Sports bras are still bras, they need to fit

Although many people think one sport bra is pretty much the same as another, this is not true. Just as a properly fit everyday bra can make huge differences in comfort, a little judicious research can make your active time more enjoyable. Chafing, uncomfortable movement, lack of support; all these things will throw you off your game in a heartbeat.

Fit The bra should fit firmly enough to control breast motion, but not so tightly as to interfere with breathing. During vigorous movements, the entire upper body should move as one unit, with limited bouncing of the breasts. Give the bra the jumping-jack test to be sure it meets these criteria.

Support Minimal movement of the breasts within the bra is important to reduce chafing. Larger-breasted women will probably be more satisfied with molded cups. For maximum support, look for minimal vertical (neck to navel) stretch in the fabric. Horizontal stretch is necessary to get the bra off and on easily and not interfere with breathing.

Fabric Prevent moisture from accumulating. The bra should be a blend at of least 50 percent cotton and a breathable material such as Lycra mesh to help evaporate sweat and keep odor in check. Cotton provides more comfort than synthetic materials, reduced stretch, and greater support. The bra also should be lined under the breasts and under the arms with material like CoolMax that removes moisture from the skin by wicking the sweat outward.

Seams Poorly placed seams can irritate the nipples. Cups should be seamless or at least have covered seams. Hardware like hooks or fasteners must be covered with fabric and should be cushioned for maximum protection.

Straps Choose wide, nonstretch straps for best results. In addition, a wide “Y-back” panel can help increase support. Some sports bras offer a two-hook back for an adjustable fit.

Mobility Many sports bras are shaped like halter tops. Be certain the armholes allow ample room for the unrestricted arm movements necessary during exercise and for freedom from chafing.

Tips for Properly Fitting a Bra

According to experts, chances are the bra you have on right now is thewrong size. Conservatively, 8 out of 10 women are wearing a bra that either doesn't fit them properly now, or possibly never fit right to begin with. Why is this? There are many reasons:

• You are wearing a bra that has stretched or sagged out of shape with time and wear
• You bought a bra by size only, without making sure it fit your body
• You are wearing a bra that just isn't made for your body type
• You were measured by a professional for a bra, and are still wearing that same size years later.

How do you know you have the right bra?

First, your breasts should sit comfortably in the cups. This means cradled by the material, with no part of your breasts dropping out the bottom or bulging over the top. You should not feel the underwires digging in to your breasts, ribs or breastbone. You should feel supported, but not squeezed. You should also not see any extra material or saggy cups. The band supports the majority of the weight, not the straps. The band sits level all the way around your body, front and back. It especially should not rise up in the back.

How to measure for your bra

First, always wear your most comfortable bra when measuring for a bra. Not wearing an under-garment when you measure will almost always lead to buying a bra that is too small. Next, if possible have someone else measure you. Just the act of reaching up to hold a tape measure will cause your measurements to change. Last tip, DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE NUMBERS!!! Measurements are just a way of putting you in to the correct size garment. Saying you are a certain size is a form of vanity that will inevitably cause you to lose sight of the most important feature of your bra, COMFORT. So, feel free to say you are whatever size you want, even cut the tags out of your bra so no one sees. But NEVER, EVER lie to yourself and buy the wrong size.

Band Size

As mentioned, start with your most comfortable bra. One which does not compress or minimize your bust. Standing in your normal posture, with your arms hanging naturally by your sides, measure around your body just under the armpit, high across the back and over the top of your bust. You should be able to hold 1 or 2 fingers inside the tape measure to make sure it isn't too tight. Take that measurement, and ROUND UP to the nearest even number. This is your Band Size.

Cup Size

Again standing naturally while wearing that comfortable bra, measure loosely across the fullest part of your bust. Again, don't pull the tape too tight, but also don't leave it too loose. Take this measurement, and subtract the band size. Using the difference in measurements, find your cup size in the chart below. IMPORTANT NOTE: Very rarely will you land on a round number for this difference. And unfortunately whether you round up or round down depends on your body and the bra style. So use these numbers as a starting point, and move up or down a cup size until you have the one that fits the best. You will find that each manufacturer is a little different, but they usually are consistent across their model line. US CUP SIZES Less than 1" AA 1" A 2"B 3"C 4"D 5"DD 6"DDD **If you don't see the number you got when you did the math, please email us and we will be glad to help you determine what size to order. Final words on Bra Size When you try a bra on, first thing you should do is position yourself properly. Using your hand, reach across your body to the opposite side breast and cradle it gently. Use your hand to lift it lightly, and bring the breast tissue from the side or bottom forward and up. Don't pull it, gently set your breast in place where is is supported by the cup material. All women have breasts that are slightly different sizes. On some women it is totally invisible, others it may be as much as a cup size or more. Fit your bra for your larger breast.

Now, PUT ON A WELL FITTING T-SHIRT. This is the best way to see what your bra does for your looks. Any un-natural bulges? Wrinkles in the cups showing through? Edges of the cups gaping and causing bulges? If you look great in a nice t-shirt, you will look great in everything else. Don't rest until you find the one that really makes you look your best.

• The band should stay level complete around your body. If it lifts at the back, it is probably too big.
• The center gap of the bra, between the breasts in front, should be flat and centered. It shouldn't extend over the edge of the breast. If it does, you may need to go up a cup size.
• Underwires should not dig in. If they do, you need to adjust cup size.
• Straps should help support you, but the majority of the support should come from the band. The straps just keep everything in place. If the band is too big, the straps will dig in to your shoulders, and also stretch more over time.

Speaking of stretch, always give your bras a day off. Wearing your favorite bra 2 or more days in a row will lead to it wearing out and stretch much faster. Today's fabrics will recover if you give them a break. Do this whole exercise again every 6 months. Women's bodies change for a variety of reasons. You may need to adjust up or down to ensure you continue to get the best service and support from your under-garments.

Style Imposters - Getting the look for less

No doubt there are a lot of women out there who really would love to wear expensive lingerie. It makes them feel good, which makes them look good. But not all of us can just crush our credit cards under mountains of debt to do it. So, what about the rest of us?

Well, the idea is that you can get very similar styles to some very high end items, but spend just a fraction of the price. Will they be exactly the same? No, that isn't likely. Even if an item is vastly over-priced, there is a certain amount of cost that goes in to these that make them so precious. But if you want to get 90% of the way there, for less than 20% of the cost, read on.

One of the biggest reasons some of these brands charge as much as they do is because, SURPRISE, they can!! People line up to buy them, even if only to say "Look, I'm wearing a "Chemise de Snooty".

