Lingerie to fit YOUR body

Whether you are trying to find just the right gift for a loved one, or looking for advice on what styles will look best on you, having a basic and realistic view of body shape will go a long way towards maximizing your investment. A little thought about what your attributes or weaknesses are will allow you to look as alluring as you feel. Don't get us wrong; you don't have to be stick-thin and perfectly proportioned to be sexy. Lingerie is the great equalizer. In some ways, buying lingerie is almost self-defeating. If you pick the right style, color and size, no one will even notice the cloth draping your body. So read along, and see suggestions we have to help you make the best purchases. Click on the pictures to see examples of the outfits we suggest for each example For the Woman with: a Bigger Bottom

If the backside is a little large, the best bet is a thong bottom with some width to the back. Having around 1/3 coverage will make things look a little smaller, still show ample cheek and elongate the leg line. Things to avoid: Very skinny g-strings (they accentuate the size) or full coverage "granny panties" (makes the bottom look even wider).

For the Woman with: a Pear Shape

The secret here is to call attention to the bust, and have a solid opaque bottom that just slips over the hips. This will draw attention up, and the flaring A-line shape will slim the butt and hips. Things to avoid: Drawing attention to the middle. Don't wear something with a pattern along the midriff, and avoid panties that cut straight across the thighs. These will cut visually cut the wearer off, and make the legs look shorter and heavier.

For the Woman with: Large Breasts

Wearing a full coverage top will provide support and visually balance the look. What you want is to make the bust look controlled and proportional. Also, this type of top won't leave visible lines in anything you wear over your sexy outfit. A bikini brief will help you look youthful, and not like 'matronly'. Things to avoid: Demi-cups, shelf bras or other styles that accentuate the bust spilling out of the top.

For the Woman with: a Large Tummy

If you have a belly 'pooch', try wearing a babydoll with a closed front and some type of pattern. Add a thong or sexy pair of panties that will visually extend your legs.Things to avoid: Don't wear an open-front babydoll that frames what you are trying to not call attention to. And don't be tempted to buy either the top or bottom too small, as edges digging in really make like you are wearing things that are just too tight.

For the Woman with: a Slim Build Slimmer women want to compliment their frame with something light and airy. Feminine lingerie matches the delicacy of the frame, especially in sheer fabrics. things to avoid; Slim women can wear almost anything, but want to avoid anything that is either too visually heavy or that is too large. Otherwise you look like you are wearing something meant for someone else.

For the Woman with: an Hourglass Figure

Curvy women want to wear something that accentuates the waist, like a bustier. Adding some soft boning and a pretty matching bottom will really make your silhouette rock. Things to avoid; items that are loose fitting can make an hourglass shape look large and shapeless. Stick to fitted items. And point attention to the waist, not above or below.

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.

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.

Plus Size Market in the US

According to a recent report from Packaged Facts, U.S. Market for Women's Intimate Apparel (Lingerie), the plus size lingerie market is still going strong. The report provides an in-depth look at the $9.6 billion lingerie market and covers everything from a history of women's intimate apparel to shopping habits, trends and predictions for a variety of specific markets, including plus size lingerie.

According to the fashion industry, plus sizes start at size 14 in the US and half of American women wear clothing in sizes 14 and larger. However,being plus sized does not mean being unattractive. Better-than-Bare.com offers a wide selection of plus size lingerie to flatter the fuller figure.

At Better-than-Bare.com, the selection of full figure and plus size lingerie products available include several brands that specialize in the plus size market, as well as those who have traditionally offered average figure apparel and have added plus size lingerie to their lines.

Some of the lines you will find are Bali, Barely There, Playtex and Smooth Illusions specifically making shapewear, but there is also a large selection of fine lingerie styles now offered in more curvaceous sizes.

For more information on the report, visit www.PackagedFacts.com. For more information on full figure and plus size lingerie, visit http://www.better-than-bare.com/.

Aviana Bras - Designed specifically for larger sizes

Seems we have been getting a lot of good information for our plus size readers, and now even more choices for styles.

The Better-than-Bare Lingerie store in proud to announce that they will be carrying the full line of Aviana Bras. The entire line is designed strictly to meet the needs of the larger busted woman, while at the same time offering quality and style.

Aviana is the result of a vision. A vision to create a collection of bras exclusively full figured, with all the sophistication of European design and the comfort women deserve.

Supportive and stylish, Aviana was designed from the beginning to fit in cup sizes D and up.Size range: in Bands from 32 to 56 and Cups from D to K.

Most full-figure bras are merely "sized-up" versions of an existing bra style. Aviana, however, is the original full-figure bra. Thanks to the careful study of body types and bra fittings, women finally have a bra that "feels like it was made for them".

Better-than-Bare will carry the entire line. Some of the style and color combinations are complex, so they may not be shown in the store. Please feel free to communicate with them at support@better-than-bare.com for any questions, or for a list of styles, colors and sizes that meet your custom needs.

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.