Adhesive Support Cups by Fashion Essentials, available at Now That's Lingerie.com

If the back of the dress is a bit lower than your bra, and the back clasps are visible, you still have several options without revealing your bra to the world.  One option is to wear an adhesive bra (they come in silicone and foam, but foam is much lighter and may prevent your breasts from drooping).  Adhesive bras give slight support, lift, and help round out your overall shape, with no bothersome bra straps or back clasps peeking out of your outfit.  (Bra Doctor fitting tip: adhesive bras only provide light support and, since they only accommodate cup size and not back size, the corresponding cup sizing is typically made smaller than a bra cup and is not recommended for women above a small D cup.)  You can also tailor (i.e. cut) the foam (not silicone) to make it fit your dress more closely, and re-wear the cups by adding new adhesive backing.  If you are wearing a bra with straps, you can make the back lower by attaching a little accessory called a Bra Back Converter.  One side has a hook, the other an eye closure, and the two pieces connect to the back of your existing bra, which you then lower (by virtue of loosening your straps), bring to the front to cross over your abdomen, then fasten in the back (you can loosen the slide adjuster to make it better fit your shape).

3-Pack Lifting Hide A Strap by Fashion Essentials

Many ladies prefer the support and uplift of wearing a bra and straps, and typically won’t opt for a backless – or even strapless – number.  Halter-neck dresses or asymmetrical straps allow you to wear a convertible bra underneath, letting you play with the straps or at least substitute the traditional bra straps with clear or transparent plastic straps. You can also try a Hide-A-Strap for some dress backs that are in a racer-back or X shape – simply clip one figure-eight shaped Hide-A-Strap piece to your existing bra straps in back and voila! You have a lifted bust and your straps are invisible.  Hide-A-Strap also prevents your straps from embarrassingly slipping down the shoulders of a sleeveless top (so you can wear them for multiple occasions).

Body Tape by Fashion Essentials, available at Now That's Lingerie

Remember that the finishing touches, the steps that show extra care, thought, and planning into an outfit, are essential to making sure that all the pieces come together. Whatever you choose to put the finishing touches under the clothing of your choice, they will definitely help in creating an impression that will impress.  Body Tape is a girl’s best friend – it is a double-sided adhesive will help you keep your bra taped securely to your dress to avoid fashion emergencies, helps repair hemlines or necklines in a flash, and has many more convenient uses – don’t go to any party without it!

Front opening arthritic bra from Silvert's

Depending on the type or severity of the physical disability or challenges, some of these methods or bra types may work better than others, but I do feel as if there is something here that will work for any such case. A lot of the online items relating to bras and closures are based around arthritis, MS and dexterity issues. There are various companies that can assist any individual with these specific issues, choose a bra type and size that will work for them, and foster independence by allowing them to do the bra up on their own without having a caregiver or partner helping. Many of these bras are front closure bras.

Front-opening 5663 Naturana bra, available at Now That's Lingerie

There are many different methods of the front closure bra, with various front closure options ranging from snaps, to hook & eye closures, to the Corebra Magnetic closure.  The Naturana 5663 Front-Opening Bra offers full support and comfort for ladies with busts from a B to a DD cup, with a hook-and-eye closure for ease.  There are special bras designed for women with arthritis and dexterity issues from Silvert’s, who also have an extensive online catalog of adaptable clothing for women and men (and shoes). A pull-over bra like the Sleek Simplicity or Light Luxury bras byBra Doctor would be especially for women with dexterity issues and have troubles moving their fingers or hands, but who have full or able movement in their arms and shoulders, since it is a slip on and has no closures.

The Bra Angel

Now the one that I had a challenge in finding a specified bra for, were for the women (like Bethany Hamilton) who have the use of only one arm. If the individual cannot find help with any of the other bra types listed above, they can try a dressing aid called the Bra Angel. The Bra Angel gets hooked around your neck and hangs down in the front, centered on your chest, and holds one end of your bra securely while the other end is brought round the body and attached to the secured end.  It appears that you can use it to assist with even your regular back closure bras.

