9 Bra Care Tips

Washing For Intimate Apparel

Invest in a delicate care wash bag for your intimate apparel. A delicate care wash bag allows you to wash your intimate apparel in a washing machine without damaging sensitive fabrics. If hand-washing is not an option, this wash bag is the best way to ensure that your intimate apparel won't be damaged in the washing machine.

 

Never Machine Dry Bras

All-around bra care is important. Whether your bra is underwire or softcup, putting it in the dryer will severely shorten its life and distort its shape. Instead, hang your bra over your shower rod or on an outside clothesline to dry naturally. This will help to keep the shape of your bra and extend its life longer.

 

Switch Up Bras on Various Days

Avoid wearing your bra for two consecutive days. Your body exudes heat and heat makes the Lycra in the bra stretch when it is warm. Wearing your bra for more than one day in a row will cause it to deteriorate faster. Lycra needs at least 24 hours to cool off --- so alternating bras each day will go a long way towards good bra care.

 

Store Bras Properly

Caring for your bras properly also means taking measures to store them correctly. In many cases, bras are haphazardly placed into a lingerie drawer with other bras and lingerie items. This contributes to wear and tear on your bra because the hooks and snaps on your intimate apparel can snare the fabric and cause tears in your bras. It is best to store bras in a separate drawer, folded neatly so they can stay in top condition.

 

What is Best Way to Care For My Bra?

After spending the time and money to be fitted and searching for the perfect style, caring for your bra properly is important. Ideally, you should handwash your bra daily to lengthen its life and remove all dirt and oil from the bra fabric that accumulated during the day. If you prefer machine washing, wash bras on the delicate cycle and prodect them with a lingerie wash bag.

Rotate among three or four of your best bras and wash each one daily after wear. This might seem like a lot of effort, however, if you invest time in caring for your bra and other intimate apparel, your collection will last much longer.

 

What is Best Way to Care For My Bra?

After spending the time to be fitted and searching for the perfect style, caring for your bra properly is important. Handwash your bra daily to lengthen its life and remove all dirt and oil from the bra fabric that accumulated during the day.

Rotate among three or four of your best bras and wash each one daily after wear. This might seem like a lot of effort, however, if you invest time in caring for your bra and other intimate apparel, your collection will last much longer.

 

What is Best Way to Care For My Bra?

After spending the time to be fitted and searching for the perfect style, caring for your bra properly is important. Wash your bra by hand daily. This will lengthen the life of the bra and remove all dirt and oil from the bra fabric that might have accumulated during the day.

 

One Hanes Place Tip: Rotate among three or four of your best bras and wash each one daily after wear. If you invest time in caring for your bra and other intimate apparel, your collection will last much longer.

 

One Hanes Place Tip: Caring for a bra and other intimate apparel is important because how you care for those pieces directly determines how long they will last. A wash bag will keep your lingerie intact even in the washing machine. Featuring a mesh design, a delicate care wash bag should be used on the gentle cycle. An open weave mesh design gives optimal protection to each piece of your intimate apparel, including underwear, bras, hosiery and more.

Bra Fitting Tips

The wire in your bra is digging in or poking you. If you are being poked by the underwire, then your cup size may be too small and you will need a larger size. The straps are digging into your shoulders. You may need to loosen the straps. Or, your cups may be too small, pulling the bra downward and creating tension in the straps, you may need a larger cup size. The band is riding up your back. Your cups are too small, and you will need a larger cup size. There is a gap between the cups in your bra and your bust. If you are not properly filling out the cup, then your band and or cup size is too large and you will need a smaller size. The straps are falling off your shoulders. Most likely, your band size is too large and you will need a smaller band. If you are not properly filling out the cup, then your band and or cup size is too large and you will need a smaller size. It is also possible that your bra has lost its elasticity. Caring for your bras. If you wash your bras in the washing machine, put them in a mesh bag to protect them from other clothing. Always use the delicate cycle in warm or cool water, and use a delicate detergent without bleach. Never use a dryer; hang your bras up to dry instead.

Bra Facts/Tips

Why is a properly fitted bra so important?

