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Any Lingerie/Bra questions??- Part two!
Ok, so after a hefty twenty pages in the origingal thread, girls are repeating the same questions which are answered if they'd read through..however due to having twenty pages i doubt anyone would want to read through that.
I've taken time out to write a little 'guide' to bras, with about the history, where to go, what to buy etc.
If you have any questions that aren't covered in the guide, post them on here or PM me..I may do a little update when i get the time later about breast diseases, cancer etc, is this a good idea??
Tell me if anyone thinks there should be any improvements etc or anything thats not covered!!!
P.s The guide has been added as an attachment!
P.P.S - New addition! Breast health, facts every girl needs to know
p.p.s- most of the info is now put in this post, incase you can't download word!
p.p.p.s- NEW shapewear guide!!
BRAS
About Me
Ok, I’m simply a girl your age, my first job was working at M&S lingerie department in 2005. I then worked my way up into a bra fitter, whilst working as a bra fitter at M&S during 2005-2007, i also worked a few extra shifts at La senza also as a bra fitter. Finally, September 2007 i took the great unknown leap and moved up in the world into John lewis. Here I enhanced my skills greatly, went on numerous training conferences, product knowledge sessions and have been a lingerie advisor there for about 9 months or so.
The Breast
To know why we need or wear a bra, it’s important to understand the breasts anatomical structure.
It’s important to note the breast isn’t made up of muscle, but fat and glands. It’s very important to look after the mammary glands and ducts, these are active during pregnancy and nursing any damage to them before or during pregnancy can cause infections, swellings and problems breast feeding.
I’m sure you’ve found when you move around daily whether it’s jogging or walking you’d find your breasts move. The primary supporting structures in the breasts are the Cooper’s ligaments. With secondary support only from the skin, these can easily be stretched if repeatedly loaded, as occurs during activity. This can cause the breast to sag.
Women wear bras for different reasons, because they want to prevent sagging, they feel they need support, they feel immoral going without, they can get discomfort from sweat and also to stop them moving around when being active.
Not everyone feels the need to wear a bra however, whatever your reason if you’re going to wear one, wear it right.
History Of the Bra
Bra fashion history began as far back as Cretan times, but 1907, was the year when the word brassiere was first reported in an American copy of Vogue. The original French meaning was support, but the word was out of use and the French chose to call a bra soutien-gorge. Cretan women wore bras thousands of years ago. In England bust improvers were available in the Edwardian period. By 1905 BBs as they were known were usual wear.
Bra fashion history truly began with the first bra to be patented. The first bra was patented in 1914 by Mary Phelps-Jacobs an American. It is not thought to be the first bra ever, but it is the first patented record and that gives her the credit.
Mary Phelps-Jacobs patented her bra design under the patent name of Caresse Crosby. Some suggest it was her French maid who provided the idea or the stitching help. Two silk handkerchiefs were tied together, baby ribbon sewn on to make straps and a seam set in the centre front. Within a year, breasts were measured in inches rather than being categorized small, medium or large.
Bra history took on a new dimension when in 1935, Warners introduced four cup sizes called A, B, C and D, but it was well into the 1950s before Britain followed this American standard. The British corset manufacturers were still using coy descriptions like junior and medium to describe breast fullness.
Fashion history has shown that by the 1950s glamour was what women wanted most. They had been deprived in the war and they had seen the Hollywood stars that had uplift that almost reached their necks. Brand names like Maidenform, Berlei, Triumph and the British Marks & Spencer bras under the St. Michael label all sold excellent bras that gave the correct pointed circular stitched conical shape of the era.
The conical bra was the bra that gave the support silhouette for girls who longed to emulate the curves of film star sweater girls like Lana Turner and Jane Russell. Bra history changed for the better as bras began to be revolutionized by the use of nylon, making them lighter, prettier and easier to wash.
In the 1960’s When Yves St. Laurent designed a sheer blouse worn without a bra, feminists demanded women burn their bras. It was all metaphoric and only a dustbin was ever used to dispose of bras. But this claim has gone down in bra history despite the fact that so few women really abandoned their bras. Those who needed support knew they could never seriously do without a bra. But many smaller breasted women did stop wearing bras beneath opaque garments. Few were really brave enough to do it with a sheer top, but it did herald changes for the decade
Memorable bra history was made when Gossard launched its Wonderbra campaign in 1968. The byline went something like this - 'makes 34 look 36, makes 36 look pow...'. It was and is still true. In the 1990s when silicone breast implants and other implants caused scares, many women looked to bras to improve their breast size. The Wonderbra was a huge hit and bestseller all over again in the 1990s.
Those who longed for one, but were just one size too big simply bought a bra replacement fastener and used it as an extender. They just hoped for the best and as the breasts were all pushed to the front a little pain was worth it to get the cleavage that no other bra could produce. False inserts of extra wadding or foam rubber could be inserted into little pockets in the Wonderbra to give a little more fullness where the bust was lacking. Eventually as women got larger, manufacturers increased the size range of such push bras.
Today...
There is a huge range, measuring and fitting services are more trained, the choice is wider than before..larger cup sizes need not have to resort too going braless and strapless bras, multiway bras and even cupless bras are being sold!!
Reference: http://www.fashion-era.com/bras_after_1950.htm
Different Types Of Bras
1. Training bra. This type of bra is designed for preteen or teenage girls who are in the early stages of breast development. It is smaller than standard bra sizes, and its cups come without underwire support. Aside from providing some measure of breast support, it helps young girls to become accustomed to wearing a bra. Usually recommended from the puberty-16yrs
2. Full cup bra. This bra provides full support, as it comes with underwired cups and covers most of the breasts. It is recommended for all women, and especially for those with heavier breasts. When women think of full cup bras they usually think of heavy utility bras, however new ranges such as fantasie and freya do sell pretty full cup bras for larger ladies.
3. Demi cup bra/Balconette bra. A demi cup bra covers only half the breasts, with its cups coming up above the nipples. This bra is suitable to wear with clothes that have plunging necklines. It is supportive, yet provides maximum exposure of the breasts.
