Bras: Buying Tips
September 2, 2008
Bra buying might seem so simple as to be obvious. It isn’t. There’s more to it than fashion. There are different bras designed for different body types, bras for sports and activities, and a variety of fabrics for different purposes. No one bra can do it all.
Buying a bra may seem simple, but it is actually quite complex. There are different styles of bras designed for specific body types, fashions and activities and they come in a variety of fabrics. Despite popular misconceptions, no one bra can “do it all”.
Size matters
An ill-fitting bra isn’t just uncomfortable. It can make you look lumpy in exactly the wrong places. Make sure that doesn’t happen to you. Make sure your bra fits correctly. It may be worth getting a professional to fit your bra. If you’ve been wearing the wrong size bra for years, you wouldn’t be the first woman to do so. Nearly every major department store has a fitter. If you’re in a hurry, at least be sure to check your measurements. Bras are like shoes, though. You have to try them on; one 36C is not necessarily going to fit the same as another.
Taking Measure of Yourself
The first step in measuring yourself to fit your bra is to stand straight and relax. Don’t inhale and hold your breath, you’ll expand you’re ribcage. Next, use a soft tape measure and measure all the way around your body, placing the tape measure right beneath your breasts. Add five to the number, rounding up if necessary to the next even number. That’s your band size.
In order to measure your cup size, measure around the fullest part of your bust (across the nipple) without puling tight. Make sure the tape measure goes all the way around the back. Do this while wearing a bra. Next, subtract this from your band size. This tells you your cup size; 0=AA, 1=A, 2=B, 3=C, 4=D, 5=DD and 6=DDD.
A bra that fits properly will support you, giving you a flattering shape and ensuring that your clothes fit properly. Too many women make the mistake of buying bras that are too big around the rib cage or too small in the cup, which can cause “four-breast syndrome” wherein your breasts spill over the cup, thus ruining the look. Bras may also differ in fit and size according to the brand. it’s not safe to assume that you don’t need to try bras on when you know your size
Safe and Secure
Your underwear plays a vital role in making you feel and look your best. When you try on a bra, don’t just stand still in it. Walk around. Raise your arms. Move! It’s important to find out if it’s still comfortable when you’re moving, as life is not lived standing still.
Bra Styles
There’s a bra for every occasion. Choose one that’s appropriate for what you’ll be doing and what you’ll be wearing on the outside. If, for example, you’ve chosen a strapless dress, you’ll need a strapless bra.
Va-Va-Va-VOOM! A Guide to Lingerie for the Uninitiated
July 2, 2008
Image via WikipediaBy Veronika Lazabal
Psssttt… Guys? We have a secret. We love lingerie. There’s something about wearing something sexy or frilly under our business clothes that makes us feel utterly feminine. And we love it when you buy it for us. It’s like a little secret between the two of us. We know that every time we wear it, you’re going to, ahem, reward us accordingly. So it’s a win-win situation. Traditionally, there has, however, been a flaw in this otherwise perfect arrangement. You men are understandably embarrassed to go into the strange land that is the lingerie shop and fumble around. Afraid of being mistaken for a pervert, you grab the first thing that catches your eye and race out of there. Kind of kills the experience, doesn’t it? Luckily, there is a solution. Enter the wonderful World Wide Web.
Online stores have taken the creepy factor out of shopping for lingerie. From the safety and security of your favorite chair, you can take all the time you need, and find your sweetheart exactly what you’re looking for. Not sure what you’re looking for? Here’s an easy guide to finding the perfect little something…
Start with Size. This is the single most important component of any lingerie purchase. Nothing will scare your girl off faster that something that’s too small. And nothing will turn her off more than something that’s too big. Not sure what your girl’s size is? Sneak a peek! Take a look in her drawer when she’s not around. Bra sizes have two components: the band size and the cup size. So it should have both a number and a letter. (i.e. 34B or 44D) Bras also come in different styles. A push-up bra does exactly what its name implies- pushes breasts up and together, to create the look of dramatic cleavage. A shelf or demi bra covers only the lower half of the breasts, sometimes leaving some or the entire nipple exposed. Panties, pajamas, and other unmentionables should come in either small, medium, large, etc; or in a number size. Women’s panties come in a variety of styles as well. Bikini or French cut panties cover the front and back, and are cut very high on the sides. Boy shorts, or boy cut panties, are like tiny little pairs of shorts. Many times, these expose the bottom of the butt. Thongs have only a narrow strip in the back. The front of a thong forms a V shape. A G-string is the most revealing kind of women’s panties. It is a small strip of material in the front, and is held together by strings. Once you’re armed with size and basic terminology, you’re ready to tackle the lingerie shopping experience. Now comes the fun part.
