Underwear for Bodypainting

Hi everyone!

I've been doing a whole lot of research lately in preparation for doing a few bodypaints to add to my portfolio. I found great advice on what kind of underwear to have the model wear (NOT cotton! lol) and settled on just getting the lycra ones from Target. However, I was wondering if anyone here could pitch in their 2 cents on where they get appropriate underwear for their male models?? I have pretty much no experience in shopping for men's underwear (my hubby takes care of his own business) but the briefs I've seen at the stores don't seem to be made of suitable material. The closest I could find was micro modal, which still wouldn't work because its a natural fiber.

Also, I am on the hunt for the perfect bathing suit top to use for the ladies who want something more than just nipple covers. I'm wondering if anyone prefers or knows of a specific brand/style that I should be looking for, and where I can find the most affordable option? Or just I just stick to perusing my local Targets and Walmarts?



Picture above (done by Jamie Grove) illustrates what I'm looking for- does anyone have a preference, or will any old lycra bathing suit top do? Should I take the padding out to keep it from soaking up paint? Should I dye it skin color first to make it less noticeable once I start painting over it?

Am I seriously just over-thinking this whole thing??

I don't do tops--but I was trying to brainstorm & it seemed to me (for what it's worth) that you could use a spray starch (ouch!) or waterproofing spray before painting perhaps?

Now is the time to scour it out, as all the swimsuits are on clearance. Since you only need a single layer, I would consider checking out a latin discount store...there was one I used to wander in when I was in that neighborhood, as they were less prudish in what they offered & often tickled out ideas for me.

Duh,

Hairspray!! Cost-effective, available & seals your fabric. (Though I would still shoot for lycra...)

I actually just did a painting over a sports bra (she wore a regular seamless bra under the sports bra.

https://shannonfennell.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/dsc09622.jpg

The bra was black lycra and the background was black (Tim Gratton Body Paint - only on the exposed skin as the sheen from the fabric and paint was a perfect match).  I painted a layer of acrylic craft paint over the bra where I was going to be painting and let it dry.  It was a quick process.  It could be done in advance but I had to sketch out the design for the paint so just did the acrylic on the spot.

For guys I make them wear a cup under shorts (I don't want to deal with wiggly bits!)

https://shannonfennell.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/statuefeb14-watermarked.jpg