ALL ABOUT BRAS

There are several ways to properly put on a bra ā€“ it just depends on your preference. Here are three recommended methods:

Hook & Spin

  1. Wrap your bra around your waist and hook the closure in the front. Make note of where the label or tag is.
  2. Turn your bra clockwise until the front is centered. This will ensure that the excess fabric on the adjustment flap lays flat against your back.
  3. Bring your bra up until the band rests directly under your breasts.
  4. Slip the straps over your shoulders.
  5. Glide one finger along the spot where your bra's label is to make sure itā€™s smooth and flat against your skin.
  6. Pull down on the back of your bra so it rests beneath your shoulder blades. Make sure the line of your bra is horizontal from front to back.
  7. Bend over at your waist and ease your breasts into the cups. One way to do this is by pulling the band down and shaking until your breasts fall into place. You can also try moving your breast around with your hand until it is satisfactorily in the cup. Once in the cups, your nipples should be centered into the fullest point of the cup and the cup should completely contain your breast (except for in push-up and demi cup styles). If your bra has a center seam, make sure your nipple is on the seam. This will reduce the visibility of your nipples.
  8. Stand upright and visually check to see that your breasts are in the proper position.

Note: Critics of this method say that rotating the bra around the torso to move the closing fastener to the back wears down the inside of the bra. I disagree. There are also many women who don't have the dexterity to hook a bra in the back. Oh, and a little talcum powder can help the bra spin more readily around your waist.

Upside-Down Hook & Spin

It sounds strange, but I have an associate who swears by this method.

  1. Wrap your bra around your waist inside out and upside down, then hook the closure. Make note of where the label or tag is.
  2. Turn your bra clockwise or counterclockwise until the front of your bra is centered.
  3. Flip your bra up so the band is right side out and resting directly under your breasts.
  4. Slip the straps over your shoulders.
  5. Glide one finger along the spot where your bra's label is to make sure itā€™s smooth and flat against your skin.
  6. Pull down on the back of your bra so it rests beneath your shoulder blades. Make sure the line of your bra is horizontal from front to back.
  7. Bend over at your waist and ease your breasts into the cups. One way to do this is by pulling the band down and shaking until your breasts fall into place. You can also try moving your breast around with your hand until it is satisfactorily in the cup. Once in the cups, your nipples should be centered into the fullest point of the cup and the cup should completely contain your breast (except for in push-up and demi cup styles). If your bra has a center seam, make sure your nipple is on the seam. This will reduce the visibility of your nipples.
  8. Stand upright and visually check to see that your breasts are in the proper position.

Note: It may take you a couple of extra seconds to figure out the starting bra position, at least until you are used to this technique.

Stretch & Hook

  1. Begin by slipping the straps over your shoulders. Make note of the location of the bra's label.
  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 your breast (with the exception of push-up and demi cup styles).
  3. Hook the bra closure in back, and then stand upright.
  4. Glide one finger along the spot where your bra's label is to make sure itā€™s smooth and flat against your skin.
  5. Pull down on the back of your bra so it rests beneath your shoulder blades. Make sure the line of your bra is 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 two hands behind their back. It is also difficult to tell if the bra is on the proper closure without checking in the mirror.
Centering your nipples above the apex point of your bra cups will give the tops of your breasts a plumper volume and look.
One of the reasons women arenā€™t wearing the correct bra size is psychology. Women tend to buy the bra size they want rather than the bra size that fits. This is understandable. After all, who likes admitting they've gained weight or that gravity has taken over? However, wearing the wrong size bra is a big mistake for many reasons. Therefore, it's important that you find out your correct size. And if you think about it, only you know what your bra size is. No one looking at you will be able to tell that you've jumped from a 36C to a 36D. So, the moral here is: wear the bra that fits your breasts rather than your brain.
Yes ā€“ itā€™s very important that you wear a bra. Oftentimes, women with smaller sized breasts wonā€™t wear a proper bra and will opt instead for an undershirt with no bra or a flimsy triangle bra with nothing but elastic holding it together. Neither of these options do anything to enhance your look or support your breasts.

