1948 Triumph Seamless Bra with Convertible Straps with Racer-Back Attachment

Welcome back!  In impatient anticipation for nicer weather, Spring cleaning is already underway in my closet and dresser, as I sort out my bulky winter clothes and warm fleecy PJs  from my warm-weather nightgowns and comfy pants.  More importantly, I’ve gone through my lingerie drawers to clear out anything that had been washed and worn to its fullest extent or no longer fit.  Sadly, this included one of my old favorites (emphasis on “old”) that I’d meant to get rid of last year but never could bring myself to abandon.  Yes, sometimes the best thing to do is to say good-bye and start fresh!  I always get the same questions from my friends and customers: how often should you replace your bras?  Here are a few tips and guidelines for knowing when and how to renew your lingerie.

How often should I get fitted for bras? In the years I’ve spent bra fitting, I can safely say a woman should get fitted for a bra at least twice a year (every six months).  During this time, it’s important to try on ALL of your bras to make sure each one of them fit.  Anything that is uncomfortable, feels like it is not supporting you or has been overly washed or stretched should be tossed in the garbage.

Why should I get my bra size checked twice a year? Weight fluctuations from hormones, holidays (e.g. extra portions), weather (Winter=hibernation time), exercise, nutrition, age, lifestyle change (e.g. having a baby, getting a promotion) all contribute to your ever-changing body.  Your breasts may not only change size, but they may change in shape, too. This could mean you’re not getting what you need from your bra – support for all-day comfort (and obviously to prevent your breasts from sagging in the future), and the right shape or style of bra that will be best for your body.

22504145 Seamless Dominique Bra by Change of Scandinavia, available from 30-40 D, DD, E, F, G, H!

What kinds of bras are most important for me to renew?  Every day basics, like seamless bras in classic beige, white or black that you can wear under any top, or any comfy bra you know you can wear with a variety of your tops and dresses.  Versatility is key. I love convertible bras that give me the option of crossing my straps or wearing it halter-neck, so I can take it anywhere with me and wear it any time.  I would also look for something that has seamless or nearly seamless bra cups so you can wear it under almost anything, anywhere.  These are the MOST important since you wear them often, and should wash them (hand wash, please!) every 2-3 wears. Sports bras, since they must be washed after every wear, should also be replaced if you do ANY kind of exercise.  I have three sports bras because if I may not have time to wash it right away after exercising, at least I have no excuse to NOT do my workout since I have a choice of other sports bras to wear the next time!

5620 Max Support Sports Bra by Naturana, available from 34B to 42DD

What should I look for when I try on my old bras? Check out some of my other blogs about common bra fitting problems (listed below) to make sure you are wearing the right bra for you… but nothing compares to a free consult with me, your Bra Doctor, if you’re experiencing any bra discomfort and are unsure of the cause or source.

Common Bra Fitting Problems & Solutions

Common Bra Fitting Problems & Solutions Part 2: The Back Band

Common Bra Fitting Problems & Solutions Part 3: The Straps

E-mail me at bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com with your questions anytime, and please leave me your comments below!

See you next time for more bra fitting tips!

Bra Doctor

I hope you’ve all had a lovely week so far. I know I have! I am currently away on vacation enjoying the (relatively) warm weather and visiting family in Indianapolis, Indiana.  However, the green grass and 15 degree (Celsius) weather has left me antsy and with one thing on the brain: Spring!

I figure, what better way to welcome the new season than with a lovely new set of lingerie? Especially when there are so many fun and fresh collections to choose from in such beautiful spring colours! I’ve been shopping around and have found an overwhelming number of stunning pieces.  Here are just a few of my favorites!

1738 Triumph Push-Up Bra

Naturana Basics in Blue Collection:
Seamless Underwire & Microfibre Panty
This unpadded t-shirt bra offers medium support and a lovely shape!  A small bow in the centre and dainty lace detailing adds a little femininity to such a practical piece.  What’s more, both the bra and the panties are seamless, and you know what that means – no embarrassing lumps, bumps or panty lines!

Triumph Push Up Collection:

Push Up Bra & Push Up Collection Bikini

If you want a look that makes you feel cute and sexy (and totally adorable) in your set of lingerie, look no further.  Triumph Lingerie’s push-up collection has sweetness, with these super-cute low-rise bikini panties, and sassiness, with the lovely matching push-up bra, both in a rosy shade of light pink!

