut into your skin. If you remove a bra and find red indentations or marks where your bra once rested, your bra is too tight.

Essentials: With strapless bras (left), look for a fit that clasps snugly around your body and doesn't cut into your skin, while a basic high-waisted shapewear panty (right) should be a staple in every woman's wardrobe

Hide lumps with a high waist

The right shapewear can remedy nearly any problem area. A basic high-waisted shapewear panty in black or nude should be a staple in every woman's wardrobe. Take note of where the shapewear hits your stomach, however. If your garment is too low it may create an unflattering 'muffin top' effect. A high waisted garment should rest at your natural waist.

Hourglass silhouette: A simple basque can be worn under business attire or something more formal

Many women imagine that celebrities parading down the red carpet wear as few undergarments as possible. Yet, in reality, these women are often wearing a full set of underpinnings uniquely chosen for the way they flatter the actress's figure and accentuate her red carpet wear. You may assume that when wearing a long silk gown, a slim thong panty is ideal. In fact, something more snug and high-waisted is far less likely to cause awkward lines. High-waisted pieces will also minimize 'love handles' and slim large hips.

Slim your shape with a basque

Corsets and basques will do wonders for a woman's waist, but there's no need to rely on the lace-up styles of yesteryear. A simple basque in a neutral shade can be worn under business attire or something more formal. The ribbing will have a light shaping effect without restricting your ability to breathe and eat. 

No matter what lingerie you choose, the most important thing is to wear your garments with confidence. There is clothing to be found in all shapes and sizes and at the end of the day it all comes down to what works for you. Padding and shapewear can enhance your curves and hide problem areas, but being comfortable in your own skin never goes out of style.

THE FINAL TOUCH... 

The right fragrance is the final touch to feeling beautiful in intimate attire - and what would be more fitting than the new Britney Spears' Fantasy Intimate Edition perfume? 

The fragrance is intriguing, sensual and romantic with top notes of lychee, violet leaves and lemon oil, heart notes of jasmine and brown sugar and base notes of vanilla and white musk.

Britney Spears' Fantasy Intimate Edition tells a story of being beautifully bare and confident in your own skin.

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