Welcome back!

It’s sure been awhile, but many exciting things are happening at once.

It’s the first anniversary of the online launch of Bra Doctor Lingerie, so to celebrate, Now That’s Lingerie.com is offering 25% off all Bra Doctor styles!  So far, the feedback has been very positive, and we can’t wait to hear what you have to think about our collections… with even more new styles to come.

Enjoy browsing, and let me know what you think!

More news to come very soon…

Your Bra Doctor bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com

Let me start with one of the basic principles of bra fitting (you can see my other blogs on this by clicking here).  When your bra fits properly, the underwire should contour all of your breast tissue (from under your arms to where your cleavage resides) and lay flat against [Continue Reading...]]]> So many bras these days are constructed with underwire, that women are becoming increasingly convinced that all bras should have an underwire.  But then, why would most companies still offer several non-underwire options to their customers?  I’m going to help solve the mystery of what an underwire actually does for you.

Let me start with one of the basic principles of bra fitting (you can see my other blogs on this by clicking here).  When your bra fits properly, the underwire should contour all of your breast tissue (from under your arms to where your cleavage resides) and lay flat against your breastbone in the front, without constraining your breasts or rubbing against your skin.

Dahlia bra and panty set by Valisère (Triumph). Size range: 34-40, D-DD cups. Available at Now That's Lingerie.com.

The purpose of an underwire is to contour the natural shape of your breast by encompassing the entirety of your breast tissue and giving it lift and a round shape.  When encased in those cups, your breasts will only be supported to the extent that the fabric of your cup covers your breasts.  For example, let me compare two distinct types of underwire bras.  If you’re wearing a padded push-up bra (most of which offer only minimal support), you are getting less support than if you were wearing a full cup minimizer (intended to deliver the utmost support).  But both bras have underwire.  So what determines this difference in support levels?

For any bra, the straps, elasticated back band, fabric, stitching, underwire and coverage all work together to play a crucial role in perfecting your comfort.  The majority of the support of a properly fitted bra lies in the elasticity (or firmness) of the fabric of your cups, plus the stitching (if any) on or along the cups.  (The reason I emphasize properly fitted is because, if your bra doesn’t fit, it doesn’t matter what style you’re wearing– you will not be get the support that the physics of your bra intended!  Click for more of my blogs on bra fitting.)  So, if your bra cups only cover half of your boobs (like in a demi-cup or demi-bust bra), then chances are, your bra won’t give you as much support as a full-coverage bra– regardless of whether there is or isn’t an underwire.  This also means that a bra with a stretchier fabric on the cups will support your breasts less than a bra made with a sturdier, less extensible fabric.

So that’s part of understanding what underwire can do for you.  Before I continue, I want to make something clear.  Just because you may prefer to wear non-underwire bras does NOT mean you are getting less support than a woman who wears underwire.  Many non-underwire bras are equipped with a supportive elasticated band around the torso and have seams that are stitched internally in such a way as to provide shape and support.  Full support bras DO exist without underwire and their support can be comparable to that of an underwire bra.  The major difference is that the shape of your breasts will sometimes be different in either type of bra.  You see, underwire works to envelop the entirety of your breast tissue, from beneath your arms and below your breast, bringing their weight closer to the front and slightly lifted upwards.  Some non-underwire bras may constrain the breast tissue nearer to your body, but this may make your breasts seem smaller, especially since your breasts will seem less separated from each other than if there was an underwire contouring each breast.

The Vintage Touch wire-free bra by Warner's offers a naturally rounded fit and unparallelled comfort. Available at Now That's Lingerie.com

So what have you learned?  Properly fitted, underwire bras help give you a more precise fit while supporting your breasts, but what more fully determines the support level are the fabric (and stitching) of your bra cups (more on this in a subsequent blog!).  All these aspects (and more, like the strap’s width) work together to provide support.  For women who do not like underwire bras and find them uncomfortable, don’t fret– there is still a wide range of non-underwired bras available for your comfort and convenience.

For all your bra fitting questions… contact me at celinethebradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com!  I hear from dozens of women every week with a wide range of bra fitting issues, and I respond to them personally.  So don’t hesitate or wait to feel comfortable in your bras.

See you next time!
Your Bra Doctor
bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com

Lusty Lace Just slipping into a lacy piece of lingerie can make any woman feel exquisitely feminine! Discreetly show off your goods in colorful lace like this fitted [Continue Reading...]]]> Sometimes it’s best to leave a little something to the imagination– one of the founding principles of lingerie wearers and designers! Leaving a tiny peek here or there of your bare skin in your flirty lingerie will give your partner a slow, sumptuous tease. Here are some of my favorite sheer and lacy items, ideal for a delectable visual and an ultra-sexy sensation every woman should experience!