What A-cup women need most from a bra is definition and support. Bras with light padding will give your breasts natural shape. Padded bras with bump pads can even give you some cleavage. You may not be looking for cleavage or to enhance your shape ā€“ and that's fine, too. But even A-cups need tissue and muscle support. There are bras without padding in your size on the market that still provide support and have underwires.
Most women who are wearing the wrong size bra have made two mistakes: their band size is too large and their cup size is too small. To fix this issue, start by reducing your band by one size and increasing your cups by two sizes. When you reduce your band size, itā€™s important that you also increase your cup size because the cups of your bra will be smaller, too.
The number of hooks on a bra is based on the actual width of the bra at the back closure. And, the width of the back of the bra is proportionate to cup size. Small cup sizes only require one or two hooks. Bigger cup sizes can require three, four, or even five hooks. Now, I've heard it before: "I don't want to wear a harness." I understand this sentiment, but how many people see you with just your bra on? Getting a bra with a larger back will give you a smooth and slimming silhouette in your clothes. It reduces and can eliminate back bulge while giving you better support. So, here's my suggestion: If you know that you'll be taking your clothes off in front of others, buy a bra with a smaller back. But for everyday wear, get a bra that lets you look your best.
Aside from utility, bra straps have also become a fashion statement. However, doctors have warned that thin bra straps can lead to headaches and even nerve damage. According to doctors at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, wearing a bra with thin straps that are too tight can be dangerous to your health.

If thin bra straps are so tight that theyā€™re digging into your shoulders, theyā€™re likely putting downward pressure on the cervical nerve, which is the nerve that runs from your neck to your shoulders. The cervical nerve is very important to the nervous system ā€“ and any damage to it can cause frequent neck pain, headaches and/or numbness. Eventually, this can develop into pain that runs from your shoulders to your hands. To avoid this, make sure your bra fits correctly and your straps aren't being asked to do more than they are designed for .
If you canā€™t slip your finger under your straps, or if your straps are digging into your shoulders, you've probably tightened them too far to compensate for being in the wrong size bra. Usually, this occurs when your band size is too large. Straps should be tight enough to stay in place on your shoulders while only providing about 10 percent of your braā€™s overall support. To check your bra straps, slip your straps off your shoulders so they are resting on your arms. A well-fitting bra should stay on (with some sagging) without the straps' assistance.
If you have narrow shoulders, one of the best options for you is a bra with closer set straps. For example, racerback bras are a great solution for this body type. Bras with demi cups and front closures usually have wider set straps, which makes them harder to keep up on narrow shoulders.
There are a lot of opinions when it comes to choosing the color for your bras. Some women only wear white because it's the traditional undergarment color, matches white panties, and can be bleached clean. Others swear by nude colors, saying it blends in with everything. Some women (usually younger) like to buy bras in different colors for fun. In straight utilitarian terms, nude (or the color closest to your skin color) is the best all-around color ā€“ especially if your goal is to minimize having your bra show under clothing. White, however, has its own benefit in that once it starts to look a little dingy and gray, you know it's time to buy a new one. Colors are fun if you want part of your bra to show outside your clothes. Black is always a slimming color and is usually the best choice to wear under black.
For black tops with sheer or knit materials, a bra in a nude color (closest to the color of your skin) will work best. If your top is low-cut and your bra could be exposed while moving around, a solid black bra is best.
  • Tight Sweater: Seamless, uplifting bra
  • Bulky Sweater: Shaping bra
  • Sheer: Seamless, nude colored bra
  • Tight Tee/Polo: Seamless bra
  • Halter, Tank or Strapless: Strapless, convertible or halter bra
  • Business Suit without a Blouse: Low center panel or front-closure bra
You walk into a lingerie department and your eye immediately goes to a beautiful lacy multi-colored bra. You're excited until reality sets in... What would I wear it with? Then, you move on.