And one final item I came across which can be used for any level of difficulties is an adhesive bra like these adhesive support cups from Forever New Fashion Essentials. Now this is only one brand of this type of bra, but basically it is a stick-on bra that is held in place by an adhesive backing, without straps, a back, or wiring!  These particular bra cups come in A, B, C and D cups, and you can purchase replacement adhesive tape (sold separately) after you use up the tape that comes with the cups (enough for several uses).  Assuming you follow the care and wear instructions carefully, there should be no reason this bra wouldn’t be suitable for many occasions, like when wearing a strapless or backless dress.

I personally can relate, watching even the youthful members of my family struggle with getting dressed every day and being able to do it on their own; I can only imagine how they must feel at times. My stepfather struggles with getting dressed alone at all; whether it be putting on a shirt, zipping up a jacket, sliding into his pants, or pulling on his socks, he is hindered by a neurological disease that currently leaves him with the use of only his right arm, which is extremely difficult on the whole family.  So a supportive note to the Caregivers: be strong; just you being there helps!

Next week, we’ll share a few more general websites with you, as well as stores and alteration solutions for men, women and children with a range of physical disabilities.

Have your own story or do you have other helpful solutions? Please comment below, e-mail me or tell us on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri) and on our Facebook page!

Kathryn
kathryn@nowthatslingerie.com

Photo Credits and Sources:

Silvert’s
http://www.silverts.com/

Able2wear
http://www.able2wear.co.uk/section.php?xSec=115&xPage=1

Lauren Silva
http://www.laurensilva.com/arthritis_bras_s/650.htm

Magnetic Core Bra
http://www.adaptawear.co.uk/Magnetic_Corebra.htm

Naturana 5663 Front Opening Bra
 http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=5663-naturana-lingerie-minimizer-wireless-bra

 Forever New Fashion Essentials Adhesive Support Cups
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=fe9000-adhesive-support-cups-adhesive-support-cups-fashion-essentials

Bra Doctor’s Sleek Simplicity Wire-Free Pull-Over Bra
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/collection.php?collection=sleek%20simplicity&brand=bra-doctor-lingerie

Bra Doctor Light Luxury Wire-Free Pull-Over Bra
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/collection.php?collection=light%20luxury&brand=bra-doctor-lingerie

Bethany Hamilton
http://bethanyhamilton.com/about/bio/3

The Bra Angel
http://www.mysizeusa.com/braangel.html

Forever New Fashion Essentials Adhesive Bra Cups

Photo of Hands
http://jcourouleau.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html

Minimizer bras like this one by Olga often have wider back bands to hide side and back bulges.

Smooth Silhouette Tip 1) If your bra doesn’t fit… don’t wear it. It’s only natural that our body weights fluctuate over the seasons, with winter and holiday time nearly guaranteeing a few extra pounds – between the delicious turkey, desserts, and vino, and the decrease in our exercise levels (well, mine anyway!). You may find that your bra is mysteriously tighter than usual, or your breasts are spilling out of your bra cups, no matter how you adjust your straps. So stop wearing it! Wearing the wrong bra size – particularly a too-small bra – is always unflattering (not to mention uncomfortable & unhealthy), instead of giving you the natural and sleek-looking finish you deserve. A properly fitted bra will help hide any bulges under your arms and in back, caused by too-tight and bra back bands with narrow widths, and your bra cups will fully envelop your breasts to prevent spillage and bumps. The end result: a smooth silhouette you can rely on and unparalleled comfort that will be so reassuring, you’ll be strutting with confidence in no time. (Plus-sized tip: try a bra with wider back wings which help smooth out your sides and back like this Olga minimizer bra, while providing full support for day or night, lending a slimmer shape to your upper torso.)

