I bet you all doubt yourselves sometimes. When I decided to start writing about style and fashion I knew that there was a need for it, but I never imagined the seriousness of the issue. We could call it coincidence, fate, sign or just cruel reality, but what happened to me last week solidified my confidence and my drive to reach as many women as possible with my blog.
Just before posting my article on lingerie, I decided to check out the local department store lingerie section, with the intention to find something beautiful for me. As I am looking around I over hear a client asking the saleslady that she would like to be fitted for a new bra. The saleslady apologizes explaining that she is not a full time worker and she has no idea how to measure for a bra, but she'll call somebody. Surely I can hear on the loudspeaker that there is assistance needed in the lingerie department for a bra fitting. I bet most of you can feel the client's anxiousness to just get out of the store or hide under a rack.
At this point I am invested in the outcome. Very soon an older, short, sweet lady rushes to the counter claiming that she was sent here to do a bra fitting, even though she was never trained to perform one, but "I guess I have been doing a good job so far". I was standing at the counter now, ready to pay for my purchases and go home. Then, I tried to put myself in that clients shoes. She came to this store (one of those higher-end department stores), to finally have a fitting for a bra, because for sure she had many days when she wasn't feeling great in her undergarments. So what do I do? If you know me, you'll know that I would never do something like this... I offered to measure the client myself.
The two salesladies were so happy that they didn't have to do it, they run and came back to the counter with the lady in need of a new bra. We were in the fitting room, with measure tape in my hand when the costumer was getting undressed and thanking me that I offered to help, since she always had problems with bras, but was terrified to go and get fitted. She continued that since she was pregnant now, for some reason she was not feeling so insecure, so she just came to get that dreadful bra fitting.
It took me 2 minutes to measure her, and she was ready to shop for that new bra. The salesladies were at the door waiting for us, thanking me and whisking the client away in hopes of making some "good" commission on her purchases. My new friend was sending her blessings between the overstocked shelves of lingerie, saying this is her "Lucky Day".
I still can't believe where we stand today in how we try to "help" a client! Please! Take a measure tape, and measure yourself, have your bra size ready. Check how your current bra is fitting, go over the bra style list, and know the type that you need. The saleslady is willing to help you (most of the times), but you are in control if you are well informed, and your purchase will be even sweeter when that delicate undergarment will finally be comfortable, giving you that special feeling of "je ne sais quoi" that is so flirty and confidently feminine, and just a touch provocative.
Jan 28, 2015
Jan 24, 2015
Welcome 2015!
This year, just as much as last year, time is running fast. We are at the end of January, and I already feel guilty, since I hoped to post every two weeks a new article. The last few weeks, I worked to put together all the information about lingerie. The idea was to have one article that everybody could easily read at home or access when shopping, as reference. After much consideration, I decided that it would make more sense to divide the subject in two or three articles. These creative bumps just added to my technical limitations. Don't forget I am a beginner to this new world of technology.
My goal was to reach many women with my posts, but deep inside I was hoping that I will be able to convince my sisters to "please read my blog". To my surprise the response is fabulous! I appreciate the interest, expectation and anticipation that you all showed me during these beginning weeks towards the 27dot5 blog. Please keep the communication open!
So let's get busy and get to the subject that we all want to talk about but it's not that easy.
LINGERIE part one
This is a very private matter. The fact is that we daily deal with uncomfortable undergarments, but we can't always find someone to help with our problem. There are plenty statistics and surveys showing that most of us wear the wrong size/fit bra, I will not take your time on this with my opinion.
What is the solution? Going to a bra fitting might be the answer, but let's be honest, it's not the place we willingly want to be. I will show you how to measure yourself for your bra size and give you all the info on how to find the best fit. But first let's see what we have and what we need in our lingerie drawers.
It is a total misconception that beautiful lingerie is for the enjoyment of the others, or it's only for those model size and shaped women that are 27.5 years old or less.
When you choose to wear lovely lingerie, you carry with you throughout the day, a quiet, flirty secret that boosts your self-confidence, that can't be taken away. Wearing something pretty under your clothes, is knowing something no one else knows (unless you show it to someone special). This feeling is part of that feminine mystique, that is oh so alluring to those around us.
What makes your lingerie wardrobe? You'll need one or two weeks supply of comfortable bras, panties, socks, stockings, nightgown/pajamas, shape wear. Do not overstock with the same style, you will get bored with very soon.
BRAS
We don't need to many bras, I suggest a minimum of one week to maximum of two weeks supply. Alternate them, don't wear the same bra every day, let the fabric "rest". Your bra should have a day off between wearing, since the body heat tends to loosen the fabric. It is a good idea to have different bras for winter and for summer, styles with extra padding actually provide extra warmth.
How to find the perfect size and fit bra? You will need a measuring tape, paper and pen.
