Bra Talk

Putting on the right soft cup bra can be like putting on a favorite pair of slippers.  A good soft cup bra should provide just the right light support for sleeping, lounging, and everyday wear.  There are usually no wires to pinch or restrict, and some soft cup bras, such as the Playtex 18-Hour Cotton Blend Bra, use minimal decoration to allow for even more comfort.

Playtex’s famous 18-Hour bra styles continue the legendary brand’s evolution into the one of the leading bra manufacturers in the industry.

Studies consistently show that 70-80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra.  Some women were fitted for a bra years ago and still buying that size; some were never fitted properly in the first place.  A woman’s bust size is in a constant state of flux due to weight loss and gain, pregnancy and menstrual cycles, weather, and other natural variations such as aging.  Furthermore, many women do not choose to wear women’s sports bras while exercising, which can cause neck, shoulder, and back pain, pinched nerves and premature sagging, particularly in women with a C cup or larger. 

Everyday bras may only have a 3 to 6 month life cycle.   In three months’ time, an everyday bra can stretch by as much as 4 inches due to washing and wearing.   To make this whole issue even more complicated, you may not wear the same size from brand to brand. If your bra feels uncomfortable or has become, frankly, unsupportive—when the underwire becomes exposed or straps give out—it is definitely time for replacement.

Bali bras are known for their comfort, support and durability.  They also have some great minimizer bras.  This one is my favorite.

It is seamless, so it looks great under any outfit, and bandless, which makes it easy to wear.  For a minimizer bra, it is exceptionally comfortable.

Playtex Products, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of a number of products in addition to ladies’ foundation garments, including Banana Boat sunscreen, Almay, Woolite rug and upholstery cleaner, Jhirmack shampoo, and Tek toothbrushes.  The company was founded in 1932 as the International Laytex Company, which later became known as International Playtex, Inc.  The early primary focus was ladies’ girdles, for which the company pioneered the development of latex fabric.  In 1954, they expanded their use of latex to a new line of household latex gloves, the first of their kind.  Playtex latex gloves have been the top product in their market in the United States ever since. Over time, Playtex moved into marketing feminine hygiene products, infant and baby care products, cosmetics, hair care products, shampoo, and sportswear apparel.

Playtex bras and shapewear are one of the most well-known and respected brands on the market, known for quality, comfort, durability, and of course, their enduring brand name.

For some women, trying to fasten a bra can be a difficult experience; this sentiment rings especially true when you’re rushing in the morning.  Luckily, some companies have gotten smart and released bras that have front closures.

Playtex bras, for example, has the 18 Hour Front Close Bra.  Like the rest of their products, this bra offers maximum comfort with ample support.  Its best feature, however, is the fact that it has the front closure, which is very help during those mornings when you have to rush out the door.

Finding a good plus size bra is no longer an arduous process.  Playtex bras, for example, have several collections, such as the popular 18 Hour, Cross Your Heart and Secrets, that offer options for full-figured women.  Each collection offers comfort, durability and is stylish in varied settings and situations.

Playtex is not blind to the fact that there are women of different physiques and it shows in the kind of high quality products they offer.

You don’t always have to go to stores to get fitted for your bras. Some women even find it more accurate to do it themselves. Here’s a guide on how to measure yourself:

Determining your Bra/Band size
(ribcage circumference measurement)

1. Measure around the chest directly under the breast at a constant height with the cloth measuring tape. Add 5 inches to that measurement. This dimension is your bra/band size (If the bra size works out to an ODD number go up one inch to the next EVEN number.) This should equal the circumference around the chest, directly above the breasts/under the arms.

2. Now measure around the chest at the height of the fullest part of the breast. The measuring tape should be held horizontal, flat on your back, and your arms should be down. Make a note of that measurement (only used for comparison) and compare it to the Bra Size from step 1.

Determining your Cup size
(projection of breasts from chest wall)
3.    To determine the proper cup size, find the difference between step 2 and step 1. Use the table to figure out your cup size.

Half inch = AA cup
One inch = A cup
Two inches = B cup
Three inches = C cup
Four inches = D cup
Five inches = DD or E cup
Six inches = F cup
Seven inches = G cup

We often talking about the importance of wearing bras and there are quite a few positive qualities to wearing them, but wearing bras ALL the time can get a bit uncomfortable – even if you’re wearing the best one.  The best time to take a break is at night, while you’re sleeping. 

When you’re sleeping, gravity isn’t such a big factor in your activity, as is such, it’s the ideal time to be braless.  It will also help you sleep at night; so if you’re looking to give the girls a rest, during your slumber is the best time.

Some women will opt to stay away from wearing bras in the summer as they can be a bit comfortable in the heat.  But gravity doesn’t stop because of the seasons and neither should your bra-wearing.  Here are some tips on choosing a bra to wear in the summer:

• Invest in a convertible bra. Although manufacturers are still perfecting a truly comfortable version, this bra will support you well under a backless bodice and halter tops.

• Opt for styles without lace and seams for a clean look under fitted sleeveless tops and fine knit shells. If you’re a size A or B, look for stretch cotton bralettes - they resemble a cropped tank top with adjustable straps.

• Try a demi bra when wearing a plunging or revealing neckline. Designed with wide-set cups that just cover the nipple, they offer good support with maximum exposure.

• Wear flesh tones when sporting pastels or sheer materials like linen. White bras will be very conspicuous.

• Combat sweat-inducing humidity by pairing summer attire with a moisture-wicking sports bra. They offer great support, and the high-tech fabric will keep you a lot drier than most fashion bras.

• Consider racer back or cross back bras to wear with sleeveless tops and shells. You can rest assured that your bra straps won’t slip into view.

• Go strapless under skinny-strap tanks and strapless tops. Smaller chests can get away with a stretch tube bra, while larger chests may still need the support of a more constructed bra that hooks in the back.

Many women’s undergarments such as bras and panties are made of satin and therefore require extra care.  Satin is generally a bit more delicate, so here are some quick tips on cleaning the fabric:

Hand washing is recommended for most types of satin. The exceptions to this are nylon and polyester satin. These types of satin can be washed using the gentle cycle of a washing machine. Use cool or warm water only. Use a detergent that is made for delicates. Always check tags for specific instructions for washing and drying your lingerie.

If you have extremely delicate satin you should have them dry-cleaned to prevent damage to the material and to help prevent color fade.

Never use bleach on satin.

Do not twist or wring out your clothes. Lay them on a thick, dry towel and roll the towel around the satin to remove excess moisture.

It is recommended that satin materials are not dried in a dryer. Opt to air-dry them indoors. Polyester satin can be dried in the sun however this is really not recommended for any type of satin.

Find a stain remover that is safe for satin. You should thoroughly read the label of any stain remover before you buy. Do not purchase a stain remover that contains any form of bleach. When a stain occurs quickly treat the stain with the stain remover per instructions on the bottle and then wash.

To treat bloodstains you should immediately immerse the stain in cold water and allow the item to soak. If this does not completely remove the stain you can then apply stain remover.

If your satin material is very delicate you should leave stain removal to a professional dry cleaner.