Smooth Silhouette Tip 2) Find underwear that won’t cause VPL,

6503 Grenier Vintage Touch Lacy Shaping Bodysuit, available at Now That’s Lingerie

but that’s so comfy you’ll forget you’re wearing any. New innovations in fabrics and clothing production are now leading us down the path to laser-cut and seamless panties, which have virtually no seams and give you a smooth, barely-there finish and feel. Naturana’s cotton Invisible Touch line includes ideal basics for day or night that offer all the breathability and softness of cotton with the flirty, seamless finish you can wear under even the tightest of pants, dresses or skirts. Many of my comfort-savvy clients also adore Warner’s Pinching, No Problems panty or hipster, specially created to eliminate unwanted lines and bulges. For a retro treat, try the ever-popular classic high-rise Vintage Touch lace panty by Grenier (or their sensual one-piece Vintage Touch shaping bodysuit, which leaves you an elegant lacy touch and smooth finish, while helping smooth out your tummy and derriere while giving you support.)

1232 Triumph Lace Sensation Seamless Shaping Body Dress, available at Now That’s Lingerie

Smooth Silhouette Tip 3) Find shapewear that shapes you – no asphyxiation required. It’s a MYTH that shapewear and controlwear are supposed to be so tight that you can’t breathe (despite what some of my girlfriends may believe!).   Back when corsets were the norm for ladies, they would be laced up so tightly that these women often succumbed to dizzy spells and fainting! And if you ask me, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to look and feel sexy and confident when you are gasping for air. Yes, shapewear is intended to be a “second skin”, but it’s my belief that this means a comfortable second skin! One of my longtime clients now swears by Triumph’s Lace Sensation collection, particularly the long and lacy seamless shaping body dress and the high-rise mid-thigh shaper, for helping give her a smooth effect under any of her clothes. The new Perfect Body line by Naturana slims you out while also emphasizing your natural curves seamlessly – I especially love the high-rise thigh shaper that is perfect for any clothing, even dresses.

Stay tuned for more style and bra fitting tips to help you feel & look your personal best!

Do you have personal rules or tips shapewear & controlwear? Tell us by commenting below, on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri) and become a fan of our Facebook page!

Lisalisa@nowthatslingerie.com

Image sources & references

Olga seamless minimizer bra
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=35982-suddenly-smooth-full-busted-underwire-olga-lingerie

Naturana Exklusiv Invisible Touch Seamless Cotton Panty
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=4574-invisible-touch-seamless-cotton-brief–naturana-exklusiv

Naturana Exklusiv Invisible Touch Collection
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/collection.php?collection=invisible%20touch&brand=naturana-exklusiv

Grenier Vintage Touch Lacy Shaping Panty
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=513-grenier-lace-control-panty

Grenier Vintage Touch Shaping Bodysuit with Underwire

http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=6503-grenier-shapewear-vintage-bodysuit

Naturana Perfect Body Long Leg High Rise Shaper
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=0060-perfect-body-seamless-shaping-long-leg-panty-girdle-naturana-lingerie

Triumph Lace Sensation Seamless Shaping Body Dress
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1232-shape-sensations-body-dress-triumph-lingerie

Triumph Lace Sensation Seamless Long Leg High Rise Panty Shaper
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=432-shape-sensations-leg-panty-triumph-lingerie

Triumph Lace Sensation collection
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/collection.php?collection=lace%20sensation&brand=triumph-lingerie

The Underwire Argument

A rumor is widely circulated that underwire in bras for women isn’t healthy-to the point of being one of the causal reasons for breast cancer. According to Scientific American’s web site, they describe what started that ugly pattern of thought, and let us know that there is no provable scientific evidence to suggest that the rumor is true.

29704363 Drop Cup Nursing Bra by Change of Scandinavia, available at Now That's Lingerie

“It all began in 1995 with a book called Dressed to Kill, in which Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer, a husband and wife medical anthropologist team, claimed that women who wore tight-fitting bras all day, every day, had a much higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who went au naturel. The authors claimed that by inhibiting lymphatic drainage, bras trapped toxins in the breast tissue, which caused cancer.  According to critics, however, the bra-caused breast cancer theory is not supported by sufficient evidence. Scientists say the research of Singer and Grismaijer failed to exclude confounding variables such as the presence in some women of known risk factors for breast cancer. Thus, the notion of a correlation between wearing a bra and breast cancer does not appear to hold up.”