Measurements: wear a comfortable bra, without padding, not a push-up or a minimizer. Place the measuring tape around the smallest part under your breasts, on the ribcage, parallel to the ground. Pull the tape tight and get the smallest measurement on your exhalation. Round all fractional measurements to the nearest whole, write down the number. This number (rib measurement) will help you find your bra band size.
Bra band size chart:
Next, place the measure-tape around the fullest part of your breasts. The tape should be comfortably placed, not tight. Measure and round this number to the nearest whole inch. Write down the number. Subtract the bra-band measurement from this new number, the difference will help you find your bra cup size.
Bra cup size chart
Now that you found your bra size, let's see what choices you have.
BRA STYLES
Depending on your needs, I created a quick chart to easily identify the bra style that would fit you. I ranked each style on the most common properties that we look for in a bra:
Bra fit checklist
Cups: Should never be baggy - if they are, downsize. Should hug the breast well, if breast tissue is overflowing, go a cup-size up.
Under-wire: The center front of the under-wire should be flat against the breastbone, if pulled away you should go up a cup-size. The under-arm side of the under-wire should sit flat against the ribcage, without digging into the breast tissue.
Straps: Most of the support comes from the straps. If the straps dig into your shoulder, it is because your band size is too big.
Bra band: Always should stay in a straight line, parallel to the ground across the back. If it rises up at the back, you need to go down a band size. Don't forget! Almost every bra has 3 sets of hooks to adjust for a perfect fit. Use them!
Color
Unless you go for a look that shows your lingerie under your clothes, underwear should be unobstructive.
Nude: Wear nude bra under white clothing, it is less noticeable. Tends to keep its color, white often turns yellow/grey with time. Should choose a tone as close to your skin as possible.
Black: The most used color in the "world" of lingerie. Showing a black bra through, might be more of a fashion statement and less of a mistake.
If you wear a lot of a certain color, you should get lingerie in the same color or something that compliments the color.
Care
Label might say "Hand Wash Only", but most bras can safely go into the washing machine, in a gentle cycle, unless we are talking about that silk or French lace number.
Do not put underwear that you never intended anyone to see!
What's next? In the coming post I'll discus panties and shape-wear.
Chose to care for yourself, enjoy the body you have, and treat it well!
This year, just as much as last year, time is running fast. We are at the end of January, and I already feel guilty, since I hoped to post every two weeks a new article. The last few weeks, I worked to put together all the information about lingerie. The idea was to have one article that everybody could easily read at home or access when shopping, as reference. After much consideration, I decided that it would make more sense to divide the subject in two or three articles. These creative bumps just added to my technical limitations. Don't forget I am a beginner to this new world of technology.
My goal was to reach many women with my posts, but deep inside I was hoping that I will be able to convince my sisters to "please read my blog". To my surprise the response is fabulous! I appreciate the interest, expectation and anticipation that you all showed me during these beginning weeks towards the 27dot5 blog. Please keep the communication open!
So let's get busy and get to the subject that we all want to talk about but it's not that easy.
LINGERIE part one
This is a very private matter. The fact is that we daily deal with uncomfortable undergarments, but we can't always find someone to help with our problem. There are plenty statistics and surveys showing that most of us wear the wrong size/fit bra, I will not take your time on this with my opinion.
What is the solution? Going to a bra fitting might be the answer, but let's be honest, it's not the place we willingly want to be. I will show you how to measure yourself for your bra size and give you all the info on how to find the best fit. But first let's see what we have and what we need in our lingerie drawers.
It is a total misconception that beautiful lingerie is for the enjoyment of the others, or it's only for those model size and shaped women that are 27.5 years old or less.
When you choose to wear lovely lingerie, you carry with you throughout the day, a quiet, flirty secret that boosts your self-confidence, that can't be taken away. Wearing something pretty under your clothes, is knowing something no one else knows (unless you show it to someone special). This feeling is part of that feminine mystique, that is oh so alluring to those around us.
BRAS
We don't need to many bras, I suggest a minimum of one week to maximum of two weeks supply. Alternate them, don't wear the same bra every day, let the fabric "rest". Your bra should have a day off between wearing, since the body heat tends to loosen the fabric. It is a good idea to have different bras for winter and for summer, styles with extra padding actually provide extra warmth.
How to find the perfect size and fit bra? You will need a measuring tape, paper and pen.
Measurements: wear a comfortable bra, without padding, not a push-up or a minimizer. Place the measuring tape around the smallest part under your breasts, on the ribcage, parallel to the ground. Pull the tape tight and get the smallest measurement on your exhalation. Round all fractional measurements to the nearest whole, write down the number. This number (rib measurement) will help you find your bra band size.
