1.    Shapewear

Perfect Body Long Girdle by Naturana

He says:

“You’re not overweight, so why do you need Shapewear?”

You say: Shapewear doesn’t just slim the body, it creates a streamlined torso. No bumps or bulges from panties, stockings, or leggings. Women of any shape and size can appreciate that!

Example: Perfect Body Seamless Shaping Long Leg Panty Girdle by Naturana will show him that a long, shape-fitting controlwear creates a smooth, sleek torso under even a thin dress.

2.    Garter Belts

He says: “They’re sexy, but what the heck are they for?”

Naked Envy Garter Belt by Blush

You say: I’m glad you like them, but for centuries they served a very useful purpose. In the past, stockings only went up a little past women’s knees.  Women attached stockings to the garter belt so that they would stay up. A man might reply (as my boyfriend did): “Aren’t they tight enough that they stay up on their own?” The answer is no, they need something to hold them up.  (Stay-Ups do have a silicone band inside to “stay up” by themselves, but thigh-high nylons/stockings don’t.)

Example: If he can focus long enough to get the explanation, the Naked Envy Semi Sheer Eyelash Lace Garter Belt by Blush Lingerie illustrates how garter belts attach to mid-thigh length stockings.

 

3.    Basic Panties

8825 Silk Magic Brief by Elita

He says: “These are boring. Why do you have them?”

You say: There are certain times in the month (or anytime, really!) that women want simplicity and coverage from their underwear. It’s not always the goal to look hot – comfort is key!

Example: Prove the point that basic underwear can still be exciting with  Elita’s 8825 Silk Magic Microfiber Brief, a perfect blend of practicality and luxurious comfort. The super-soft material will convince anyone that basic underwear is a necessity.

4.    Convertible Bras

1693 This is Not a Bra Strapless By Warner's

He says:  “I don’t know what that is. And it sounds like a type of car.”

You say: It’s a bra with straps that you can remove or move around into different configurations (such as single strap, strapless, halter-neck, racer back style, one strap across the back, etc.) It’s very useful because women can wear it with many different outfits that a traditional bra would not work with, like a strapless dress or one-shoulder dress.

Example: The 1693 This Is Not A Bra Strapless Bra by Warner’s shows how versatile this type of bra really is. Pair it with one-shoulder or strapless tops so he gets the point.

5.    Sports Bras

He says: “Do you really need that? I work out without a jock strap.”

B4490 Active Max Sports Bra by Shock Absorber

You say: YES! Sports bras offer much greater comfort and support than regular bras. Though some women might be able to pull off yoga or Pilates in an everyday bra, most women find it extremely uncomfortable or even painful to run or use a cardio machine without a sports bra. (Plus, you don’t want to get a nice bra gross and smelly if you’re working up a sweat.) Try telling him that a badly fitting or non-supportive sports bra will only make your breasts sag earlier, and a great sports bra prevents that from happening as quickly, preserving your bustline longer.

Example: The 4490 Active Max Sports Bra by Shock Absorber offers great support and comfort. Women will feel the difference when working out… but men will just have to take our word on that.

Has another clothing item caused confusion for a man you know? Tell us by commenting below, or connect with us on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri) and on our Facebook page!

Rachel
rachelg@nowthatslingerie.com

Photo credits and sources:

Perfect Body Seamless Shaping Long Leg Panty Girdle:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/images/2011/fall/naturana-lingerie/0060p.jpg

Naked Envy Semi Sheer Eyelash Lace Garter Belt by Blush:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/images/2011/fall/blush-lingerie/222462-naked-envy-garter-belt-by-blush-lingerie-p.jpg

Silk Magic Microfiber Brief by Elita:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/images/2010/elita-lingerie/8825p.jpg

This Is Not A Bra Strapless Bra by Warner’s:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1693-this-is-not-a-bra-strapless-warners-lingerie

b4490 Active Max Sports Bra by Shock Absorber:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=b4490–max-sports-bra-top-shock-absorber