However, there are definitely some things that need to be discussed before considering purchasing an underwired nursing bra.

Underwires are acceptable for women who are breastfeeding, as long as the right fit is taken into account. Underwires can be painful, and can hurt the glands that produce milk if the fit is too small or the diameter is narrow.

If you are already a fan of underwired bras for comfort and fit purposes, and have taken into careful consideration your correct size, there is no reason why you can’t continue your love affair with the extra support. Just make sure to do a double-check of your growing cup size and your needs for the next several months.  If you’re not sure of your size, the Bra Doctor can help you with finding the right fit for you and suggest certain bras that will accommodate your new size and special bra fitting needs. (Click here to view charts and info on how to measure your bra size.)  While you are making sure that you are covered adequately, take the time to see this underwired lacy nursing bra by Change of Scandinavia (click here for a review on this bra and NTL by Little Miss Mama Tairalyn).

The Comfort Argument

As with any garment choice, women have the right to choose comfort and personal taste in the selection of their nursing bra during the breastfeeding stage. Ladies who are averse to wearing underwire bras, or simply didn’t require (or wear) the wire support before they become pregnant, have the right to continue in that vein after baby is born. Underwire is not for everyone, and women have been wearing lingerie for generations before the advent of the wire.

7480 Baby & Me Soft Cup Nursing Bra by Warner's, available at Now That's Lingerie

If this sounds like you, don’t worry!  The nursing bras available today supply plenty of support for you in the soft cup category. Correct sizing is still a must, whether you wear a wire-free bra or an underwired bra. Just because there is no wire to prod into sensitive glands, it doesn’t mean that correct cup choice and band width aren’t as important for you as for women who do opt to wear underwired bras.

Ladies, make sure to refer to the sizing link above to find your correct bra size for yourselves as well to get the utmost comfort and use out of your bra – you deserve nothing less! There are plenty of choices for you as well, including this beautiful soft cup nursing bra by Warner’s Lingerie.

Whatever you chose, make sure that the fit is right for you. And congratulations to you and your family for the beautiful gift you are about to usher into the world!

Questions? Comments?
Follow us on Twitter, Like our Facebook page, leave a comment below, or email me!

-Jenn
Jenn@nowthatslingerie.com

Sources & References

Blog/Review on Chance Nursing bra from NTL by Little Miss Mama Tairalyn:
http://little-miss-mama.blogspot.com/2011/09/mail-arrived.html

Scientific American-
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fact-or-fiction-underwire-bras-cause-cancer

How to measure your bra size:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/how-to-measure-your-bra-size.php

Photo Credits:

Underwired Nursing Bra by Change of Scandinavia
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=29704363_florence_maternity_change_of_scandinavia

Soft Cup Nursing Bra by Warner’s
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=ca07480–nursing-mini-camisole-warners-lingerie

Featured Image:

Lacy Wire-Free Nursing Bra by Warner’s
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=ca07562–lace-nursing-bra-warners-lingerie 

Even though the average bra size seems to be increasing, for reasons such as obesity, plastic surgery, sometimes the birth control pill, etc., smaller cup sizes are getting more emphasis within the lingerie market.  Allow me to give you some tips on how to shop lingerie for your smaller bust.

3033 Petites Lacy Convertible Padded Bra by Triumph

First, you absolutely have to make sure you’re wearing the right bra size. As we all know, the majority of women (over 80%) are not wearing the right bra size. As a petite figure, it may be hard to come to peace with your bra size, but wearing the wrong size is definitely not helping.

Most people think when you have a smaller bust, you automatically need to add padding to make your breasts look bigger.  It is not always necessary because the lighter the fabric, the better and more natural a small bust will look.  So, choose fabrics like lace, which will make you feel sexy and free.