Well, let's talk about this. You're right; these types of bras don't work under T-shirts, turtlenecks or sheer fabrics. However, they are a psychological picker-upper. Any woman will tell you that if she's feeling down, there's nothing better than a pretty bra to make you feel feminine and lift your spirits. European women have been wearing them for years. No one knows what you're wearing but you, but you know it and it makes you feel better. So, if you spend the day in scrubs, a traditional suit, or a jogging suit, wearing a pretty bra (and better yet, include its matching panty) will help you feel more confident.
When youā€™re wearing a top with an open neckline, it's always fun to wear a bra with a little lace. After all, if that special someone is looking at the right angle and can see it, it's better to be revealing a little lacy edging. If you wear smooth knit sweaters, tight tops or fitted shirts, you will look your best wearing a seamless bra.
A standard bra will show under low-cut necklines. Your best bet is to buy either a front-closure bra designed to dip way down in front, or a demi-cup bra style. There are also several new deep plunging bras on the market. You might consider a little lacey trim just in case someone sees it. A unique feature at HerRoom is the ability to try on different necklines over each bra. Check out the Deep V-Neck Image in our Image Area on each bra page.
The only bra that works with a spaghetti strap top is a strapless bra. However, you may want to check out our accessories department for alternatives such as breast petals, clear straps, or adhesive bras.
The purpose of underwires is to make bra styles with less coverage, including demi and push-up bras, supportive enough to be worn. This doesnā€™t mean you must have an underwire. If you don't like the way underwires feel or make you look, you can go for a wire-free or soft cup bra.
Today's demi bra styles are comfortable enough to wear every day because the lining is made of fiberfill. Demi bras lift and enhance your bust to give you a great shape under clothes ā€“ for special occasions or everyday wear.
Demi cup bras lift and enhance the bust line for a natural look that is comfortable for everyday wear. Push-up bras have demi cups with padding at the bottom and sides of the cups. This padding pushes the breasts up and inward to give more fullness and cleavage. Because the look is more dramatic (and revealing), a push-up bra is usually reserved for special occasions.
Like shoes or jeans, we all have a favorite brand that fits us better. Manufacturers can't guarantee their sizing will be identical to other manufacturers. Each lingerie manufacturer will have its own model and sizing guidelines they follow throughout their product line. Therefore, if you like one manufacturer's fit, it should be the first brand you look at when youā€™re looking for a different style bra. Manufacturers tend to keep the same fit throughout their line offerings.
Elastic used to be made with rubber latex. Today, there are latex-free elastics where the latex has been replaced with spandex. Also, several manufacturers have designed bras for women who are latex intolerant. They have encased the elastic so that it does not sit against your skin.
Manufacturers discontinue a style due to sluggish sales, inability to source the same fabric and findings, a high return rate, changes and improvements on the style, and many times if a major department store stops carrying it. That's right, if a major department store chain quits carrying a style, the manufacturer is very likely to discontinue it rather than reduce production. Once a bra is discontinued, there is rarely a like-for-like replacement. If an improvement is made to a style, manufacturers will typically create a new style number rather than applying the new bra design to the previous style number. However, when your favorite style is discontinued, all is not lost. Try a similar style from the same manufacturer. Manufacturers try to keep a consistent fit across their product lines.

At HerRoom, we also lump manufacturersā€™ products into collections. Items within a collection tend to match and fit almost identically. Click on our "Similar Items" tab at the bottom of the page to see other styles within the same manufacturer. We also keep tabs on discontinued styles on our site. So, find your favorite lingerie pieces and plug their style number into our search window and we will give you their status and whether the manufacturer has a suggested replacement style.
When it comes to purchasing lingerie, you get what you pay for. Often, women make the mistake of thinking that because there's not much material involved, bras shouldnā€™t be very costly. However, the reality is that the fabric isnā€™t the major cost. Labor and design is. Less expensive bras can be made up of just 10 pieces, while more expensive bras can be made up of more than 40. The way a bra is made, its details, design, materials and quality of elastic can impact the price of a bra. For example, all lace is not the same. Expensive lace will have more detail and design, as well as dimension. Elastic is not all the same, either ā€“ more expensive elastic has a longer life. Because of these considerations, more expensive bras really last longer. So, next time you go shopping for lingerie, take a minute and look at the sewing done on the trim, how the elastic is sewn on, how the seams are finished.