Another reason they have to charge so much is because they pay huge amounts out in marketing and merchandising. Those ads in the glossy magazines don't come cheap. Or the billboards in Time Square. So they have to recoup that money from somewhere.

Enough about that. What you are no doubt interested in is "How do I find these items?" Well, periodically we will try to show you some items that we think are fairly comparable, one from a high end company and one from a much more reasonably priced line. We won't try to convince you a $5 Ebay special is the same as a designer original. But we will try to provide a reasonably priced alternative and reasonably well made outfit.

Babydoll

LEFT: Dolce and Gabbana Charlize Babydoll $233

RIGHT: Elegant Moments Lace Bodice Babydoll Set $20

Both of these lovely outfits have a stretch lace bodice and sheer body. Both are made from combinations of man-made fibers, including nylon. The D&G piece is the babydoll only, with the matching thong costing an additional $94. The Elegant Moments outfit is a set.

Chemise

LEFT: Cosabella 'Pearl' Babydoll Chemise $125

RIGHT: Fantasy Lingerie Sheer Chemise $31

Lingerie Sets

LEFT Chantelle Intimates 'Caprice' Bra and Tanga Bra $115, Tanga panty $68

RIGHT: Fantasy Lingerie Lace Demi Bralette Set $24

Before I get all kinds of flaming from my readers, let me repeat one more time: you ARE NOT going to get high fashion for low dollars. Yes, there will be a difference in construction quality. Yes, there will be a difference in the feel of the material. And you will be buying online instead of a fancy specialty store.

But look at these up-sides:

• We are talking about something you wear on special occasions, for a special purpose. These clothes do not have to survive long term wear and every day washing.
• All the items here are manufactured using man-made fibers. Just varying degrees of the same processes. So we are not talking about "silk and a sow's ear".
• You get 90% of the style for 10-20% of the price.

Now, if you use a small portion of your savings for a nice bottle of champagne, the differences will become smaller and smaller as the evening carries on............

Yet another Bra Fitting Article

As a curvy girl it used be so difficult to find a bra that is both gorgeous and comfortable. There is no need to settle for badly fitting lingerie that you don't want to wear everyday. You know what feels good and if you get it right you'll see an improvement in your posture, your comfort and your confidence! Mostly though you'll be proud of your new gorgeous silhouette. Being “measured” for a bra is not the same as being “fitted”. Tape measures can provide a rough guide, but you only know if a bra fits by trying it on! Don't squeeze your boobs into a bra that isn't perfect. Different brands and styles all fit slightly differently. Never assume that if you wear a Brand X bra in a 30G you will also wear a Brand Y in a 30G. Every brand differs in size and style so you may need to try and few ranges to see which is best for your own shape! WHAT YOUR BRA SHOULD LOOK LIKE?

• The strap around your body should be firm but comfortable.
• When you stand side-on at a mirror, the strap that runs around your body should be horizontal and should not ride up at the back at all.
• The wires should lie flat against your rib cage and should not dig in.
• Your breasts should be enclosed in the cups and you should have a smooth line where the fabric at the top meets your bust.
• You shouldn't have any bulging over the top or sides of the cups.
• Your bra band should have enough space to insert two fingers under the back band, and one under the center front.

TRYING ON TIPS

• Start by fastening it on its loosest hook. You will be able to tighten the bra if it starts to give in the back when you've worn it a few times.
• Adjust the shoulder straps to ensure that they are not too loose.
• You may need to adjust your breasts to make sure they are in the cups properly.
• If the back feels too tight then you should try a size up (e.g. 34 to a 36) If the cups are too small then try a cup size larger (e.g. B to a C) REMEMBER: Not all Bras are the same! Different brands and styles will vary even if they are the same size. Don't be surprised if you need a totally different size than the bra you are wearing!

WHY DOESN’T MY BRA FIT PROPERLY?

The most common mistake is wearing a size too big around the back and too small in the cup. E.g. a 36D instead of a 34DD. Listed below are the common symptoms of a bad fitting bra and the solutions:

• I am bulging over the top or sides of the cup.

The cup size is too small. Your breasts should fit within the cups. Try at least one cup size bigger.

• My bra rides up my back.

The back size is too big. Try a least one back size smaller. You should have a snug fitting horizontal band running around your back.

• The wires stick out at the front or dig in under my arms.

The cup size is too small and not fitting around your breast properly. Try a larger cup size.

• The straps are digging into my shoulders.

The back size is too big. The main support should be coming from the strap around your back. If the back is not tight enough the straps will take all the strain. Try a smaller back size.

• The cups are wrinkly.

The cup size is too big. You are not filling the cups properly and should try a smaller cup size.

If you are still unsure when buying a bra or when you have received it at home, contact our customer service team. They will be happy to give you Free fitting advice on styles and brands and help you decide if bra is fitting correctly.

Show off your goods without going over the top… or coming out of your top!

Ever wonder how to get the perfect amount of cleavage for any occasion? No matter your size, here are some great tips to push up your girls without looking fake.

Trick #1: Silicone inserts

Silicone is wonderful because it allows for a smooth look under even the tightest of clothes. Removable silicone pads allow you to augment your bust line however you want. For smaller busts, you can select an add-a-size insert to increase the size of your breasts by a full cup size. For larger busts, you can choose a flirty cleavage look or simply round out your shape. Just slide the insert into your bra, placing it along the bottom edge of the underwire (or, in the case of a non-underwire bra, along the bottom band of your bra) for a push-up towards the top, or along the side of the underwire for a push-up towards the centre. Lift up your breast in the cup and gently let it fall back into your bra to make sure the pad is snug between your skin and the bra.

Trick #2: Push-up bras or demi-bust bras

Some bras come equipped with either removable or non-removable cookies (some are fabric pads, others are filled with air or water or even silicone) that help get a push-up look. The bonus of bras with removable cookies is that you can opt to insert or remove the pads, depending on the look you are trying to achieve, all in one bra! Demi-bust bras are not necessarily padded but do reveal slightly more cleavage since they come down lower in the middle between the breasts. Either way, these bras are comfortable enough and convenient enough to wear daily for a slight enhancement (or more, depending on whether you put pads inside or not).

Trick #3: The seriously low neckline

Bras like the U-Bra by Arianne are specifically designed for shirts and dresses with a very low V-cut in the front. Since a regular bra will be visible underneath, bras like the U-bra fall much lower in the front while offering an extra push-up towards the centre, creating cleavage that’s irresistible!