Lusty Lace
Just slipping into a lacy piece of lingerie can make any woman feel exquisitely feminine! Discreetly show off your goods in colorful lace like this fitted Tiffany camisole with corset lines, or with a comfy bra and panty set that will make you smile slyly to yourself, even if you’re the only one who knows what you’ve got on underneath!

Sheer Heaven
You probably won’t get a halo, but you’ll surely feel uplifted in one of these sheer ensembles! With a delicate combo of mesh and lace, these pieces reveal more of your skin than lace alone, contouring your silhouette with a sexy and enticing layer of eye-catching fabric.

Picture Purr-fect Prints
A feast for the eyes! Original prints like the Feline Fantasy collection by Now That’s Lingerie or the newsprint-inspired Alexis bra and panty set, lend a more flirtatious effect to your sheer appeal. Express your sensuality with a semi-transparent print like these and let your unique femininity peek through!

Thanks for coming, and stay tuned for my next blog, Valentine’s Day, Version 2010!

Lisa, your resident lingerie fashion blogger!

Ideas for upcoming blogs? Bra fitting or lingerie fashion questions? Contact us!

These items are must-haves for your lingerie drawers!

5. A romantic and risqué ensemble, for special occasions, or just to treat yourself to a sultry view.

4. The “Miss Innocent” Nightdress, mostly for comfort and lounging, but will make you want to linger and wink into the mirror.

3. A fun, flirty bra and panty set that makes you smile and walk with a little more skip to your step.

2. Old Faithful, the bra you can wear mostly anywhere, anytime, [Continue Reading...]]]> Little Lingerie Indulgences…
Top 5 Lingerie pieces every woman should have

These items are must-haves for your lingerie drawers!

5. A romantic and risqué ensemble, for special occasions, or just to treat yourself to a sultry view.

4. The “Miss Innocent” Nightdress, mostly for comfort and lounging, but will make you want to linger and wink into the mirror.

3. A fun, flirty bra and panty set that makes you smile and walk with a little more skip to your step.

2. Old Faithful, the bra you can wear mostly anywhere, anytime, while still feeling sexy and comfortable.

1. Your “Night on the Town” ensemble, suited to the same sophistication and glamour as your evening attire.

See you next time!

Lisa
Contact me for blog ideas or any fashion or bra fitting questions!

Off-The-Shoulder Sophistication Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses show off a sexy glimpse of your shoulders and collarbone, but can tend to reveal your bra straps. The simplest solution is a [Continue Reading...]]]> We’ve all been clothes shopping and tried on tops and dresses, then thought, “wow, this looks great, but what bra am I going to wear with it?” To help you out, here’s a quick guide to wearing almost any shape of neckline, and the bras created for them! Why sacrifice style when all you need is the right bra to wear underneath? Voilà, fashion tips for any occasion!

Off-The-Shoulder Sophistication
Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses show off a sexy glimpse of your shoulders and collarbone, but can tend to reveal your bra straps. The simplest solution is a strapless bra, which will give you lift where you need it but without showing your straps! Or, if you’re not comfortable going fully strapless, you can always add on transparent straps to your convertible bra instead.

Backless Wonder
It’s tricky business to wear a bra under these tops, since the back band will likely appear and disrupt the beauty of having a backless effect. If you’ve seen celebrities shimmying down the red carpet in a backless dress, they are probably wearing an adhesive bra. Basically, an adhesive bra has a hypoallergenic double-sided adhesive that sticks onto (and around) your breasts and holds without straps or a back band, letting you show off your shoulders and back. Smile for the paparazzi!

Taking the Plunge
Deep necklines can tend to reveal the top of your bra, if the bra is not low-cut enough in the front. The solution? Try a specialty bra like Arianne’s U-Bra, which will give you lift and support while allowing you to wear even the lowest of necklines. Plus, the U-Bra’s straps are convertible, so you also have the option of crossing them in the back or making a halter neck. Talk about versatility!

It’s Hip to be Square
Medieval-cut or square-cut necklines can show the top of your bra if it comes up too high on the sides. A square-cut demi-bust bra will solve the problem and won’t needlessly reveal any of your bra’s fabric. Also, the straps usually tend to be centered towards your shoulders instead of closer to your neck, hiding your entire bra and the straps even when you go out dancing (or if you’re turned sideways towards an interesting member of your dinner party).

Strapless Sensation
The timeless look of strapless tops and dresses means that the bare-shoulder effect will never go out of style. Work with it, and invest in an ingenuous strapless or convertible bra. Most strapless bras are also equipped with their own straps, so you can wear them daily or with your other specialty tops (like halter, criss-cross, or asymmetrical necklines). You can also switch up the straps for transparent ones, which are useful when you don’t feel like wearing the bra in strapless mode. However you choose to wear it, a convertible/strapless bra is a necessary and multi-purpose addition to your wardrobe!

