“The decision came about as there is so much synergy between Bestform Lingerie and the UK market, particularly in terms of sizing with Bestform Lingerie in France being a fuller cup brand. The rebranding will enable us to utilise the experience and creative flair of our French designers to offer an alluring collection of coordinated lingerie in a B to J cup.”

There will be a phase-in period, but all stock will be repackaged to display the new brand name by May 1.

Over a one-month period, voters of all shapes and sizes anonymously participated in the awards, which cover bras, panties and shapewear.

Now in their third year, the Undie Awards are designed to celebrate all things lingerie. In addition to encouraging voters to nominate their preferred pair for greatness, the awards also seek to educate consumers on how to best pick out underwear that is right for them.

To this end, voters in the awards were asked to “let (their) body type do the voting” by entering their age range and height and then characterizing their body type, based on – (for the women) – bra and panty sizes as well as bust, tummy and bottom type OR – (for the men) – chest, waist and leg type as well as waist size.

“Participating in the Undie Awards provides women and men with real peer-to-peer information they can use to select the right fit and style, in tops and bottoms,” said Tomima Edmark, lingerie & undergarment expert. “What’s more, the awards introduce voters to brands they might be unfamiliar with, especially via the ‘select’ winner categories, which are determined by our staff as a way of highlighting smaller brands.”

This year’s Overall Favorite Bra (Average Figure) is the Vanity Fair Body Sleeks Contour Stretch Bra 75-266. This bra is claiming highest honors for the second year in a row, due to its simple style, comfort and cleavage. One voter wrote, “hands down the most comfortable bra I’ve ever worn.” Sizes range from 32B to 42C.

The Overall Favorite Bra (Full Figure) is the Panache Superbra Tango II Underwire Balconnet Bra 3251. Women chose this stylish bra for its fit and comfort, not to mention its support. One voter wrote, “…love this bra. For my size it has THE BEST support!” Band sizes range from 30-44 and cup sizes from D-JJ.

The Overall Favorite Panty is the Olga Secret Hug Nylon Scoop Halfpant Panty 913, which features a “scoop” design with a center back seam that keeps the panties where they belong while providing natural definition. This brief wears well and is the perfect everyday panty for sizes 5-9.

For a comprehensive list of 2009 Undie Award winners, user reviews and celebrity underwear picks, please visit www.theundies.com. The Undie Awards are sponsored by online retailer HerRoom.com.

Overall Bra (Average Figure):
Vanity Fair Body Sleeks Contour Stretch Bra

Overall Full Figure Bra (Tie):
Vanity Fair My Satin Fantasy Bra & Vanity Fair Full Figure Bra

Strapless Bra (Average Figure):
Maidenform One Fabulous Fit Strapless Bra

Strapless Bra (Full Figure):
Goddess Cantilevered Strapless Bra

Push-up Bra:
Wonderbra Gel Satin Push-Up Bra

Thong:
Hanky Panky Thong

G-String:
La Perla Sexy Town G-String

To see more of the winners, go to TheUndies.com. You can also vote for next year’s awards from the site. There is also a men’s competition, but of course that’s of less concern here at TLP! Still, your boyfriend or husband may benefit, so check out the men’s winners too.

The figleaves.com Lingerie Awards received thousands of consumer votes for categories such as ‘Best Lingerie Brand,’ ‘Best T-shirt Bra,’ ‘Best Sleepwear Brand’ and ‘Figleaves Favorite,’ among others. For the first year, the brands and pieces on the shortlist for voting were pulled from the consumer favorites – the top items that consumers had reviewed favorably on the site throughout the year.

And the winners are…

· Best Lingerie Brand: Chantelle
· Best Value Brand: Triumph
· Sexiest Lingerie Collection: Le Mystere Francesca
· Best DD+ Brand: Fantasie
· Best Controlwear: Spanx Power Panties with tummy control
· Best T-shirt Bra: Fantasie Allure molded balcony bra
· Best Sleepwear Brand: Eberjey
· Best Swimwear Brand: Panache
· Best Menswear Brand: Calvin Klein
· Figleaves Favorite: Vanity Fair Floral spot underwire bra