My dear, I will tell you for free without fear of contradiction; panty lines are not fashionable. They are not classy and neither are they stylish. In fact, if you want my opinion… panty lines show your lack of fashion sense. It is proof of how much you do not know your body or are not comfortable in your own skin. A dwindling candle in the cycle of style and the art of looking good. President Barack Obama admonished his First Lady a while back for that same mistake; why then would you want to be treated otherwise?

If our men can be honest enough to us ladies, then they would say, “Panty lines are a no! No!” They are an eyesore and should not be allowed anywhere near civilization. As a matter of fact, they are disgusting. It is your sole duty to take a look at yourself in front of a mirror before leaving the house, and ensure, your panty lines are not visible. Let us discuss how to prevent this menace:

1. Know your fitting

This begins with you first learning your body type. There is no other way around this one. No escaping this whatsoever. Learn your body type; acknowledge how it is you have been created. Have your body measurements taken then go all out and shop for it. This is a sure way to inspire and raise your self-esteem all the while ensuring you are comfortable in your own skin.

Remember, if you buy a wrong fitting that is tight; it will dig into your skin leaving a dent – the elastic is usually restrictive. A loose fitting, on the other hand, will wrinkle up leaving bumps in its wake. It is evidence of excess fabric meaning it is too big and not supportive. there is no way a pear-shaped person like me will go for a Size 6 outfit, hapo nimekataa. Worse still is seeing a another struggling to walk in a body-con with the panty lines staring back at you vehemently, like you are the devil’s reincarnate. Nooooooo………

2. The design is key

Firstly, start with the famous thong. I never go for it, but girl, if you can, then do it. A thong may not be as comfy, but it has no lines to show making it the best option for all light wear. However, we always have to remember, showcasing your wares above the belt is also a No! No. Not acceptable and never will be. To avoid this thus, just before going out, sit or squat and if the thong’s waistband is exposed, you are wearing the super low pants. You may want to rethink.

Thongs come in minimal fabrics of either lace, cotton or mesh.

The G-string. I still struggle to imagine who is this that had the time to sit and thought saving material from panties was genius. But well, with the perfect G-string fit, this is a spot-on choice ever. G-strings give zero rare coverage and are mostly used by professionals. Wear them with high waisted pants or skirts or rather, get a shirt that flows beyond the waistline at least to the butts. A piece of advice girl, never wear a tight fit.

Boy-shorts. These are my all-time favorites, done in cotton, synthetic, mesh, lace or even silk. They are ever so flat, comfortable, giving full butt coverage, no butt cuts. And, with minimal fitting and seams meaning no lumps are out for the show. Nonetheless, if yours are rolling up at the thighs, time to go shopping girl, they are not your fit.

Seamless panties. Also referred to as hip-huggers, even the plus sized get their perfect fit. These are of varying designs, made to be cozy, sexy, comfortable and all so sexy. They have laser cut edges, meaning the edges are very thin with the materials cut from elastic or spandex. There are the cotton lot which is best for breathability purposes but tends to be rather thick. Again, if they begin to crease, roll or fray at the edges, it’s time to plan for a replacement.

3. Go for extra undergarments

The slip. Remember going to those boarding schools run by Catholic Nuns, the shopping list always included petticoats. Eeehhh, I remember my mother buying those kamisi’s that I loathed even back then from Shah Outfitters. She would then force one to fit them on right before the Mhindi at the counter just to confirm the size, and if that was not embarrassing enough, she would then as if some other spirit from the slopes had entered her, ask for a size too big with the intention of the piece serving you long. Her clothing shopping always was targeting a minimum of two-year service. Well, before I digress any further; I still loved the silk ones whether full or half.

The full slips are meant to cover from the torso all the way to the upper legs with the half design covering only the butt and upper legs. To reduce visibility, it is wise to match the slip color to that of the dress, ensuring they are shorter than the outerwear and no lace should be visible through the dress or skirt. They may be Victorian, but girl, they do work. Advice: always run it through a wire hanger before wearing to rid it of static.

Shapewear. The inventor is the greatest genius ever; available in almost all neutral colors. Are mainly made of spandex, shapewear is made in bodysuit design or pant style. The wearer decides whether or not they will wear panties underneath and they extend to the mid-thigh. They suck unwanted bulges but should never be an option for reducing your size. When it is too tight, it leaves a tingly sensation – the idea is not to have it overly restrictive.

Wear tights or the panty-hose. They are not bulky and, in the process, smoothen outlines. Underwear is not a must underneath and is great to whom the shapewear does not work. Opt for the high waisted design if you want to cover the stomach too.

4. Look out for clothes that minimize lines

Skin clinging clothing should be avoided at all costs. Tight or clingy clothes do show lines. Leggings or tights worn with regular panties will show lines. And so, will tight skirts and dresses. The secret is to either wear some butt-covering top or slightly loose-fitting clothes.

Choose thicker fabrics. Tweeds and denim plus other thick fabric blocs lines compared to silk and jerseys. One like me would decide to go for clothes with rear pockets as the extra fabric does musk the bulges and lumps.

Prints. I hate flowery clothes, but the truth remains, they may be a savior on a bad day. The busier the print the perfect the camouflage hence disguising the panty lines.

Avoid see-through clothing. Girl, see through clothes may look all sexy and stylish, but, learn how to not expose your body. Use them as a fashion statement instead. Go for thick and opaque yoga pants or match your underwear so that it cannot be seen. Always think through your choice of clothing.

5. Color

Always strive to match your underwear to your skin tone. Or, blend light colored clothes with neutral colored panties. It is a fashion SIN to wear red or printed panties underneath white shorts or trousers. Come on now girl, aki wacha tu kunilet down. Tafadhali, blue colored panties underneath a yellow figure-hugging is a NO! NO!

6. Better still, Go Commando

I don’t know about you, but it is a perfect experience. the lack of restraint and freedom of movement are to die for. Not to forget, one never has to worry about the struggles of panty lines. I will give us a note here: always wash your tights after each use to prevent bacteria or yeast infections. Better still, get the ‘faux commando’ or disposable cotton patches that are designed to adhere to the inside of your pants. There is no better feeling than at that moment when I am leaving the bathroom, with just a bathrobe on or staying naked and just feeling my skin.

All the same, my mantra stands, the VPL (Visible Panty Lines) as they are popularly referred too are a wardrobe malfunction and should be avoided at whatever costs. You know it as well as I do, lets us keep off these lanes. Avoid digging waistbands too and go for the high waisted bands that are comfortable and give much freedom. Genius still is to go for the old school designs tweaked and modernized a bit with comfortable silk or nylon and that are light and airy plus give full coverage. Shop for seamless paired with undie styles on cute panty fabrics especially the bikini style for a chic look.

It is time we all returned to the basics.