Guide to Your First Bra

Buying your first bra is a rite of passage that every woman goes through. If you are at this stage in your life, you should be proud of this moment - it is one that you will cherish forever!

Now, before you head to your favourite lingerie shop, there are a few things that you should know about finding the right bra for your body type. First of all, you will have to get properly measured. There are two ways to go about this: you can have your mom, or your friend, measure you or you can simply head to a store where they do professional bra fittings. In most cases, you will probably find a better bra if you allow a professional to measure you.

Once you know your measurements, you will be faced with hundreds of bra options. This means taking the time to reflect upon each bra carefully - what do you want your first bra to do for you? Are you looking for a supportive bra? Maybe you need one that will help you through sports without causing any pain. For the most part, it is a good idea to have at least a few different types of bras in your wardrobe.

Those bras that are considered "light support" do not have any type of under wire, and they are perfect for smaller breast sizes. "Full support" bras often have some type of shape to them in the form of an under wire or plastic wire that runs through them. These bras tend to be best for those that have larger cup sizes. The last type of fashion bra, the "push up" is designed to push together the breasts for maximum cleavage. While push ups may give you the desired effect that you want to achieve, they can often be uncomfortable.

If you are going to play a lot of sports, make sure to get measured for a sports bra. Most women do not know this, but sports bra measurements are unlike fashion bra measurements - never wear a fashion bra in place of a sports bra, since it will not support you properly. The world of bras may seem like a confusing place, but once you get used to wearing them you will find that they really do make a difference. Remember to find out what your proper size is, buy the bra that works for you, and keep those sports bras separate from those fashion bras.

Avoid These Mistakes When Measuring For Bras

Want to lose ten pounds within a matter of minutes? Finding the right bra size can mean the difference between looking thin and looking boxy.

While the wrong bra size can make even the thinnest woman look frumpy, the right bra size can cinch your waist in no time. Since bras were meant to pick up that top half, if yours is not doing its job your breasts will blend into your stomach causing a square shape (who wants to look like a block?). Though many of us would love to pop into a bra shop, pick up the prettiest of the bunch, and head to the cash register, this is simply not realistic.

Have you ever noticed how different designers have dissimilar ideas when it comes to clothing size? Well, those that make bras tend to go by their own measurements as well. Even though you may be a size 32C when you enter a store, you may wind up coming home with a bra that is a 36C. In short, you really can't pay attention to what the label says, though you can learn to measure yourself properly prior to entering the store just to have some type of rough guideline.

To begin measuring yourself properly, wrap a measuring tape around the area where the bra band normally goes. While you are doing this, it is important to keep the tape flat and keep your arms down by your sides (you may need a little bit of help here). Once you have the right reading, round it to the nearest whole number. Some people will tell you to add two to three inches to this measurement, but this is simply not necessary. Instead, go with what you find the first time. Now, on to that cup size...

It is crucial that you get the cup size right, so it is best to do this type of measurement in the nude (if you place the measuring tape over your bra, you will be adding a bit of width). Place the tape around the fullest part of your breasts and round the measurement to the nearest whole number. Then, take that earlier band size and subtract it from the bust size. Those leftover inches will determine your bust size (1 inch is equivalent to an A cup; 2 inches to a B cup; 3 inches to a C cup...).

After you have gone through the measuring process, you can then head to those stores try on numerous bras. Remember, when it comes to bras you can't pay too much attention to that number on the tag - after all, we are all made differently.

What Do Professional Bra Consultants Do?

Are you constantly trying to find ways to make those straps stay up? Do you experience pain while you are being active? If so, a professional bra consultant can ease all of your troubles in a flash.

Other than applying a piece of duct tape to that annoying bra every day, the only way to ease your bra woes is to make an appointment with someone that does bras for a living. If you have never been to this type of expert before, you are really missing out. Did you know that nearly 80 percent of women are currently wearing the wrong bra size? Not only will the right bra allow you to go on with your life and forget about those constant adjustments, it will also help you to look a lot thinner (who doesn't want that?).