The breast is not a muscle, it is delicate glandular tissue. Whether large or small, it needs to be properly supported, especially as we age. A proper fitting bra can help  for the large-breasted woman and can improve posture, overall appearance and enhance natural beauty for all women. The right undergarment plays an important part in how your clothes fit and look on your body.

 

What is the proper positioning of the breasts?

The proper position is mid-way between the shoulder and elbow.

How do I find the right bra?

Seek the advice of an expert. Free Spirit Bras offers consultations (by appointment only) that include taking the correct measurements,  addressing  individual concerns and unique body shape, lifestyle needs and personal style to recommend the right bra for you. This service is available for women wishing to have a custom bra made and for women who want some advice and assistance in looking for the closest fitting bra in a Ready to Wear line.

Store Bought Bras vs. Custom Bras from Free Spirit Bras :

• Store bought or RTW (ready to wear) bras only have standard sizing. Free Spirit Bras creates custom made bras to fit each individual's needs and unique body shape, therefore our bras are made to fit every woman individually.
  

• RTW bras may deteriorate quickly depending on the quality of materials. The materials we use in our custom bras are made of the highest industrial quality and when proper care is taken  (see washing instructions below) they will support you for along time.

• RTW bras provide women with very little choice in style, color, fabric, and of course comfort & beauty. We provide custom bras & undergarments that are sexy, supportive, and beautifully made to your specifications, in your choice of style, color, exclusive fabrics, and embellishments.

 

Free Spirit Bras creates everything from your everyday bras to sports bras, special occasion bras, including maternity, mastectomy and lumpectomy bras all designed especially for you!

 

 

 

BRA FITTING TIPS

You know you've picked a dud bra when… a) You spend your whole day trying to get those darn underwires to stop digging into your flesh. b) The straps are constantly falling down quicker than incy wincy spider. c) You have a not so contoured outline through your tee-shirt, otherwise known as the double decker look. d) Feel like the back-strap of the bra is riding so far up your back it's about to come right around and blindfold your eyes e) All of the above! The thing with underwear, lingerie if you will, is that it should feel like you're wearing nothing at all. Beauty shouldn't come at a cost, especially not one that involves any of the above scenarios. Bra buying is a fairly daunting task. What it isn't, however, is rocket science. Taking another one for the team, the nzgirls went on the hunt to find the intimate details of your intimates. We spoke with Katrina VanDijk, a bra-fitting maestro from Berlei. Firstly, how to get the right fit Before you even put the bra on, ensure straps are completely loosened when first putting on bra. The straps should rest firmly and comfortably on the shoulders without cutting into the flesh. Straps should be adjusted enough to have the breasts lifted and sitting half way between the shoulder and elbow. Fasten the hook and eye in the middle, this will give you the option later to loosen or tighten as required. The back gore/strap should sit low and should be pulled down beneath the shoulder blades. If the back gore is too high it will give a saggy bustline. Centre the breast in the bra ensuring the nipple is in the centre of the cup, this will give a nicer shaped bustline. You can do this by leaning forward letting the breasts drop into the bra. Lastly put on some clothing to ensure you are happy with the shape you have created. It's still not quite right… If you spend the entire day pulling up the straps, so much so you've developed some fairly decent biceps, then… Reduce cup by one size Straps lost elasticity time to replace bra Shoulders are sloped, require a bra with tapered back shoulder straps. You feel like the backstrap is about to become a blindfold because it's riding up so much Try a tighter hook Loosen straps – the back gore should sit halfway between your elbow and shoulder Bra is too big or has lost elasticity. You've got the weight of the world on your shoulders, or at least some nasty red marks Loosen straps slightly A more supportive bra is required. A bra with wider or padded straps is required. You're not so keen on the Double-Decker look Increase the cup size by one Try a fuller cupped bra The cups are crinklier than Grandma's hands or the bra isn't sitting flat Trying dropping a cup size It feels like the underwires are attempting to dig through your chest all the way to China The band or cup is too small increase size. Tee

Tips on Buying and Wearing

Tips on Buying a Nursing Bra		Tips on Wearing a Nursing Bra
	The best time to buy a nursing bra is during mid to late pregnancy, or when your pre-pregnancy bras are no longer comfortable.		You may find it comfortable to wear a nursing bra to bed at night. If so, choose a very comfortable bra that does not have an underwire.
	Buy a nursing bra that gives you good support but also allows for some extra room for nursing pads.		If you find your nursing bra is too tight over your shoulder, consider buying bra extenders offered by several manufacturers.
	When considering a new nursing bra, be sure that you can easily unhook and re-hook the flaps, or easily pull the bra aside with one hand.		Be sure to follow the washing instructions on your bra. You don't want it shrinking up or wearing thin before its time!
	If you are large breasted, be sure the bra provides ample support. Avoid the backache!
	If you plan on pumping often, you may want to consider a nursing bra that will work well with a hands free pumping system.