Trick #4: Camisoles with integrated bras

Don’t like wearing a bra? Try a camisole with an integrated or shelf bra. Such garments are worn as clothing (outerwear) but because there is an integrated foam padding inside the bust, you get a light to medium support while still enhancing your bustline, without a bra and without pads. You can also wear these camisoles with a push-up bra to get an even more pronounced bustline.

Trick #5: Convertible bras

A convertible bra allows for the straps to be crossed in the back or clasped behind the neck (halter). By crossing or adjusting the straps behind the neck, you can discreetly push your breasts toward the centre (ideal for a V-shaped shirt). Most convertible bras are slightly padded or lined, so they offer a seamless look while enhancing your cleavage.

The secret behind Underwires

Have you ever bought an underwire bra in your size and felt like the underwires didn’t fit right? This posting is to help you understand bra underwires and how they are designed, selected and ultimately sewn into your bras. Let’s begin with some basic geometry. Breasts, for the most part, are shaped like orbs. They have a diameter and a projection. When selecting your cup size (e.g. B, DD, G, etc.) you’re basically choosing a size that addresses your breast projection — how far out from your body your breasts project.

Your breast diameter measurement, on the other hand, is already predetermined by the manufacturer who makes your bra. Your band size (32, 38, 42 etc) has a pre-determined breast diameter built into it in the form of an underwire. That’s right, manufacturers determine your breast diameter whether you like it or not, when they decide on the underwire that will be sewn into your bra. And all lingerie manufacturers pretty much follow the same sizing conventions with regard to diameters. As a side note, augmented breasts tend to have a wider diameter than their natural counterparts. This is why many augmented women tend to wear larger cup sizes than they thought they would wear - it's to get the correct fit with a wider underwire.

So, now that you know this, you can understand why changing your band size will also change your breast fit. And here's another industry secret. Manufacturers use the same underwire in different bra sizes. This is done to reduce the number of different underwires they need to work with., but it also makes sense. Remember, your cup size is determining your projection. A woman with a larger band size, but with the same projection should also have the same diameter - in theory. Here's an example to explain how all of this works. Suppose you are a 36C. The industry has quantified over the years that your projection is the same measurement as a woman who is a 32DD, 34D, 38B and a 40A. So, most of the time, these bra sizes will all have the same underwire sewn into them. This makes sense when you consider what you do with weight fluctuation. If you are in a 36C and the cups fit, but the band is too tight, the correct size change would be to go up a band size to a 38 and down a cup size to a B to maintain the same cup volume. After all, your girth changed; not your breast diameter.

I put this chart together to guide you in all of this. So, the next time you feel you need to change your bra size, stop and think about what needs to change. If it’s just your band, consult with this chart to find the next size you should consider moving to.

30A	30B	30C	30D	30E	30F	30G	30H	30I
32A	32B	32C	32D	32E	32F	32G	32H	32I
34A	34B	34C	34D	34E	34F	34G	34H	34I
36A	36B	36C	36D	36E	36F	36G	36H	36I
38A	38B	38C	38D	38E	38F	38G	38H	38I
40A	40B	40C	40D	40E	40F	40G	40H	40I
42A	42B	42C	42D	42E	42F	42G	42H	42I
44A	44B	44C	44D	44E	44F	44G	44H	44I

Underwire shapes can and do vary among brands and manufacturers. In fact, many feel their underwire grading and shaping choices are the trade secret to their fit. This is why you'll find slight underwire variations among manufacturers (however they will not tell you or us what they are). This explains why one manufacturer may fit you better than another.

Underwires also have different lengths - their curve will follow the same size circle, but, like a pie chart, the diameter length can vary. For example, demi cup bras, balconette bras, bras labeled "petite" and low-plunge bra styles generally have shorter wires. If you are short in stature, this is good to know, because a shorter wire will have a less chance of poking you under your arm since these wires do not come up as high. Strapless bras tend to have the longest underwires, and for good reason. Without strap support, a strapless bra requires more wire to circle around the breast in order to give proper support and keep the bra up.

Now that you understand underwire sizing, you can understand why underwire swimsuits with just a cup size like a "C" don’t fit all C cup women. And, for you analytical types who are probably wondering, when underwires are graded to create their different sizes, the diameter increase is approximately 3/8" and the underwire length increase is approximately 5/8". Underwires are also engineered to have some spring. Once a bra is fastened, horizontal pressure is exerted on the underwires so that they splay or spread. Then, when a bra is unhooked, the underwires return to their original shape. This springing or splay gives additional support to your breasts by exerting inward pressure on them - like a gentle squeeze. If you are in the wrong size bra such that your breasts are wider than the splayed diameter of the underwire, over time the pressure and weight of your breasts can cause an underwire to break in half. If this happens to your frequently, you are probably in a bra with too small of a band size, or one where the cups are too small.

I appreciate that learning all of this may be a little overwhelming. But, you should also know that manufacturers work very hard to get you the best fit possible and try and make your size selection easy. However, it’s always nice to know the logic behind what they do.

The Cup Size Shell Game - How to win

Finding a bra you love only to discover its size range stops just before your bra size can be frustrating. However, in some circumstances, you may not be totally out of luck.

Say you’re a 40C and the bra you have found stops at 38DD. You MIGHT be able to wear the 38D or 38DD in that bra if the band doesn’t feel too tight. Deviating from your traditional bra size is called the cup size game. Substituting bra sizes really works more successfully on women with band sizes 40 and above and D cups or larger because there is more breast tissue and body circumference to work with - a 2" band increase or a 1" bust line circumference increase is less significant than on a smaller framed person. But, smaller framed women also have way more bra choices.

There are 2 important things you need to know about cup size. The first is that a cup size on one band size is not equal to the same cup size on another band size. In other words, a 32D bra has smaller cup volume and diameter than a 34D bra even though both bra sizes are a D cup. So I bet you’re wondering why the industry assigns the same cup size to both.

Cup size is a measurement of how far your breasts project from your chest wall. Each cup size denotes a 1" increase in your body’s CIRCUMFERENCE measurement at your bust line. Knowing this fact can help you zero in on your correct bra size. For example, you try on a bra and the band feels comfortable, but your breasts are spilling out. Keep going up in cup sizes on the same band size until you find the bra that fits. Alternately, the cups fit great, but the band is too big. When you go down a band size, you now know that you need to go up a cup size to maintain the same underwire diameter and similar cup volume (Example: Go from a 40C to a 38D).

