How to get your underwear drawer under control.

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The Rules

If your underwear collection has pieces dating back to your college years or if you've given up on hiding your bra straps, you're not alone. Most of us aren't sure how to find undergarments that fit perfectly, or that work seamlessly with our outfit. It's time to create a foundation that flatters with these 10 commandments of lingerie every woman should follow.

1. Everyone should own at least one sexy matching bra-and-panty set. Even if you wear mismatched pieces more often than not, splurge on one special set. Whether it's black lace or clean white cotton that makes you feel scrumptious, wearing a sexy bra and panties can give you a secret boost your confidence. "Don't be afraid to go and try something you've never tried before," says lingerie fit expert Lisa Cole, author of Lingerie: The Foundation of a Woman's Life. You might be surprised at what looks best.

2. Eradicate all panty lines. With the countless number of underwear styles available, there is absolutely no excuse for visible panty lines. Thongs are the most effective option, but beware of wearing a too-tight thong, which creates the reverse problem: visible flesh bulges. If you're not comfortable with a thong, try seamless underwear. This includes boy shorts, which tuck underneath the curve of your bottom, or laser-cut underwear that have a clean finish, such as La Perla's Vintage Laser Cut Hipster Panty ($48) or Naturana's Invisible Touch Laser Cut Short ($12). The same rule applies to lacy or patterned bras. Invest in a good T-shirt bra or other wireless, seamless bra in a flesh color to wear underneath snug or light-colored tops.

3. Get fitted. Wearing the wrong bra or panty size is not only unsightly, it's uncomfortable as well. "Whereas small-busted ladies need little support and can opt for wireless "triangle" bras in gauzy fabrics with thin straps, women with a D-cup or above should choose a bras made especially for a fuller figures," says Rebecca Jennings, owner of plus-size lingerie boutique Hips and Curves. "Underwire bras, soft-cup bras with a fuller band beneath the bustline, and bras with wide-set, thicker straps will offer more support and won't cut in to your shoulders. Look for bra cups made of heavier lace and fabrics to provide more shape and support." Also, women should get re-fitted once every six months. As women age, their sizes fluctuate, so if you're still wearing the same bra size as when you were in college, there's a good chance it's time to make a change.

Extra Tip

Too shy or time-crunched to go for a fitting? Figleaves.com has $3 shipping and free returns. Order lots of sizes and styles, figure out what works best in the comfort and privacy of your own home, then return what you don't need.

4. Treat your undergarments gently. Not surprisingly, lingerie is made of the finest threads to keep its fine, delicate design, so treating your undergarments gently will extend the life of your collection. "Rotate your bras," suggests Cole. "Buy six or more, and don't wear the same one every day. When washing them, use a washer bag, use specialty soap, and never machine-dry them."

5. Do a purge. Throw out all undergarments that are raggedy, don't fit anymore, or are older than the bag of peas in the back of your freezer. This goes for all underwear with unraveling hems, your nylons with clear nail polish covering runs, and yes, even your comfy "laundry day" granny panties. New bras should be bought at least once a year, says Cole.