The hip huggers at MWW are $12.99 a pair through www.marks.com.
I would never in a million years have thought to shop at Mark's Work Warehouse for undergarments, but the news recently that the chain I had come to associate with overalls and scrubs was one of Canada's top 10 sources for women's skivvies was as intriguing as it was eye-opening. I just had to check out the goods.
As expected, the selection bears little resemblance to Agent Provocateur. Even the Gap looks kinky by comparison. But the range, which is packaged under the Denver Hayes private label, augments its offerings in classic black, nude and white with a few fashion prints, namely a polka dot print and an abstracted plaid. And as the retailer reports, its Perfect Fit wedgie-free bottoms are selling rather briskly.
More disappointing, however, is the absence of a single thong in the range. What's a girl with a fear of visible panty lines to do?
The "seamless" claim about the wares turns out to be exaggerated. Wearing leggings, I can see precisely where the undies end and my behind begins. But I'm pleasantly surprised by the comfort (the rayon from bamboo is softest) and the "hip hugger" fit is cheeky and on trend. Although the racer-back sports bra needs a serious redesign - has Mark's ever hear of uni-boob? - the contoured camisole is almost identical to what you'd find at Calvin Klein.
Unlike Calvins, though, the entire Denver Hayes collection is sans logo, which, as far as I'm concerned, is a good thing. Often, there's nothing sexier than a pair of plain white briefs, although this isn't a brand that trades on seduction. But who knows? Maybe one day soon we'll be seeing a utility garter belt.
Amy Verner