"A bra that is comfortable and pretty is worth the investment and it makes you feel good. Don't be penny wise and comfort foolish - you deserve the best!" - Tomima

BRA TIPS FOR FULL-FIGURED WOMEN

When the frame of your bra isnā€™t giving you adequate support, the shoulder straps are forced to provide additional support. The most common reason for digging shoulder straps is the band size being too large. Full-figured women know the bra sizing game all too well. For example, if youā€™re a 38E and the bra you want only goes as high as a D cup, you may be tempted to go up a band size and down a cup size and think it fits (40D). However, youā€™ve really done a disservice to yourself because going up a band size means your straps are going to have to make up for the support lost in the increased band size. To relieve shoulder strap pain, measure yourself and stick with the correct bra size.
As a bra gets larger in the band size, the distance between the cups also increases. Underwires are placed in a bra according to accurate measurements. If you experience poking, your bra is probably the wrong band size. It is important that you measure for your band size and then not deviate from it when purchasing bras.
There are several reasons. A wide band is less likely to ride up in the back or twist. A wide band will also give more support along the sides and allow for better posture. And, a wide band can give additional support, which means more freedom of movement.
Yes. As a bra style increases in band size, the cups get wider as well. So, say you wear a 36C and your aunt wears a 44C ā€“ her cups (and breasts) will be larger than yours.
No. It is not critical that the center panel of your bra touches your sternum. It is more important that your breasts have separation and definition, and that they are not overflowing out the top or sides of your bra.
When the band of your bra is not up against your ribcage, but rather resting on your under-breast tissue, redness and bruising can occur. The problem is that the band size of your bra is too big (e.g. you're wearing a size 42 instead of a size 40). Your breasts are falling out from the bottom of your bra and your bra straps are being asked to bear too much of the weight and support. Not only are you uncomfortable, but your bustline is not getting proper support. Try a bra with a smaller band size and a larger cup size (e.g. try a 42D if you were wearing a 44C).
If you are wearing a properly fitting bra, your breasts should sit midway between your waist and your collarbone. Here's a quick test. Put a belt around your waist and hold a pencil or ruler horizontally below your neck at your collarbones. Looking in the mirror, the fullest part of your breast should be midway between your waist and the pencil.
The most common mistake made by full-figured women when sizing a bra is choosing too small of a cup size and too large of a band size. Because some bra styles arenā€™t available in larger cup sizes, full-figured women often compensate for a smaller cup size by increasing their band size. Itā€™s better for you to learn your measurements and stick to them when buying your bras.
No. However, there is a tradeoff. Wireless (aka soft cup) bras are typically more comfortable, but they donā€™t lift and shape your breasts as effectively. If you find a properly sized underwire bra, you can achieve comfort and a great shape.

MATERNITY & LINGERIE

During and after pregnancy, your breasts undergo many changes. They get larger, heavier and more sensitive. This means that during late pregnancy, after delivery and while nursing, youā€™ll need a bra that gives you the right amount of support to help you feel more comfortable and less fatigued. Regular bras arenā€™t designed with maternity and nursing womenā€™s needs in mind, so itā€™s important to have a bra specifically made for maternity and nursing.
The right time is as soon as your breasts begin to swell and become tender. Maternity bras are different from normal bras in that they are specially designed to give extra support. They are also made to fit comfortably on the first (tightest) hook early in your pregnancy and adjust to the final (loosest) hook by your last trimester. However, it is not unusual for women to need a whole new size bra towards the end. Most mothers-to-be need to start wearing a maternity bra by the fourth month of pregnancy.
In truth, thereā€™s no standard answer to this question. For some women, breast size changes dramatically, making it necessary for them to have several different sizes of bras. Other women can experience very little change in size until theyā€™ve given birth and milk production begins. Your best bet would be to ask your mother what her breasts did during her pregnancy.
Once youā€™ve reached your fourth month of pregnancy, put on your most comfortable bra. Now, measure yourself as described in our Bra Sizing page.
When shopping for a maternity bra, find a bra with:

  • Wide side bands and shoulder straps to support growing breasts
  • Shoulder straps that have some cushioning and donā€™t stretch
  • Three or more back closures (this will give you the most flexible fit)
  • A band that lies under your breasts and on your rib cage without creeping up on your breast tissue. Band pressure on your breast tissue could lead to a plugged duct and ultimately cause mastitis or a breast infection.

