About Drawers

Hello again everyone,
Until now, I've been trying to match my lesson themes with the seasons, but I'm taking a little break for today. Let's all reconsider a basic Lolita item: Drawers. It's a good idea to have quite a few pairs of cute drawers around, with their fluffy and puffy shapes. They are an item that can make you feel happy and dreamy just by gazing upon them and its fun to start a collection of your favorite pieces little by little.

Drawers are a Symbol of a Maiden's Heart

In this day and age, when it's easy to get your hands on comfortable and functional undergarments, drawers are a feminine symbol adored by Lolitas everywhere. Similar to panniers and other undergarments, drawers are not usually seen peeking out from under dresses and skirts. This is surely why drawers should be appreciated not just for their functionality; but for the feeling we put into them and the way they fulfill our maiden hearts. In this sense, I believe that drawers are one of the most spiritually important items in Lolita fashion.
While the majority of Lolita Fashionistas believe that drawers are an essential part of one's wardrobe and care should be taken so that they can't be glimpsed from outward appearances (much like panniers), there are others who prefer to wear them more like leggings. But it really depends on one's preferences.

Varieties of Undergarments

According to Lolita Fashion, drawers are usually defined as being about knee length, while bloomers are a bit shorter. Whether you decide to wear drawers or bloomers, you should match them with the length of your skirt. Those who don't want the hem to even be visible showing below their skirt should elect for a shorter undergarment.
In general, thin and airy materials are used. Much like panniers, the usual colors are white or black, but if you look around you should be able to find quite a few color variations. For example, some are exquisite undergarments made from delicate lace, or lighter knit fabrics good for keeping you warm. Besides black and white, there are pink, beige, fruit patterns, sweets patterns, checkered and other pop art styles. It just makes you want to collect them all doesn't it? The shape is relatively simple; so many people sew a style to fit their own taste. For some genres that stray away from the beaten path of Lolita fashion, there are lots of materials and designs that are more reminiscent of outerwear.
For the beginner, I recommend starting with something simple, plain and white. These are items which are washed regularly, so if you choose a fabric that you can easily wash at home, handling is much simpler.

Wearing with Coordinates

Basically, since undergarments don't have much impact on our outers, it's not necessary to delve in too deeply to make your decision. Just go with your own preference (Though, of course, "No one can see it, so anything goes!" is not an attitude you should foster). If you're having trouble deciding, try matching with the color of your skirt or pannier. This way, you can feel confident about your appearance even if the hem ends up being seen from underneath.
The masterful technique of showing just the lace or frill trim around the hem from underneath your skirt is often used in casual Lolita and layered styles; such as wearing a similar color underneath a short baby-doll dress or pannier type skirt. Although in mainstream Lolita fashion, drawers are usually not seen from underneath the skirt (except maybe for a small peek when moving around), I personally think it's very cute when just the hem can be seen showing below an antique style dress. Even if eventually you're going to show off a bit, let's still not be too obvious and have our undergarments stick out too visibly. Take care to make a nice balance between the two. By the way, the hems of drawers are either made of elastic or ribbon that can be tied off.
Also, drawers don't have to be worn just as underwear; they look cute as room wear like I talked about in the 7th edition of this column (There are many pajamas that have bottoms that are very similar to drawers). You can match them with a T-shirt or camisole for a lighthearted look. At these times it can be fun to choose a more flashy color pattern. For sleepwear, pick something simple without a lot of decorations that may press against your skin.
In the hot summer seasons, drawers may feel like a burden, but they are useful to guard your dress or pannier from perspiration.

The Private Enjoyment of Selecting Undergarments

Once you've gotten used to basic drawers, you might try collecting a few more adventurous types and enjoy coordinating them with your mood for that day (For example, things that are very tidy and neat or more like the uniform at a boarding school). Maybe even ones decorated with pinstripes or tulle lace, or an elegant, classic style. As something that isn't seen by other's eyes, undergarments are a bit of a luxury and a give us a special, slightly narcissistic kind of delight. Try to find something that gives you a sense of fulfillment or a lucky feeling when you have it close to your body. The most important thing to remember is to dress with tidy and clean items, even if they aren't expensive. Since undergarments come in direct contact with our skin, we want to pay special attention to this. On a final note, since underwear are not meant to be put on display, be careful not to fall into the thought pattern that drawers and bloomers are exceptions to this rule. Pay attention to not jump around too much and to keep a refined appearance. See you all next time!