4. Padded bra. This bra comes with padding inside the cup linings, adding volume to smaller breasts. Padded bras are popular with teenage girls, who may otherwise stuff their training bras with tissues to make their breasts look fuller. It’s also useful for women who don’t want their nipples showing under tight tops.
5. Underwired bra. Bras can come with or without underwire in their cups. An underwired bra provides strong support to the breasts and also maintains the shape of the bra. Some women claim that underwired bras lift their breasts, while others find these bras uncomfortable or painful.
6. Strapless bra. Strapless bras come with no straps or straps that can be removed. This style is very useful for clothes that bare shoulders, such as tube dresses and halter tops.
7. Convertible bra. This bra comes with detachable straps that can be arranged according to one's needs. It is usually worn with clothes that reveal the back and shoulders, such as backless dresses with halter top necklines.
8. T-shirt bra. T-shirt bras are made without a raised seam in order to appear invisible when worn under a body-fitting t-shirt.
9. Minimizer bra. This bra is commonly sought after by large-breasted women who wish to reduce the appearance of their breasts by a cup size or two.
10. Maximizer/Push up bra. These bras lift the breasts and emphasize cleavage through their unique structure and extra padding. The padding may come in various forms, such as water sacks or silicone inserts. The goal is to give a fuller, more natural look to breasts of all sizes.
11. Sports bra. Sports bras are made for active women who engage in rigorous physical exercise. They are designed to be comfortable and supportive by holding the breasts in place during motion, therefore reducing damage to soft tissues of the chest. These bras are usually made of stretchable material to provide a snug fit.
12. Built-in bra. A built-in bra is one that comes with the clothing, eliminating the need for a separate bra. This style can be found attached to the insides of swimsuits and tube tops. Some built-in bras are just horizontal, elastic fabric, but others have padding and underwired cups as well.
13. Shelf bra. This bra covers only the lower part of the breasts, leaving the nipples and upper part of the breasts exposed. It is not supportive and is worn in sexual situations.
14. Peephole bra. A peephole bra features holes around the nipples. Its loose coverage of the entire breasts is insufficient to provide significant support. This type of bra is also worn in sexual situations.
15. Maternity bra. Women's breasts become more sensitive, heavier and larger throughout pregnancy. Maternity bras are adjustable and can expand to take these changes into account.
16. Nursing bra. These bras are worn to ease the breastfeeding process. They are made with flaps that can be unclasped or pushed to the side, keeping the breasts supported during breastfeeding.
17. Mastectomy bra. A mastectomy bra is intended for women who have undergone the removal of one or both breasts due to cancer treatments. Here, the cups are made with pockets to keep breast prostheses in place and simulate the existence of breasts.
Bra Fittings, when to do it, where to do it and what happens
Ok, first off i’ve been a bra fitter at John lewis, M&S and la senza so obviously can give a detailed account of what happens. Secondly, i’ve been bra fitted at House of fraser, BHS, Debenhams and Rigby and peller.
• You should get fitted every 6-12 months or whenever you notice a change in your breasts
Bra fitting reviews
M&S- 3/10
I think I should get the worst over with. M&S has recently had a makeover, so i give them kudos for a nice environment, quite light and airy. You’d probably get told to sit down and wait for an allocated time, M&S only ever have 2 bra fitters on at anytime. You’d then get taken in and asked to take your top off and leave your bra on. Depending on the fitter they will either measure you around your ribcage or simply look at your current bra. They will then go out and choose some sutible bras for you too try on. This is where M&S simply falls down their training is simply AWFUL, it consists of a night’s presentation and then a few practice fits. A classic sign is a back too big and a cup too small. On top of this, once they’ve found a bra that they think is a good fit, they’ll send you off on your way to try some on yourself...forgetting the fact that different bras fit differently. I’ve had numerous customers come to me being told they’re a 36 this, 34 that...when in reality they’re a lot smaller. My personal experience was that the tape measure was put around me very loosely, when it should be tight and firm..she then put me into a 42B! When in reality, i’m a 36G!
Avoid M&S- you’d only receive shabby and unprofessional fitters an d cheap bras which will wear out within a couple of weeks. In my opinion, the recent statistics that 80% of women wear the wrong bra size is simply due to M&S. On top of this, my poor mother has received awful customer service, women telling her she’s very fatty, large in the back etc
Debenhams, House of fraser and John lewis..and bravissimo! 8/10
If you want a good fitting bra go too these places, they all receive the same training and stock the same bras. We all receive a weekend away a day of theory and then a day of pratical, after that whilst on the job we get supervised by an individual who has been fitting for 2years and get monthly reviews on how well we’re doing. On top of this we attend numerous conferences to keep up to date with product knowledge and bra fitting techniques. The only downside is that they’re slightly more expensive than M&S yet you receive good quality bras! Also we take more appointments than a turn up and see approach, usually customers turn up and are told to book in for that day. Bravissimo is slightly different in that they don’t use a tape measure, however Debenhams and house of fraser and JL only ever use it as a guideline anyway.
Here you’d receive discreet, sensitive approach by women who are trained to deal with all sorts of boobs! There’s nothing we hadn’t seen before – and simply can’t deail with
Rigby and Peller 9/10
If its good enough for the queen its good enough for us! Simply brilliant bra fitting service, wonderful bras. Only downside is that they are in the £40-£60 range!!!
La senza 0/10
Ok..i said M&S was the worst, but how could i have forgotten little la senza!
Firstly la senza fit small in the cup, many women come to us spilling out, only to be told they have ‘cleavage’. Secondly, the training was watching someone else do it and watching a video...
On top of this, they fit young girls under the age of 16 into underwired bras (bad for health) and fit maternity bras and nursing bras like they’re any normal bra...when infact they’re a more specialised fit.
I’d give la senza a bit of praise for introducing initiative into their stock, for example they have a wide range of strapless and multiway bra acsessories etc...but on top of that their bras generally are just slutty, cheap and have no imagination.