72672 Naturana seamless lacy underwired bra, Basics in Blue collection

Bra Doctor Sleek Simplicity Collection:

Wire-Free Seamless Cross Over Bra & Microfibre Low-Rise Hipster
As the weather warms up, one thing I can’t stand is lingerie that feels thick and uncomfortable.  This bra and panty set is extremely comfortable and is guaranteed not to overheat, thanks to the stretchy breathable material. Not to mention, the mint-green colour is unique and totally refreshing!

Just looking at such gorgeous items feels like enough to get me through the harsh Montreal winter!  I hope it does the same for you, and remember – sunshine, flower blossoms and sandals are right around the corner.

Xoxo,

Rachel

It’s hard for most anyone (other than models, of course) to look classy when wearing an ultra-short dress or skirt.  Thankfully, the rest of us can be satisfied with knee-length dresses and skirts that reveal just a flattering peek of our thighs!  If your outfit is a bit sheer and you don’t want to reveal that much skin, try wearing something else underneath.  Arianne’s Kelly collection has a 19″ half-slip with a lacy hem on the bottom for skirts, and a basic, opaque 35″ full slip for dresses, with adjustable spaghetti straps.

Kelly 19" half-slip with lace hem, Kelly 35" adjustable full slip, both by Arianne and available at Now That's Lingerie.com

Plus, try wearing some invisible underwear to eliminate any panty lines!  Take a look at Elita’s aptly-named Invisible collection.  This way, nothing but your beauty will detract from your sexy outfit!

Elita low-rise Invisible panties (thongboy and thong shown), available at Now That's Lingerie.com

Check out last week’s Style update: Ruffle-Mania!
Stay tuned for your next style update: Boyfriend Blazers (& what to wear under them)!

Questions about fashion and beauty?  Ask me!
e-mail me at lisa@nowthatslingerie.com!

Welcome to our new bra blog, where women of every shape and size can get personal and detailed information about bra fitting and the hottest new trends in lingerie! For the past twenty plus years, we have been working hard to help women understand the vital importance of having bras that fit them properly. In our experience, approximately 85% of women do not know their proper bra size, and the remaining 15% do not necessarily understand which shapes and styles are best for their body types. Further, women can change sizes up to (or more than) 5 times in her life, resulting from weight loss or gain, medication, menstruation, pregnancy, breast feeding, menopause, surgery, or simply age.

A woman wearing the right size and shape bra will not only LOOK better no matter what she is wearing on top, but will FEEL comfortable and more like herself. Frequent discomfort and tiny adjustments made to your bra in the course of one day are unnecessary– if your bra fits properly, you should barely be able to feel that it’s on, other than the fact that it is supporting you properly. You can move around all day without needing to worry that your breasts are spilling out of the bra cups!

I invite all women to include a thorough spring cleaning of their lingerie drawers. Try on all of your bras, one by one. Ask yourself the following questions whenever you put on each bra:

• Am I adjusting the back closure at the tightest hook for it to support me?
• Does the back ride up in an inverse U-shape?
• Does the underwire cut into my breast tissue or under my arms?
• Do the cups ride up when I lift up my arms?
• Is my breast tissue spilling out of the cups, even when I adjust the straps?
• Are my straps adjusted to the tightest fit and are still falling to the sides?
• Do I feel constrained or not properly supported when I am moving around in my bra?
• Is the back closure too tight, even at the loosest hooks, so that I find it hard to breathe or move?
• Is the elastic around the band worn and overextended?

If any single one of these criteria apply to any of your bras, you are not wearing the right size or your bras are too worn and their shelf life is over. Promptly throw out all bras that no longer fit and make room for some new lingerie. You will feel, look and move more comfortably if you invest in some new day-to-day bras. DON’T COMPROMISE! If you’re not sure if your bra fits, because you answered “sort of” to some of the previous questions, then it probably doesn’t.

If you want specialized, personal answers to your bra problems, then post your comments here, or e-mail us.

Stay tuned for our next blog entry on how to find the right shape and size for your unique body type! (Because we know that no two women are made exactly the same.)

See you next time!