The second important point about cup size pertains to women with cup sizes larger than a D cup. Trying to find cup equivalents among brands can be very difficult. In one brand you are a DDDD, but this same cup size can be a G, F, or FF in other brands. The first thing you should know is that all manufacturers size their cups up by 1" circumference increases. They may call their sizing by different letters, but the increases between sizes are uniform. So, as mentioned above, find out how many cup sizes above a D you are. At HerRoom.com, when you look at the sizes available in a particular bra, HerRoom displays the cup sizes in order from smallest to largest. If you are 4 cup sizes larger than a D cup, you can count 4 sizes from D to find your correct size in that particular brand. Again, it doesn’t matter what the cup size letter is. Just make sure you count the right number of sizes above their D and you will have the right size.

When a manufacturer grades his patterns to create different sizes for a bra style, he moves the bust points slightly wider with each cup size increase. B cup bust points are 1/2" farther apart than A cups. Bust points get 1/4" farther apart between B, C and D cups, and 1/8" farther apart with larger cup sizes. Now that I’ve shared the cup size game with you, I want to make a final point. It is always best to purchase your true and accurate bra size if you want to maximize your proper fit.

Figure Shapes - The Pear Figure

The lingerie industry has come up with six figure types that they feel captures every woman. I know this sounds kind of crazy, but the truth is I have yet to find a woman I couldn’t classify in one of them. By knowing your personal figure type, you can make smarter lingerie choices that will enhance your best points and disguise your less-than-favorable ones.

In the near future, I’m going to talk about each of these figure types. They are The pear shape, apple shape, column shape, the hourglass shape, the almost hourglass shape and the cornet shape.

The figure type known as the pear shape can usually be recognized by a small upper body and a large and heavy lower body. Her shoulders are narrow, but her hips are fairly wide and her thighs are quite heavy. Thus, in silhouette, her body would have the shape of a pear. In most cases, the size she wears on top is 1 to 3 sizes smaller than her size on bottom which can make it very difficult if not impossible to buy dresses.

So, what are the best lingerie options for a woman with this figure type? Let’s start on top. The goal here is to balance the body shape. So, for a pear shaped woman with a small cup size, select a bra that is padded and gives the breast some more volume. This will make the upper portion of her body look more in proportion and have the added benefit of creating the look of a waist. For pear-shaped women with larger breasts, make sure breasts are lifted and supported. Again, you get a waist and you’ll look like you’ve lost weight.

Now for the bottom. I love repeating a comment made by Tyra Banks. She noticed that the skimpier the bathing suit, the slimmer she looked - especially when she had put on a few pounds. Her comment is absolutely correct. Women with large thighs and hips look much slimmer in a brief that is high cut on the sides and with a lower rise. This makes your legs look longer and slimmer and because the briefs are lower, your hips and thighs will look more in balance with your shoulders. The absolute worst look for you would be to stick on a big full coverage brief.

One final note on this figure type. It is almost impossible to find a longline bra that will fit you. The manufacturers had to make a decision as to your hip size, and they have chosen to design longline bras to accomodate a woman whose top and bottom are more in proportion. So, my suggestion to a pear shaped woman who simply must have a longline bra is to purchase a corset with a back or front lace-up. This will allow great fit flexibility and better contouring to your unique shape.

Remedies for Common Bra Fitting Problems

Not too long ago, I posted a checklist to determine if you were wearing the correct bra size. Check it out now. It will give you some visual clues to look for, which we reference in today's post.

Okay, so now that you have done the checklist let’s go through your answers. If you said "no" to any of the questions, I have the answer for you below.

The center gore or center front of your bra is lifting away from your body. When you have very larger breasts, it may be impossible for the center of your bra to rest on your sternum because you have so much breast tissue - your breasts are already touching in the center. Soft cup bras also have a hard time resting on your sternum because they don’t have underwires to anchor the bra under your breasts. Minimizer bras are working to reduce your bust projection, so many minimizers do not have a center panel designed to lay flat on your sternum. If any of these reasons apply to you, don’t worry about this symptom. For everyone else, if your center panel is not laying flat on your sternum, this is a symptom that your cup size is too small. Your breast are actually pushing your bra away from your body. The first thing to do is go up a cup size. If your cups now fit, but your band is too big, the next step is to go down a band size, but go up a cup size to maintain the same cup volume. Example: Currently wearing a 40D. First try a 40DD. If band too big, go to a 38DDD. If the underwires in the center are pointing out and away from your body, this is another symptom that your cup size is too small. It can also mean that the bra manufacturer is not using strong enough underwires.

If your underwire is sitting on your breast tissue instead of in your under breast crease, first make sure you put your bra on correctly. Reach in to your bra cups and pull up your breasts into the cups so that your breast tissue is above the underwire. If your breasts are now shooting out the top, you need a bigger cup size. If your breasts look fine now, you have the correct cup size. If your underwires are digging into you on the sides, this is another symptom that you need to go up a cup size. There is also the possibility that your band size is too tight. If you are on your last hook, and your bra is literally pulling the underwires apart so that they are not following your breast crease, your band size is too small. Go up a band size and down a cup size in this case to see if it feels more comfortably. For example, go from a 36DD to a 38D. Conversely, if your underwires are resting below your bra crease and your bra can not be pulled up into the right position, this is a symptom of your band being too tight. The band is sliding down your torso to a more narroer point on your body. In this case, go up a band size and down a cup size. Finally, bra manufacturers use a variety of underwire shapes in different bra styles. If your bra fits great except the underwires seem wrong, this could simply mean this particular style of bra is not for you.

If your breast tissue is spilling out of your bra at the top, or if you have on a demi cup style bra and the top of the cup is causing an indentation in your breast, your cup size is too small. Go up a cup size. If you are unsure about all of this, the ultimate test is to put a t-shirt on over your bra. If you see a bulge above the cup line, the cups size is too small.

Gaps and puckering in your cup usually means the cup size is too large. However, there are also other reasons. Most women do not have the same size breasts - one is larger than the other. Therefore, one cup will fit, and the other will usually be too small with gaps or puckering. Always fit a bra to your largest breast. Contour bras that are molded with a thin layer of foam do a great job of hiding different breast sizes. You can also purchase what are called "cookies." These are pads that can be popped into the bottom of your cup to compensate for less breast tissue on one side. If your cups fit great except for gaps at the top of the cup where it attaches to the bra strap, your particular bra may have tcups that are too full. As women get older, we tend to become hollow above our breasts. Bras with demi cups or balconette styles will probably work better and be more flattering. Another interesting point here is that when you don’t fill out the upper part of your bra cup, this gaping leads to your bra straps falling off your shoulders. So, there is a very good reason to get a bra where you fill up the entire cup.