Another rule for shopping for petite bras: be aware that the more of your breasts we see, the bigger your chest appears. For example, in a balconnette bra (three-quarter coverage) or a demi cup bra (half coverage), the breasts are slightly more exposed than a full cup bra. This gives the impression of a slightly fuller chest rather than a flattened chest, making the most of your natural gifts.  (Avoid the tube bra because it flattens you.)

Great Expectations semi-sheer wire-free bralette by Blush

Also, the advantage with smaller breasts is that you don’t need that much support! So, you can opt for the fashionable triangle bra.  Plus, it creates spaces between the breasts, which creates the illusion of a fuller bust.

I hope those tips will enhance you confidence and help you embrace your petite bust!

Are you a small-busted gal? Tell us what your rules are when shopping for petite bras! Comment here below, or tell us on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri) and on our Facebook page.

Jessica

jessica@nowthatslingerie.com

Image sources & references

Great Expectations Sheer Lace And Satin Wire Free Bralette By Blush Lingerie:

http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=221510-great-expectations-sheer-lace-and-satin-wire-free-bralette-blush-lingerie

3033 Petites Lacy Padded Push-Up bra with Convertible Straps by Triumph International:

http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=3033-petites-all-over-lace-padded-underwire-push-up-bra

Featured Image:

(Left) Grenier Serenade Semi-Sheer Lace Bustier

http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=7578-grenier-bustier

(Center) Triumph Seamless Push-Up Bra

http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1738-push-up-collection-push-up-bra-triumph-lingerie 

(Right) Coquette Underwired Lace Demi Bra by Montelle

http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=9012-coquette-underwire-lace-demi-bra-montelle-lingerie

Other sources

http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Flattering-Lingerie-for-a-Small-Bust

Wear the right size and the right fit.  This is the cardinal rule.  No matter how pretty your silky secrets are, they will be of absolutely no use to you if they do not ‘hold’ you right.  So get measured (click here to ask our Bra Doctor for personal bra fitting help, and click here to read how to measure your bra size)!

Never slouch.  Not only do you look younger and slimmer when you have “perfect” upright posture, and it is also the secret to making the most out of your lingerie – looking confident!  (The only exception is of course if you are lounging in bed –then you are allowed to drape yourself on the pillows. )

Don’t rush the moment!  When putting these delicate items on, take your time!  Not only will you avoid rips in your stocking, you are doing something nice for yourself!  It is such an easy way to feel pampered.  If you happen to be doing it for your significant other, let them stew a little.  Good things come to those who wait!

Details, details, details!  Besides size and fit, you should always give yourself the once-over in the mirror, from all angles and sides – admire how beautiful you are and how your lingerie fits on you.  Perfection is in the details!

Go for au naturel.  And I mean for your lingerie, too.  Breathable, natural fabrics are a must – silk is always an investment, and for budget friendly pieces, cotton can be just as seductive and beautiful.  Do have fun exploring fabrics! You might stumble upon something just for you.

What are your personal guidelines for wearing lingerie?  Do you have any amazing tips to share? Comment here below, e-mail me, and join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook!

Until next time, stay gorgeous!

-Cathie-
cathie@nowthatslingerie.com

Image Credits:

http://fashiongonerogue.com/nicole-trunfio-by-stef-king-for-sunday-times-magazine/#more-68066

Featured image:

Purple Bra from the Secret Keepsake collection by Montelle:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/collection.php?collection=secret%20keepsake&brand=montelle-lingerie

Gray Bra from the Sweet Whisper collection by Montelle:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/collection.php?collection=sweet%20whisper&brand=montelle-lingerie

The History of Undergarments

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word Lingerie? Lace, silk, or sheer fabrics with sexually appealing style lines and finishes usually come to mind when we refer to the term. In this century, Lingerie has been made out to be much more than how it started. But let’s take a quick look into the history of this industry; sometimes looking backward can help you understand how and why we’re moving forward.