V-Cut Va-Va-Voom!
The ever-popular V-cut look may entice you to really show off all of your cleavage at once, but don’t go overboard. The trick to wearing these tops is to get a hint of lift without your goodies popping out the top of your shirt or dress. You’re going for classy, not trashy, and an in-your-face boost detracts from the rest of your appeal! Opt for a push-up bra that will discreetly enhance your cleavage and bring out the best of your feminine sensibilities.

I hope these tricks were helpful! Stay tuned for my next fashion blog, when I’ll be reviewing the newest fashions in pants and how to find the right panties to wear beneath them! In the meantime, please contact us with any ideas, comments or suggestions. See you soon!

Lisa

www.nowthatslingerie.com

Last time, I wrote about one of the most common bra fitting problems, the bra cup size. Today I will discuss the back band of your bra, and how to know if it’s properly adjusted or just not right for you. Always keep in mind that the back of your bra, the cups and the straps all work together to provide comfort and support. When one of these aspects isn’t fitting right, then the others probably won’t either. The majority of us [Continue Reading...]]]> Welcome back, everyone. Thanks for tuning in for another one of my advice blogs!

Last time, I wrote about one of the most common bra fitting problems, the bra cup size. Today I will discuss the back band of your bra, and how to know if it’s properly adjusted or just not right for you. Always keep in mind that the back of your bra, the cups and the straps all work together to provide comfort and support. When one of these aspects isn’t fitting right, then the others probably won’t either. The majority of us take more than just one size or shape, depending on the bra company, the style of the bra (e.g. demi-bust, full coverage, etc.), the fabric they use, and so on. For instance, some 34B bras can fit more like a 36B, while others will fit more like a 34C, even within the same company! It’s not rocket science, but often it can seem just as complicated. Here’s some advice that I hope will guide you in your quest for your perfect fit.

When you first buy a bra, it is always best to adjust your bra either to the loosest hook in the back, or to the middle notch. NEVER buy a bra if you have to attach it to the tightest hook to feel adequately supported. Your bra band will stretch naturally with wash and wear, so you want to reserve the tighter hooks for later on. When you start off at the tightest hook from the get-go, you will be left with no room to make it fit more snugly when your bra’s elastic stretches out.

So, while you’re hooked at your middle or loosest notch in the back, the band should be aligned straight around your rib cage when your shoulder straps are comfortably adjusted. If too much flesh is spilling out around the sides, and you feel asphyxiated, then you need to increase the back band by a size. If your bra rides up in the back, or even in the front, then you need to decrease the band size accordingly. As a general rule of thumb, your bra should move with your body and not let you pop out of it as you go about your day!

I am constantly seeing women who are wearing a bra whose band size is too large, just because it was the only way for them to attain the right cup size. Let’s say you usually take a 38D but your back is too loose, while the cups fit just fine. To find your optimum size, you would need to increase the cup size while decreasing the band size. In this case, you should try a 36DD instead of a 38D, which will fit more snugly around your back while offering a large enough cup to encase all of your breast tissue.

Let’s try another example using the previous 36DD bra, but in this case, the back band is just a tiny bit too small, while the cups fit properly. Although you may be tempted to try a 38DD, you will find that the cup size of a 38DD will be bigger than the 36DD and your back band will be much too loose. Instead, you can try using a bra back extender, which is a small accessory that attaches directly to the back of your bra without needing to be sewn. This ingenious little device will give you more hooks to use with the back band so that you can adjust your bra (looser or tighter), according to your daily comfort. By attaching this extender to your 36DD bra, you are maintaining the correct cup size, while giving yourself some more wiggle room in the back.

Check back next time for the next installment of bra fitting advice when I’ll be discussing how to properly adjust your bra straps and why some types of straps are better than others. In the meantime, please contact me with any other fitting questions at: bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com.

See you soon!

Celine

www.nowthatslingerie.com

Your shape is unique, making it sometimes difficult to find bras that are made in standard sizes. Many large-scale lingerie stores do not have experienced salespeople to help you find your best personal fit. Today I offer [Continue Reading...]]]> In my experience, more than 90% of women wear the wrong bra size. Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Many women also take several different sizes, depending on the shape, cut, make and fabric of the bra. To add to the confusion, most women are not entirely symmetrical, meaning the size of each of their breasts are not equal.

Your shape is unique, making it sometimes difficult to find bras that are made in standard sizes. Many large-scale lingerie stores do not have experienced salespeople to help you find your best personal fit. Today I offer you one of the most common bra fitting problems, with tips on how to fix it. Over the next few blogs, you will find a comprehensive guide on how to diagnose and solve each fitting problem, along with some images that will demonstrate the proper or incorrect fitting for bras.