Bra band size chart:
| Band size | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 |
| Rib measurement | 27” - 29” | 29” - 32” | 33” - 34” | 35” - 39” | 39” - 41” |
| Band size | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
| Rib measurement | 42” | 43” - 45” | 46” - 47” | 48” - 49” | 50” - 51” |
Next, place the measure-tape around the fullest part of your breasts. The tape should be comfortably placed, not tight. Measure and round this number to the nearest whole inch. Write down the number. Subtract the bra-band measurement from this new number, the difference will help you find your bra cup size.
Bra cup size chart
| Difference in inches | 0" | 1" | 2" | 3" | 4" | 5" | 6" | 7" |
| Cup size | AA | A | B | C | D | DD | F/DD | G |
Now that you found your bra size, let's see what choices you have.
BRA STYLES
Depending on your needs, I created a quick chart to easily identify the bra style that would fit you. I ranked each style on the most common properties that we look for in a bra:
- Support -some breasts need more support than others, not only depending on the size.
- Versatility - gives you options to wear with different strap configurations, or wear it under different necklines and/or armholes.
- Look - we always try to buy the prettiest pieces, but some style are "better" looking than others.
- Shape - under this column I look for how the cups changes the shape of the breast.
- Cleavage - to me cleavage is the canvas to your neckline. We have to be aware that if we lean forward what will be shown, or if we have a tight top what will show through.
- Coverage - I believe that modesty should be part of our style, I don't refer to button up to your nose modesty, but nipples shouldn't show through your garments, many things should be left to the imagination.
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CONVERTIBLE Straps are detachable, easy to configure depending on the top you wear |
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STRAPLESS Bra without shoulder straps, usually with a wider bra band |
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CONTOUR Has molded seamless cups, with a layer of shaped foam |
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DEMI Cups have shorter under-wires |
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PUSH-UP Has a special padding to push breasts up & inward |
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SPORTS Designed to minimize breast movement during exercise |
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FORMAL BACKLESS Strapless version with long torso line |
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SEAMLESS/T-SHIRT Cups are made of a single piece of fabric that has been shaped over a pre-determined breast form |
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SEAMED The cups are made of 2, 3 or 4 parts |
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MINIMIZER Created to reduce the breast size |
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BRALETTE Pull-on, wireless, un-lined style |
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PADDED Extra padding is inserted to create more definition |
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SOFT CUPS Bra without under-wires or padding |
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FRONT CLOSURE Bra that closes in the front, instead of the back |
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PLUNGE Has a low center panel to allow for plunging necklines |
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SHELF Under-wired bra with a small lower cup, not covering the nipple |
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RACE BACK The back is designed to allow maximum movement of the arms and back without any strap slippage |
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LONG LINE The bra band is extended from just an inch below the breast line to waist or lower |
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ADHESIVE Reusable bra cups that have adhesive along the sides |
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Bra fit checklist
Cups: Should never be baggy - if they are, downsize. Should hug the breast well, if breast tissue is overflowing, go a cup-size up.
Under-wire: The center front of the under-wire should be flat against the breastbone, if pulled away you should go up a cup-size. The under-arm side of the under-wire should sit flat against the ribcage, without digging into the breast tissue.
Straps: Most of the support comes from the straps. If the straps dig into your shoulder, it is because your band size is too big.
Bra band: Always should stay in a straight line, parallel to the ground across the back. If it rises up at the back, you need to go down a band size. Don't forget! Almost every bra has 3 sets of hooks to adjust for a perfect fit. Use them!
Color
Unless you go for a look that shows your lingerie under your clothes, underwear should be unobstructive.
Nude: Wear nude bra under white clothing, it is less noticeable. Tends to keep its color, white often turns yellow/grey with time. Should choose a tone as close to your skin as possible.
Black: The most used color in the "world" of lingerie. Showing a black bra through, might be more of a fashion statement and less of a mistake.
If you wear a lot of a certain color, you should get lingerie in the same color or something that compliments the color.
Care
Label might say "Hand Wash Only", but most bras can safely go into the washing machine, in a gentle cycle, unless we are talking about that silk or French lace number.
- If there is a stain on your bra, treat the spot with mild soap, gently rub and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Only use cold or warm water, hot will break down the delicate fabric and the elastic.
- Cotton bras could be washed in hot water, but it will shorten the life of the garment.
- When washing, close the hooks on the bra, this will avoid snagging it onto other clothing.
- Very useful to have a mesh lingerie bag to keep all your lingerie from other clothing in the wash.
- The delicate pieces of lace, silk and ornated bras should be soaked for a couple of minutes, maybe a half an hour, and then rinse well.
- Do not ever put your bra in the dryer! Air dry or line dry all your lingerie pieces.
Do not put underwear that you never intended anyone to see!
What's next? In the coming post I'll discus panties and shape-wear.
Chose to care for yourself, enjoy the body you have, and treat it well!
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