Lingerie was worn and created with 3 basic purposes: To help with hygiene, to alter a woman’s outer body shaping, and for modesty. It wasn’t until the 19^th century that Lingerie became much more visually appealing. During this time, undergarments such as the corset became a lot smaller in size and shape and became a lot less bulky. The 20^th century was a little more daring as the industry began to experiment with the overall shape of the undergarments.

The Corset

Can you believe that today, there are over 45 types of undergarments classified as Lingerie? And most of these items usually incorporate fabrics such as Lycra, lace, polyester, silk, nylon, and satin! It’s interesting that despite all the changes in life, technology and the world over the past few centuries, the main purposes for Lingerie today are not much different than how and why Lingerie began to be such an important part of our every day lives. We still wear our undergarments to assist in giving us the type of shape, hold, or lift that we desire, except now the selection is so diverse, that we are able to choose whatever style we want for ourselves.

We also wear many of our undergarments to assist in personal hygiene, like helping create a buffer between your sensitive skin and your clothing.  (Natural fibers like bamboo and cotton come into play here, with hygienic properties like moisture absorbency, breathability – and bamboo is naturally antibacterial!) And, although some people have decided that modesty is over-rated and do not wish to wear undergarments for that purpose, many wear their undergarments for a mental comfort. The major change in the industry regardless of the purpose of the undergarment, has most definitely been the level of comfort of which the design, fabrics and shape has been given during production. There are so many different shapes and sizes, colors, fabrics, care instructions, and inner materials used so that the consumer can choose which of these things are most important to them at the time of purchasing.

The Perfect Fit

So what’s new to the lingerie industry?  The standard on fit. This system started in the UK and is very quickly becoming an important industry standard all over North America and the US. Basically, this entails the notion that anyone working in any Lingerie store will be able to properly size and fit any customer who walks through the door prior to purchasing. This is a system that was used primarily in smaller, more expensive boutique type Lingerie stores to enhance the over-all experience.  Now it has become so crucial to people’s lives that they have undergarments that are comfortable and fit properly to their body type and figure, even the bigger retail stores are inheriting this method; soon it will be a mandatory standard.  (The Bra Doctor approves.)

It is interesting to take a quick look into the history, to be reminded of things that are taken so easily for granted since they are just naturally a part of our every day lives.  Now that we have taken a glance at how it all began we are able to appreciate the advancements and all the industry changes that are even still adapting and working to take effect! This is certainly one industry that will forever be changing, growing, and learning from its past – for our benefit!

In which direction do you think the lingerie industry is going next?

Comment here below, e-mail me, or share it with us on Twitter and Facebook!

Kathryn

kathryn@nowthatslingerie.com

Photo Credits and Sources: 

Historic Eras of Undergarments
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingerie

Photo-The history of undergarments
http://www.ranksmercantile.com/product_info.php?cPath=14&products_id=176

Photo-The Corset
http://karleeaturner.blogspot.com/

Photo-The Perfect Fit
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=2978-full-fashion-strapless-underwire-bra-triumph-lingerie

Featured Image – Kestos Vintage Poster
http://www.theadgallery.co.uk/Kestos-They-walk-in-beauty-1930s 

Arianne Lingerie, a brand based out of Montreal, Canada, always have the very best selection of fashionable chemises (nightgowns) and camisoles.  This season, they’re bang-on trend. So here’s a run down of what’s new and what’s available shortly – and keep your eye on their fun party pieces designed with the Holiday season in mind!

Firstly, Arianne has nailed the 1950’s retro look with their gorgeous Loreili chemise (available next month), which provides lift with its padded and underwired cups, and a fabulously hourglass body covered in exquisite stretch lace (it’s also available in a non underwired version too).

Release the animal within with this leopard print Camisole and Chemise from Arianne’s Annie collection, which are trimmed in black lace, (and a lace print version is available too). Those padded, underwired cups give support and shape and the waist slimming lace band make these nightwear or evening pieces extra flattering.

With little 1950’s peplums all the rage, the Angelina camisole corset will be a must-have item for the season, either worn as an evening camisole top or super cute as a boudoir set matched with the Angelina Thongboy. The Chemise corset is super fun and flirtatious as well!