Extra advice
• Never attempt to fit yourself into a bra, however if you do, don’t use guides off the internet where you’re using inches. A more accurate measurement is using Centimetres
Not really a good fitting bra amy!
FAQ’S
1. I’m after a good strapless bra, any recommendations?
Yes, http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product.asp?product_id=PA-5210, i’m still waiting to see this bra NOT fit on anyone well yet!!!
2. I have a halterneck/backless dress, what is good?
For any halterneck dresses, a good strapless bra with long straps can help that fine, or alternatively just go for strapless!!! As for backless, this is a tricky one! You’d be hard done for to find a bra thats backless for cup sizes over F, however for any other sizes this bra
http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product.asp?product_id=CH-ZA002&mci=&size=&colour=&image=r315306-p323404-front is not half bad
3. I’m after a good push up and low cut bra, any suggestions?
Gossard, BLOODY BRILLIANT! I swear by this bra, and it goes up to a G cup aswell!! www.gossard.com
4. I’m a large cup size and can’t find anything pretty and sexy to wear, help!
Try www.freyalingerie.com or alternatively google fantasie! These are brilliant bras for the larger lady, they also do swimwear!
5. I’m a small cup size and want something that’ll give me a good shape without flattening me, what bras are there?
Elle Macpherson and Princess tam tam are gorgeous bras made for the smaller bust, they’re sexy and pretty whilst giving a good shape. Go onto www.figleaves.co.uk put your size and the brands in the search engine and shop away! On top of this, any balcony bra will give a good shape to the smaller bust!
6. How often should i get measured? I got measured once when i was younger, but i don’t think i’ve changed!
Your breasts change in shape and size over the years, thats why it’s important to keep on top of the bras you wear and their size!
7. Why are bras so important?
Those in the know reckon that 80% of us are wearing the wrong size bra, with most of us wearing a back size that is too big and a cup size that is too small. Not only does this mean that we aren’t supporting our breasts in the right way (which could lead to unsightly saggy boobs in the not so distant future, as well as back and neck ache) but in addition, if you get fitted into a correctly fitting bra, it can totally transform your figure, putting the curves back in the right places and changing your silhouette dramatically.
8. Is it a good idea to wear a bra at night?
By all means where a bra at night, however make sure it’s the right one. Most of the growth hormone is released when you are sleeping, meaning your boobs will be growing. If you’re wearing a wired bra, this wire will inhibit any growth causing numerous problems. If you’re going to wear a bra to bed, make sure it’s a non-wired one!
9. Whats the best way to put on a bra?
1. Begin by slipping the straps over your shoulders. Make note of the location of the bra's label (e.g. side seam, back).
2. Bend over at the waist and ease your breasts into the cups. Your nipples should be centered into the fullest point of the cup, and the cup should completely contain the breast (with the exception of push-up and demi cup styles).
3. Hook the bra closure in back, and then stand upright.
4. Run your finger along the area where the bra's label is to make sure it is lying smooth and flat against your skin.
5. Tug downward on the back of the bra so that it rests beneath the shoulder blades. The line of the bra should be horizontal from front to back.
6. Visually check to see that your breasts are in the proper position.
NOTE: This technique can be challenging for someone who is not limber enough to put their two hands behind their back. It is also difficult to tell if the bra is on the proper closure without checking in the mirror.
10. I’m an A cup, do i need to wear a bra?
Yes! Please make sure you wear a bra. Often, small-breasted women will wear an undershirt and no bra, or flimsy triangle bras held together with elastic. Neither choice does anything to enhance your look. What A-cup women need most is definition. A bra with light foam padding or fiberfill will add a natural-looking shape to your breasts. A padded bra with bump pads will even create some cleavage. You also may not be interested in cleavage or enhanced shape. That's fine too. But, even A-cups need tissue and muscle support. There are bras on the market in your size with no padding, but provide support and have underwires
11. Whats the most common mistake when buying a bra?
Most women walking around in the wrong bra size are wearing a bra with too big a band size and too small a cup size. So, a good starting point is to go down a band size and up 2 cup sizes and see how that size feels. For example, if you are wearing a 40C go to a 38DD (or 38F), You go up 2 cup sizes because when you go down a band size, the same cup size will actually be smaller as well.
12. Have Narrow Shoulders And My Straps Keep Falling Down. What Should I Do?
Women with narrow shoulders need to find a bra style with close-set straps. Racer-back style bras are one great solution. Demi cup and front closure bras tend to have straps set farther apart and should therefore be avoided.
I thought i'd write a bit of a guide for bras and knickers...espeically for men out there hoping too buy a lingerie set for their partners but don't even know where too start!!!
I will be adding it on the lingerie/bra question thread aswell as it's stickied but if any men have any questions feel free too ask aswell!!!!!
Xmas Lingerie Shopping Guides for Guys
I've actually ran one of these academies last year, and they are VERY helpful! Every year lingerie shops are full of men from a wide range of ages wandering around lost in a sea of skimpy lingerie..some even going foetal. Try and imagine the scene from father ted with the preists in the lingerie department..and you'll know what its like this time of year!
On top of this..so many women end up returning or swapping their gifts!
John lewis runs academies:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7784332.stm -its worth a watch, however i've got my own tips
Here's a summary of the advice we give you:
* take note of the womans dress size, also if you were to describe their breast size as a fruit, an orange, grapfruit or melon
*have a rummage through her lingerie draw, take note of the type of bra she wears
eg: is it padded? Colours? Range of sizes? Types of knickers? Wires? Material?
* Have a budget in mind before you go, you can get a nice lingerie set from a place like la senza for around £25+, however if you want to splash out and go a bit designer, you can get a set for £40+ from john lewis
*Branch out a bit with colours- don't stick with the classic black and red!
*Take advantage of the gift wrapping option- John lewis offer this for free, as do la senza
* also if possible, request a gift recipt
* if you're truely stuck, theres nothing like a good camisole and breif set- they can be very sexy
*If your girlfriend wears them - get them a babydoll if you're also stuck! If she's never worn one, may be best to play it safe and not get one, as they're a bit like marmite!
