There are a lot of books on Lingerie. Most of them are about a specific type of lingerie or about how to make it. It is a complex subject, moreso than I think most people realize. Even having done quite a lot of independent research into vintage lingerie and corsets over the years for cosplaying and retro reenactment events, I never considered just how varied lingerie was... I never stepped back and looked at it as a whole. In Intimate Detail made me do that. It is nothing less than a comprehensive guide to lingerie for the modern woman. This book is amazing in several key ways. I'll give a summary of whats available in the book. I'll tell you what I like best about it and I will tell you who I think should read it. Then, stay tuned for final thoughts. I did receive an Advance copy of the book for review. This is my complete and honest opinion about the book.
This book is broken down into several sections; Bras, Underwear, Shapewear, Hosiery, Loungewear, How to shop both in store and online, and care of your Lingerie. I found that all of them are comprehensive without feeling like you are slogging through a non fiction book. It's narrated by the author in a light hearted, kindly professor sort of way. You know those amazing teachers you only get to take a class from once who are passionate and are very good at explaining something without making you feel stupid? Then by the end of the explanation, you realize you are just as passionate about that subject? Yeah, that's Cora Harrington.
Within each section on the main categories of lingerie, she breaks it down into historical evolution (something I find fascinating myself), basic information, main types of that category as well as some good guidelines to follow... best practices, if you will. There is also appendices which sounds droll but actually is a great, easy-to-navigate resource on bra sizing, underwear concerns, and what a good basic set of Lingerie should be to start.
What I like best? There are 3 main things about this book that I find make it worthy to read:
1. While she is inclusive and body positive throughout the whole book, she has important sections in the appendices that really shine for inclusivity. She has sections for mastectomy fitting, trans/non-binary fitting, pregnancy/maternity, physical disabilities, fibromyalgia and other ailments, binders, breast augmentation, etc and give tips on navigating those special concerns when looking for and purchasing lingerie. There is no judgement in these pages. You can tell that Cora Harrington just wants to share her passion with you and help you find what's going to suit you best.
2. It's easy enough to read... entertaining enough to read, that your teenager who is just starting to wear real bras could read it but also any veteran of wearing lingerie would get something out of it. The Lingerie Addict Blog, started by Harrington, is a perfect companion to this book. My recommendation is that you should start with the book and go to the Blog to learn more. There is nothing else like it out there in one easy to reference place. I will find myself referencing this book probably for the rest of my life. It is such a handy guide.
3. There is no mention of lingerie brands in the book except brief historical citation. The book isn't about selling you anything. Its about educating and helping you, the reader.
What I do not like: I would have liked to see the Corset section have more in it and have illustrations.
In Intimate Detail is a book that educates in a cute, intellectual way. It is not hard to read. There are beautiful illustrations to help give visual representation to subject matter. It's inclusive and helpful for an array of troubles one might find in their journey to love lingerie and love their bodies in lingerie. I highly recommend this book. It was so good, I can't wait to buy the finished version; have it in my hands and on my shelf. I was starting to love lingerie before... Now... I am obsessed!
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Reviews with images
Every woman in to be informative about lingerie
Being an up coming lingerie designer, this book is so amazing to read. You don’t have to be a designer to purchase this book. It’s so informative to everyone to know the understanding of different types of style .I love it!!!
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Great book. Thank you
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2023
Cliente Amazon
Libro muy lindo e interesante
Reviewed in Spain on December 17, 2020