Check out the Victoria, Lady and Eva tops, all marvelously versatile and easily worn under a jacket or teamed with a cardigan for the office. They all have very pretty and modest necklines, are made from subtle stretch jacquards designs and laces, and are extremely comfy too. The Eva Long sleeved top has fabulously exaggerated 1940’s-style ruched shoulders and curved hems – an incredible find for any vintage-inspired wardrobe!

Coming soon is a great range of underpinnings called the Stacy collection. The Camisole corset is super-sleek and can be teamed with the matching, fashionably High cut brief. I love the padded, underwired Stacy Teddy in this collection too, with a super sexy, high leg shape and thong back – so no visible panty-lines!

Later on for the Holiday season, there’s the gorgeous Marilyn bustier – strikingly “Moulin Rouge”, super comfortable in stretchy lace but with all the essential “corset” details such as boning, padded and underwired cups and back hook and eye closure.  The Marilyn chemise corset could also be worn as a sexy little party piece.

The Maya Chemise back detail

Arianne’s selection of sheer nightgowns are incredibly comfortable and can be  worn either as underpinnings or as nightwear. I love the super-cute Lili-Rose collection with eyelet lace front detail, and Maya with a stunning, cutaway lace-trimmed racer-back.

We can look forward to the pretty “bow-lace design” Celine Crop top and Thongboy, they make a very sweet set, perfect bed-wear for our reasonably warm Fall temperatures. And the Celine Teddy is great, very on-trend-1980’s but practical, made from super-stretchy knit fabric and features a thong back (also take a look at the Catherine and Carmen teddies).

For pretty and comfy sleepwear, the Heidi mix and match, solid and print collection is gorgeous. The jersey robe and pants are perfect for lounging and can be matched back to the other sleepwear ranges too.

For those ladies who prefer to sleep in nothing but 100% cotton you won’t be disappointed here either! Arianne offers multiple cotton camisoles, pants and chemises.  The adorable Adele collection is made from 100% Pima Cotton, the softest and most luxurious of cotton knits.  The Ivy printed PJ set is perfect with its long sleeves and long pants (just cast your mind back to how cold it was last winter!), and check out the trendy 100% slub cotton Erin set in with its tiny front button details and drawstrings.

So enjoy the beautiful new Arianne Fall/Winter collection at Now That’s Lingerie.com!  Don’t forget to sign up for NTL’s free newsletter to be one of the first to know about (and save on) new styles by Arianne – and much more!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

Cup sizes come in such confusing and irregular measurement terms that I’d much rather let the bra fitting experts work out my bra size!

It started out with a very simple system where an A cup would accommodate 8 fluid ounces, a B cup 13 fluid ounces, a C cup 21 fluid ounces and a D cup 27 fluid ounces… but it’s not quite as straightforward as that. The torso measurement influences cup size too, for instance a 32C, a 34B and a 36A  all share the same cup capacity, only the under band circumference is different!

Brands are catering to different age groups and demographics and they’ve established cup capacity and shape to meet their own customer’s expectations, this obviously differs from country to country.  Italy has the smallest average cup size which seems strange since they’re well known for their large breasted film stars such as Sofia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida etc… 68% of Italian women wear a B cup whereas England can boast the largest average cup size with 50% of women wearing a D cup or larger! So English bra companies are naturally more geared up to cater for larger sizes than Italian ones.

Unfortunately there’s no global standardization of the cup size language either, and the real confusion starts above a D cup. Although generally AA and DD are used some manufacturers just continue with E, F, G etc instead and others use DD and DDD to represent an E & EE (although now these are commonly being relabeled E and F cups!), and carry on with , F, FF, G, GG etc . Some European manufacturers only use a standard AA, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, scale…. therefore avoiding  DD, DDD, EE sizes altogether! I cups are never used because of possible confusion with J and L in some typesets.

