Tag Archives: Bras

Shopping for the Right Strapless Bra

November 2, 2016 By in Fashion Tags: , , , , , , , , , 34 Comments

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I wrote a post some weeks ago on fashion faux pas to avoid and I mentioned how annoying visible bra straps are. Many readers left comments explaining how frustrating it is to find the right strapless bra so I thought I should share a few tips that have helped me.

Strapless bras are a necessity for many of us because apart from supporting our breasts, they help compliment outfits that need it. For example, ordinary bras will show through your tube-tops, tank-tops or sleeveless dresses and tops. Strapless bras show the beauty of such pieces without the strap getting in the way or ruining the look.

As handy as strapless bras can be, many women make serious shopping blunders when it comes to choosing the right strapless bras for themselves. When you make such mistakes, you’ll find yourself being self-conscious as your blunders will always (I mean, always) show.

To guide you on what to look out for when it comes to shopping for strapless bras, here are a couple of pointers that shouldn’t pass you by. You will be thanking me for this post.

  1. A secure band ideal for you

Without the straps, strapless bras rely heavily on the band to hold your breasts in place. This means that you need to find a strapless bra with a band that is firm enough to support your breasts, but not too firm, that you feel uncomfortable.

A good rule of thumb is to look for a strapless bra that is a band size smaller than your usual bra size. The band should not allow space for anything less than 2 fingers.

Another thing to watch out for is when the band is too tight it can cause the fat in your back to bulge out making it look obvious behind your top or dress, which is very uncomfortable and doesn’t look good.  To combat this, choose a bra that has a wider band to hide the bulge.

  1. Choose the right cup size

The ideal cup size is one that will separate your breasts at the cleavage. Small cups will make your breasts spill over at the top making an unattractive bulge in the front. Large cups will start showing the lines in your clothing.

What you need to do is to aim for a middle ground with cup sizes by picking a half-size more or less depending on if the bra is too small or too big.

  1. Look out for the rubber strips

Rubber helps to prevent your strapless bra from sliding down or even moving from side to side. This will save you the embarrassment of constantly adjusting your bra every now and then.

To keep your strapless bra in place, look for rubber strips that are placed along the top of each cup. Rubber prevents friction and that is what stops your bra from slipping.

  1. Double check the material

There are some people who develop rashes or scars from their bras. This is usually caused by the bra’s material. If you know that you’re allergic to silicone (which is the main cause of those rashes or scars), then go for bras that are silicone free. Check the label on the bra to see what its material contains. Better safe than sorry.

 

Do you struggle to find the right strapless bras?

 

What Do You Do With Your Unwanted Bras?

February 9, 2016 By in Fashion Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 47 Comments

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What do you do with your unwanted bras? Do you bin them, abandon them, or give them to charity? Most women will have a couple of unworn and unwanted bras buried somewhere in their wardrobes. That bra you got because you thought you liked, that lace bra that has no support whatsoever, that coloured bra you can no longer stand, that white bra you are afraid to get dirty, or that sexy plunge bra, you got as a Valentine’s Day present from your ex? Every bra tells a story, and sometimes the story is the reason why they remain unworn.

I had quite a few unworn bras, until some months ago. I sorted out my wardrobe, sold some shoes and bags on eBay, and got rid of some bras, I just did not like. Some of the bras, I never worn outside my home, and some I have had for so long, it was time to move on.There was this particular Lasenza white bra I remember getting rid of, I got it some years ago and I never wore it. It was a pretty bra but HEAVILY padded, so padded, that it was super uncomfortable to wear for more than 5 minutes, hence the reason why I never wore it for more than 5 minutes. I am still not sure of what I was smoking on the day I bought it, it was about a tenner, so not too expensive, but it is still a tenner than the drain.

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So reading about NGOs and charities like Oxfam, accepting unwanted bras, to sell on or export to developing countries, like Senegal, where there is a huge demand for it, made me think about the bras I got rid of. Senegalese women need our unwanted bras not just to wear as underwear, but also to wear over the top of their clothes. Wearing bras over the top of clothes in Senegal, and some other African countries, is now seen as fashionable. Bras serve as an underwear and also as an outerwear in that part of the world, so the demand is ever-growing, interesting isn’t it?

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe most women just put their unwanted underwear in the bin, because we believe, there is no market for second-hand underwear. I personally didn’t think anyone would want my old bras, no matter how clean or unworn they were, and I also see them as private, kind of. I won’t take my old panties to the charity shop, so I won’t take my old bras. That is how I use to see it, but not anymore. If my old bras can help someone, somewhere, I would happily donate it.

How do you see it? What do you do with unwanted bras? Sound off in the comment section.

Thanks for reading.

Your Bust Deserves A Bra-tastic!

July 16, 2015 By in Fashion Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 14 Comments

 

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Picture Source: Getty Images

102 years after it’s invention, most women still take their bras for granted. They spend money on stylish clothes and accessories but neglect their bras, forgetting the fact that the right foundation is the key to a well-tailored look. Today, many women are walking about wearing a wrong bra size. Some have not had a professional fitting done in over two years. Are you one of them?

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Britney Spears having a major bra issue.

 

Your bust deserves a good, structured bra. A good structured bra will enhance your body shape, providing the right support with a perfect fit, which is simply a Bra-tastic. On the other hand, wearing an ill-fitting bra can cause health problems, like shoulder and neck pain, spinal pain, cervical spine issues and many other health issues. This fact alone is enough to get you to wear the right bra.

When it comes to bras, I am a huge fan of Marks & Spencer, Ultimo and Victoria’s Secret. All my bras are from these three stores, and they have a bra for every woman.

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Picture Source: Getty Images

Here are eight tips you should remember when buying your next bra:

  1. Go for a fitting before buying your next bra. Every good bra store has a professional fitter ready to measure.
  2. Go for a bra fitting again if you lose or gain 10 pounds or more, are pregnant or have just had a baby.
  3. Try the bras in stores before you part with your cash. Bras are like shoes, no two ever fits the same.
  4. A good bra won’t come cheap so prepare to spend ££ to get a good bra.
  5. Go for versatile bras that can be strapped, strapless and mono-strapped.
  6. Go for bras in colours that will match pieces in your wardrobe.
  7. Opt for bras in styles that flatter your bust. So for women with broad shoulders, go for bras with narrow set straps, and so on.
  8. The bra straps around the body should be firm but very comfortable.

Do you have any bra tip to share?

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