An example of "over-spill"

The main advantages of wearing this type of bra is that you avoid “over-spill” (bulge over the neckline of your bra) and ‘gaping button syndrome”, so your clothes will look and feel better, and make you look thinner and younger too! . They work by compressing and de-emphasizing the breasts using a combination of power-stretch fabrics, molding and cut. They’re designed to fit snugly and securely.

The underbust band and straps are the most important structural parts of this type of bra since they take the majority of the weight. Wider, padded straps and a leotard (“U”) back increase comfort and reduce the dreaded back bulge (plus help avoid “falling strap syndrome”). The cups are usually either wireless using seamed and molded panels to lift the breasts, or underwired with fully molded (contour) cups.  It’s important that the fabrics used in minimizer bras have a powerful amount of stretch and excellent recovery, since they’re required to compress without “slackening” and for the elasticity to not be compromised by frequent washing.  Another thing too, it helps if the cups are made from satin to eliminate any  “sticking ” or “bunching up” of your clothing during the day.

The 5363 Minimizer Wireless Bra from Naturana

With the newest minimizer bras, the construction is very similar in principle to sports bras, so a bra manufacturer who is known for their minimizers will usually also produce an excellent line of sports bras and full support bras.  One such manufacturer is Naturana Lingerie. They have a gorgeous and extensive minimizer range at Now That’s Lingerie as well as a great range of sports bras. Take a look at their 5363 & 5063  Minimizer Wireless Bra and it’s matching 0063 & 0017 High Rise Medium Full Control Panty Girdle available in four satin colors and two floral satin jacquards. Also in this range are two other great bra shapes – the 7363 Minimizer Bra (an underwired, molded version) and the 5663 Minimizer Front Opening Bra.

Sheer Tapestry Minimizer Bra by Olga Lingerie

Olga Lingerie’s 35984C Sheer Tapestry Minimizer is a sleek, seamless bra which claims to reduce bust projection by up to 1 inch! This underwired, molded bra in pretty floral jacquard has built up straps and a wide back band for added comfort.

The 841892 Splendid Curves Luxury Minimizer by Triumph is a stunning, seamless, satin underwire bra. It’s super-comfortable with slightly cushioned straps and a “U” shaped back and yet very pretty with little lace details to perfectly match its sexy lace panty – the 8442 Splendid Lace Maxi.

The 841892 Splendid Curves Luxury Minimizer by Triumph

So try out a gorgeous new silhouette with one of the minimizer bras available from NowThatsLingerie, I guarantee you’ll be very satisfied with the results!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

The Balconette Bra – originating from the late 1930′s, it’s the most retro looking of bra shapes. It lifts and supports the breasts, the cups are stitched into a frame, and it has good coverage.  Many fashion bras like strapless bras (with fully detachable straps) and convertible bras (see below) have balconette shapes.

The Convertible Bra – usually a balconette shape with many different straps that can be detached and rearranged in different ways, such as halter neck, racer-back, crossed in the back, etc.

The Strapless Bra – is reliant on the fabric used, the design, the width of the band and the shape of the underwires. Ideally it should have a wide even band all around the torso, solid boning under the arms and special siliconed elastic to grip. Boning in the cups gives additional support for bigger busts. Strapless underwires are different from the usual, they’re taller and curve inwards to cup and support the breast and reduce slippage when you move.

The Molded Bra – with molded cups made from a fine layer of fabric or lace with or without lining and sometimes featuring a seam across the cup for additional shaping. With wires it is also referred to as an Underwire Bra.

The Contour Bra – molded fabric cups with polyurethane foam, with or without seams. Commonly (and loosely) referred to as a Padded Bra.

The Tee-Shirt Bra – another term for a seamless cup, foam lined contour bra with a very smooth almost invisible appearance that’s ideal to wear even under fitted t-shirts.

The Push-up Bra - deliberately cleavage enhancing, structured so that the breasts are lifted and pressed together in the center. Many have multiple layers of padding or wadding to boost the bust size, and some also have invisible cookies that can be removed.

The Demi-Bra – a bra with less breast coverage, the cups finishing about 1 inch above the nipple point, with wide set straps and short or shallow underwires. Designed with a slight tilt to push the breasts upwards and together to give more cleavage.

The Plunge Bra – a Push-Up Bra ideal for wearing under low cut garments with a deep V neckline, with a narrow center gore and foam lined cups.

The Full Cup Bra – covers the entire breast, making the bra appear larger than it actually is. It has great support and gives an attractive rounded shape to the breast. Ideal for larger bust sizes (D or DD cups and up) since these bras often offer full support.

The Half Cup Bra – with less bust coverage, this style gives a younger, sexier look. Popular for more fashion styles, yet still provides support and cleavage.

