Saudi Arabia is a holy country, one that every Muslim, no matter where they are born, should travel to at least once in their lifetime. Mecca is within the country’s borders, and Islam is the nation’s religion.

Due to the fact that Saudi Arabia boasts holy ground, Islamic religious law is upheld very strictly within the country’s borders, and the law that presides over common life and domesticity is called Sharia law.  One of the steadfast understandings within Sharia law is that women and men that are not related or married must not interact in common areas.

In shopping malls, where both men and women congregate, certain measures are taken to ensure that the mixing of the sexes does not take place.  Women are not allowed to work in certain arenas where they exposed to men privately, and one of the most prominent places where this has been a problem has been the intimate apparel stores within the country.

Until now.

Women within Saudi Arabia have boycotted stores where they must pay a male clerk for their undergarments, where they feel uncomfortable with the exchange. Their silent standpoint has been recognized by the state.  Technically, a law was passed in 2006 that mandated only women work within intimate apparel stores. This way, the man behind the counter would be eliminated from the equation, and female shoppers could pay female workers for their purchases.

As of January 5th, the 2006 law that forbade men to sell lingerie began to be enforced for the first time. For the first time in the country’s history, women can shop for their lingerie with their dignity intact, and protected by law.

The business of selling lingerie within the guidelines of Sharia law is a very difficult procedure to uphold. Not all of the religious clerics are pleased, and there is opposition on some fronts.  Only time will tell how the country will be affected by this radical shift in view.

Do you think this change in law which empowers Saudi women’s right to buying lingerie from female sales representatives will be upheld? Leave a comment below, email me, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri)!

-Jenn

jenn@nowthatslingerie.com

Web Credits

http://old.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120102/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_saudi_selling_lingerie

Photo Credits

Woman and man in lingerie store:
http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2012/01/saudi-arabia-lingerie-law.jpg

Man selling lingerie:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6beEZbdF_s4/TmvGTLYKdBI/AAAAAAAAAsg/krDg49lEEb0/s1600/CSC_0108.JPG

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!

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 

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

I would go to a large department store and get a 36C, based on a measurement from fifth grade when I first started wearing bras. In about eighth grade, I upped myself to a D cup after it was clear the C cup wasn’t working anymore. After a few years of falling out of the D cups, I headed back to the same chain store and got DDs. I figured that HAD to be my size – after all, it was the largest cup size they had available.  I had occasional moments of spilling out, but I reasoned that this was because of the bra style. So I started buying only full-coverage bras, which of course were practical, streamlined, and incredibly dull. I was resigned to a life of boring, plain bras- no cute demi-cups for me!

What I Used to Look like

Then, a change began. My friend was planning on going to a specialty bra fitter, much like our Bra Doctor, and wanted me to come too. I had just bought a slew of new bras, but I went for moral support, as my friend had said that the way they fit bras was much more than simply measuring.

I was in for a surprise. We went into the store and I saw bras of all styles and colors, in sizes I had never heard of before. 30G? 34 H? What were these sizes? At chain stores, I had noticed that the larger back sizes (the number) usually corresponded with larger cup sizes. I had no idea people could have a tiny back size and a large cup size.
As I waited by the dressing rooms, I saw countless women buying new bras, preaching the truth of their new-found sizes. They vowed to throw away all the bras they had at home, even tossing the bras they wore into the store in the trash, thrilled to finally be wearing the right size. I saw older women beaming with delight. Teenage girls who came in sulking left with their heads held high with new confidence.
I was extremely jealous. Though I was fairly confident in my sizing abilities, I had a sneaking suspicion that I too was wearing the wrong size. I insisted my friend come back with me the next week so I could get fitted myself.  When I did, the friendly saleswoman measured around my torso with a measuring tape, and then had me take off my bra (no shame allowed) so she could inspect the merchandise.

“34 F,” she proclaimed.

