What lies beneath: baffled by bras? Picking out the proper panty a pain? Time to go undercover …

Girls' Life, Feb-March, 2005 by Jasmen Davis

BAGGY BRAS? UNRULY UNDIES? HELP IS HERE!

Hate panty lines? Using Kleenex for something other than blowing your nose? GL went undercover to bring you the basics of choosing the right undergarments.

GET SIZED UP

Believe it or not, seventy percent of girls wear the wrong-size bra. Getting a good fit is especially tough when you're a teen, as your bod is constantly changing. So get sized often, and don't buy a ton of bras. Hit a department store or lingerie boutique for a personal fitting, or go to barelythere.com for instructions.

For the perfect panty fit, measure around your hipbone, about two inches below your belly button. Need help? Get measured when you go for your bra fitting. Most stores have sizing charts with measurements and corresponding sizes.

THIS ONE IS JUST RIGHT

For underwear fit, if the waistband is snug, try a bigger size. Got bunching? Go for a smaller size or different style.

As for bras, never wear one that's uncomfortable. When you bra shop, wear a tee and sweater. Ask the salesperson to measure you, then show you bras in your size. Choose a variety of styles (see sidebar) to try on. Put on each bra, then throw each top over it. How does the bra look under a tee? Under a sweater? Is the fit smooth and flattering? Does the bra give a natural silhouette? Don't buy any bra that can't pass all these tests.

Next, lift your arms and jump around to check bounce control. Some bras are great when you're standing but, when racing to class, it's another story.

Are the straps digging in? Are you spilling out? Feel the underwire? These are signs the bra is too small. If it rides up in back, there's excess fabric or you're bouncing around, the bra's too big.

If it supports the bottom of your breasts, breasts fill cups completely and straps stay in place? That's your bra! Panties 101

BOYSHORTS Why we like them: full coverage, comfort, cut low, no visible panty lines. Best with: jeans, skirts.

LOW-RISE Why we like them: waistband sits low on the hip so no more undie flash. Best with; low-rise jeans and pants.

BIKINI CUT Why we like them: medium coverage, waistband doesn't sit too low, high-cut legs. Best with; skirts, medium to heavy fabrics, gym shorts.

BRIEFS Why we like them: full coverage, total comfort. Best with: casual wear, under jammies.

THONGS Why we like them: for those times when you simply can't have lines, plus many now feature larger comfier fronts. Best with; slim-fitting styles, thin fabrics.

Help! My breasts are completely different sizes! What do I do?

It's completely normal for one breast to be bigger than the other, especially during puberty. Most people don't have two perfectly identical breasts, although your breasts do tend to even out in size as your development continues. And, truth be told, you're probably the only one who notices the difference. If you want to feel less lopsided, wear a bra that fits the larger breast. Use small padded inserts to fill up the extra space on the smaller side. Just a note: While this is most likely normal, it's always a good idea to run big changes by your doc. Bras 101

SPORTS BRA

These bras reduce bounce and are good for sports and for lounging. Best on: everyone, Wear under; activewear,

PADDED, NO WIRE

Extra padding provides a bit of support and lots of shape. Best on: most busts. Wear under: close-fitting clothing.

PADDED WITH UNDERWIRE

Thicker padding gives extra oomph while the underwire supports and lifts. Best on: everyone. Wear under: heavy sweaters and thicker fabrics.

PUSH-UP

Heavy padding for an extra boost. Some styles include removable pads for adjustable shaping. Best on; medium busts. Wear under: formal dresses.

SOFT CUP

No underwires make for maximum comfort but not much extra support. Disappears under clothing, no telltale bra lines. Best on: smaller busts. Wear under: tight tees and thin fabrics.

BANDEAU

Soft stretch bra Best on; small busts. Use wired bandeaus for larger busts. Wear under: strapless tops and skinny tanks.

UNDERWIRE ONLY

Great support, not a lot of extra shape. Best on: most busts. Wear under: light to medium fabrics, check for "show-through."