The Countess of Somerset showing cleavage in 1612!

The Ancient Greeks really liked breasts, so women would wear all sorts of things to push them up or expose them. The Romans on the other hand were very male-orientated and women bound their chests in order to minimize them, fashions being quite ‘unisex’.

The women’s décolletage (or exposed neckline) was fashionably prominent in  European society from the Middle Ages, and the first corsets probably appeared in royal courts as a device to lift and accentuate the breasts while accentuating a woman’s hourglass figure (a sign of fertility and prosperity). By the 15^th and 16^th centuries it became common fashion for women to bare their breasts completely, from Queens to prostitutes!  In England in the 17^th century, Queen Mary II was depicted in portraits with fully bared breasts, this was regarded as a sign of prosperity and high social standing, yet revealing the ankle, leg or shoulders was considered to be in very bad taste.

Breast exposure continued up until after the French Revolution, fashions between 1795 and 1820 bared not only the breasts but the shoulders too (I guess that would make it a skirt then!). The Victorians put an end to this trend with their prudish social attitudes and high collars replaced the décolletage, although ball or evening gowns still displayed plenty of cleavage.

Jayne Mansfield and her famous cleavage

At the beginning of the 20^th century, prudishness prevailed and even fairly modest round or v-shaped necklines were discouraged and frowned upon. The breast all but disappeared in the Flapper era as upper body fashions became more restrained but as a consequence, rising hemlines finally revealed the leg!

The sexual permissiveness of the 1960’s liberated and uncovered the bosom in films and on television but full breast exposure in public was still regarded as indecent. Breast enhancement waned with the fashion for a more natural and smaller bustline, but skirt lengths were rising higher than ever and legs were given maximum exposure for the first time in history. It was the decade of the leg!

Even the Wonderbra, launched in 1964 created little impact until the early 1990’s when demand suddenly intensified, breasts were finally back and padded push-up bras were the new method of enhancement.

And in today’s post-“Sex And The City” world, we ladies are lucky enough to be able to  dress more casually and femininely even in the office, responsible cleavage display is generally accepted everywhere. So check out all the wonderful push-up bras we have at Now That’s Lingerie.com and have fun with your cleavage, experiment with different tops and dresses and see what a difference a good push-up bra or balconette bra can make!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

I’m going to get straight down to business – today we’re talking basic essentials. That’s right, ladies! We’ve all had our wardrobe crises, and there are a few little things that are infinitely useful and fabulously versatile, that can solve just about any pinch you might wind up in! This blog is dedicated to sharing these well-kept secrets with you, my readers, in hopes that you might avoid any future fashion-induced anxiety and find yourself prepared for whatever life might throw at you. So here we go!

Problem #1: That low-cut top looks stunning, but – Oh, dear! – it will not stay in place!
Solution: Body Tape by Fashion Essentials (Or as I like to call it – Boob-Tape!)
My description may not be appropriate, as this tool can actually be used in a variety of ways. While a certain fix for plunging v-necks, this can also secure gaps between buttons on blouses and even be used to create a make-shift hemline for skirts or jeans!

Problem  #2: Uh-oh, that non-padded bra that gave you the perfect shape inside suddenly isn’t offering the coverage you need in chilly situations!
Solution: Adhesive Disposable Nipple Covers by Forever New
Sometimes nothing can beat the free feeling and comfort a non-padded bra can give you, but when there’s a little wind that happens to blow your way, you could be left feeling extremely uncomfortable! These nipple covers are a super quick fix that stay in place, don’t irritate your skin, and can be discarded after use. A must-have for any lady who, like me, especially enjoys this kind of bra in summer weather!

Looks like Ellen Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy" could have benefited from Forever New's Adhesive Disposable Nipple Covers in this embarrassing situation.

Problem #3: You’ve got a date, but your bra isn’t giving you that “Umph!” you desire!
Solution: Silicone Push-Up Breast Enhancers by Bra Doctor Lingerie
These push-up enhancers offer significant lift and fullness, without being visible or obvious, leaving you looking naturally luscious! Also, if you are like most women and have a small difference in cup-size between one breast and the other, slipping one of these babies into your bra in the smaller side solves that issue in a snap.

Bra Doctor Lingerie's Silicone Push-Up Breast Enhancers

Problem #4: You’ve bought a lovely new racer-back top, but are saddened to find that it leaves your bra straps totally visible!
Solution: Lifting Hide-A-Strap by Forever New
Just by slipping your bra straps into this small, figure-8 piece of plastic, you can wear your favourite bras and not worry about visible straps in cute racerback tops! Available in packs of 3, coming in black, beige and clear, these little secrets are super comfortable, practical, and also give a sultry lift – win-win situation, if you ask me.