Shoulder straps digging into your shoulders is usually a sign that your band is too large. Bra support should come 90% from your bra’s band and only 10% should come from your shoulder straps. Test this by slipping your bra straps off your shoulders. If your bra falls off, your band is way too big. If your bra stays on - even though your breasts may become a bit droopy, you are wearing the right size. The design of your bra back can also make a difference. Bras with a leotard back helps distribute the support down your back. So a great solution here is to go down a band size, and up a cup size (assuming your cup size is right) and look for bras where the straps are closer together in the back.

Getting the girls in the correct position on your chest is critical. Too low, and they can make you look heavier and older than you are. Your breasts - at any size - should have the nipple line equidistant between your elbow and shoulder. If they aren’t you are in the wrong size, or in a bra without enough cup support, or in a bra with too large a band size.

Once I put my bra on, I go straight to the mirror and confirm that my bra back is pulled down and parallel with the front of my bra. This simple adjustment can make a world of difference for every woman. Think about it, most of us attach our bras behind our back. It’s easy for the bra back to be left too high on our back. Pulling your bra back down balances out your bra and helps give your breasts support. If your bra band creeps up your back during the day, this is a clear sign that your band is too large. You need to go down a band size and up a cup size if you are happy with your cup volume. So, for example, go from a 42C to a 40D and see if you don’t get better support. A tighter band that is also in the right location on your back will also help reduce back fat.

Hook and eyes don’t lie. On the loosest hook? Your band is too big. On the tightest? Your band isn’t big enough. I personally do not like bra band extenders that can be purchased to extend your bra back. Very very few women actually need these. Most of the time it’s putting a band aid on a wrong size bra. Women need to go up a band size and down a cup size to see if that size fits better before going out and buying bra band extenders.

So there you have it. You can be your own best bra fitter. And one final point. when you change band sizes, this is a major size change. When you go up a band size from a 36C to a 38C, for example, in actuality you are going up a band size and up a cup size because a 38C cup is the same cup size as a 36D. Conversely, when you go from a 38C to a 36B, (down a band and a cup size) you are going down a band size AND down 2 cup sizes because the cup size in a 38C is the same volume as a 36D. In other words, going up a band size and keeping the same cup size means you are going up a band size and up a cup size. Conversely, going down a band size and keeping the same cup size means you are going down a band size and down 1 cup size. So, changing a band size is a huge size change and also changes cup sizing as well. Changing a cup size within a band size is fine tuning - as long as you keep the same band size, you can go up and down a cup size to hone in a better fit. So, get your band size right first, then play around with cup sizes.

Quick Checklist: Are you wearing the right sized bra?

First, you need to start by putting on your best fitting bra. If possible, this bra should not have any padding. Get in front of a mirror and look at yourself. Now, go through the following check list and choose "yes" or "no" next to each point:

Is the center of your bra sitting flat against your body? If you are wearing a minimizer bra, or a soft cup bra and have breasts larger than DD cups, this may not be the case. In these two cases, the center not resting against your sternum is okay.

Are your underwires sitting under your breasts in your breast crease and not poking out?

Is all of your breast tissue contained in your cup? If you are wearing a demi style bra or low cut bra, your breast tissue may not be in your cup. This is fine unless you feel the tissue is spilling out of this style.

Do your cups fit with no gapping or puckering?

Are your shoulder straps comfortable and not falling off or digging into your shoulders?

Is your nipple line half way between your shoulder and your elbow?

Is the bottom of your bra level and parallel with the floor?

Are your hook and eyes on the tightest or middle setting?

If the answer to all of these questions is yes, you’re in the right bra size. The number one mistake women make is wearing a bra with cups too small and a band size too big. Or put another way, she is wearing a 38C instead of a 36D. For some reason, women are more willing to go up a band size than a cup size. But when you’re walking around, no one is looking at you and thinking you have a certain bra size on. They only notice if you look good or not. So, don’t get hung up on your bra size; it’s just a number and a letter or two. The goal is to have you looking and feeling the best you can.

Watch for an upcoming post that will have even more details, and how you should address these issues

How do you put on your bra?

There’s the old saying that we all put on our pants one leg at a time. However, when it comes to bras, this is not the case. Over the years, we women have come up with a couple of clever techniques for putting this uniquely feminine garment in its proper place.

The Hook and Spin Method:

This way of putting on a bra is the most common among women with smaller breast and who also have a small or average waist. Also, women who have dexterity issues find this method simpler as well. Simply put, you wrap your bra around your back and hook it in front of you. You then turn your bra either clockwise, or counterclockwise (depending on the way the label is sewn so as not to bunch up) until the two cups are underneath your breasts. Adjust your bra band so that it is directly under your breasts, and the underwires are properly placed in your breast crease, then slip your shoulder straps up onto your shoulders.

Though your bra is on, you are not done. There are a couple more steps that you need to do to insure you have your bra in the proper position so that it will remain comfortable throughout the day and give you proper support. Run your finger under the back hook to make sure the label of your bra, if there is one, is laying flat. Tug down on the back of the bra while looking in the mirror to make sure the front and back of your bra are parallel with the floor, and that the bra back is tucked just under your shoulder bones. Next, bend forward at the waist and with your right hand, go under you left breast and lift it into the bra cup. Then repeat this on your right side. Look inside your cups and make sure your nipples are front and center. If you have a seamed cup, make sure your nipple is directly behind the seam. This will help reduce nipple show-through. Now, stand up and look at yourself. If you are happy where everything is, you are good to go.

The Upside Down Hook and Spin Method:

This method is almost the same as the prior method with the exception of the start. You fasten your bra in front of you, but your bra is upside down and inside out. After spinning your bra around so that the cups are in the center, you now flip your bra up to put it in place and then follow all the same steps as above. This technique is a great one for today’s contour bras that already have pre-shaped cups. It prevents the cups from getting smashed or creased before putting your bra on. If you haven’t put your bra on this way before, it may take a few tries to get it right, but once you learn to hook your bra inside out in front of you, it’s a very simple method to use.