*If you want to stretch the budget a bit, try getting acsessories, eg a suspender belt and fishnet tights or a silky dressing gown
Heres my top picks for this christmas:
<£20
http://www.lasenza.co.uk/bras/glam-sexy/level3.aspx?d=1&collection=40&style=698558&product=031111t&img=b708_28
>£20
http://www.johnlewis.com/18417/Product.aspx
For the larger girl!
http://www.johnlewis.com/17775/Product.aspx
Camisole set
http://www.johnlewis.com/20614/Product.aspx
http://www.lasenza.co.uk/bras/vintage_mulberry/level3.aspx?d=1&type=289&style=697747&product=171658&img=a708_113
Babydoll
http://www.lasenza.co.uk/nightwear/babydoll/level3.aspx?d=3&type=28&style=699098&product=030007302&img=C408_019
http://www.lasenza.co.uk/nightwear/babydoll/level3.aspx?d=3&type=28&style=697875&product=171642&img=a708_108
got any questions, or want some ideas post them here! otherwise feel free to post any abuse telling me this is a bad idea!
I've taken time out to write a little 'guide' to bras, with about the history, where to go, what to buy etc.
If you have any questions that aren't covered in the guide, post them on here or PM me..I may do a little update when i get the time later about breast diseases, cancer etc, is this a good idea??
Tell me if anyone thinks there should be any improvements etc or anything thats not covered!!!
P.s The guide has been added as an attachment!
P.P.S - New addition! Breast health, facts every girl needs to know
p.p.s- most of the info is now put in this post, incase you can't download word!
p.p.p.s- NEW shapewear guide!!
BRAS
About Me
Ok, I’m simply a girl your age, my first job was working at M&S lingerie department in 2005. I then worked my way up into a bra fitter, whilst working as a bra fitter at M&S during 2005-2007, i also worked a few extra shifts at La senza also as a bra fitter. Finally, September 2007 i took the great unknown leap and moved up in the world into John lewis. Here I enhanced my skills greatly, went on numerous training conferences, product knowledge sessions and have been a lingerie advisor there for about 9 months or so.
The Breast
To know why we need or wear a bra, it’s important to understand the breasts anatomical structure.
It’s important to note the breast isn’t made up of muscle, but fat and glands. It’s very important to look after the mammary glands and ducts, these are active during pregnancy and nursing any damage to them before or during pregnancy can cause infections, swellings and problems breast feeding.
I’m sure you’ve found when you move around daily whether it’s jogging or walking you’d find your breasts move. The primary supporting structures in the breasts are the Cooper’s ligaments. With secondary support only from the skin, these can easily be stretched if repeatedly loaded, as occurs during activity. This can cause the breast to sag.
Women wear bras for different reasons, because they want to prevent sagging, they feel they need support, they feel immoral going without, they can get discomfort from sweat and also to stop them moving around when being active.
Not everyone feels the need to wear a bra however, whatever your reason if you’re going to wear one, wear it right.
History Of the Bra
Bra fashion history began as far back as Cretan times, but 1907, was the year when the word brassiere was first reported in an American copy of Vogue. The original French meaning was support, but the word was out of use and the French chose to call a bra soutien-gorge. Cretan women wore bras thousands of years ago. In England bust improvers were available in the Edwardian period. By 1905 BBs as they were known were usual wear.
Bra fashion history truly began with the first bra to be patented. The first bra was patented in 1914 by Mary Phelps-Jacobs an American. It is not thought to be the first bra ever, but it is the first patented record and that gives her the credit.
Mary Phelps-Jacobs patented her bra design under the patent name of Caresse Crosby. Some suggest it was her French maid who provided the idea or the stitching help. Two silk handkerchiefs were tied together, baby ribbon sewn on to make straps and a seam set in the centre front. Within a year, breasts were measured in inches rather than being categorized small, medium or large.
Bra history took on a new dimension when in 1935, Warners introduced four cup sizes called A, B, C and D, but it was well into the 1950s before Britain followed this American standard. The British corset manufacturers were still using coy descriptions like junior and medium to describe breast fullness.
Fashion history has shown that by the 1950s glamour was what women wanted most. They had been deprived in the war and they had seen the Hollywood stars that had uplift that almost reached their necks. Brand names like Maidenform, Berlei, Triumph and the British Marks & Spencer bras under the St. Michael label all sold excellent bras that gave the correct pointed circular stitched conical shape of the era.
The conical bra was the bra that gave the support silhouette for girls who longed to emulate the curves of film star sweater girls like Lana Turner and Jane Russell. Bra history changed for the better as bras began to be revolutionized by the use of nylon, making them lighter, prettier and easier to wash.
In the 1960’s When Yves St. Laurent designed a sheer blouse worn without a bra, feminists demanded women burn their bras. It was all metaphoric and only a dustbin was ever used to dispose of bras. But this claim has gone down in bra history despite the fact that so few women really abandoned their bras. Those who needed support knew they could never seriously do without a bra. But many smaller breasted women did stop wearing bras beneath opaque garments. Few were really brave enough to do it with a sheer top, but it did herald changes for the decade
Memorable bra history was made when Gossard launched its Wonderbra campaign in 1968. The byline went something like this - 'makes 34 look 36, makes 36 look pow...'. It was and is still true. In the 1990s when silicone breast implants and other implants caused scares, many women looked to bras to improve their breast size. The Wonderbra was a huge hit and bestseller all over again in the 1990s.
Those who longed for one, but were just one size too big simply bought a bra replacement fastener and used it as an extender. They just hoped for the best and as the breasts were all pushed to the front a little pain was worth it to get the cleavage that no other bra could produce. False inserts of extra wadding or foam rubber could be inserted into little pockets in the Wonderbra to give a little more fullness where the bust was lacking. Eventually as women got larger, manufacturers increased the size range of such push bras.
