Bra
There is a saying 'You can't build a house on weak foundations', and this same phrase applies to you underwear - that killer outfit worn without the right lingerie will look boring so choose carefully
What is the answer for us ladies that cannot call on the services of a Gok Wan to lift our tired boobs out of the their dilemma and away from those worn out ill fitting bras, into velvet lined and cosseted bliss.
How do we get over the fact that whatever our age, going for a bra fitting will always make us feel like a shy 13-year-old, blushing while our assets are prodded and poked amid disapproving looks by someone resembling our headmistress.
But with underwear as outerwear a massive trend for summer, now is the time to bite the bullet and get measured using the guide below, no embarrassment then order online and wait for a stunning item of lingerie that will instantly transform your mood.
Measuring yourself:
Use a tape measure to measure all the way around your rib cage, just under your bust, at the place the bottom bit of the bra would sit. Make sure you keep the tape level all the way round, not slipping down at the back. Look at your measurement in inches - it it's an odd number, add five. If it's an even number, add four. That's your band size. Don't be tempted to vanity size
Then, measure around the fullest part of your bust and compare it to your band size (the rib measurement + 4 or 5) to determine your cup size. If the bust measurement is the same as the band size, you're a cup size A. If it's one inch more, your cup size is B. Two inches more makes your cup size a C, three inches more makes a D, four inches makes a DD, five inches makes an E, and so on through F, FF, G, H, HH, and so on. If your bust measurement is smaller than your band size, you're probably measuring wrong.
Trying for size:
When trying on bras, do them up on the loosest hook to make sure there's room for stretch. Make sure the central band sits flat against your body, and that you can comfortably fit two fingers underneath the straps and back band. If the underwiring is digging into your armpits, try a half-cut style that sits lower under your arms. Check for double-boob (too small in the cup), rear-boob (too small on the band size, or bottom band too narrow) and belly-boob (straps too long or fabric too stretchy). A good bra should be like a bank - reliable, unlikely to collapse, and generate a steady rate of interest on your assets.
Different types of bra:
T-shirt
The most everyday of your everyday undies, the humble t-shirt bra is a lingerie drawer staple. If you wear t-shirts or t-shirt tops. They are made without a raised seam so it won't show under clingy fabrics, They are usually lined so as not to show 'nipple' outline these bra styles are more function than fashion, and often pretty boring though not always, Chantelle and Wonderbra produce some pretty and sexy versions.
Balcony/balconette
A balcony bra will lift and separate your assets god-given two, giving you a stunning shelf-like bosom, Subtler than a push-up but just as effective and equally flattering to big and small boobs alike, balcony bras are an aesthetic winner. But they're no use in reducing boob jiggle, and certainly a no go for sport.
Longline
Vintage underwear has never been so hot and the longline bra is a chic way to bring the 1950's pin-up look to your underwear. They are also practical too, creating a smooth line right down to your waist smoothing out that ripple effect in the process. This style is often a favorite under a fitted wedding dress.
Push-up
Like false lashes and sparkly eyeshadow, push up bras should only to be used for the right occasion. They may have changed a bit from the accident causing Wonderbra 'Hello Boys' ad campaign but they are still just as eeffective - eye catching male admirer magnets. But it's safe to say most woman has a boob-booster tucked away in her lingerie drawer.. For cleavage with class, look at the Wonderbra cleavage range.
Minimiser
The bra men just fail to understand, but minimisers can be a saviour for girls who don't always want to flaunt their figures. At work or under ruffled blouses and shift dresses, a good minimiser will streamline your outline while providing the maximun support.
Tips
Wear something representative of your wardrobe when bra shopping or trying on, so you can see what will work best under your clothes. If your wardrobe is an army of plain white t-shirts, don't try on under a cocktail dress and wonder why you only buy lacy half-cut balconettes.
Tagged in Lingerie