General Tips from Moms who Know!
	Be sure to get a nursing bra that stretches and has easy to open flaps. Try them on and make sure you can undo it with one hand!
	When you outgrow your usual bra size during pregnancy, the time is right to switch to a good-fitting nursing bra.
	Buy at least one really pretty nursing bra to make you feel good!
	Buy a couple of nursing bras so you can have a clean one on hand in case you leak.
	It can be hard to guess exactly what size you'll need once you are actually nursing and the initial engorgement period is over. You may want to get one or two in a larger cup size and return them if you don't need them. But, make sure you check on the return policy first!
	Nursing bras that have the little plastic clips for closing are really easy to do one-handed. The hook and eye set up is great too, although they can be tricky to redo with one hand.
	Consider buying several different sizes late in pregnancy and leave them in the boxes. When your milk first comes in, you'll have the right size handy, and you can use the other sizes later or return them.

Sports Bra Fit Tips

Know When To Fold 'em, Know When To Hold 'em

And know when to walk away from your sports bra. There is a life to every one of these garments. You'll know it's at the end of its rope when it loses its ability to restrict vertical movement. Or, it just might not seem to fit right or be as comfortable anymore. Any signs of pilling or fabric breakdown are your cue to replace it.

Forever Yours

Well, based on the fact that there is an end to the life of any sports bra, it won't really last forever. But, there are a couple of things you can do to make it last longer. First, stick to a fabric care that really does cares about the fabric â€" one is Forever New Fabric Care. It's biodegradable and gentle with the fibers.

Second, please don't put your sports bra in the dryer. All that hot air breaks down those technical fibers that make you love the bra so much. And, if you can, it would really appreciate a hand washing as well.

Improve its RVM© score

Those of you who have what's called an encapsulation style sports bra (not a pullover style) can improve its ability to "restrict vertical movement" (I call this the bra's RVM© score). You can do this right off the bat. A sports bra should fit snugly, so if your style allows adjustments, wear the band as tight as possible without constricting breathing to get the most support. The band is the piece that goes around your ribcage. Tightening the shoulder straps helps too, but it's the band that can really make a difference.

GO FOR FIT!

If you don't go for fit (instead of fashion) when buying a sports bra, some physical problems may occur. Chafing, sore breasts, sagging and a sore shoulder/neck area are just some of the physical problems that have been tied to poor fitting sports bras. I'm not sure if I believe poor fitting sports bras cause sagging, but it's been argued. Anyway, here are some reasons why these problems may occur and what to do about them.

• Wrong Size
  
  Learn and accept your size. Taking your measurements is a start. The majority of the problems with poor fitting bras are about wearing the wrong size. Accept yourself â€" If you've always wanted to be a C cup, but you measure out a B (or vice versa), get the B size. Don't buy the size you wish you were.
  
  Take note, sports bra manufacturer's didn't exactly huddle and say, "OK, let's standardize a sizing chart for these things!" This means you may not buy the same size in one style as you might in another.
  
• Wrong Style
  
  The right style depends on your chosen activities, body structure and personal preferences. Think about the amount of vertical movement you will be experiencing in your chosen activities. For example, running is thought of as an activity associated with a lot of vertical movement. Now, consider your body structure â€" what cup size are you, how does that relate to your rib cage measurement, how long (or short) is your torso. Finally, what's most important to you? While running, do you namely want no-bounce support? Wicking capability? Pick one or two must have's and go from there. The solution sometimes is a different style for different activities.
  
• Dead Bra
  
  Yes, there is a life to this garment. The fabric eventually loses its functionality â€" this means the fit then changes. If you hand wash and line dry your sports bra instead of machine handle, it will last about twice as long. On average, a machine-handled sports bra will last about six months.
  