Today...
There is a huge range, measuring and fitting services are more trained, the choice is wider than before..larger cup sizes need not have to resort too going braless and strapless bras, multiway bras and even cupless bras are being sold!!
Reference: http://www.fashion-era.com/bras_after_1950.htm
Different Types Of Bras
1. Training bra. This type of bra is designed for preteen or teenage girls who are in the early stages of breast development. It is smaller than standard bra sizes, and its cups come without underwire support. Aside from providing some measure of breast support, it helps young girls to become accustomed to wearing a bra. Usually recommended from the puberty-16yrs
2. Full cup bra. This bra provides full support, as it comes with underwired cups and covers most of the breasts. It is recommended for all women, and especially for those with heavier breasts. When women think of full cup bras they usually think of heavy utility bras, however new ranges such as fantasie and freya do sell pretty full cup bras for larger ladies.
3. Demi cup bra/Balconette bra. A demi cup bra covers only half the breasts, with its cups coming up above the nipples. This bra is suitable to wear with clothes that have plunging necklines. It is supportive, yet provides maximum exposure of the breasts.
4. Padded bra. This bra comes with padding inside the cup linings, adding volume to smaller breasts. Padded bras are popular with teenage girls, who may otherwise stuff their training bras with tissues to make their breasts look fuller. It’s also useful for women who don’t want their nipples showing under tight tops.
5. Underwired bra. Bras can come with or without underwire in their cups. An underwired bra provides strong support to the breasts and also maintains the shape of the bra. Some women claim that underwired bras lift their breasts, while others find these bras uncomfortable or painful.
6. Strapless bra. Strapless bras come with no straps or straps that can be removed. This style is very useful for clothes that bare shoulders, such as tube dresses and halter tops.
7. Convertible bra. This bra comes with detachable straps that can be arranged according to one's needs. It is usually worn with clothes that reveal the back and shoulders, such as backless dresses with halter top necklines.
8. T-shirt bra. T-shirt bras are made without a raised seam in order to appear invisible when worn under a body-fitting t-shirt.
9. Minimizer bra. This bra is commonly sought after by large-breasted women who wish to reduce the appearance of their breasts by a cup size or two.
10. Maximizer/Push up bra. These bras lift the breasts and emphasize cleavage through their unique structure and extra padding. The padding may come in various forms, such as water sacks or silicone inserts. The goal is to give a fuller, more natural look to breasts of all sizes.
11. Sports bra. Sports bras are made for active women who engage in rigorous physical exercise. They are designed to be comfortable and supportive by holding the breasts in place during motion, therefore reducing damage to soft tissues of the chest. These bras are usually made of stretchable material to provide a snug fit.
12. Built-in bra. A built-in bra is one that comes with the clothing, eliminating the need for a separate bra. This style can be found attached to the insides of swimsuits and tube tops. Some built-in bras are just horizontal, elastic fabric, but others have padding and underwired cups as well.
13. Shelf bra. This bra covers only the lower part of the breasts, leaving the nipples and upper part of the breasts exposed. It is not supportive and is worn in sexual situations.
14. Peephole bra. A peephole bra features holes around the nipples. Its loose coverage of the entire breasts is insufficient to provide significant support. This type of bra is also worn in sexual situations.
15. Maternity bra. Women's breasts become more sensitive, heavier and larger throughout pregnancy. Maternity bras are adjustable and can expand to take these changes into account.
16. Nursing bra. These bras are worn to ease the breastfeeding process. They are made with flaps that can be unclasped or pushed to the side, keeping the breasts supported during breastfeeding.
17. Mastectomy bra. A mastectomy bra is intended for women who have undergone the removal of one or both breasts due to cancer treatments. Here, the cups are made with pockets to keep breast prostheses in place and simulate the existence of breasts.
Bra Fittings, when to do it, where to do it and what happens
Ok, first off i’ve been a bra fitter at John lewis, M&S and la senza so obviously can give a detailed account of what happens. Secondly, i’ve been bra fitted at House of fraser, BHS, Debenhams and Rigby and peller.
• You should get fitted every 6-12 months or whenever you notice a change in your breasts
Bra fitting reviews
M&S- 3/10
I think I should get the worst over with. M&S has recently had a makeover, so i give them kudos for a nice environment, quite light and airy. You’d probably get told to sit down and wait for an allocated time, M&S only ever have 2 bra fitters on at anytime. You’d then get taken in and asked to take your top off and leave your bra on. Depending on the fitter they will either measure you around your ribcage or simply look at your current bra. They will then go out and choose some sutible bras for you too try on. This is where M&S simply falls down their training is simply AWFUL, it consists of a night’s presentation and then a few practice fits. A classic sign is a back too big and a cup too small. On top of this, once they’ve found a bra that they think is a good fit, they’ll send you off on your way to try some on yourself...forgetting the fact that different bras fit differently. I’ve had numerous customers come to me being told they’re a 36 this, 34 that...when in reality they’re a lot smaller. My personal experience was that the tape measure was put around me very loosely, when it should be tight and firm..she then put me into a 42B! When in reality, i’m a 36G!
Avoid M&S- you’d only receive shabby and unprofessional fitters an d cheap bras which will wear out within a couple of weeks. In my opinion, the recent statistics that 80% of women wear the wrong bra size is simply due to M&S. On top of this, my poor mother has received awful customer service, women telling her she’s very fatty, large in the back etc
Debenhams, House of fraser and John lewis..and bravissimo! 8/10
If you want a good fitting bra go too these places, they all receive the same training and stock the same bras. We all receive a weekend away a day of theory and then a day of pratical, after that whilst on the job we get supervised by an individual who has been fitting for 2years and get monthly reviews on how well we’re doing. On top of this we attend numerous conferences to keep up to date with product knowledge and bra fitting techniques. The only downside is that they’re slightly more expensive than M&S yet you receive good quality bras! Also we take more appointments than a turn up and see approach, usually customers turn up and are told to book in for that day. Bravissimo is slightly different in that they don’t use a tape measure, however Debenhams and house of fraser and JL only ever use it as a guideline anyway.