Front Loading Method:

Large breasted women, women with apple figures, soft cup bra wearers and women in a hurry tend to use this technique to put on their bra. You begin by putting your arms through the straps of your bra, you then hold the back wings of the bra in each hand and wrap your arms behind you to hook your bra together. Once the bra is hooked, you really need to bend forward at the waist and place your breasts into your cups to make sure they are centered and pulled up into the cups before standing up. Again, a check in the mirror should be made to make sure the back of your bra is pulled down and even with the front of your bra, your tags are flat, and your breasts are up and in your cups. If you have cup seams, you should make sure they are resting on top of your nipples to reduce nipple show though.

An important note here. This technique can be very challenging for women who are not limber enough to put their two hands behind their back. So, as we get older, this technique will become harder. It is also difficult to tell if the bra is on the proper closure without checking in the mirror.

For modesty reasons, many women use this front loading technique because it immediately covers your breasts. I know that I use it when I’m in a dressing room and the sales clerk can be heard coming down the hall. But when using this technique it is also very easy to not get your breasts correctly into the cups and have the back of your bra resting too high on your back. So, this technique more than the others needs the final steps to insure proper fit.

Over the years, I have heard lingerie experts state that the Hook and Spin method wears down your bra. The thinking is that the spinning process on your body breaks down the elastic and causes your bra to age more quickly. I think this is absolute nonsense Our bras are not designer gowns that need to be preserved for our daughters. They are underwear that will go through many washings and wearing before being replaced. The convenience of the Hook and Spin method far outweighs any minor stress put on the elastic as you spin it around your waist.

A note on underwire bras. However you put it on, you must make sure to check that your underwires are resting in the natural crease where your breast begins on your chest. The underwire should be resting on your ribcage. If your underwire is resting on breast tissue, your breasts need to be pulled up and into your bra cups until this is not the case. If you can’t do this, you are in the wrong size bra.

I would also be remiss if I did not speak of "The Jiggle" technique for getting your breasts into the proper place in your bra cups. I personally use this technique more than putting my hands inside my cups to adjust my breast tissue. To perform the jiggle, bend forward from your waist, pull down on the center of your bra and jiggle your bra back and forth until you feel your breasts are resting appropriately in the cups. When you stand up, you will see that your breasts are sitting higher in your cups, are fuller looking and look more youthful.

Another reason not to go bra-less

A woman watching New Year’s Eve fireworks from a picnic table found out that her bra can do more than lift and support: It also slowed a falling bullet.

The .45-caliber bullet struck Debbie Bingham, 46, after someone fired a gun into the air about 20 minutes before midnight. She still needed stitches, but the wound might have been much worse except for the bra strap, police spokesman George Kajtsa said.

Bingham, who was in town from Atlanta, Georgia, said she is thankful for the undergarment, which she said was “very cheap.”

“I’d love to have a couple more of those bras,” she said.

Bingham said she was listening to music and enjoying the fireworks with her daughter and son when she felt a sharp pain in her shoulder.

Then Solanda Bingham, 30, noticed blood seeping through her mother’s white shirt, and they found the bullet lodged halfway into the gold-colored bra. The other half was barely breaking the skin, Bingham told WTSP-TV.

Kajtsa described the wound as a “big scratch with bruising.”

St. Petersburg police were searching for the shooter to determine if the shooting was intentional, Kajtsa said.

100 years of Bra History

The bra is ubiquitous. Whether you wear one or you’ve fumbled around in the dark trying to unclasp one, most everyone has encountered the most provocative of undergarments in one of its many forms. Whether for exercise, work, nursing, comfort or seduction, most women, from almost A to double J, possess a rainbow of bras for a variety of occasions.

And on its 100th birthday, the bra has never looked better.

The bra evolved immensely during the past 100 years to become the garment we know, love, sometimes hate, and wear today. Here is a timeline of notable events in the history of bras:

1907: The word “brassiere” first appears in American Vogue.

1907: The loose dress designs of Parisian couturier Paul Poiret allow women to ditch the corset and adopt the brassiere. Poiret says, “it was in the name of Liberty that I proclaimed the fall of the corset and the adoption of the brassiere which, since then, has won the day.”

1910: American socialite Mary Phelps Jacob rejects the corset and fashions her own underwear from silk handkerchiefs and ribbon. The next year she is granted the U.S. patent for the brassiere.

1923: Russian immigrant Ida Rosenthal and her husband William create Maidenform. Rosenthal will go on to pioneer different cup sizes and patent a strap fastener.

1935: Warner releases the A’lure Bra, marking the first time a company uses the abbreviated version of the word “brassiere.”

1937: Warner creates the first cup sizing system. Many previous bras relied on stretchable cups for fit.

1940: World War II makes steel a precious commodity. This effectively kills the heavy steel corsets still worn by some women.

1950s: The missile bra look is popularized by Hollywood “sweater girls,” including Lana Turner and Jane Russell, who wear pointier bras and tight-fitting sweaters to accentuate the bust.

1951: Wrapture releases the Tres Secrete inflatable bra, which allows the wearer to inflate cups to the desired size by blowing in a straw.

1959: Lycra Fiber is invented by scientists at DuPont. This stretchy fiber makes it possible for bras to fit close to the body without sagging or losing their shape, allowing for more comfortable and better-fitting bras.

1964: The Wonderbra, which aims to “lift and separate the bust,” is launched. The Wonderbra will surge in popularity again in 1994 thanks to the “Hello, boys” ad campaign starring supermodel Eva Herzigova.

1968: Demonstrators at the Miss America pageant throw bras, corsets, nylons and other constricting clothing into a trash can to protest the effect of beauty standards on women. Although much has been made about feminists burning bras during this era, there is little evidence these events actually occurred.

1977: Underwear giant Victoria’s Secret is founded in San Francisco. By 1996 the company will have an annual revenue of nearly a billion dollars.

1977: Hinda Miller, Lisa Lindahl and Polly Smith sew two jock straps together and call it the Jogbra. The first sports bra is born.

1991: Madonna vogues her way around the world, wearing Jean Paul Gaultier’s famous conical bra for her Blonde Ambition tour.

1995: On an episode of “Seinfeld,” Kramer and Frank Costanza attempt to go into business selling a Velcro-fastened bra for men and argue whether to call it the “bro” or the “manssiere.”

1997: Italian manufacturer Santoni develops a circular knitting machine that allows bras to be sewn all at once, instead of sewing separate pieces together, making seamless bras possible.

1999: Soccer star Brandi Chastain strips off her jersey after scoring the winning penalty kick at the Women’s World Cup, revealing her sports bra and creating a media sensation.

Picking the Perfect Bridal Lingerie

For those who are about to get married, and want to look sexy on the wedding night, opting to wear the right kind of bridal lingerie is a sound idea. Face it, the wedding night comes around only once in a lifetime (in some cases, anyway) and it is an ideal occasion to look alluring and also feel more beautiful.

