The Lingerie Handbook

I picked up a new book on a shopping trip over the weekend, and I barely put it down until I was done. I could not, in good conscience, keep this information from readers of The Lingerie Post! The Lingerie Handbook was written by Rebecca Apsan, owner and founder of La Petite Coquette boutique. It is a comprehensive and very well-written guide to the world of lingerie – including bras, panties, hosiery, shapewear, and slips. Apsan’s attitude about lingerie (that it can and should be worn every day – a sentiment I certainly endorse) is positively addicting. First of all, she gives you the basics for every category – e.g. photos and descriptions of all different kinds of panties, how to put on shapewear and hosiery, and how to find a well-fitting bra (a section I hoped would be a bit more fleshed out, but it was still quite good and encouraged women to get a professional fitting, which is always a good idea). Each section also includes a history of the pieces and scattered trivia. Did you know that the traditional bow found on the center gore of bras dates back to a time when even fine ladies bathed only scarcely? They would put ribboned sachets in their cleavage to put off a more pleasing aroma. Now there is no need for that, of course, but the custom has been passed down until it is now just a small bow still found on many bras.

The photos include very popular brands, such as Le Mystere, Spanx, Hanky Panky, and Lunaire (I only wish she gave information on the pieces shown, because there are some real beauties I would love to track down for myself!). Plus, the book is very new which means the information is all very up-to-date. I highly recommend this book as a superb reference for any lingerie aficionado. The information is thorough and presented well. If you’re not a lingerie fan yet, you’ll soon be one after reading Apsan’s infectious appreciation for all kinds of lingerie! What a great resource!

My only disappointment was the difficulty I had in locating the book on La Petite Coquette’s website. I had to put an item in my cart before a link was provided on my cart page, underneath the items I was ordering, for the book. Even then, no page is available with any information on it. However, the trouble may be worth it because you get a discount of a few dollars by ordering there instead of another retailer.