Question: I'm going for a weekend away with my new boyfriend. It'll be the first time we'll be together, so to speak. He's never seen me in anything less than a parka and jeans. I don't feel comfortable about my body. Is there any underwear that is sexy and will hold me in at the same time? Ann, Meath

Answer: Sexy shapewear must be the ultimate oxymoron. It restricts and smooths, compressing and redistributing even the whisper of a lump from one body part to another. Its aim as a foundation garment is to make the clothes that go over it more aesthetically appealing, not to be a thing of beauty itself.

Shapewear is the trusty drone to lingerie's queen bee; and the queen bee, like the woman in the lingerie ads, is seen as a passive thing to be worshipped and adored. In terms of gender equality, it's not great, and it won't be until men start wearing Calvin Klein trusses or ridiculous lacy bows over their scrotal areas.

However, you asked, and I must answer. The marriage of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, a very sexy lady, with Marks & Spencer, the home of sturdy underwear, was one made in marketing heaven. How annoyed Kelly Brook must be. This Rosie for Autograph body will give moderate support for A to D cups, with many options in store for larger sizes. Alternately, these bodies from Next and New Look will give very little support, but you will look sexy regardless.

Don’t be worried about your body. Your boyfriend is not blind (I presume). He likes what he sees, even covered by a parka.

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