Featured Image

Burlesque Fantasy Garter Belt by Montelle:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=8645-burlesque-fantasy-satin-and-lace-garter-belt-montelle-lingerie

1738 Pink  Convertible Bra by Triumph International:
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1738-push-up-collection-push-up-bra-triumph-lingerie

35963 Luxury Minimizer Bra by Olga Lingerie, available at Now That's Lingerie

At least one nude t-shirt bra

In case anyone out there doesn’t know this (and I’m directing this specifically towards my mother, who conditioned me to always wear white), nude t-shirt bras are the standard bras that women should own.* Because of their color, nude bras don’t show under anything, including white shirta, making them the most practical choice for everyday wear. Choose one as streamlined as possible so the seams don’t show under any type of clothing. Just because it’s basic, though, doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty; Olga Lingerie offers bras like the Luxury Lift Minimizer, which has just enough lace detail to be feminine and enticing.

*An interesting fact: in the industry, white bras are considered a “fashion color,” which puts it in the same category as colors like pink, blue, and leopard print. Surprising considering all the white bras out there!

222407 Naked Envy Demi Bra by Blush Lingerie, available at Now That's Lingerie

At least one black bra

Now we’re getting into fun territory: the black bra. Contrary to popular belief, black bras are just as necessary as nude bras and sometimes are even more important! This is because dark clothing can often discolor nude or light-colored bras prematurely, so black bras should be worn under all dark tops. Plus there’s something fun and scandalous about wearing black lace. Black bras like Blush’s Naked Envy demi bra, are sexy and comfortable for all-day wear.  (Click here to read Why Black Lingerie is So Sexy for more!)

One sports bra

Depending on how often a woman works out, she should have at least one well-fitting sports bra to hold in the ladies when exercising! There are so many factors to consider when buying one, that I would recommend asking the Bra Doctor for help to find the right one. Sports bras are specifically designed for the type of exercise (high-impact cardio or less stressful yoga or pilates), so a woman might need two to fit her exercise routine. They also must fit properly to give great support without binding. The budget-conscious take note: exercising is one of the most taxing things a woman can do to her breasts, so it’s better to splurge on a great sports bra than a flimsy, lacy number that won’t get much (practical) use.

One strapless or multi-purpose bra

Similar to the sports bra, the strapless bra must support without overly restricting, or becoming the dreaded “shelf.” Convertible (or multi-purpose) bras, like those from Warners and Triumph, are a great addition to a bra collection, because it does multiple duties as a strapless, one strap, or two straps, criss-cross, and halter.

4002 Brigitte Lace Bra by Bra Doctor Lingerie, exclusive to Now That's Lingerie

At least one fun bra

Everyone knows the ones I’m talking about- bras that are multi-colored, intricately laced, and va-va-voom! Sexy bras that are also comfortable like Bra Doctor Lingerie‘s lacy retro Brigitte bra, offer wear-all day comfort. Slip on one in the morning and secretly feel like a goddess all day!

For ladies used to swapping between just one or two bras, this might feel like a lot of underwear, but these are the necessities that a great wardrobe is built on. With these five bras, every outfit from a suit to a sundress has the perfect bra to go underneath, with no need to hide straps or wear a cami so your bra doesn’t show. The best part is, once you know what kind and how many bras you need, you have an excuse to go out and buy them!

Happy shopping!

Comments or questions about bras?

E-mail me or tell us on Twitter and Facebook!

Rachel

rachelg@nowthatslingerie.com

Image sources:

Image of Luxury Lift Minimizer by Olga: http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=35963-luxury-lift-minimizer-bra-olga-lingerie

Image of Naked Envy bra by Blush: http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=222407-naked-envy–unlined-semi-sheer-lace-demi-bra-blush-lingerie

Image of Bra Doctor’s Brigitte bra: http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=4002-brigitte-sheer-lacy-underwired-full-cup-bra-bra-doctor-lingerie

Featured image: Montelle bras, soon available on Now That’s Lingerie

Besides the wackier ideas generated by the creative team in Japan, Triumph also promotes seriously talented young lingerie designers worldwide by hosting the “Triumph Inspiration Award” every year. It’s great to see young designers being given the opportunity to present their ideas internationally – to check out their fabulous designs click here.