• Sensitive Skin
  
  Some of you chafe no matter what the style or the fabric you're wearing. You've tried everything without relief. Folks who can identify with this dilemma probably have sensitive skin that tends to react to sweat and friction. In these instances, I recommend using Vaseline, or, better yet, a fabric-friendly product like Bodyglide between you and your sports bra.

Find the right sports bra (part II)

Are you large-breasted but narrow-chested? Trouble finding a good fitting sports bra because of your long torso? We all come in different shapes and sizes. Believe me, this really matters when it comes to choosing the right sports bra. I can't give you a personal recommendation here (although I can on my Web site). But, let me tell you what I've found to work best in general.

First, it's important to understand the two general types of sports bras. There are the original pullover or compression styles and the separating encapsulation styles. I bet most of you have at least one pullover type somewhere in your drawer. You know, this is the one that looks like two jock straps sewn together (that's because the first sports bra was just that!). This style may or may not be best for you depending on your body structure, chosen activities and priorities.

Assuming your number one priority is no-bounce support, pullover type sports bras tend to work best for women with A and B cup sizes. This is because the style uses compression or flattening of the chest to provide no-bounce support. Compressive support doesn't work too well if the breasts are larger than a B cup size. On the other hand, if you are a C cup or larger, and engage in activities that don't involve a lot of vertical movement, then a compression style might do just fine in the area of no-bounce support. You would just have to deal with the uni-boob look and you may have a rough time getting the garment on and off.

With an encapsulation style, C cup and up sized women have a better chance of getting no-bounce support in activities with medium-high levels of vertical movement because the breasts are managed separately. An added benefit to the encapsulation style is you don't have to give up contour. Typically, an encapsulation style has adjustable back clasps and shoulder straps for easier on/off capability as well.

So, let's give this a try. What would you recommend for this woman? She's D-cup sized with a narrow rib cage and a long torso. She likes to run (an activity with lots of vertical movement) but hates to bounce.

That's right â€" a style that supports and shapes her bust line and offers an adjustable band and adjustable shoulder straps (an encapsulation style, not a pullover style) would be better. Additionally, I'd tell her to look for an encapsulation style in a non-stretch fabric for a higher rating of no-bounce support or "Restricted Vertical Movement" ( I call this the bra's RVM© rating).

Now, you can help yourself make the right choice. Consider your body structure, the amount of vertical movement in your chosen activities and your priorities. Lots of times, there won't be one solution that addresses everything you've taken into consideration. In this instance, wear a different sports bra for the activities that vary in amounts of vertical movement.

Find the right sports bra (part I)

What's the big deal about the sports bra? Well, I'm not sure we really need a bra with a built-in holster as has been recently released, but there's something to be said for calling attention to this garment.

Finding the right sports bra is just as important as wearing the right running shoes. Let's face it â€" you need the right style to feel comfortable and stay motivated.

If you don't take this decision seriously, chances are you'll end up wasting a lot of money with the trial and error approach (and a lot of time for that matter). How many sports bras have you bought over the years that get used once, maybe twice, only to get lost in the back of the drawer? It's time to seriously think about this decision and, consequently, save some time and money.

One thing you have to do is know yourself - the right sports bra for you is primarily based on your body structure and, secondarily, on your personal preferences.

This is a very personal garment. We all aren't 34B's. We all don't love underwires. Some of us insist on no-bounce support while some of us can care less about it.

Here's the point â€" the wider the selection you're shopping from, the better your chances of finding what's right for you.

Once you've found that source with a wide variety, make sure that someone connected to the source really knows something about the sports bra. Then, it's a matter of setting your priorities.

Just like any relationship, this sports bra is not going to be perfect. So, decide, what's most important to you â€" Added structure for no-bounce support? All day wear ability? Separation with support? Easy on/off capability? Of course, these are just a few possibilities. Pick one or two must have's and go from there.

The rest of this decision should be based on your body structure and the amount of vertical movement in your chosen activity (see part two).

Definition of "Sports Bra"

SPORTS BRA: noun; a garment made specifically by design and fabric type to support a bustline for activity of any kind

Notice how the definition does not include words like "pull over" or "compression". That's because sports bras have come a long way since two jock straps were sewn together to form the first sports bra.

