No ‘Redskinettes’ in Lingerie League

Beginning with the 2015 season, the Legends Football League — formerly known as the Lingerie Football League — will include a Washington, D.C.-based expansion franchise. In a press release, the LFL announced that the team would not be called the “Redskinettes.” Instead, the name Warriorettes will be used. As explained in the release:

The Warriorettes were originally slated to be named the ‘Redskinettes’, however following the controversy around the name ‘Redskins’ … the LFL has chosen to honor the wishes of many American Indians to not further promote the word ‘Redskin’ through sports.

It’s not quite honest to say that the Warriorettes were “slated to be named the Redskinettes,” as it implies the team had rights to the name “Redskinettes,” which is a trademark held by the NFL team (but no longer used) for its cheerleading squad. (The name is actually one of the six trademarks the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office had declined to renew, but the LFL announcement predates the USPTO’s decision, announced Wednesday.) Mitchell Mortaza, Chairman of Washington Warriorettes, admitted to Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post that the team “obviously” could never have been called the Redskinettes.

RELATED: Redskins Lawyer Claims There Is “No Momentum” for Name Change

For a sideshow like the LFL to harass an NFL headliner is an obvious publicity maneuver — but that doesn’t mean there isn’t truth to what the Warriorettes are saying.

“As an avid thirty-five year Washington Redskins fan, I understand that we as fans place the name Redskins in high-regard,” Mortaza said in the press release. “However, when the name offends as many American Indians as it has, I believe it is the responsibility of ownership to act. We chose an empowering name like the Washington Warriorettes as to not offend such an important faction of people that were the origination of this great country.”

Mortaza has figured out a way to defend, mildly, the NFL team’s name while stating it needs to be changed for the greater good. Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, might want to crib some of Mortaza’s language.

“Look, as Redskins fans we understand Redskins is empowering when we refer to it,” Mortaza told Steinberg. “But as an executive — someone on the other side of the table — you have to step away and say, ‘Am I doing something that hurts people?’ And it is hurtful to a certain faction of Native Americans. Obviously some don’t mind it, but as long as you have some that consider it a racist term, you’ve got to respect that.”

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Ask the Expert: Take Advice from Lingerie Goddess Rebecca Apsan

As the owner of New York City’s intimates boutique La Petite Coquette, Rebecca Apsan has been boosting bods for more than 30 years. The self-proclaimed bra whisperer dishes on what lies beneath.

Where do we go wrong with our undergarments?
Women cling to their old bras like a baby would to its blanket. If the back is riding up and the straps are constantly slipping off your shoulders, it’s time to toss it.

So how do we know whether a bra fits well?
Slip your index and middle fingers inside the back of your bra while it’s on. You should have a snug fit. If you can’t get two fingers in there, it’s too tight; if you can fit a third, it’s too loose. Also make sure that the center of your bra, where the cups meet, sits flat against your sternum.

How do you keep bras in good shape?
Keep four to six bras in rotation per week. Do not wear the same bra two days in a row, so it has time to air out. Hand-wash bras after two to three wearings using Le Blanc Silk Lingerie Wash ($16; thelittleflirt.com). It’s extra gentle.

When should you splurge on lingerie, and when can you save?
Invest in beautiful sleepwear, like a silk cami-and-shorts set. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great bra. Timpa’s Duet line has inexpensive options that flatter small chests, and Chantelle makes the most supportive bras for larger cup sizes.

What’s your biggest undergarment pet peeve?
American women like their bras to be utilitarian: nude or black and very functional. You should see the gorgeous, colorful bras women from Europe flaunt. Have a little fun, for goodness’ sake!

What tips can we pick up from European women?
Whether you’re going to an affair or having an affair, you should always let a bit of beautiful lace from your straps or your cups peek through. Just a little tease—leave the rest to the imagination.

Do you help guys shop for their partners?
Men come into my store all the time to fulfill their own fantasies. If they pick up an item and can’t tell me if their partner loves the parts of her body it will highlight, I send him home. A woman has to feel confident to feel sexy.

OK, tell us your best insider underwear secret.
If you know you’ll be having your picture taken and you want to wear light clothing, choose black instead of nude shapewear. Black repels the flash so it won’t show through.

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Bonus! Apsan shares some of her all-time favorite flirty lingerie pieces:

1. Silk camisole ($150) and boxer shorty ($125), La Petite Coquette; thelittleflirt.com.

2. Lace bra, Chantelle, $78; chantelle.com.

3. Lace and mesh bra, Timpa, $36; journelle.com.

For more pros’ tips, tricks, and best-kept secrets, pick up a copy of InStyle’s July issue, on sale and available for digital download now.

In need of more fashion inspiration? Find out how you can wear pajamas in public in our gallery!

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