If you're pregnant during the summer or find youā€™re getting hot easily, look for bras made from 100% cotton. Also, keep in mind that youā€™ll be wearing these bras for several months after your baby is born, so it is wise to buy a good bra that will adjust with your changing sizes.
Properly fitted underwires donā€™t usually cause problems during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That said, soft cups are known to be more comfortable, especially during the time when breasts are their fullest, which is typically the final months of pregnancy and the first month of breastfeeding. If you do opt for an underwire maternity or nursing bra, make sure the wire fits well under your breast tissue. Any pressure on your breast tissue could result in a plugged duct and ultimately cause mastitis or a breast infection. We also donā€™t recommend wearing an underwire bra while sleeping.
Wait until about the eighth month of your pregnancy. Then, buy a nursing bra thatā€™s one cup size larger than your measurement at that time. Once milk begins coming in, women generally go up about one cup size.
Be sure the cup is large enough to give you adequate coverage and depth for your breasts. If the cup is not large enough for proper coverage, some of your breast tissue may spill out on top and under the arms, resulting in inadequate support. The bra should fit snugly around your girth. If not, the back may ride up and cause your breasts to droop in front. If the bra seems to fit properly but is riding up in the back, go to a larger cup size before trying a larger band size.
Itā€™s recommended that you have a minimum of three maternity/nursing bras. This way, youā€™ll always have a fresh one to wear, one to wash, and a spare in case of emergency.
You can pick from any one of the three techniques we recommend in this FAQ under the BRA tab. However, youā€™ll need to take extra care in making sure your breasts are placed correctly into your bra. You should bend over while doing this to allow your breasts to fill into the cups naturally.

ALL ABOUT ACTIVEWEAR

While regular bras give you shape and support, sports bras give you support while also minimizing breast bounce. The average underwire bra reduces breast movement by 38 percent, while a well-made sports bra can reduce breast movement by at least 56 percent.
Letā€™s face it: Most women's breasts are bound to sag over time ā€“ and no amount of exercise can prevent this eventuality. This is because breasts donā€™t have muscles you can tone. Delicate ligaments attach breasts to the chest, and if theyā€™re not supported, frequent motion will break them down and erode breast support and positioning. Wearing a sports bra during any level of physical and athletic activity will reduce stress on breast ligaments and help minimize breast sagging over time.
Different physical activities exert different stresses on your body and, consequently, on your breasts. Many sports bra manufacturers have addressed this by categorizing their bra lines by different impact levels. The lowest impact level, which includes activities like weight training and walking, provides light breast support. Higher impact activities like running and basketball require more significant support.

When choosing a sports bra, consider the activity. It is very possible that you will need several sports bras made for different impact levels. Breast size also plays a part. Larger breasts need more support to control motion and reduce bounce.

To give you an idea of which impact level you need for your physical activity, weā€™ve grouped various activities under their respective impact levels here:

Low Impact Medium Impact High Impact
Weight Training
Spinning
Snow Skiing
Walking
Cycling
In-Line Skating
Rowing
Golf
Tennis
Martial Arts
Step Aerobics
Lacrosse
Stair Climbing
Field Hockey
Basketball
Softball
Horseback Riding
Racquetball
Volleyball
Running

Note: Several of these sports can be more stressful, depending on your level of playing intensity.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) did a study on sports bras and provided suggestions for selecting the right bra. A good sports bra should minimize breast movement. Compression sports bras are best suited for smaller-breasted women. Encapsulation sports bras, which separate each breast, are best suited for larger-breasted women.
Absolutely. Whether you're a 32A or a 42DD, you need to support your breasts during physical activity. Otherwise, constant motion caused by exercise will break down the delicate ligaments that keep your breasts in place and that will cause sagging over time ā€“ even with small breasts.
Itā€™s not recommended. In the past, wearing two regular bras was a common practice for getting more support during exercise. However, the sports bra market has made great strides in better understanding women's needs in this area. One good sports bra is better than two regular bras because sports bras are specifically designed to support your breasts and reduce bounce during physical activity.