So with all that creativity being cultivated at Triumph, we’re excited to see some of the latest trends in their new Fall collection at Now That’s Lingerie, with styles for July and August already launched, and nearly ready for September and October collections and colors. Here’s a sneak preview of what’s available, and what to expect.

The early Fall palette is made up of soft nougat colors, neutral, easy to wear and very feminine – vanilla, opal pink, quiet brown (a café latte shade) and excalibur (a lovely dark graphite grey-brown). These colors translate beautifully into soft laces and sweet shapes, trimmed delicately with tiny ribbons and bows, like the popular Elle Lace and Petites Ribbons and Lace collections.

Triumph Vintage Curves

The “Opulence” colors are the newest, fashionable “super-darks” – orbit blue (a dark petroleum blue), plum (deliciously rich), mustang (warm caramel) and moonlight blue (a lovely vintage grey-blue). See the Victorian Lace set with tiny contrast scallops and the Petites All Over Lace, which both look stunning in these new fashion shades. The new Vintage Curves padded underwire bra set in fine, dusty pink lace is exquisite, trimmed with rich satin ribbon bows and straps – I particularly love the hipster shape with its lace band hugging the hips.

The richer, more decadent colors – very rich berries, jewel and passion fruit, a rich chocolaty brown and velvety black, are for late Fall, taking us into the Holiday season.

Triumph’s “Mix ‘n match Slinkys” is a great new concept for those ladies who are never able to quite match up your bra and panty each morning! It’s a totally interchangeable collection edged with a contrast tipping (plus solid versions too), in nude/black or black/nude.

I love their new SexyBack smooth back bra, a padded underwired t-shirt bra with seamless sides and a “U” back perfect for smoothing out all your curves from any angle – no more bulging backs and sides! It’s available in solid black and in a terrific graphic black and white floral print too (with matching brief).

For fuller busted femmes, there’s the Splendid Curves Daydream – a “dreamy” underwired bra and bikini set in sizes36-40 D,DD & F, and it’s a gorgeous stretch all-over lace version of their Splendid Curves Satin Caress.

Triumph Splendid Curves Daydream

Triumph Petites Fantasy Curves

A super-cute new Petites offering is the”Petites Fantasy Curves”, a flirtatious combination of black lace and sexy mesh: an underwire bra with great lift teamed with a fantastic “retro” bikini shape.

And don’t miss the fantastic Triumph Sports Triaction Bra(underwired) and new Triaction Sports Non-wired bra (with gel straps): they’re both great innovations and essential for any regular high-impact exerciser.

Have fun checking out the new Fall 2011 Triumph collections at Now That’s Lingerie, and subscribe to the free NTL newsletter for more sneak previews and announcements for the latest styles.

Teresa

teresa@nowthatlingerie.com

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

The Invisible Bliss Seamless Underwire Bra by Warner's, a good example of a contour t-shirt bra

A molded cup is a flat piece of synthetic fabric which has been stretched over a hot mold form to give it a predefined shape. A second layer is sometimes added for opacity and strength (in the case of lace for instance). This then forms a breast shape which is sewn into a frame. Sometimes they will have a seam to give additional shaping across the bust, generally for bigger cup sizes, like D or DD cups and up.

A contour cup is a thin layer of foam sandwiched between two layers of fabric and then molded. Most contour bra cups are made from a standard polyurethane foam (PU) filling, but while it’s soft and lightweight and molds well, the fabric and the process itself can make it non porous, meaning it doesn’t breathe and moisture gets trapped inside the cups. With lighter colors, especially white, the glues used in the manufacturing can discolor on contact with the air and gradually yellow over time, this is remedied by using UV stabilizers.

