The Lingerie Handbook

by Sarah Stark, Rebecca Apsan

Apsan divulges 30 years of wisdom and insider information about how underclothes can make the woman in this complete tops-to-bottoms guide to bras, panties, slips, sleepwear, shapewear, stockings, teddies, camisoles, and accessories.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion

186 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2006

Reviews

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up after having several discussions with a friend of mine who does not believe that the sports bra should be worn for anything other than sporting. I'm on the other side of that particular fence, so when I saw this book I thought it might be a chance to broaden my horizons.

I came away unconvinced. I'm not the frills & furbelows type, and though Apsan kept insisting that there is, in fact, lingerie for every woman, her default seems to be feminine = coquettish. And her stubborn insistence that a woman must wear clothing to sleep in made me tired. I can't imagine that a thong could be comfortable. Washing things by hand is unthinkable. Wearing bike shorts under my clothing so my ass doesn't jiggle? Not happening. Ever.

I am going to use her tips and tricks for measuring and see if there's a possibility that I hate my bras because they are the wrong size. I think I just hate them because they are bras.

An interesting, if revolting, diversion.

[Rachel Nabors · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about underwear. It tells you what styles work with what clothes, how they should fit, what to avoid, and shows you how to make your unmentionables work in your favor instead of against your best interests. Saggy, baggy white underclothes can undermine your external appearance and internal view of yourself just as much as poorly fitted frou frou creations.

A worthwhile read if you want to know how you SHOULD be investing in your dainties. Stop buying panties and bras that don't fit and show under your clothing!

I only give this book four stars because sometimes she takes far too long to get to a point. The book could have been half as big if she had canned the pep talks and Sex and the City references (I dislike that show because I feel it is a pawn of raunch culture). Also, she puts a lot of emphasis on how seeeeexy things can look. Sexy is nice, but I bought this so I could present a clean appearance in and out of my clothing. There's a whole section devoted to showing guys how to shop for lingerie for their ladies. Uh, hello. No male would ever buy this book (unless he wears lingerie himself), and as a love interest, wouldn't you feel odd handing the book to your mate, pointing and saying, "Read this section!"

But some people might like those things.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for every young adult female between the ages of 12 and 20. It contains a wealth of basic information on all things regarding lingerie. From what are considered basics to what are considered necessary luxuries and how to build a useful undergarment wardrobe.

It contains excellent information on care and repair & alterations as needed. Along with how to determine that its time to replace them.

The only thing it doesn't really cover clearly is properly fitting a bra - so that you know you are wearing the correct size for your breasts. The author's suggestion is to get a professional fitting (extremely lacking in certain areas), basic tips on how to tell if it fits or not and short of that to just keep trying on different sizes from different manufacturers. Which is not really helpful for people who have limited shopping options in a lot of areas.

For those reasons I couldn't really give it more than 3 stars.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cheerful book full of hints, tips and good advice on choosing good lingerie written by an expert in the field.

[Irene Palfy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative book on everything lingerie - from fabrics over history up to what to wear when and/or under what.. It holds much of information - but sadly also lots of "self applauding" and advertising of Rebecca Apsan and her shop. Quoting her she might be able to "sell ice to Eskimos" - but in my point of view she absolutely lacks charm.
In the end if it was not for my aversion against this 'hail me" attitude I would totally give all possible stars for this book. It is perfect for beginners in lingerie - and more experienced will still find it nice to browse through. And yes, it holds some helpful advises.

[BrocheAroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what I loved most about this book? It gives me license to clean out my drawers, throw away the underwear I never want anyone to see me wearing but have kept because I felt too guilty about spending money on better underwear, throw off that misplaced guilt, and go buy me some fancy knickers! Just reading the book made me feel sexier; imagine what actually wearing those delicate underthings can do!

[Liaken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally think every women would benefit from this book. Never have I encountered such an appealing manifesto for loving the female body. The author says that women should stop wearing underwear and start wearing lingerie. Why? Not to impress men or other "viewers"---but to make ourselves feel marvelous. Just for ourselves. To know that we are worth wearing something that fits and supports and enhances and caresses and makes us feel like a million bucks. Just for ourselves.

[Bry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! So incredibly helpful with tons of illustrations, photos, and examples. I took this with me when I went shopping, and it made such a difference.

Did you know that a majority of women wear the wrong bra size?? I fully admit to be one of those women, but no more!

I am definitely a convert to the idea that all women need a selection of lingerie, and not just for special occasions.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent walk through on how to find the right bra size and pictures showing how things should fit! Part really useful and part really extravagant this book is an excellent guide to all sorts of lingerie. So enjoyable.

[Shiloh Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who needs a little lingerie in their life, but doesn't know where to start, this book unveils the mysteries step by step. I can't wait to pop in to my local boutique and start filling my life with a little bit of flirt.

[Varina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really very excellent guide to lingerie, in terms of selection, size, and care, but also in terms of attitude.

[Topaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful information about fitting and sizes. The author is a person who really loves underwear, personally and professionally.

[J-me · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taught me what bra size I really wear.