As a bra fit X-pert, I review catalogs and samples of sports bras all the time. There are literally hundreds of options. As examples, sports bras can ...

1)pull over the head
2)adjust in the back
3)adjust in the straps
4)have an underwire
5)have seamless cups for everyday activities

Sports bras aren't just for sport. Talk to the Mom of three under the age of 10 about her day. She may not be "competing" in a sport, but she could probably use the support and comfort of a good sports bra given her active days.

If sports bras can offer all of the features I look for in an everyday bra, then why wear a sports bra?

What makes a sports bra different than a regular bra is the fabric content and design. A sports bra is designed to handle women in motion where a regular bra is designed with more a fashion focus. The fabric content of a sports bra also emphasizes its functionality. The majority of sports bras are made to manage moisture and breathe more than a regular bra.

This is not to say a sports bra is not a fashionable garment. These days there are lovely prints and colors to choose from for average sizes. But, even larger cups like C, D and DD are getting some color options now.

Maybe the term "sports bra" should be renamed to "active bra". You might find a sports bra or active bra more comfortable and functional for your busy everyday lifestyle, your workouts or both.

8 Bra Accessories Tips

Keeping Bra Straps Out of Sight

Simple bra accessories can make a big difference in how much your bra straps slip or show up under clothing. To pull straps together in the back, attach a small "happy strap" clasp to the straps in back. This helps you wear tanks or other sleeveless tops without your straps peeking out. Also, you can choose bras with a clear strap option, to make straps less visible under sheer or bare clothing.

 

Silicone Filled Pads Offer Something Extra

Looking for lift? Then, silicone filled pads may be just the thing to give you that extra "oomph!" Worn with underwire bras, silicone filled pads shape to the contour of your breasts, making them look naturally full and uplifted. Silicone pads can be sold separately and inserted into a bra, or may come as part of your bra. A silicone pad bra accessory adds that extra bit of sexiness and excitement to any outfit.

 

Be Daring --- Go Braless With Breast Petals

Some women have the option of going braless with certain outfits. However, with thinner fabrics, your nipples can sometimes show through. Nude breast petals can alleviate that problem. Worn with or without a bra, breast petals work with any garment ---- casual or dressy. They provide a cover-up for your nipple and make going braless even more fun and fearless.

 

Adhesive Bra Not For Everyday Use

Adhesive bras are a low profile alternative to a strapless bra. An adhesive bra is the perfect bra accessory when you need the support of a bra without actually wearing one. An adhesive bra works similar to a strapless bra. However, instead of a band to hold the bra in place, adhesive strips or pads attach to your body. This is not a bra accessory meant for everyday attire. For special occasions, with more revealing silhouettes, an adhesive bra is a great option when your normal strapless bra might show.

 

Bra Extenders Help Bras to Last Just A Little Longer

Sometimes, you find that you have bras that are a perfect fit in the cups, but feel snug around the band area. A bra accessory that can alleviate some of that discomfort is a bra extender. Purchasing a bra extender is a great idea if you have bras to replace or if your size changes, but have not yet had the time or the means to do so.

 

Bra Extenders Help Bras to Last Longer

You may have a favorite bra that you love to wear, but no longer fits as well as it did when you first purchased it. It may be a perfect fit in the cups, but feels snug around the band area. One bra accessory that can alleviate some of that discomfort is a bra extender.

A bra extender is a great idea if you have bras that need to be replaced, but you haven't had a chance because of time or finances. This bra accessory will help extend the life of the bras in your existing collection until you are able to purchase replacements.

 

Bra Extenders Help Bras to Last Longer

You may have a favorite bra that you love to wear, but no longer fits as well as it did when you first purchased it. It may be a perfect fit in the cups, but feels snug around the band area. One bra accessory that can alleviate some of that discomfort is a bra extender.

A bra extender is a great idea if you have bras that need to be replaced, but you haven't had a chance because of time or finances. This bra accessory will help extend the life of the bras in your existing collection until you are able to purchase replacements.