Finding the right bra size for your body can easily take away ten pounds from your appearance. While you can try and measure yourself at home, the best way to get an accurate measurement is to visit a store that employs bra consultants. These professionals really only take a few moments of your time, but they will measure you, find the right bras for you, and help you pick out the style that you like in your size. In short, every woman should visit with a bra consultant at least once.

In fact, since our bodies change as we age it is advisable that you visit with a bra specialist every few years (just to make sure that things haven't been shifted around too much). Surprisingly, many women feel intimidated when it comes to having their breast size measured professionally. If you are amongst these women, you should know that there is nothing to fear. Most bra consultants will measure your size right over the top of your existing bra - really, this process only takes a couple of minutes. The good news is that once you have been fitted for the right bra you will notice that your clothes fit much better.

While diet and exercise can only do so much, finding that perfect bra can really change your entire attitude. Imagine looking into the mirror and seeing a thinner, perkier, you - now that's worth a few uncomfortable moments in the dressing room, don't you think? Stop struggling with that old bra, find a shop that includes a professional bra consultant, and begin showing the world the new you.

Lingerie - Will You Love it Or Leave It?

Lingerie can be worn for two purposes:

1) Lingerie can be specially designed for a function, such as the camisole which is worn under sheer garments, or the bustier which many women wear under their wedding dress.

2) Lingerie can also be worn for show or sex appeal; this includes garments such as the sheer babydoll, lace bra and panty sets, etc.

Selecting the right lingerie must be done with care as believe it or not, it will help define your overall look. Choosing the right color and style will help you look slimmer and sexier. You should never choose to buy a pair of cheap underwear thinking that no one will see them anyway. Just knowing that you are wearing quality lingerie will up your confidence, making you feel good about yourself.

Choosing the right style of panties will depend on the type of clothes that you wear. In the event that you are wearing form fitting skirts or tight fitting dresses, you will want to wear thongs or g-strings to ensure that there are no visible panty lines. If you are wearing jeans or a sun dress, then a boy short is a good option.

Wearing the wrong bra size will create bulges that are a depressing sight. If you are blessed with large breasts, wear a bra that gives you proper support and that doesn't let the breasts sag or hang. You should also take note that push up bras shouldn't be worn if your breasts are larger, as these types of bras were made for small and medium sized breasts to give them a push and make them look fuller.

As for selecting the right panty hose, the color is dependent on your natural skin color as well as the shape and the size of your legs. Panty hose can provide a slimming effect, especially if you are wearing a dark color such as black, as it will make your legs appear slimmer and shapelier. Neutral colors should be worn when you don't want your legs to be an attention grabber.

If you are interested in purchasing lingerie that is made for everyday use, a bustier is your best option. It is a strapless bra that goes down to your waist. The bustier is mostly made out of shiny materials, such as silk, and it can be worn with all types of clothing, even with jeans. A bustier has a slimming effect that provides you with a very sexy look!

Lingerie can be daring or modest, depending on your mood and desires. It is extremely important that you know your size and that you are aware of which styles and colors look best on you, so that you can find the perfect lingerie outfit and feel your sexiest!

Caring For Lingerie

In years gone by, most women washed their lingerie with the weekly wash. Everything went into the machine, sheets towels, knickers, the lot. You needed to be careful that a stray red sock didn't get thrown in with whites, but apart from that it was a breeze.

Modern lingerie needs a little more TLC and here are a few tips to help you keep your expensive collection looking its sexy best for as long as possible.

Firstly, if you have the time and the inclination, you could hand wash your smalls, in cold water, using just a soda based fabric cleaner. For most women though, a busy lifestyle and a house full of kids and pets, means there is little time for such intimate care and machine washing is the only way.

Happily there are things you can do to safeguard you lingerie, while it is thrashing about in the machine.

Always use a cold wash cycle.

Fasten any clips or catches on bras and basques to stop them snagging on delicate material.

Buy a wash bag. They are very cheap these days and as they are made of a mesh like material, that will allow the garments to be cleaned whilst keeping them from snagging, or being stretched when in the machine.

After the wash never wring out your delicates, and never toss them into a dryer. Instead hang dry them, but not in full sun as this will fade the colour.

If you really have to use the dryer, make sure it is set to cool and again, place your items in a wash bag before putting them in the dryer.