A contour bra can also have seaming. Clean with no seaming (aka “seamless’) it is referred to as a t-shirt bra by retailers. T-shirt bras are always contour bras but a contour bra isn’t always a t-shirt bra!

You may have come across the term ‘spacer bras’ used when describing some of the newer t-shirt or contour bras. This is actually quite a revolutionary innovation in the bra business!

Spacer Push Up Bra from the Tactel Collection by Change of Scandinavia Lingerie

Spacer foam is basically a foam sandwich that’s knitted on a machine with a fine top and bottom layer and a wavy ‘corrugated’ filament layer in between which can be adjusted to any thickness. This means that little air pockets are created allowing air to pass through the cup. Not only does the spacer foam have a very cushiony, comfortable feel but it doesn’t become hot when worn. Another advantage is that the cups can be knitted in graduated thickness or with built in ‘bump up’ pads. Spacer fabric is also used on the wings to provide added breathability for bigger sizes and it obviously has huge potential for use in sports bras. The only drawback is the price, because of it’s complex manufacturing process it’s more expensive than the traditional foam bras.

To check whether your bra is made in this way, cradle one of the cups in your hand, put your face to it and blow, if you feel your breathe on your hand then it’s probably a spacer foam bra.

But just a warning, there are cheap inferior versions out there that don’t retain their shape after washing and are certainly less breathable, so always opt for quality.

Hope this helps, happy bra buying!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

Eat your way to a better, healthier lifestyle with berries, high in antioxidants.

1. Get in touch with Mother Nature. Exploring the great outdoors is a natural, fun and surefire way to stay healthy while enjoying activities as diverse as rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, jogging, biking and waterskiing.  Let the sun naturally fuel your body with Vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium, boosts your immune system and helps prevent osteoporosis, and leaves you energized.  Use sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 to keep harmful rays from damaging your skin.

Tri-Action Wire-Free Sports Bra by Triumph International, available at Now That's Lingerie.com

2. Get a REAL Sports Bra THAT FITS. Over time, your bras naturally wear and tear, making it crucial to renew your wardrobe at least once a year and make sure your bras fit properly.  This DEFINITELY includes your sports bras!  Your breasts’ and skin’s elasticity decrease naturally with age, pregnancy, weight loss or gain, etc. If you wear a sports bra that doesn’t support properly, this process is sped up, making your breasts bounce and causing small tears in the ligaments that keep your breasts firm, potentially causing sagging.

3. Vitalize. Get a dose of energizing, exotic fruits rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals like pomegranate, berries and kiwi, or veggies like peppers, spinach and ginger.  Incorporate these into your breakfast to get a kick-start to your day, or fill small tupperware with fun salads to grab when you’re on the go or for a healthy mid-morning or afternoon snack to get a natural, revitalizing boost of vitamins and minerals without the burnout effects of caffeine or energy drinks.  Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds are also rich in antioxidants and are a super tasty and creative add-in to your cereals and fruit salads.

4. Clear your mind and lower stress.  Try meditating, yoga, tai chi or other relaxing, invigorating low-impact exercises that tone your body, relieve stress and help you relax.  Doing any kind of physical activity boosts endorphins, increases muscle and blood circulation, which will make you feel happier and less stressed.

Yoga balances body and mind, relieving your stress.

5. Clean out your space. Organize To-Do lists, recycle old newspapers and magazines, tidy your drawers, or host a garage sale on your block.  Donate clothes that no longer fit or that are just so 90′s you’ll never wear them again.  By getting rid of clutter in your personal space, you’ll ease your mind and feel refreshed, instead of stressed and claustrophobic. Plus, you’ll also have much more room to store the shoe boxes stacked five feet high in your closet…

Share YOUR tips for fitness and healthy eating with us!
Comment here or e-mail me (Lisa) at nowthatsliving@nowthatslingerie.com.