 

 

One Hanes Place Tip: Bra extenders allow you the flexibility of continuing to wear bras that you are not ready to throw away, but are too tight. This bra accessory attaches to your bra and adds about three inches to give you comfort. Bra extenders come in two, three and four hook styles and feature a soft backing that provides comfort against your skin. A bra extender is also perfect for pregnant women as their bust size changes often.

Boost Your BreastsThe natural way to do it

by Ginny Graves

************************

 

I've never been what one would call well endowed, but when I was in my 20s, my 34Bs sat regally on my chest. With the right bra I could even create cleavage. By my 30s not only had my boobs shrunk, they appeared to be sacked out on my rib cage, as if in need of a long rest.

It happens to the best of busts. "Most women start to get saggier in their 30s, because as you get older your skin loses elasticity and stretches because of gravity," says Loren Eskenazi, a San Francisco plastic surgeon. "And pregnancy and breast-feeding accelerate the process."

Why is childbearing so cruel to your curves? When you're pregnant, your breasts get bigger, as their ducts enlarge and their tissue swells in preparation for breast-feeding. The months-long stretch-o-thon of pregnancy and nursing can leave them slack. In addition, the ducts and fat in your breasts sometimes shrink a bit after you have a baby, leaving your breasts less dense and full. While nothing short of surgery will make your boobs look like they did when you were 21, there are less invasive options that can make a difference. Here's the ultimate guide to beautiful breasts at any age.

"I must, I must, I must increase my bust!"

Okay, so exercise won't increase your cup size. But it is a natural way to make your breasts sit higher and more even on your chest."Exercise builds the muscles of the chest wall, so your breasts will look less droopy," says Mindy Mylrea, a fitness instructor in Santa Cruz, California. "If you strengthen your back muscles, too, you can improve your posture, which can make your chest look a hundred times better." Try to do the following moves every other day

The push-up: Assume the women's push-up position — on your hands and knees on the floor with your back flat, like a plank of wood. To target the correct muscles (your chest-wall muscles), place your hands on the floor in line with your bust, not with your shoulders. Keeping abdominal muscles tight and back straight, bend your arms and lower your torso toward the floor until your chest almost touches it, then push yourself back up to the starting position. Work your way up to three sets of 10 repetitions. After you've built up strength, increase the benefits by putting your toes instead of your knees on the floor.

The back extension: After each set of push-ups, lie facedown on the floor, lift one arm and the opposing leg a few inches straight in the air simultaneously, and hold for a count of 10. Do the move twice on each side. Back extensions strengthen your upper and lower back muscles, thus improving posture.

 

I've never been what one would call well endowed, but when I was in my 20s, my 34Bs sat regally on my chest. With the right bra I could even create cleavage. By my 30s not only had my boobs shrunk, they appeared to be sacked out on my rib cage, as if in need of a long rest.

It happens to the best of busts. "Most women start to get saggier in their 30s, because as you get older your skin loses elasticity and stretches because of gravity," says Loren Eskenazi, a San Francisco plastic surgeon. "And pregnancy and breast-feeding accelerate the process."

Why is childbearing so cruel to your curves? When you're pregnant, your breasts get bigger, as their ducts enlarge and their tissue swells in preparation for breast-feeding. The months-long stretch-o-thon of pregnancy and nursing can leave them slack. In addition, the ducts and fat in your breasts sometimes shrink a bit after you have a baby, leaving your breasts less dense and full. While nothing short of surgery will make your boobs look like they did when you were 21, there are less invasive options that can make a difference. Here's the ultimate guide to beautiful breasts at any age.

"I must, I must, I must increase my bust!"

Okay, so exercise won't increase your cup size. But it is a natural way to make your breasts sit higher and more even on your chest."Exercise builds the muscles of the chest wall, so your breasts will look less droopy," says Mindy Mylrea, a fitness instructor in Santa Cruz, California. "If you strengthen your back muscles, too, you can improve your posture, which can make your chest look a hundred times better." Try to do the following moves every other day

The push-up: Assume the women's push-up position — on your hands and knees on the floor with your back flat, like a plank of wood. To target the correct muscles (your chest-wall muscles), place your hands on the floor in line with your bust, not with your shoulders. Keeping abdominal muscles tight and back straight, bend your arms and lower your torso toward the floor until your chest almost touches it, then push yourself back up to the starting position. Work your way up to three sets of 10 repetitions. After you've built up strength, increase the benefits by putting your toes instead of your knees on the floor.

