Bra Talk

Finding your correct bra size may sometimes be frustrating and difficult, but when it comes to strapless bras – a much less forgiving bra – it’s important to take the time to get fitted, try on various styles and brands, and find the one that’s exactly right for you.Some tips for finding the perfect strapless bra:

• Get fitted – Cup size can change dramatically and frequently, so if you haven’t been fitted in a while, make sure you are still wearing the correct size.
• Look for a bra with support – Bras that have silicone strips around the banding will prevent the bra from sliding out of place as soon as you move. A strong underwire will also keep your breasts supported without the extra help of straps.
• Choose the right style – Some strapless bras may have extra-low backs, plunging necklines, or come with convertible straps so they can be worn with any dress type. Be sure to find one that suits your style exactly.
• Color – A neutral color such as beige is best when the goal is hiding a bra. Beige will blend in with most any skin tone or clothing color.

Barely There started in 1995 as a line of women’s panties that was meant to provide nearly invisible support and comfort without being noticed, wanting women to look great in their clothes without visible bra and panty lines.  Special knitting technology created soft microfiber yarn and flat stitching used to construct their product line, which appeared far smoother and more seamless than any other panty on the market.  After five years of success with its panty selection, Barely There added coordinating bras to round out its selection of intimate apparel.

In 2004, Barely There introduced tagless bras and panties.  Hanes, the parent company of Barely There, had already revolutionized the tagless T-shirt market with great success, and the response was equally positive for Barely There tagless undergarments for women.  “Women CAN be comfortable and look great too” is one of the beliefs espoused by Barely There, and they continue to provide and improve their successful products.

Many, if not most, women have different bras for different occasions.  Underwire bras can provide more obvious visible lift to the breasts and potentially draw more attention to the cleavage for evening or formal wear or even career clothing of certain styles, while wire-free bras may be more comfortable for everyday or “downtime” use.

Bali bras are comfortable and supportive regardless of wire or wire-free construction.  They have a wide range of styles for every body type, including longline, cotton, minimizers, concealers, deep plunge styles, underwire and wire-free options.

As we previously reported in this blog, a collection of Wonderbras designed by renowned burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese is forthcoming for the fall 2008 season.  The release date is September 23 in Europe and via the web for U. S. consumers.  “The Science of Sexy” is the title of a new retro-kitsch short video promoting the Von Teese product line, which has its own dedicated website. 

The glamorous 1940s touches Von Teese promised would be a hallmark of her bras and vintage underwear style lines are apparent in every detail of this product line, even in the photography to market the campaign, which calls to mind an old-Hollywood pinup from WWII—Von Teese’s likeness would not be out of place reproduced on a plane or poster from that era.  She is quoted as saying, “It’s not about seducing men, it’s about embracing womanhood.”  This tagline is bound to be viewed favorably by lingerie consumers worldwide.

Finding a new bra that’s a perfect fit is a hard enough endeavor, but it can be even more difficult if you’re overweight or pregnant. But thanks to the rising popularity of plus-size undergarments, finding such a bra isn’t as hard as it used to be.

To stay comfortable, pregnant women might need to buy a plus size bra, especially when they progress into the third trimester. That being said, it’s important to look for a type of bra that would give equal support to your breasts and to your back. The added bonuses of some of the models now available include looking sexy for your special someone, or just for yourself. Self-confidence can diminish when you’re overweight or pregnant, but bra designers haven’t forgotten that.

Buying a plus-size bra in either case will also improve the look of your figure and reduce the risk of long-term joint or muscle problems. Many of them have braiding support instead of simple wiring, which will also allow you to sleep in it, if necessary. Either way, plus size bras have rapidly ascended from the unsightly to the appealing.

With the sharp increase in popularity of women’s sports in recent years, the rise in sports bra sales has risen equally high. A balance of comfort, flexibility and a snug fit are some things you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping for a sports bra that’s perfect for your build.
It’s predicted by experts, however, that over 80 percent of women wear an incorrect bra size; with that number likely being higher when it comes to sports bras.
Some tips to keep in mind when sports bra shopping and fitting:

-Straps shouldn’t dig into your shoulders; nor should they easily slide off.

-Wires should sit on the rib cage.

-Fabric should be smooth, with no wrinkles or puckers. Any sign of these means the bra is too big.

-The band should fit snugly around your body, but not constricting your ability to take a deep breath. Try this once or twice when trying on the bra.

-Breasts should be held completely in the cups without any overflow.

-In addition to deep breaths, try a variety of exercises when trying on your bra, such as jumping jacks, arm circles and various stretches. Any adjustment made to the bra when doing these probably means the bra isn’t an ideal fit.

 

Bali Shapewear aims to be tugless (usually defined as having a modest leg opening to provide a classy look, fit, and comfort) and to mold to each woman’s individual curves for a custom fit, with Lycra to maintain the shape of both the garment and its wearer.

Last month, I posted to this blog about actress Christina Applegate and her heroic battle with breast cancer. In an unprecedented television broadcast tonight on ABC, NBC and CBS at 8:00 PM ET and PT, Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) intends to make history with an hour of commercial-free prime-time programming to raise funds to fight cancer.  More than 50 major celebrities from TV, film, sports, and music are scheduled to appear.  A charity music single called “Just Stand Up” will be performed on the show by Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood.  Christina Applegate will appear on the show, as will personalities such as Jennifer Aniston, James Taylor, Meryl Streep, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Charles Barkley, Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker, Jimmy Fallon, Keanu Reeves, Ellen DeGeneres, Katie Couric, Jessica Alba, David Spade, and the casts of “30 Rock”, “CSI: Miami”, and “Lost”, along with many others.

As a successful seller of quality bras and shapewear, we have always felt it appropriate to promote breast cancer awareness.  Since this is a history-making broadcast taking place this evening to benefit every kind of cancer, I found it a fitting topic to post to our blog today.
 

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there were 399, 440 breast augmentation surgeries performed in 2007.  As a matter of comparison, 153,087 breast reduction procedures were performed during the same year.  It is difficult to find larger-size quality, comfortable bras.  Big breasts need extra support in the proper size–the importance of a professional bra fitting has been discussed previously in this blog on several occasions. 

Once you have the proper size bra, there are some basic style tips that can help minimize the appearance of a large bust.  Square, V-, and scoop necklines are flattering and provide good coverage for well-endowed women, and accessories like scarves, jewelry, and hats draw attention upward to the face rather than the chest.  Vertical and diagonal stripes can have a streamlining effect if chosen carefully.  Wrap dresses and empire waists tend to flatter the bust, and so can shift dresses, depending on the cut of the garment.  ¾ length sleeves have the most slimming effect, while sleeveless dresses and tops draw attention to the chest.  Finally, the larger the purse or tote bag you carry, the smaller your bust will seem.

If you carry most of your weight in your abdominal region, you are considered an “apple”.  If your weight is distributed more through your hips, thighs, and buttocks, your body type is known as a “pear”.

Rather than longer-line support that might not be needed for every customer’s figure, our Playtex shapewear concentrates on slimming and smoothing the tummy and hip area, which is essential for those with “apple” body types.