Another problem is multi size labeling. If equivalent sizes for a number of different countries are quoted, it’s common for the conversion to be inaccurate.  It’s the same old problem of converting inches to centimeters (see my previous blog “The Mystery of Bra Sizing”), and then applying a different set of calculations with the EN 13402 (the European Standardized Sizing System which grades up in 2cm increments as opposed to 2.5cm/1 inch for UK  & USA ). For instance a US or UK size 34B, once calculated to European sizing is a 75C, not a 75B as you would think.

Confused? It’s natural!  That’s why any bra size calculator or converter should only be used as a guide, and it’s better to have your bra size measured by a professional fitter like our Bra Doctor who is familiar with the idiosyncrasies of each bra brand and sizing.

So ensure you’re wearing the correct size in your chosen brand with a special (and free) Bra Doctor fitting consultation at Now That’s Lingerie!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

image www.fropki.com Women should wear a D Cup Bra Size : Knowledge Park

Playtex purchased the rights for the first exercise bra, the “Jogbra” in 1990 from it’s inventor Lisa Lindahl.  Lisa had constructed the prototype in 1977 from a pair of jockstraps after her sister complained to her about chafing, slipping straps, and sore breasts, all caused by “jogging” in an everyday bra. At the time there was nothing available to eliminate breast bounce and it was potentially very embarrassing for bigger breasted women to participate in any form of athletic activity.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s women’s aerobics, running and jogging activities flourished, generating a surge in sports specific exercise clothing from big brand sportswear manufacturers, but the simple “pull-on shelf bra” they offered was inadequate for anything more than light exercise.  So bra manufacturers such as Playtex, Triumph, Olga and Warner’s used their technical expertise to lead the way in this new niche “sports bra” market.

The n109 Shock Absorber Max Support Bra by Shock Absorber

Never before had proper research and development been done in this area, breast movement during exercise was studied for the first time by monitoring women running on treadmills. It was a groundbreaking study – the research gave credence to women’s complaints of breast pain – the force of a breast in motion is quite impressive.

The “Shock Absorber” Sports Bra was developed as a result of some of this new research and it’s now the leading and most widely recognized brand in the UK and throughout Europe. Runners and athletes endorse them and they’ve won numerous awards throughout the sports world. Personally I love them, being from the UK I own quite a few Shock Absorber bras and they do work, not only that but they last repeated washings too!

The 847 Tri-Action Sports Bra by Triumph

All this innovation and availability of performance sports bras has greatly enhanced women’s accomplishments in athletics, opening up opportunities for talented bigger-breasted athletes to participate in demanding and intense sports where previously their bust size would have caused agony and embarrassment.

They also offer high performance moisture management, welded and seamless parts to eliminate chaffing, molding to provide a more natural shape and close or crossed straps to anchor the frame when the arms are lifted. We now have two types of sports bras – those that encapsulate the breasts using shaped cups and those that merely compress the breast and restrict movement by flattening (mostly tank top styles).  Breasts move in three planes of motion during exercise – “encapsulation bras” restrict breast movement to two planes while “compression bras” restrict movement in only one plane.

The 8208 Tri-Action Non Wired Sports Bra by Triumph

Now That’s Lingerie carries a very impressive range of performance sports bras from the top brands providing different support for all your activities:

The 847 Tri-action Sports Bra by Triumph is ideal for medium impact activities, with it’s smooth, seamless molded cup it looks good enough to wear as a supportive everyday bra too.  The Triumph 8208 Tri Action Non Wired Sports Bra is great for medium impact too, I love it’s contrast striped red and white elastics giving it a very sporty look.

Naturana’s 5007 Sports High Impact Wire Free Soft Cup Bra is perfect for intense sports, it uses moisture absorbing, quick drying fabrics and incorporates wider built up straps and molded cups for comfort.

Finally the 13004130 Sports Bra by Change of Scandinavia is fantastically engineered to keep everything in place however intense your exercise!

So check out the fabulous new Shock Absorber collection on Now That’s Lingerie.com and beat the bounce!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com