Demi Cup Bra I Loved in White

I gasped. 34 F? I was almost correct in the back size, but the cup size I was wearing was two sizes too small! With a flourish, the saleswoman went to find me new bras. She came out with a nude colored bra, a practical black, and a demi cup black bra with lace that I swooned over. After a life of plain full-coverage, I emerged with pretty, feminine, gorgeous bras that fit better than any I had ever owned.

Because of the correctly-fitting bras, my entire wardrobe went through a major upgrade. Button-down shirts that had popped open whenever I lifted my arms suddenly fit perfectly. My breasts looked shapely instead of saggy, and didn’t bounce around uncomfortably when I walked. I looked thinner, and the huge boost of confidence I felt from looking good made me stand up straighter and walk taller. I was converted into a brand-new, bra-obsessed woman.

This is why I became a bra blogger, so I could share my love of bras and lingerie with all of you. I would recommend any woman, young or old, to contact the Bra Doctor and get the right fit for their “ladies” and at last diagnose and solve the real reasons behind any bra fitting problems (e.g. “spillage”, red marks, etc.).

For a teenager, a special experience buying a great bra can make a changing body a positive experience. For an older adult, getting the right support can make her feel a renewed appreciation for her body. And for any woman, it will increase her confidence so she can take on her day, and the world.

Have any bra-buying experiences to share? Comment about it below, E-mail me or tell us on Twitter and Facebook!

Rachel

rachelg@nowthatslingerie.com

Image Sources:

Ill-Fitting Bra: http://www.legsandcospain.com/guides/ill_fitting_bra_files/image004.jpg

Bra style I loved:

http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=7504-galloon-lace-balconette-bra

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

The Invisible Low-Rise V Thong by Elita Lingerie

The Invisible Thong

Every garment that clings, from long, silk evening gowns to khaki work pants to cotton leggings, requires an invisible thong or invisible panty that eliminates visible panty lines (aka VPL). VPL cuts your bum cheeks in half, giving your backside a wider appearance and looks sloppy. So, to avoid attracting a whole lot of unwanted attention pick something up like the Elita Invisibles Low-Rise V Thong and feel comfortable and confident in any ensemble!

The Bikini

Ah, the bikini. The bikini is my basic go-to panty, just as jeans are my go-to basic bottoms. High quality denim actually shapes your butt and is thicker than the fabrics used in dress pants, meaning panty line isn’t a concern in your favourite jeans! Bikinis are often quite low-cut, to match the majority of most styles of jeans.  If your undies should poke out slightly when you bend over in low-slung denim, a bikini makes a much better statement than an exposed g-string, that’s for sure!

I am in love with Bra Doctor's Brigitte Low-Rise lacy thong!

The Brief

Briefs can either be very high-waisted or come in a nice, middle-rise cut. As you likely know by now, I personally prefer the high-waisted feel, which gives such a gorgeous and classic look. This is because I’m a fan of cinching my dresses at the waist and wearing very high-cut pants and shorts, and anyone who’s tried it knows how strange it feels to have two different waist lines going on! But it’s the variety of briefs that’s so awesome: for any woman uncomfortable in something ultra-high, the mid-rise brief provides the perfect compromise, not to mention they create a really beautiful 1950s hourglass silhouette.

The Sexy Panties

Now, whether it be for a significant other or just for yourself, every woman needs to have at least one special pair of panties that makes her feel like a total knockout! Don’t worry too much about versatility because these undergarments are (usually) for special occasions! Right now, my favorite sexy panty is my Bra Doctor Brigitte Sheer Lacy Low-Rise Thong in bright red lace (to go with my matching Brigitte bra!). Treat yourself to something fabulous when picking out your sexy panty – dare for some silk, soft lace and satin that feel blissful against your skin and look delectable in your underwear drawer.

See you next time!

xo

Rachel

What`s your favorite panty type? Leave me a comment below or e-mail rachel@nowthatslingerie.com.

The 1693 This Is Not A Strapless Bra by Warner's - a perfect example of the newest innovative bras

So it’s good that us ladies have such love of lingerie!  On average, we own 6.5 bras each – how many do you have?

