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updated 8/14/2008 10:42:11 PM ET 2008-08-15T02:42:11

Every morning, women open their top (or bottom) drawer and pull out their most personal and important layer of the day. But when was the last time you updated that drawer? In a sense, we are all culprits of it. We shop for a new outfit, yet still wear the same ragged old lingerie. Modern technology and advanced fabrics have reshaped the intimate-apparel world. From laser-cut seamless styles to molded curves, a new generation of undergarments is available to you. Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz column for In Touch Weekly, highlights the latest innovations in the world of undergarments.

Barely-there bras
Actress Christina Hendricks' character on AMC's "Mad Men," the saucy Joan Holloway, is a reminder that when it comes to undergarments, women have come a long way. Cone-shaped bras that look like a shield of armor are a thing of the past. Today's woman slips into supportive styles that are easy to forget about. Spanx created a revolution with Bra-llelujah, a front-close underwire option made with the brand's famous hosiery material. The undergarment eliminates bra lines and conceals back bulges thanks in part to lined and molded cups. In addition, the bra's padding corresponds to its cup size. Women who wear an A-cup get a bigger boost than women who sport larger models ($62; barenecessities.com). 

Sassybax is converting women of all shapes and sizes with its Bralette and Underwire bra ($58-$65; sassybax.com). Cosabella has come to the rescue of women craving pretty pieces that also offer support. The brand's signature Soire collection has won awards and gained a loyal fan base among celebrities ($49-$65; chicmystique.com). For those seeking sporty support, Jockey boasts a slew of seamless styles from racerback to full coverage, and even offers crop-top variations ($16.50-$38; jockey.com).

Seamless sweet nothings
Microfiber may be the best thing that's happened to your bottom. Seamless and stretchy, these panties are comfortable and invisible under your clothes. Thanks to its next-to-nothing feel, Calvin Klein's Naked Thong has won over women such as Kate Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore ($10-$24; cku.com). Commando's Thong, Tiny Thong and Girl Short all prove that panty-line-free can also be fun, with adorable patterns like Evil Eye Pink, Snake Charmer and Black Chandelier ($20-$26; herlook.com). Barely There's Invisibly Pretty panties, boyshorts and briefs all come with a U-shaped waistband designed to maximize comfort ($7.20; barenecessities.com).

If staying cool is your goal, then here's a pair of underwear for you. Built with Real Cool's wicking technology, Victoria's Secret's sexy No-show Panties pull moisture away from your body, helping you stay cool no matter the temperature. (3 for $25; victoriassecret.com)

Slimming solutions
From Nearly Nude to Barely There, there are a handful of companies looking to sculpt your body without the assistance of a scalpel. Shapewear has become the modern girl's answer to a girdle. For a sleek start to your day, there are endless options. Swap or replace your basic tank top or camisole for one with control. Tanks from Yummie Tummie ($62; hipundies.com) and Assets ($20-$22; target.com) provide coverage while simultaneously flattening out any flabby areas. Body Wrap's Bodysuit ($68; seamlessbody.com) and Miracle Suit's Bodybriefer ($45-$57; Macys.com) are fantastic choices for fuller figures. In addition, smoothing slips like those from TC Fine Intimates will boost your confidence with extra support under clingy or curve-hugging garments ($56; barenecessities.com).

© 2012 MSNBC Interactive.  Reprints

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