The Minimiser Bra – for larger cup sizes (like DD cups and up), this type of full coverage bra helps make the breasts appear smaller and helps prevent “spill over” and “gaping button syndrome” (in shirts and blouses!). It gives a flattering smooth look and offer full support, perfect for everyday.

The Triangle Bra – may or may not be underwired, less supportive but gives a natural looking bustline to smaller busts and (obviously) has a triangle shape.

So have fun browsing through Now That’s Lingerie.com’s selections when you shop for your next bra online!
And don’t forget to sign up to enter their free contest  to win free lingerie! You even get 10% off your next order just by signing up to their newsletter!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

All illustrations by Teresa.

Babydoll film poster from 1956

It’s popularity was further enhanced by Hollywood where movies during the 1960′s often showed women in pouffy babydolls and starlets were regularly photographed wearing more sexy versions in their publicity shots.

Much loved for their comfort (and were really quite practical in the days before air conditioning), short, airy babydolls were a cool (and cute) alternative to the traditional pajamas or long nightgowns worn previously.

Typical Gil Elvgren pinup girls wearing babydolls

Furthermore the glamour painter Gil Elvgren and his portrayal of playful calender pin-ups in the 50′s and early 60′s had a huge influence on the babydoll image.

Vintage babydoll ad

Basically the babydoll is a loose term for a nightdress which is at least 6 inches above the knee and usually more! It can be either fairly conservative and worn regularly as a nightie or really quite sensual and provocative. Many are sheer or lacy and may be open at the front, and they lend themselves well to “fantasy lingerie” costumes.

A recent term has been adopted for an even shorter version of the babydoll – “the Camidoll”. They are commonly worn with a matching thong, g-string or panty for modesty. Babydolls and camidolls have become very popular for the past couple of seasons taken literally and worn as outerwear, worn over leggings, pantyhose or skinny jeans.

Blush Lingerie has some adorable little babydolls and camidolls. My favorite is the Heartbreaker Chiffon Camidoll – it’s so pretty with it’s mini ruffles and retro chiffon flower detail at the center front, in blissfully light chiffon it’s the perfect summer nightwear.

The Heartbreaker Chiffon Camidoll by Blush Lingerie

And Blush’s Sweet Nothings Dot-Mesh Sheer Push Up Camidoll conjures up good old fashioned Hollywood romance with it’s sexy, frilly open front and padded push up cups to accentuate and boost your cleavage!

Sweet Nothings Dot Mesh Sheer Push Up Camidole by Blush Lingerie

The Black Lace Nightgown by One 2 One is a seductive and lacy figure hugging babydoll nightgown, very wearable and comfy, and it’s built in shelf bra will give you that added support, (you can even wear it under one of your more sheer dresses!).

So go and be fabulous tonight in our lovely babydolls and camidolls from nowthatslingerie.com. Ask me anything about lingerie and I’ll get back to you with an answer: teresa@nowthatslingerie.com, maybe I’ll even feature it in a blog!

Teresa

Gil Elvgren images from Polyvore: Pinup Girl – Polyvore

Vintage babydoll ad from Missy Vintage: Missy Vintage: A tale of a pensioner, a sunbed and vintage negligees

Quite a trendy M&S ad from the 70's

Unfortunately most Canadians may remember M&S as a pretty stodgy retailer, mainly catering to senior citizens and ex-pats, but in the UK M&S undies are an essential and surprisingly fashionable staple. Before the very recent days of “indie” lingerie retailers and websites M&S was the only place to buy quality lingerie. I don’t know any English woman who hasn’t purchased at least one M&S bra or panty in her lifetime!

In the 1930′s they were one of the first stores to sell “Artsilk” garments with their highly successful “Artificial Silk Rayon Knicker” (a slinky French Knicker). When nylon first appeared just after WW2 hosiery was still hard to come by so M&S started producing their own “St Michael” line of nylon stockings and slips. By the 1950′s they were selling many assorted lingerie and corsetry styles, even developing their own brand of easy-care nylon fabric called “Bri-nylon”.

High fashion lingerie from an unexpected source

In the 1980′s M&S underwear really hit it’s peak with vast areas of their shops dedicated to trendy fashion-led lingerie. They designed and engineered new bra technologies and in 2000 won The Queen’s Award for their “Secret Support Bra”, a highly specialized bra developed for DD-G cups featuring hidden reinforced cup “slings”.

The M&S public apology for their bigger bra fiasco

Not all of their innovations have been so popular. In 2009 a large-breasted lobby group took on M&S over it’s new policy of charging more for bigger bras. They were forced to repeal this unpopular surcharge on DD cups or larger and posted a public apology in the nation’s newspapers. “They didn’t want a lot of big-breasted women storming their annual meeting”, said a spokeswoman for “Busts 4 Justice“.