Here you’d receive discreet, sensitive approach by women who are trained to deal with all sorts of boobs! There’s nothing we hadn’t seen before – and simply can’t deail with
Rigby and Peller 9/10
If its good enough for the queen its good enough for us! Simply brilliant bra fitting service, wonderful bras. Only downside is that they are in the £40-£60 range!!!
La senza 0/10
Ok..i said M&S was the worst, but how could i have forgotten little la senza!
Firstly la senza fit small in the cup, many women come to us spilling out, only to be told they have ‘cleavage’. Secondly, the training was watching someone else do it and watching a video...
On top of this, they fit young girls under the age of 16 into underwired bras (bad for health) and fit maternity bras and nursing bras like they’re any normal bra...when infact they’re a more specialised fit.
I’d give la senza a bit of praise for introducing initiative into their stock, for example they have a wide range of strapless and multiway bra acsessories etc...but on top of that their bras generally are just slutty, cheap and have no imagination.
Extra advice
• Never attempt to fit yourself into a bra, however if you do, don’t use guides off the internet where you’re using inches. A more accurate measurement is using Centimetres
Not really a good fitting bra amy!
FAQ’S
1. I’m after a good strapless bra, any recommendations?
Yes, http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product.asp?product_id=PA-5210, i’m still waiting to see this bra NOT fit on anyone well yet!!!
2. I have a halterneck/backless dress, what is good?
For any halterneck dresses, a good strapless bra with long straps can help that fine, or alternatively just go for strapless!!! As for backless, this is a tricky one! You’d be hard done for to find a bra thats backless for cup sizes over F, however for any other sizes this bra
http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product.asp?product_id=CH-ZA002&mci=&size=&colour=&image=r315306-p323404-front is not half bad
3. I’m after a good push up and low cut bra, any suggestions?
Gossard, BLOODY BRILLIANT! I swear by this bra, and it goes up to a G cup aswell!! www.gossard.com
4. I’m a large cup size and can’t find anything pretty and sexy to wear, help!
Try www.freyalingerie.com or alternatively google fantasie! These are brilliant bras for the larger lady, they also do swimwear!
5. I’m a small cup size and want something that’ll give me a good shape without flattening me, what bras are there?
Elle Macpherson and Princess tam tam are gorgeous bras made for the smaller bust, they’re sexy and pretty whilst giving a good shape. Go onto www.figleaves.co.uk put your size and the brands in the search engine and shop away! On top of this, any balcony bra will give a good shape to the smaller bust!
6. How often should i get measured? I got measured once when i was younger, but i don’t think i’ve changed!
Your breasts change in shape and size over the years, thats why it’s important to keep on top of the bras you wear and their size!
7. Why are bras so important?
Those in the know reckon that 80% of us are wearing the wrong size bra, with most of us wearing a back size that is too big and a cup size that is too small. Not only does this mean that we aren’t supporting our breasts in the right way (which could lead to unsightly saggy boobs in the not so distant future, as well as back and neck ache) but in addition, if you get fitted into a correctly fitting bra, it can totally transform your figure, putting the curves back in the right places and changing your silhouette dramatically.
8. Is it a good idea to wear a bra at night?
By all means where a bra at night, however make sure it’s the right one. Most of the growth hormone is released when you are sleeping, meaning your boobs will be growing. If you’re wearing a wired bra, this wire will inhibit any growth causing numerous problems. If you’re going to wear a bra to bed, make sure it’s a non-wired one!
9. Whats the best way to put on a bra?
1. Begin by slipping the straps over your shoulders. Make note of the location of the bra's label (e.g. side seam, back).
2. Bend over at the waist and ease your breasts into the cups. Your nipples should be centered into the fullest point of the cup, and the cup should completely contain the breast (with the exception of push-up and demi cup styles).
3. Hook the bra closure in back, and then stand upright.
4. Run your finger along the area where the bra's label is to make sure it is lying smooth and flat against your skin.
5. Tug downward on the back of the bra so that it rests beneath the shoulder blades. The line of the bra should be horizontal from front to back.
6. Visually check to see that your breasts are in the proper position.
NOTE: This technique can be challenging for someone who is not limber enough to put their two hands behind their back. It is also difficult to tell if the bra is on the proper closure without checking in the mirror.
10. I’m an A cup, do i need to wear a bra?
Yes! Please make sure you wear a bra. Often, small-breasted women will wear an undershirt and no bra, or flimsy triangle bras held together with elastic. Neither choice does anything to enhance your look. What A-cup women need most is definition. A bra with light foam padding or fiberfill will add a natural-looking shape to your breasts. A padded bra with bump pads will even create some cleavage. You also may not be interested in cleavage or enhanced shape. That's fine too. But, even A-cups need tissue and muscle support. There are bras on the market in your size with no padding, but provide support and have underwires
11. Whats the most common mistake when buying a bra?
Most women walking around in the wrong bra size are wearing a bra with too big a band size and too small a cup size. So, a good starting point is to go down a band size and up 2 cup sizes and see how that size feels. For example, if you are wearing a 40C go to a 38DD (or 38F), You go up 2 cup sizes because when you go down a band size, the same cup size will actually be smaller as well.
12. Have Narrow Shoulders And My Straps Keep Falling Down. What Should I Do?
Women with narrow shoulders need to find a bra style with close-set straps. Racer-back style bras are one great solution. Demi cup and front closure bras tend to have straps set farther apart and should therefore be avoided.
I thought i'd write a bit of a guide for bras and knickers...espeically for men out there hoping too buy a lingerie set for their partners but don't even know where too start!!!
I will be adding it on the lingerie/bra question thread aswell as it's stickied but if any men have any questions feel free too ask aswell!!!!!
Xmas Lingerie Shopping Guides for Guys
I've actually ran one of these academies last year, and they are VERY helpful! Every year lingerie shops are full of men from a wide range of ages wandering around lost in a sea of skimpy lingerie..some even going foetal. Try and imagine the scene from father ted with the preists in the lingerie department..and you'll know what its like this time of year!