Before you even start your search, you first need to decide on what your goals are. I know, that sounds way too practical. But it will help you decide what direction you need to go with your shopping. Do you want to look seductive, or demure? Erotic, sensual or sexy (not the same thing, look it up)? Your decisions here set the course for what follows.

Next, consider the idea that you really want TWO sets of lingerie. Think about it; you will be getting dressed and taking pictures for a couple hours, the actual wedding and more pictures are a couple more hours, and all the while you are highly stressed. Then, at least a couple hours dancing and making merry at the reception. By that time, what you have on under your gorgeous dress will feel like workout clothes. Is that really how you want to look and feel on your magical wedding night?

So what you really need is one set of lingerie that will give you proper support, and keep all your "treasures" safe and sound. And you also want them to make you feel as though you are the most beautiful woman in the world. Then, you want a set of lingerie that is meant to be seen by only 2 people, you and your betrothed. That can be more for show, since you may not actually be wearing it for very long anyway......

Wearing a corset under an informal wedding gown might be inappropriate. A corset is a very constraining item, so it is more appropriate for very traditional dress. You might look to wear a bustier instead, which is a little more "style over substance". There are many choices including strapless numbers or tight fitting basques. Just make sure it complements your wedding dress. Take the time to evaluate different styles to see what feels right. You may even find something that you may not have considered wearing before.

You should make the final decision based on what you want, although people will suggest different garments and try to give you advice. It’s you that has to wear the items and you who need to feel sexy in your chosen bridal wear. You might select items such as a satin corset and stockings, a bridal bustier and perhaps satin gloves. Or you might want to choose something different like a sheer bralette and panty set with a lovely crinoline . The most important thing is the overall effect on how you feel, so you will want to take this into account when choosing apparel.

Remember, go for something that will enhance your best assets. Honestly look at yourself in the mirror and decide what to accentuate. Do you really like your bustline, or are you more proud of your behind? Do you have a curvaceous hourglass figure, or long legs? This is one time for every woman to put aside her body issues and say, "You know what, I've got a really hot ......"

There is much more to your wedding day than just choosing the right gown and best bridal lingerie. You will be the absolutely center of the world for your friends and family for this short period of time, and you want to embrace every second of it. Then your wedding night should be one that you remember for the rest of your life. The right choice of bridal lingerie just makes the whole thing better.

The Wonders of the Halter Top Bra

With clothes getting skimpier and skimpier, especially in the summer months, more and more women are wearing sleek little halter tops, both to stay cool and look good. The major problem with a halter top is the fact that a traditional bra can be seen, and is quite unsightly, when worn with a halter top.

The invention of the halter top bra means that almost any woman can opt to wear more revealing garments. Women that have small breasts do not necessarily need to wear a bra at all times. But for the larger breasted woman, for whom wearing a bra is not optional, this has been a long-term problem. A halter top bra can either be a traditional bra with the normal shoulder straps replaced with a strap that goes around the neck or a bra that is built right into the halter top.

Which Style Of Halter Top Bra Is Right For You

The build in halter top bra is convenient because you never have to search for this special bra, it is always attached to the garment. It is also specifically made for the garment so will never show from underneath. But this feature may raise the price of the halter top or may be ill-fitting, so this may not be the right type for every woman.

The separate halter top bra is a good option for those women that own a large number of these style of tops. The same halter top bra can be worn with many different garments. One downside is that every halter top bra will not work with every halter top, because of different designs, so more than one halter top bra may be required. The price you pay for your halter tops may be lower, but you may find yourself searching for that one particular halter top bra that goes with the halter top you want to wear.

Another choice for a halter top bra is the convertible halter bra, this is simple a traditional bra with shoulder straps that can changed by the wearer. The straps on this kind of bra can be used traditionally, around the neck, in a criss-cross pattern or left off all together, for a strapless garment. This kind of bra may not fit everyone the best, so be sure to try it on before you buy. There are so many styles of bras available that no matter what type of garment you want to wear you can, with the confidence that will only further enhance your beauty.

German "Bullet-proof" Bra

It is being dubbed the new "bullet-proof bra", a new kind of Wonderbra which could help protect thousands of women police officers here in Germany. It may sound like a joke, but this is a serious matter - the policewoman who came up with the idea said normal bras can be dangerous when worn in combination with a bullet-proof vest.

"The impact of a bullet can push the metal and plastic bits of the bra into an officer's body, causing serious injury," said Carmen Kibat, an adviser on equal opportunities for the Hamburg-based Bundespolizei - Germany's federal police force. "I always thought normal bras posed a safety risk and I wanted to change that," she said. "These new bras are very important and they will help all our women officers."

Dozens of German policewomen have already tested the new bras and, after a two-month long trial, the underwear is being issued to officers as part of their uniform.

Under a vest

So what do the new bras look like?

Well, looking similar to sports bras, the new bras are white, made from cotton or polyester and padded. They also have the word "Police" printed at the bottom. Crucially, though, the bras do not have any under-wire or fastener made out of metal or plastic.

From now on, women police officers will be allowed to pick three bras from a range of designs, varying in size and style. "These new bras represent pioneering work," said Ruediger Carstens, a spokesman for the Bundespolizei. "It shows that the safety of our officers is a top priority."

In all, more than 3,000 front-line women police officers across Germany are being encouraged to wear the new bras on duty. So that includes female officers deployed at airports, train stations, or those deployed at border crossings. But at the end of the day, it is up to each individual officer to decide whether she will go for the latest "bullet-proof" lingerie - a police spokesman was keen to point out that the new bras "are optional".

Since the bras have been issued, UK female officers through the Police Federation of England, have recently indicated that they want the same bras as standard issue in Britain. No word on US police acceptance,

Lingerie Trends

Sexy lingerie is an aphrodisiac. And it’s simply amazing what a little bit of colour can do to lift one’s spirit. Keep aside your clothes, shoes and accessories. What we are talking here about is pure, sinful indulgence with your lingerie collection. Gone are the days of strictly blacks, whites and nudes. Now it’s all about colours, right from the sizzling hot fuschias and purples to the soothing aquas and yellows.

So what are the hottest colours for this season? “Fuschia, purple, gold, turquoise, chocolate, green and wine, “ says Dalbir Bains of the luxury lingerie boutique Boudoir London. According to her, the other in things in lingerie include funky geometric prints, animal prints and the shadow effect. Prod her a bit and she’ll be more than happy to show you a range of mind-blowing lingerie, be it the electric blue bra with pink lining with matching knickers or the bra with print in front and lace behind. “Print and lace, print and solid colours, smooth bras with animal print, that’s what everyone wants this season,” she adds.