Recently M&S have introduced the UK’s first ever Carbon Neutral Bra – the “Leaves” collection is certified by The Carbon Trust and helps support the deforestation of the Sri Lankan rainforest. The entire collection is manufactured in an eco-friendly plant constructed from earth bricks, it uses solar power energy and harvested rainwater. Take a look at our own Elita Bamboo collection of soft bras and panties which are manufactured in Canada – therefore reducing their carbon footprint – and from environmentally friendly bamboo fabric!

The UK's first ever 'Carbon Neutral' lingerie line from M&S

M&S’s laterst “Flatter Me” bra (launching next month) is inspired by the 1950′s hourglass silhouettes in Mad Men using old fashioned corsetry to smooth out any rolls and bulges. It looks quite extraordinary with it’s curved wings which eliminate any underarm bulges and boost the cleavage. The Triumph Full Fashion Strapless Diamond Jacquard Bra has a similar retro corsetry look and has perfect support worn under those cute little 50′s Mad Men dresses!

The extraordinary 'Flatter Me' bra from M&S

Thanks for reading and see you next time!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

Thank you to marksandspencer.com for their images and their lingerie.

Lingerie images: Lingerie & Underwear :  Women’s :  Marks & Spencer

Flatter-me bra image from: The Daily Mail, April 9, 2011

I hope you are all relishing in the glorious sunshine we’ve been treated to over the last couple of days like I am. It’s true that setting your clock ahead an hour is kind of a drag on the one night when you miss that hour of sleep, but I am more than happy to throw that hour to the wind if it means nice, long days for the rest of the season! All of that extra Vitamin D has me in a positively giddy mood but for now I will gather my thoughts and focus on telling you all about some lovely trends I’ve been thinking about.

Romantic Desire Galoon Lace Brief by Valisere Lingerie

While you always want to make sure your undergarments fit properly, feel good and look awesome, this perfect marriage of characteristics produces no single outcome. In fact, there are many different styles of lingerie out there! I’ve done my research and come up with four timeless trends that look great on every woman and are guaranteed to make you feel like a total diva.

First, I present to you – The 50’s Pin-Up Girl! As each decade passes, the allure of the old Hollywood starlet only grows stronger. Sexy, demure and sensual, what’s irresistible about this look is that, although it is undoubtedly super hot, it really leaves something to the imagination. The Romantic Desire Lacy High-Waisted Briefs by Valisere shown here provide coverage for anyone who is uncomfortable revealing their tummy, but also accentuates the waist, making them flattering for women of all shapes and sizes, from curvaceous to athletic figures and everything in between!

White Impressions Padded Underwire Camisole by Naturana Exklusiv

The next look I’d like to talk about is The Girl Next Door. Like the Pin-Up girl look, this sort of ensemble leaves a little something to the imagination, but instead of oozing sensuality, The Girl Next Door is refreshing, sweet and girly.  Lingerie in baby blues and pastel pinks will do wonders in helping you to achieve style, but of course, the ultimate sweet-and-innocent colour is always… You guessed it – White (or ivory)! Like this his Lacy Mesh Chemise by Arianne – which is absolutely perfect for any woman wishing to try out this look.

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I call this next look, The Who’s The Boss? If you’ve seen Sandra Bullock in “The Proposal” or Helen Hunt in “What Women Want,” you’ll know the kind of woman I’m talking about. Savvy and assertive, The Boss is also a beautiful and powerful woman. Naturana Lingerie’s Young Design Padded Underwired Bra with matching panties strikes the ideal balance of soft femininity and savoir-faire with its simple, pin-striped, black material and dainty little details (bows, lace trim) in white.

Young Desire Mini-Pinstripes Padded Underwired Bra by Naturana Lingerie, perfect for The Boss look.

And finally, another look that never goes out of style is The Femme Fatale. Sultry, seductive and very sexy, this look includes lace, sheer fabrics and cleavage, more often than not in a bright shade of red. Red is, after all, the color of love, and the most emotive of all colors. What that means is that even just looking at red can open the heart and ignite the most fiery of passions!  Our very own Bra Doctor’s Brigitte Sheer Lacy Underwired Full Cup Bra and its matching thong incorporates all of the above elements to create the ultimate Femme Fatale ensemble, and as an added bonus, the 3-sectioned cup actually means added support and lift!

Brigitte Sheer Lacy Underwired Full Cup Bra by Bra Doctor

So there you have it, my darling readers - Four fabulous ways to release your inner bombshell! Try a couple out and see for yourself how out of this world getting into character can make you feel!

Wishing you a a great week,

Rachel

Well, I must say, it is nice to be back in Montreal. Despite the bitter cold, it felt great to step out of the airport yesterday evening and inhale the crisp, fresh air. While I am anxiously awaiting spring’s arrival, the fact of the matter is that Montreal is a beautiful city all year round. Its gorgeous, cobblestone streets in the Old Port and the diversity of its people make Montreal a truly cosmopolitan urban center. But what would Montreal be without the wooded slopes of Mont Royal, the St. Lawrence River and its countless parks? The city would be almost unrecognizable.