On top of this..so many women end up returning or swapping their gifts!
John lewis runs academies:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7784332.stm -its worth a watch, however i've got my own tips
Here's a summary of the advice we give you:
* take note of the womans dress size, also if you were to describe their breast size as a fruit, an orange, grapfruit or melon
*have a rummage through her lingerie draw, take note of the type of bra she wears
eg: is it padded? Colours? Range of sizes? Types of knickers? Wires? Material?
* Have a budget in mind before you go, you can get a nice lingerie set from a place like la senza for around £25+, however if you want to splash out and go a bit designer, you can get a set for £40+ from john lewis
*Branch out a bit with colours- don't stick with the classic black and red!
*Take advantage of the gift wrapping option- John lewis offer this for free, as do la senza
* also if possible, request a gift recipt
* if you're truely stuck, theres nothing like a good camisole and breif set- they can be very sexy
*If your girlfriend wears them - get them a babydoll if you're also stuck! If she's never worn one, may be best to play it safe and not get one, as they're a bit like marmite!
*If you want to stretch the budget a bit, try getting acsessories, eg a suspender belt and fishnet tights or a silky dressing gown
Heres my top picks for this christmas:
<£20
http://www.lasenza.co.uk/bras/glam-sexy/level3.aspx?d=1&collection=40&style=698558&product=031111t&img=b708_28
>£20
http://www.johnlewis.com/18417/Product.aspx
For the larger girl!
http://www.johnlewis.com/17775/Product.aspx
Camisole set
http://www.johnlewis.com/20614/Product.aspx
http://www.lasenza.co.uk/bras/vintage_mulberry/level3.aspx?d=1&type=289&style=697747&product=171658&img=a708_113
Babydoll
http://www.lasenza.co.uk/nightwear/babydoll/level3.aspx?d=3&type=28&style=699098&product=030007302&img=C408_019
http://www.lasenza.co.uk/nightwear/babydoll/level3.aspx?d=3&type=28&style=697875&product=171642&img=a708_108
got any questions, or want some ideas post them here! otherwise feel free to post any abuse telling me this is a bad idea!
Scroll to see replies
wow that's really helpful thanks! one thing i don't understand though, and i'm probably just missing something really obvious here, but if you're supposed to wear it on the loosest hook attachment, why do bras come with 3, average?
katieclick
wow that's really helpful thanks! one thing i don't understand though, and i'm probably just missing something really obvious here, but if you're supposed to wear it on the loosest hook attachment, why do bras come with 3, average?
Thanks for that attachment, looks great!
katieclick
wow that's really helpful thanks! one thing i don't understand though, and i'm probably just missing something really obvious here, but if you're supposed to wear it on the loosest hook attachment, why do bras come with 3, average?
Well, obviously you'd find bras wear out over time, they stretch, therefore they loose their fit. When you first buy it, if you wear it on the loosest..then as it gets bigger you can bring the hooks in, keeping the same good fit. When the bra is on the loosest hook, and its big, time to get a new bra!
Is there anything i havn't covered in the article????
the article is brilliant! i think you've covered everything
I thought it was a really good article! Lots of good advice. I especially thought the picture of a bad fitting bra with reasons why things were wrong was useful! I think I'm going to have to go and get myself measured now as im pretty certain im wearing the wrong size!
Do you happen to know if Debenhams sell pretty bras in large cup sizes? I normally go to bravissimo, but its not as practical as i have to travel further.
Do you happen to know if Debenhams sell pretty bras in large cup sizes? I normally go to bravissimo, but its not as practical as i have to travel further.
ccharlyy
I thought it was a really good article! Lots of good advice. I especially thought the picture of a bad fitting bra with reasons why things were wrong was useful! I think I'm going to have to go and get myself measured now as im pretty certain im wearing the wrong size!
Do you happen to know if Debenhams sell pretty bras in large cup sizes? I normally go to bravissimo, but its not as practical as i have to travel further.
Do you happen to know if Debenhams sell pretty bras in large cup sizes? I normally go to bravissimo, but its not as practical as i have to travel further.
Yeah, debenhams do freya and fantasie, gorgeous bras for gorgeous boobs
actually i'd add a bit about bra brands, what does what..which ones are good, and where you can get them from!
I need to find the time though, that article took me a good 3 hours to compile lol
woooow....very good info....bra specialist extrodinaire! Why can I never find shop assistants with this knowledge! 
Why can I never find shop assistants with this knowledge! 
thank you so much anna_spanner89 i actually got fitted today at john lewis and iam a 34F 
i was wearing 38DD and 36D before, but it's weird cos i still think my breasts aren't that big.
also i brought a bra there, Fantasie, for £22 which is pricey for me, but i was wondering about the quality of the brand and if it'll last long or if i should return it and buy a cheaper one from somewhere else thanks
i actually got fitted today at john lewis and iam a 34F i was wearing 38DD and 36D before, but it's weird cos i still think my breasts aren't that big. also i brought a bra there, Fantasie, for £22 which is pricey for me, but i was wondering about the quality of the brand and if it'll last long or if i should return it and buy a cheaper one from somewhere else
thanksrosemkate
thank you so much anna_spanner89 i actually got fitted today at john lewis and iam a 34F i was wearing 38DD and 36D before, but it's weird cos i still think my breasts aren't that big.
also i brought a bra there, Fantasie, for £22 which is pricey for me, but i was wondering about the quality of the brand and if it'll last long or if i should return it and buy a cheaper one from somewhere else thanks
i actually got fitted today at john lewis and iam a 34F i was wearing 38DD and 36D before, but it's weird cos i still think my breasts aren't that big. also i brought a bra there, Fantasie, for £22 which is pricey for me, but i was wondering about the quality of the brand and if it'll last long or if i should return it and buy a cheaper one from somewhere else
thanksI have a fantasie bra on right now, and its the best bra i own. Honestly as long as you wash the bra right, it should last about a year or so as long as you don't change size!