The back extension: After each set of push-ups, lie facedown on the floor, lift one arm and the opposing leg a few inches straight in the air simultaneously, and hold for a count of 10. Do the move twice on each side. Back extensions strengthen your upper and lower back muscles, thus improving posture.

 

The perfect boosting bra

Less than thrilled with your figure? The problem may be your bra, says Stacey Ellis, a bra-fit specialist for Nordstrom. You'll get the sexiest support if you look for the following features:

• A firm, solid back. Flimsy cotton and lace may not be strong enough to pull your breasts up. A bra with a wide, tightly woven back will help hoist you up in front.
  
  
• Supportive cups. "If your breasts are saggy, they'll sit in the bottom of a sheer cup," says Ellis. Look for a bra with lined cups that are slightly firm to the touch.
  
  
• Underwire. By providing extra support underneath, underwire bras give more lift than other types. But the fit is critical: "You need to be sure the wire surrounds your breast tissue and is snug (not tight) against your ribs," says Ellis.

Bra Fit Tips

"Factory-made bras don't fit all body types the same," says Anna Castellani of the Bra Smyth, a New York City store/catalog that specializes in bra alterations and special orders. To find one suited just to you:

1. Forget your supposed cup size.
Don't discount the possibility that you may need to go up or down a cup. When you try on the bra, the fabric should not gap, flatten or squeeze you anywhere.

2. Leave yourself room to breathe.
"Most people are wider across the back than they realize," says Castellani. To ensure a comfy fit — as well as to prevent skin-pinching and back bulges — fasten the middle clasp, then check your rear view. Any sign of fabric strain means you need a larger band size.

3. Get wired (or not).
Underwires provide the most support for B-cups and above. (A-cups may get better shaping from a wireless, lightly lined or padded bra.) The wire should rest flat against your breastbone, and its tips should not poke you under the arms.

4. Stock up.
"When you do find a bra that fits, buy as many as you can afford so that you're not strapped if the style gets discontinued," says Castellani.

12 Best of Bra Tips

The Correct Way to Put on a Bra

The following steps explain how to put on a bra the correct way. Wearing your bra properly is as important as finding the correct bra to wear. Take these steps:

1. Place your arms through the straps and slide them over your shoulders.
2. Bend forward from the waist and adjust your breasts so that the nipples are on the fullest point of the cup. Make sure your breasts are completely in the cup.
3. Fasten the hooks to the middle position.
4. Stand up straight and adjust your straps again so your breasts are at the right level in the bra
5. Make sure your bra fit is comfortable and sits in the middle of your back.
   

How Do I Know When My Bra Does Not Fit Properly?

There are ways to know that your bra sizing is incorrect. Some immediate signs are:

• Rising up in the back: When your bra rises up in the back, this means it is not supporting the weight of your bust.
  
• Shoulder Pulling: If you find yourself leaning or hunching forward regularly or if your shoulders are strained from pulling forward, chances are your bra is not the right size for your bust.
  
• Falling Breasts: Your breasts are not being properly supported if they do not sit upright in a central position on your chest.
  
• Falling Straps: If your straps slide down your shoulders or leave red marks in your flesh, your bra is probably too big around the bust and too small in the cup area.
  

Maternity Bras Are Hard to Fit

A maternity bra is a hard piece of lingerie to purchase in an accurate size. This is because during pregnancy, your breasts are constantly changing in size, texture, contour, etc. Your body is likely to change through each trimester, so do not purchase more than a couple of bras for each stage. Purchase a maternity bra for the size you are now. A common misconception says that you should purchase a maternity bra that gives you room to grow. Instead, proper support of your breasts is always important, especially during pregnancy. Choose a maternity bra style with wide, cushioned straps and stretchiness in the band.

The Playtex® Expectant Moments Bra is the perfect transition bra. Purchase it late in pregnancy as its roomy cups can easily accommodate changes in breast size, while still offering full and upright support. This Playtex® lingerie features a nursing flap, accessible with one hand. A soft cotton bra complete with multiple back settings, the Playtex Expectant Moments Bra is a perfect fit for expectant and new mothers.