But first… In a previous blog, I asked you to try on each of your bras and go through a checklist of items to see if your bras were the wrong size. It’s fun to do this with your girlfriends too, and they can help you see things you can’t. If it doesn’t fit, or if the elastic is stretched out, toss it. Ask yourself these questions when you try on each bra.

*Are you adjusting the back closure at the tightest hook but it’s still not supporting you?
*Does the back ride up in an inverse U-shape?
*Does the underwire cut into your breast tissue or under your arms?
*Do the cups ride up over your breasts when you lift up my arms?
*Is your breast tissue spilling out of your cups, or cutting into your breast even when you adjust the straps?
*Is there too much space inside of your bra cups that your breasts don’t fill?
*Are your straps adjusted to the tightest fit and are still falling down your shoulders?
*Do you feel constrained or not properly supported throughout the day?
*Is your back closure too tight, even at the loosest hooks, so that you find it hard to breathe or move?
*Is the elastic around the band worn and overextended?

One of the most common issues with bra fitting is the cup size. I have seen some women with red lines underneath their arms and breasts from where their too-small underwire dug into them painfully.

Time for a reality check. It’s normal to change sizes and shapes over time. If your bras don’t fit you, don’t keep buying the same size. I have actually met women who refused to wear D cups because in their minds, that was too big. Size doesn’t matter as long as you’re comfortable in your bra. Seriously. If you don’t like it, cut out the tags! It’s not worth walking around all day long in discomfort.

Adjust your straps until you can your index finger between them and your shoulders, and without them cutting into you or slipping off your shoulders. The bra cups should lie flat against your breasts without any bunching, spaces or overlap (otherwise known as Spill Mountain, which is super unattractive).

Your underwire should contour and envelop the entirety of your breast tissue under your arm, and against your ribcage and breastbone. Never, ever wear a bra if the underwire cuts into you, because it’s too small, and can cause you serious problems, like cutting off the circulation to the tissue that is being constrained. Start by increasing your cup size or finding a bra style that offers a wider and more flexible underwire.

Your girls should never slip out from your bra when you move around or lift up your arms (this can make for an embarrassing fashion mishap!). If they do, then your size is too big, so go down a cup, like from a C to a B, until the underwire fits more snugly.

Some women have come to me with their doctor’s advice not to wear underwire. If you’ve heard this before, know that it’s mostly because women typically wear bras too small for them, which can cut off circulation to the surrounding lymphatic areas. Since your body needs to clear itself of its toxins, it is necessary to ensure proper and natural circulation, and constraining your breasts may prohibit your body’s natural functioning. As long as you are wearing the right size, and your breasts are being supported but not squished, this should not be a problem.

Always remember that you should do self breast exams periodically, but these should never replace regular breast exams with your doctor. Click here to view images from the American Cancer Society on how to conduct a self breast exam.

Stay tuned for the next installment of Bra Fitting Problems, and discover more helpful tips to find your perfect fit!

Bra Doctor

Move over, thongs! Hipsters and boyshorts have become all the rage in lingerie fashion, with emphasis on their seamless look and sleek fit. The latest styles are mostly low-rise (although some can be found in higher cuts as well) and reveal at least a hint of your lovely derrière. Here are a few stylish panty styles–comfortable enough for daily wear underneath anything.

Thongboys are considered the style between thongs and boy shorts, because they are typically (but not exclusively) low-rise, and the back comes [Continue Reading...]]]> The hottest panty styles of the year!

Move over, thongs! Hipsters and boyshorts have become all the rage in lingerie fashion, with emphasis on their seamless look and sleek fit. The latest styles are mostly low-rise (although some can be found in higher cuts as well) and reveal at least a hint of your lovely derrière. Here are a few stylish panty styles–comfortable enough for daily wear underneath anything.

Thongboys are considered the style between thongs and boy shorts, because they are typically (but not exclusively) low-rise, and the back comes up in a sexy V with a slight thong back, revealing the bottoms of your cheeks. You can find them in delicate laces and exciting prints.

Low-rise boy shorts and low-rise hipsters are so-called because they fall lower on the hips, but do not necessarily have a thong bottom. Some hipsters subtly accent your backside in a seductive V-shape, while others reveal only a slight demarcation of your derrière. Try them out in either an allover stretch lace, soft microfiber, and even breathable organics like cotton and bamboo.

Don’t worry– if you aren’t into wearing hipsters or thongboys, you can still find plenty of new sexy panties, comfortable for everyday wear, and won’t reveal too much of your bum. My favorites have a stretch lace along the top, providing a seamless and sleek look I can wear under even my tightest pants.

Stay tuned for my next Bra Doctor advice blog on Shapewear!