anna_spanner89
I have a fantasie bra on right now, and its the best bra i own. Honestly as long as you wash the bra right, it should last about a year or so as long as you don't change size!
thanks
but are there any other brands which are good quality, like M&S, i don't know many others 
Thanks the guide was really helpful! Found it funny how you mentioned shelf and peephole bra lol And I totally agree with La Senza being bad, their bras are rubbish fit and their sizes are so messed up! Also when i went for a bra fitting there, they were just basically guessing my size! However I did get the best strapless bra from there lol. But looks like I'm going to stick to Debenhams was also interesting about the quality of M&S bras.. I thought they were supposed to be good. I have a question though, with like every single bra I try on, it always lifts up at the bottom whether it being 32D, 32C, 30DD etc but then at the top of most bras its quite spacey like my boobs dont fill them well? Is this normal lol
And I totally agree with La Senza being bad, their bras are rubbish fit and their sizes are so messed up! Also when i went for a bra fitting there, they were just basically guessing my size! However I did get the best strapless bra from there lol. But looks like I'm going to stick to Debenhams was also interesting about the quality of M&S bras.. I thought they were supposed to be good. I have a question though, with like every single bra I try on, it always lifts up at the bottom whether it being 32D, 32C, 30DD etc but then at the top of most bras its quite spacey like my boobs dont fill them well? Is this normal lolThis is a really good guide....it would be interesting, if you have the time to do something on different brands and the different kind of infections that can effect your bras. and also perhaps the times when (if there ever is?) your bra size is most likely to get changed.
I was also wondering maybe you could get the moderators to make a sticky of the guide. Therefore anyone can access it later on, especially as many people find it hard to get a good fitting bra or know what to look for.
By the by i've never had a bad fitting at m&s. That said most of the people there are fitters who came over when the house of fraser (or some other bra shop, can't remember which) and have been bra fitting for years. that might be just a personal experience though as my mums never had a good fit at m&s....
I was also wondering maybe you could get the moderators to make a sticky of the guide. Therefore anyone can access it later on, especially as many people find it hard to get a good fitting bra or know what to look for.
By the by i've never had a bad fitting at m&s. That said most of the people there are fitters who came over when the house of fraser (or some other bra shop, can't remember which) and have been bra fitting for years. that might be just a personal experience though as my mums never had a good fit at m&s....
Should a well fitting bra leave marks on the skin?
Mine leaves a small imprint where like.. the unerwire is, and the edges/seams lie?
Mine leaves a small imprint where like.. the unerwire is, and the edges/seams lie?
Just a quick question to add..
I have a dress that is backless, down to the lower back. It is the kind that has a small slit, and is tied together like a corset, and i have no idea what kind of bra to wear. The straps on the one you suggest in that document would probably show, and its a bit pricey for me. I've tried wearing those stick-on bras before, but they come off in a few hours. My boobs are pretty average (34C). Any suggestions of ones that might be any good? I was wondering about this one: http://www.maidenform.co.uk/store/bras/7445.html but its not out yet, but i don't know anything about it?
I have a dress that is backless, down to the lower back. It is the kind that has a small slit, and is tied together like a corset, and i have no idea what kind of bra to wear. The straps on the one you suggest in that document would probably show, and its a bit pricey for me. I've tried wearing those stick-on bras before, but they come off in a few hours. My boobs are pretty average (34C). Any suggestions of ones that might be any good? I was wondering about this one: http://www.maidenform.co.uk/store/bras/7445.html but its not out yet, but i don't know anything about it?
Faint_x
Thanks the guide was really helpful! Found it funny how you mentioned shelf and peephole bra lol And I totally agree with La Senza being bad, their bras are rubbish fit and their sizes are so messed up! Also when i went for a bra fitting there, they were just basically guessing my size! However I did get the best strapless bra from there lol. But looks like I'm going to stick to Debenhams was also interesting about the quality of M&S bras.. I thought they were supposed to be good. I have a question though, with like every single bra I try on, it always lifts up at the bottom whether it being 32D, 32C, 30DD etc but then at the top of most bras its quite spacey like my boobs dont fill them well? Is this normal lol
And I totally agree with La Senza being bad, their bras are rubbish fit and their sizes are so messed up! Also when i went for a bra fitting there, they were just basically guessing my size! However I did get the best strapless bra from there lol. But looks like I'm going to stick to Debenhams was also interesting about the quality of M&S bras.. I thought they were supposed to be good. I have a question though, with like every single bra I try on, it always lifts up at the bottom whether it being 32D, 32C, 30DD etc but then at the top of most bras its quite spacey like my boobs dont fill them well? Is this normal lolHmmm. it shouldn't be lifting up, it should be staying in place..maybe, you should try a smaller back????? Thats a tough question to answer without seeing a bra on you really, for example it could be the wrong style bra etc
TimeLady
Just a quick question to add..
I have a dress that is backless, down to the lower back. It is the kind that has a small slit, and is tied together like a corset, and i have no idea what kind of bra to wear. The straps on the one you suggest in that document would probably show, and its a bit pricey for me. I've tried wearing those stick-on bras before, but they come off in a few hours. My boobs are pretty average (34C). Any suggestions of ones that might be any good? I was wondering about this one: http://www.maidenform.co.uk/store/bras/7445.html but its not out yet, but i don't know anything about it?
I have a dress that is backless, down to the lower back. It is the kind that has a small slit, and is tied together like a corset, and i have no idea what kind of bra to wear. The straps on the one you suggest in that document would probably show, and its a bit pricey for me. I've tried wearing those stick-on bras before, but they come off in a few hours. My boobs are pretty average (34C). Any suggestions of ones that might be any good? I was wondering about this one: http://www.maidenform.co.uk/store/bras/7445.html but its not out yet, but i don't know anything about it?
Yeahhh that maidenform one would be a bra sent from heaven!!!
http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/476 - this one comes out at around £24
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