 

Take Your Time Getting Fit For Good Mastectomy Bra

The process of choosing a good mastectomy bra is often a difficult one. Manufacturers are creating more styles and colors all the time to make the process as easy as possible. Most mastectomy bras have a pocket in the cup area to hold a prosthesis.

A breast prosthesis simulates the shape of a natural breast. A well-designed mastectomy bra will help to make the prosthesis look natural and will provide comfort around the scarring area.

Take your time getting the right fit -- and make sure comfort is a major factor in any mastectomy bra purchase.

 

Bali® Boasts Entire Line of Minimizer Bras

From underwire to soft cup, leading bra manufacturer Bali® has created an entire line of minimizer bras--from the bestselling Bali® Satin Tracings Minimizer Underwire bra, which slims the bustline by more than an inch and boasts lightly cushioned straps to the Bali® Silver Lining Seamless Underwire Minimizer Bra, which features molded cups and side slings.

This is important because many minimizer bras fit according to your body type. A choice in features will help you to determine what kind of minimizer bra you need to make your upper half look smaller and slimmer, and help your clothes fit better.

 

One Hanes Place Tip: Choose a minimizer bra that maintains your breast shape and flatters your overall look. The Bali® Satin Tracings® bra gives an overall slimming effect to your silhouette while still preserving the shape and contour of your breasts. Minimizer bras should make you look slimmer, not flatter.

 

Bra Fabric Is An Important Factor

One of the most important considerations when choosing intimate lingerie is the fabric of your bra. You need a bra that is comfortable but also offers you support and shaping. Cotton is soft and breathes, but is not your only choice for comfort. Also, cotton by itself may not offer enough shaping and support. Nylon and polyester are supportive and can be woven into luxurious lace, lustrous satin or light microfibers that feel smooth against your skin. Look for bras with spandex added for the comfort of stretch. A fabric blend is often your best choice for the perfect combination of skin pampering and pretty shaping.

One Hanes Place Tip: Comfortable, elegant intimate lingerie is a Bali® specialty. A great example of this is the Bali® Downtime® Cool Stretch® Wirefree bra. This bra offers lightweight support, with an amazing breathable cotton-rich fabric. It is seamless, so you can slip it on under just about anything and features a cotton-lined underband, which gives you added lift. This wirefree bra is soft, comfortable and wears well for everyday.

Bras Should Be Worn Properly

Bras are designed to be worn a certain way. Here are some tips to making sure your bra fits the right way:

• Straps should run straight up and down and should not ride up in the back at all.
• Breasts should be completely enclosed in the cups with no spillage out of the sides or front
• Underwires should lay flat against the top of the rib cage and should not poke, prod or push against the skin in any way.

Be Daring --- Go Braless With Breast Petals

Some women have the option of going braless with certain outfits. However, with thinner fabrics, your nipples can sometimes show through. Nude breast petals can alleviate that problem. Worn with or without a bra, breast petals work with any garment ---- casual or dressy. They provide a cover-up for your nipple and make going braless even more fun and fearless.

 

Do I Need To I Wear a Sports Bra?

Most forms of exercise, even moderate activity, puts a strain on your breasts. The stress that exercise puts on the sensitive breast area can often result in temporary pain and stretching of the Cooper's ligaments, which is the area of the chest containing the outer skin and connective tissues. Breasts do not have much internal support, which is why strain on them from strenuous activities, such as jogging, can cause saggy breasts. However, studies show that you can reduce the stress on your breasts by 78 percent. The way to achieve this is by wearing the correct sports bra during exercise or other sports and activities.

Sports bras provide the extra support needed to avoid excessive bouncing of the breasts, which results in less stress and pain on your breasts. Designed to hold your breasts firmly in place, sports bras allow you a complete range of movement. Most ports bras come in fabrics designed to repel moisture from the skin. Sports bras come in a variety of styles and fabrics, so choose one based on your personal active routine.

 

Bra Extenders Help Bras to Last Just A Little Longer

Sometimes, you find that you have bras that are a perfect fit in the cups, but feel snug around the band area. A bra accessory that can alleviate some of that discomfort is a bra extender. Purchasing a bra extender is a great idea if you have bras to replace or if your size changes, but have not yet had the time or the means to do so.