Mean-while, Anuradha Burman, production head at Etam opines that the hottest colours for this season are shades of pink. “It ranges from the extreme fuchsia to light pink. Red is also coming back internationally,” she says. The other in colours, she adds, are jewel colours like rust, electric blue and emerald green.

And while you freak out on the colours, Shraboni Mukherjee of Triumph says one of the hottest trends this season is bras with scallop lace trimmings. “In fact, a lot of bold women who sport deep necklines even want the lace to peek out,” she says adding that pink, green, lacy white and rosewood are among the most happening colours currently.

According to Anuradha, while the college crowd goes crazy over funky colours and prints, young working girls prefer conservative “structured and more functional” lingerie for their day wear. Internationally, the trend is also about co-ordinated buying — matching bras and knickers and less coverage bras. “These days a lot of women are into deep necks and cleavages,” she explains. In the knickers segment, the bikini style, thongs, G-string and boxer shorts are still going strong, Anuradha says.

Dalbir meanwhile says college girls prefer the simple yet smooth bras. “The want seamless bras to wear with figure hugging T-shirts. Also, the multi-way bras — ones which can be used with racer tops and halter tops are highly in demand. One other hot trend is detailing on the straps. Since many girls wear colourful ganjis, they are more than happy to show of their intricately designed bra straps,” she explains.

Another in trend according to Shraboni is that of young girls wearing vibrant coloured bras and semi transparent tops. “They are no longer the shy, not wanting their lingerie to show types,” she says. And for the next season, watch out for wild prints and soothing colours and stock up on those purples, the experts warn.

[From an article in The Times of India]

In Defense of the Bigger Bust

Europe has arguably lead the world in terms of "Supporting" larger bust sizes, but the US is starting to take note. While Victoria's Secret is still pretty much limited to smaller than DD and 40 band sizes, even moderately priced department stores are carrying sizes for the full figured gal. They are launching new brands, and offering fitting services. So your choices are increasing.

First, let's qualify the market here. Looking at the media message, you may find it hard to believe that one recent survey showed more than 50% of women are size D and above. Even worse, estimates are up to 85% of women are wearing a bra that is not the right size for them. Sometimes this is because women are fitted for proper size and support, but when their body changes they just keep buying the same old thing. Sometimes it is because women have just plain been fitted wrong. But a growing number are improperly fitted because they insist on "Vanity" sizing.

Vanity sizing is when the number becomes more important than the fit. Sure, it is difficult to admit you have grown from a 36 band to a 40. Or you may not want to admit you are an DD cup, or a DDD cup. So you buy something that 'kind of' fits but is in an acceptable sounding size. Well, resolve to forget the number and just wear what is right.

Now, we started talking about the bigger bust. But what does that mean? Did you immediately think of Dolly Parton, or some similarly endowed example? If 50% of women are considered large busted, what does that really look like. For example, can you estimate what size this model is?

This is an honest 32DD customer. See, not mis-shapen or freakish. But many women this same size are wearing 34D or 36C bras. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it actually is bad for you. Lack of support can lead to back pain, breast pain, shoulder pain, improper posture and can even cause abnormal functioning of the lymph nodes.

So, give up your hang ups. A big bust does not mean a small brain. You wouldn't wear a hat that was too big, or gloves that were too tight, would you? Cut out the tags if you must. If you must, lie to your friends about your measurements. But don't lie to yourself!!! Measure yourself or get fitted, and buy the right size. Then do it again in 6 months, and again, and again. It is not unusual to go up or down in size if you gain or lose weight, go through pregnancy or menopause, or even just change your workout routine at the gym.

Wonderbra teams with Burlesque artiste Dita von Teese

This released on Aug 18th in the London Telegraph:

Von Teese said the Wonderbra range was inspired by the glamour of the 1940s and 50s.

"I love it when you can go about your daily business with the knowledge that you have a little secret of your own on underneath," she said.

"Lingerie shouldn't be something you just put on for your lover; you should do it for you.

"It's not about seducing men, it's about embracing womanhood." Tne bra-bottom combo features a magnetic clip, "making daring stripteases a cinch", according to Wonderbra.

Von Teese, an American, is the latest in a long line of international beauties including Eva Herzigova and Adriana Karembeu to have modelled for the iconic push-up bra brand. "I really hope that with this new range I can share my passion for sensual, wearable lingerie that will add a touch of glamour to people's everyday lives," she said when she won the Wonderbra contract. Von Teese is renowned for her "traditional feather fan dance" as well as her "boudoir/bathtub show", according to her website.

In 2005, she performed naked except for $5 million worth of diamonds for a benefit show at the New York Academy of Art.

She has also published a book, Burlesque/Fetish and The Art of the Teese, and is credited with being the main force behind "New Burlesque", the recent revival of burlesque dancing.

Her limited edition lingerie collection goes on sale on September 23. (ed. This is the date for European release, no date yet for US)

New ad shows thousands in their Wonderbra

Click on picture to see Full Sized Image

In order to put Wonderbra back in the minds of millions of women, this year has seen two advertising campaigns to rival their “Hello Boys” poster ad from 1994. Earlier this year, Wonderbra Britain launched a catchy video in which they call the female breasts watermelons, jugs, puppies, coconuts, cupcakes, knockers, pillows, horns, eggs and other boob related names.

The ad was actually the lead-in campaign and casting call for models for the new mosaic poster unveiled this week with approximately three thousand women in bras. Wonderbra was looking for down to earth ladies and the idea behind the campaign was specifically that companies needed to be closer to their customers by involving them directly.

A few celebrities, Jessica Hinds, Debra Stephensen and Carol McGiffin are also seen in the poster that has been created in order to help launch and bring awareness to Wonderbra’s larger size cups in D to G (DDDD in US measure).

In addition to the actual photo shoot, that proved to be the biggest underwear photo session in Britain, women were encouraged to send in their photos if they were not able to attend. And Wonderbra is very frank about this recent endeavour boldly stating “we were looking for as many girls as we could to create the biggest collection of boobs ever seen”.

For those living in Central London, you will be lucky enough to see the real billboard. For those of us in other areas, we can view the online version of “The BIG REVEAL”. What a fun and inspiring project! More companies need to connect with their customers and take negative comments and turn them into positive, entertaining selling points.