LAUNDERING YOUR LINGERIE

You can machine wash your bras ā€“ but if you do, make sure itā€™s hooked together to keep it from tangling or hooking onto other clothing. We recommend always putting your bras inside a lingerie bag to keep them separated from other garments in the washing machine. Use a delicate cycle, cold water and gentle detergent. Never put your bras in the dryer because heat will break down the spandex. A bra gets a lot of wear and tear anyway, and a dryer can exacerbate it. Instead, take your bras out of the dryer and let them air dry.
Begin by looking at the care instructions on the label. If they are machine washable, it is safest to put them in a load with other delicate items and run the washer on the delicate cycle with cold or warm water. Donā€™t use hot water or machine dry because the heat will break down the elastic. Line-dry your panties instead.
Your best bet is to follow the washing instructions on the shapewear garment. In general, don't use hot water, never use chlorine bleach, and do line or air dry. High washing temperatures and hot dryers can break down the controlling performance of shapewear over time.
  • Separate your lingerie by color ā€“ light, medium and dark ā€“ and wash them separately. Lighter colored garments can be stained by the dyes in darker colored garments.
  • Separate man-made materials (e.g. polyester) from natural materials (e.g. cotton). Man-made materials and fibers can pick up the oils released by natural materials during washing. Over time, these oils will build up and make spots on man-made materials more obvious.
  • Include both larger and smaller sized items in each load. This way, your garments will be able to move more freely throughout the washing cycles.
  • Separate delicate fabrics from tough fabrics like denim and terry cloth. This will lessen the friction of the fabrics against each other.
  • Lint-generating fabrics (like fleece and towels) should be washed separately from lingerie. The lint from these materials clings to lingerie fabrics.
  • Don't overload the washer. If the washer is too full, the garments won't get enough agitation to get clean, and the laundry soap may not spread evenly though the load thus leaving globs of detergent on certain items.
  • Whenever itā€™s possible, line-dry your lingerie. This will extend its lifespan.
  • If you do put your lingerie in the dryer, be sure to lightly shake them out and untwist them first. This will allow even drying and reduce wrinkling.
  • Don't overload the dryer. An overloaded dryer wonā€™t allow items to tumble freely, making the drying process slower and causing wrinkling.
  • Only leave your garments in the dryer for the time it takes to get rid of wrinkles and moisture ā€“ donā€™t let them dry for too long. Heat can set wrinkles, increase static cling and shrink your garments. This applies to natural and man-made materials.
  • Acrylic, nylon, polyester, and microfibers have a lower moisture absorbency, so theyā€™re faster drying. Use a low temperature setting when drying garments made with these materials.
  • Once you remove your items from the dryer, hang or fold them immediately. Garments left in a heap will wrinkle.
Acetate

Most acetate garments should be dry cleaned ā€“ but some acetate knits are washable. Check the label to be sure. If it is washable, hand wash as follows:

  • Gently hand wash with mild suds
  • Donā€™t twist or ring out when finished
  • When washing colored items, donā€™t soak
  • If ironing is necessary, use a cool iron while your garment is still damp. First, press your garment on the wrong side. Finish ironing the right side with the cool iron and a pressing cloth.
  • Lay circular knits flat to dry

Acrylic

Acrylic items can be either washed or dry cleaned. If you wash them yourself, hand wash as follows:

  • Hand wash in warm water
  • Gently squeeze out water and smooth or shake the item out
  • Hang the item to dry on a no-rust hanger
  • Use a moderately warm iron if necessary

Cotton

Cotton is easy to wash and can withstand hotter temperatures. Follow these tips when laundering:

  • Use chlorine bleach on whites and color safe bleach on dyed 100% cottons
  • Use a high heat setting when drying
  • Use a hot iron if necessary

Microfibers

Polyester, nylon and acrylic microfibers can be machine washed and dried or dry cleaned.

Nylon

Unless otherwise specified, nylon items can be machine washed and dried. Launder as follows:

  • Machine wash in warm water
  • During the final rinse cycle, add a fabric softener
  • Tumble dry at a low temperature and use a dryer sheet to reduce static
  • Use a warm iron if necessary

Polyester

Most items made of polyester can be machine washed and dried. They can also be dry cleaned. Launder as follows:

  • Machine wash in warm water
  • During the final rinse cycle, add a fabric softener
  • Machine dry at a low temperature setting
  • Use a moderately warm iron if necessary

Rayon

Most rayon items should be dry cleaned. However, some garments, if specified on the label, can be hand or machine-washed. In such cases, follow the label instructions.