So, there you have it. Some of your most common fashion crises solved, simply and affordably! Stay tuned for future fashion-fixes – believe me, I’ve got lots of tricks up my sleeve.

Xoxo

Rachel

5. Lifting Hide-A-Strap – Make your favorite bras tank-top-friendly in seconds!  Just gather your straps and secure them with this durable plastic figure-eight piece.  Gives your breasts a natural boost in any bra and helps prevent falling bra straps.

4. Body Tape - The quick multi-purpose fix for fashion emergencies, this dual-sided adhesive sticks to anything without irritating or leaving marks on your skin or clothing.  Ideal for plunging necklines or backlines, strapless wear, to seal the space between gapping buttons in your tops, and to quickly alter pant, skirt or dress hems.

3. Shoulder Cushions – Eliminate discomfort from indentation or marks  from your bra straps with these slim and comfortable silicone shoulder cushions.  Ideal for fuller-figured women to help increase support and ease pressure on your neck, shoulders and back.  Also helps prevent your bra straps from slipping down your shoulders.

2.  Bra Back Extenders – Easily add an extra one to three inches to your bra back band for a more precise, comfortable fit.  Ideal for when your bra cups fit but your back feels snug.  Just hook onto your back band and adjust as needed, no sewing necessary! Available in 1 hook, 2 hook, 2 hook Special European, 3 hook and 4 hook widths.

1. Magic Sponge – This aptly-named dual-sided clothing sponge by Forever New Fashion Essentials instantly removes marks on your clothes caused by deoderant, cosmetic powder, dust and more.  Flexible and compact to fit in even the smallest purse, so never leave home without it!

Do you have a more specific question? Let me know!

Bra Doctor

bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com

Ever wonder how to get the perfect amount of cleavage for any occasion? No matter your size, here are some great tips to push up your girls without looking fake.

Bra Doctor Trick #1: Silicone inserts
Silicone is wonderful because it allows for a smooth look under even the tightest of clothes. Removable silicone pads allow you to augment your bust line however you want. For smaller busts, you can select an add-a-size insert to increase the size of your breasts by a full cup size. For larger busts, you can choose a flirty cleavage look or simply round out your shape. Just slide the insert into your bra, placing it along the bottom edge of the underwire (or, in the case of a non-underwire bra, along the bottom band of your bra) for a push-up towards the top, or along the side of the underwire for a push-up towards the centre. Lift up your breast in the cup and gently let it fall back into your bra to make sure the pad is snug between your skin and the bra.

Bra Doctor Trick #2: Push-up bras or demi-bust bras
Some bras come equipped with either removable or non-removable cookies (some are fabric pads, others are filled with air or water or even silicone) that help get a push-up look. The bonus of bras with removable cookies is that you can opt to insert or remove the pads, depending on the look you are trying to achieve, all in one bra! Demi-bust bras are not necessarily padded but do reveal slightly more cleavage since they come down lower in the middle between the breasts. Either way, these bras are comfortable enough and convenient enough to wear daily for a slight enhancement (or more, depending on whether you put pads inside or not).

Bra Doctor Trick #3: The seriously low neckline
Bras like the U-Bra by Arianne are specifically designed for shirts and dresses with a very low V-cut in the front. Since a regular bra will be visible underneath, bras like the U-bra fall much lower in the front while offering an extra push-up towards the centre, creating cleavage that’s irresistible! To see an image, click here.

Bra Doctor Trick #4: Camisoles with integrated bras
Don’t like wearing a bra? Try a camisole with an integrated or shelf bra. Such garments are worn as clothing (outerwear) but because there is an integrated foam padding inside the bust, you get a light to medium support while still enhancing your bustline, without a bra and without pads. You can also wear these camisoles with a push-up bra to get an even more pronounced bustline.

Bra Doctor Trick #5: Convertible bras
A convertible bra allows for the straps to be crossed in the back or clasped behind the neck (halter). By crossing or adjusting the straps behind the neck, you can discreetly push your breasts toward the centre (ideal for a V-shaped shirt). Most convertible bras are slightly padded or lined, so they offer a seamless look while enhancing your cleavage.

I hope these fashion tips were helpful. To get more free fashion advice and updates on new lingerie and outerwear styles, subscribe to Now That’s Lingerie‘s weekly newsletter. See you next week!