The modern bra is a highly specialized structure; it’s come a long way in 80 years and yet it’s still evolving with fashion (foremost) as manufacturers strive to meet our demands and ever-changing needs.

Many terms are used to refer to parts of a bra and I’ve illustrated here some of the most commonly used ones to help you out when you’re being fitted or buying your new bra.

A bra is made from approximately 12 x pieces of fabric, 2 x foam cups, 2 x underwires, 2 x sliders, 2 x rings and 1 set of hook and eye closures. It can take 6 months for a bra to be developed from design stage to pre-production (sometimes more), with up to 50 highly skilled people working on countless prototypes and with components coming from perhaps as many as 6 different countries. The bra has also led to many highly technical innovations from the hook and eye closure to (more recently) “spacer foam”. In fact the first Apollo spacesuits were designed and made in the 1960’s by Playtex, the bra and girdle manufacturer. Using their expertise of close-fitting synthetic garments, they produced the spacesuits worn by astronauts who stood on the surface of the moon!

So check your bra count, I’d be very interested to know what my reader’s average is!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

You could win 1 of 4 FREE lingerie sets when you enter Now That’s Lingerie.com’s contest!  Click on the image below to find out more.  Contest runs from May 20 to June 20, 2011.

4 lucky contest winners can choose any two lingerie items of your choice from the collection they win.  You may rank your collections after you sign up for Now That’s Lingerie.com’s newsletter.  Don’t forget to check the option to receive Bra Doctor Blog’s news and updates!

Bra Doctor’s Indulgence collection, available exclusively on Now That’s Lingerie.com, is made with stunning dual-toned imported European floral lace.  This line offers three sultry pieces: the lined balconette bra, the semi-sheer lacy underwired bra, and the low-rise semi-sheer lacy hipster.  Choose between Vanilla Mint and Cherry Cordial!

Click here to see more Bra Doctor lingerie for flirty, sensual and comfortable bras and panties you can wear from day to night! I know I do.

Plus! Check out the irresistible collections by Arianne, Blush, and Triumph available to be won in NTL’s contest.

See you soon for more fashion news & updates.

Bra Doctor
bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com

First of all, I think it’s important to say this: A woman should not have any shame or embarrassment in regards to her figure. I firmly believe that all shapes and sizes are beautiful in their own way! What’s more (and what the media would rather you not know!) is that everybody is attracted to different things. All of this is to say that the popularized image of tall, skinny women – while still attractive – isn’t the ideal. Therefore, my top tips are not about hiding your body but about how you can highlight your already-radiant beauty!

Blush Lingerie's Finders Keepers High Hipster

A good thing to remember in all fashion scenarios is that embellishments attract attention! Ruffles, lace, jewels, and all that glitters will automatically draw eyes. They also add volume – so depending on the look you’re going for, you can use this to your advantage in different ways. If you are one bootylicious babe who wants to flaunt that fabulous derriere, or a sporty type who would like to make your bottom look a bit fuller, then wearing ruffled panties, such as the Finders Keepers High Hipster by Blush, are the way to go!

Another rule of thumb is that the right fit is always visually appealing! Creating a smoother silhouette is easy with sleek, reinforced pieces. Luckily, there is tons of shapewear out there, due to the massive appeal and comfort it offers to women of all shapes and sizes. As I’ve said before, I’m a petite woman, and I love shapewear as much as the next girl! After all, it’s not about trying to change your size; size isn’t an issue! It’s the way that shapewear limits bumps and panty lines that interfere with an article’s cut and allows it to fall the way it is meant to, to achieve the perfect fit!

So there you have it; once you’ve got these two tips in your back pocket all the rest of your fashion choices will come easy.

Stay tuned for my next fashion blog about my bra fitting session with the Bra Doctor last weekend!

Rachel

Ask me about fashion! Comment below and e-mail me at:

rachel@nowthatslingerie.com