Silk

Dry cleaning is the preferred method for cleaning silk because laundry detergent and dyes in other garments may adversely affect silk fabric. Silk items without linings or attached embellishments can be carefully hand washed. Launder as follows:

  • Hand wash using mild soap and lukewarm water
  • Never use chlorine bleach
  • For long-term storage, keep away from light, air and insects

Spandex

Spandex can be hand or machine washed. Do not use chlorine bleach if your item contains any spandex. Launder as follows:

  • Hand or machine wash in lukewarm water
  • Use color safe bleach only
  • Either drip dry or machine dry. If machine drying, use a low temperature setting.
  • If necessary, iron rapidly on a low temperature setting without leaving the iron in one place for too long

ALL ABOUT SHAPEWEAR

Putting on shapewear is like putting on pantyhose. First, gather up the legs of your shapewear so itā€™s only a few inches tall. Step into the legs and pull your shapewear up to the point where you want it to start. Now, gradually unroll your shapewear over your torso. If you do this, your shapewear should be in the proper place.
No! A smaller size won't fit properly and can even be painful. Shapewear comes in different control levels, including light, moderate, firm and extra firm. So, instead of going down a size, increase the control level.
Several manufacturers are adding cotton shapewear to their lines. This is a much cooler option while still providing support.
Try a control brief with legs. They come in a range of leg lengths depending on how much control you want. A biker pant length brief will support your tummy and thin your upper thigh. A capri length brief will provide a slimmer and more elongated silhouette for most of your leg to your calf. A long leg liner will shape and smooth your entire leg.
A high-waisted control brief will smooth your midriff, accentuate your waist, and slim your hips ā€“ giving you a figure with curves in all the right places.
Old fashioned girdles have essentially been replaced by shapewear. Modern shapewear is made without painful bones and stays, so itā€™s much more comfortable for regular wear. With firm control fabrics and construction that shapes and smooths your figure without cutting off circulation, there are shapewear options for every problem area.

ALL ABOUT PANTIES

Start by stepping into the legs of the panty and pulling it up until the waistband is in the desired place. Ensure that the crotch is centered and in the proper location. Glide your fingers along the elastic of the legs from the sides and toward the back to make sure the back panel is cupping your rear correctly. Finally, glide your fingers along the inside of the waistband to ensure that itā€™s evenly set around your waist.
If you have this problem often, itā€™s likely that youā€™re in the wrong size and need to measure yourself. Follow the steps on our Panty Fitting page to see if this is the case. If your size was correct, your panties may have lost their shape and need to be replaced.
The answer to this question really depends on how many panties you own, how often you wear them and how you wash them. If youā€™re constantly struggling with panty ride-up, stretched elastic, yellowed or frayed material, or any other conditions that would make you embarrassed if someone saw you wearing them, your panties need to be replaced.
This can occur when your panty size is too small and/or when the manufacturer hasnā€™t designed the panty to give enough flexibility to your legs. Consider going up a size, trying the same style from another manufacturer, or choosing a hi-cut leg style.
Wearing a thong or a G-string will prevent any visible panty lines in the rear. If these styles are too uncomfortable, try wearing a slip or pant liner under your garment. You can also wear a long leg style shapewear brief.
G-strings have a string in the back instead of a panel of fabric. In contrast, thongs have more fabric in the back that usually comes to a "Y" at the waistband. Both styles cut down on visible panty lines in the back. To determine which style is right for you, try both and choose the one thatā€™s more comfortable.
Women of all shapes and sizes wear thongs. As one of the fastest-growing segments in intimate apparel, thongs are not the exclusive right of the thin and tall. Women generally fall into one of two camps: they either hate thongs or they swear by them. Many women don't like a string in back ā€“ instead, they prefer thongs cut with a more generous back (around 1 inch wide). Every woman has that initial "wedgie" feeling when she first tries a thong. Many thong wearers say, however, that once youā€™ve given it a chance, that feeling goes away and the thong becomes very comfortable. Itā€™s also worth noting that most women donā€™t wear thongs all the time. Instead, they reserve them for particular clothing like close-fitting pants, tight dresses and skirts.

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