Serendipity Cotton Eyelet Strapless Corset by Blush Lingerie

This is one of the many reasons I believe in living an eco-friendly lifestyle – and trust me, it’s easier than it seems! Contributing to the preservation of our wonderful environment can be as simple as eating one vegetarian meal per day, committing to the use of reusable shopping bags or cutting a couple of minutes of your usual shower time. Many industries have already taken action towards minimizing their carbon footprint, including the wonderful world of fashion!

By using natural materials in the clothing they produce, companies are helping their consumers make a difference. Bamboo, for example, requires a remarkably low amount of water to grow, and not only that, but it actually has natural antibacterial properties – meaning no pesticides are used in its production and clothing that does not retain odor like other fabrics can! Cotton, too, is an excellent choice for the environmentally friendly fashionista, as sunlight transforms the plant into a fibre even before harvesting, eliminating energy-hungry intermediate processing steps.

Here are some examples of eco-friendly pieces from Arianne, Bra Doctor, Change of Scandinavia, Elita and Eva lingerie. Who knew being green could look this good?

Light Luxury Cotton Hipster Panty by Bra Doctor Lingerie

Bra Doctor’s Light Luxury Low-Rise Hipster: Keep it simple with this comfy and versatile panty! Made with cotton and a nice low-rise shape, these are great for low slung jeans and offer full bum coverage in skirts and dresses.

Elita’s Bamboo Camisole With Shelf Bra: A cami & a bra all in one! Sleek silhoutte, smoothes out any lumps & bumps, prevents too much cleavage and can even be worn on its own, without a bra!

Naturana Plus Sizes 3-Section Full Cup Underwire Bra: Naturana offers some excellent plus-size options, this one included. Pretty and ultra-practical, this three-section bra provides comfortable lift, with wide straps and wings to keep you from tumbling out!

Bamboo Camisole with Shelf Bra by Elita Lingerie

Elita Bamboo Classic High-Cut Brief: Another great panty, this one is higher-cut, great for the high-waisted trend that’s making itself known for yet another summer!

Blush Serendipity Cotton Eyelet Strapless Corset: This sweet corset proves that cotton can be sexy too! A 50′s-inspired, vintage-looking option that is both eye-catching and versatile with its removable straps, this piece can’t be beat, and looks incredible when paired with matching panties and a garter belt – also offered by Blush lingerie.

Until next time!

Xoxo,

Rachel

Sources:

http://www.suite101.com/content/environmentally-friendly-clothes-choose-renewable-eco-fabrics-a309967
http://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/sustainability-about/cotton-vs-other-fibers/

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

Petites
If your bra size is an AA, A or B cup, chances are you are not looking for a full support bra. Your ideal support would be light or medium, depending on your level of daily activity. Padded and push-up bras typically offer a light support, but in general, serve mostly to enhance your breast size. If you are between a B and a C cup, check the next section.

B and C cups
Women who fall into this category require slightly more support for day-to-day activities. You can find comfort in a medium support bra, either with or without underwire, which will enable you to work and walk around without worrying about whether your breasts will continue moving when you stop. Bras that have a double layer of fabric (or mesh on the inside) will offer a medium to full support. If the cup covers the entirety of your breast tissue, you will have a more firm support. If you are wearing a demi-bust bra, either padded or non-padded, you will receive a medium support, which is great for moderate activity. For increased daily activity levels or for maximum comfort, see the next section.

Full cup, full support bras
If you take a C cup or higher, you will require a minimum of a medium support bra for everyday wear. If your work necessitates a lot of activity, you should opt for a fuller support, full-coverage bra. If you prefer padded bras, select one that has a square-cut neckline rather than a V-cut, since the former will support more of the breast tissue and provide more adequate coverage and support. For all other bras, make sure the fabric has some (but not too much) stretch to it, so that they will mould to your body shape while still offering support. You will find extra support for all bras with a vertical or diagonal seam on the cup, or those which have a double layer of fabric or mesh along the inside of the cup, and of course, those which cover the entirety of the breast tissue.

Plus-Size: DD cups and up
Women who fall in the DD and up size range usually want to be completely supported in their day-to-day activities, especially since this is the group of women most susceptible to back, neck and shoulder pain. Although most bras within the DD, E, F, G, H, I and J cup sizes are full support, some will also offer a minimizer effect, which will give fantastic support while reducing the appearance of having large breasts (many women prefer this, especially for work purposes). Strap width is also an important consideration, since a slightly wider strap will hold better on the shoulders and more equally distribute the weight of your breasts. IF your straps cut into your shoulders but you still do not feel supported, chances are you are not wearing the right size or shape for you.

For other bra fitting questions, or suggestions for Bra Doctor blog articles, please contact me at bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com.