What kind of a mood are you going for? Want to show her you still think she’s sexy after all these years? Looking for something super romantic for a second honeymoon? Maybe your girl is new to the whole lingerie concept? Try something soft and dreamy. A baby-doll is flattering on almost every woman, and manages to be sexy without being naked. A baby-doll, by the way, is a short nightgown, with fitted cups, and then a loose skirt (and usually, spaghetti straps). Often the skirt is sheer. Many come with matching panties, making it a great “first time” lingerie set for both of you. Baby-dolls usually come in soft materials like silk or chiffon.
For a more kicked up version, try a fly- away baby-doll, which is split up the front, giving glimpses of bare skin as she walks towards you. Another good starting point is a chemise. (Shu-meese) A chemise is similar to a baby-doll in that it’s a short nightgown, usually with thin straps. However the chemise is not cut under the bust, and just falls in a straight line.
It also has the added bonus of being very comfortable, which makes it work as both sleep wear and seduction wear!
Looking for something a little more adventurous? How about a corset? Very snug, and usually laced or hooked down the back, a corset is a beautiful- and very sexy- addition to any intimate wardrobe. Pair it with sexy panties in the same color and then add a garter belt (a lace waist belt with four clips to hold up thy high stockings). Teddies are another great form of “all- inclusive” lingerie. A teddy is a one piece garment. It’s shaped kind of like a one piece bathing suit, but usually is cut very low in the front, and has built in support. For example, most teddies have underwire under the breasts, and/or plastic strips in the side that make a woman’s waist look smaller. Some come with built in garter belts, which you can pair with matching stockings. Teddies usually have lace, ribbons, bows, or other very feminine accessories.
When you’re ready to get really wild, there are plenty of ways to turn up the heat! Crotch-less panties or peek-a-boo bras have become popular with couples looking to be very daring in their lingerie selection. Also, a change in material could mean a complete change in mood. A satin teddy or a silk corset is romantic and beautiful. But a fishnet teddy or a leather corset evoke a completely different vibe.
Remember, shopping for your girl’s lingerie can be almost as much fun as watching her wear it. Just take your time, keep her in mind, and find something that you both will love. Who knows…you might just find yourself adding to her collection more often than you think.
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Lingerie Buying Guide for Men
April 2, 2008
By Ben Conrad
For many men, buying lingerie is one of the great mysteries of life. Choose the right baby doll, chemise or lingerie set and you will be richly rewarded. Choose the wrong style and you can expect the cold shoulder for weeks. Despite its obvious challenges, finding the right lingerie does not have to be a difficult task. Using a combination of knowledge and common sense, men everywhere can get their wives or girlfriends just what they have been looking for.
Let’s start our lingerie shopping guide with some tips for the male of the species. Some of these tips may seem obvious, but there are many pitfalls on the road to the perfect lingerie gift and the perfectly happy spouse or girlfriend.
Remember you are buying lingerie for her – not for yourself. No matter what the present or what the occasion, it is tempting to buy what we like and neglect the taste of the actual recipient. Nowhere is this tendency more pronounced than in the world of lingerie. It is all too tempting for men to buy what looks great to them and not realize that the style may be completely wrong for the lady in their life. Trust me on this guys – this is a big mistake.
But what does she like? This is a common question men have when they set out in search of the perfect lingerie gift Many men, even if they have been married for years, are still in the dark when it comes to their spouse’s taste in clothes. Fortunately, the answer to this burning question may be as close as the bedroom closet. Take a look at what your wife or girlfriend has in her wardrobe, focusing on the clothes she has worn recently. Does she have a sexy style, or does she prefer a more modest style of dress? These clues can help you avoid lingerie disasters and help you find the perfect gift for the lady in your life.
While everyday clothes are one thing, lingerie can be quite a different matter. For a better feel on what to buy, you may want to take a peek in that most forbidden of places. I am speaking, of course, of the underwear drawer. This small space holds a wealth of secrets, including the size lingerie she wears. You can also pick up clues about the type of lingerie she favors. When making these evaluations, be sure to focus on what she actually wears, not past gifts that have only been worn once.
Finding the right size lingerie can be a real challenge, not just for men but for women as well. Each brand can have its own unique sizing scheme, and finding the right size can be difficult. Knowing the sizes and brands of her current lingerie collection can help enormously. So take a quick peek at the current residents of the lingerie drawer, record those brands and sizes and get shopping!
Your wife or girlfriend’s friends can be a great help when it comes time to surprise her with lingerie. Chances are her female friends know a lot more about her size, and her taste in lingerie, than you do. So don’t be afraid to ask for advice. A feminine insight can help a great deal with this type of purchase.
When shopping for that sexy lingerie, don’t forget the importance of body type and body size. Not every type of lingerie will be appropriate for every woman, and it is important for husbands and boyfriends to take this into consideration. There are fabulous pieces of lingerie available for all types of women, so don’t be afraid to buy lingerie for the large lady in your life. The key is to choose pieces that will accentuate those beautiful curves and make her feel sexy and loved.
The above tips should help you find some great lingerie for your wife, girlfriend or other special lady. No matter what her age or size, lingerie can make her feel special, and it can make you look like a hero. Lingerie shopping does not have to be a chore or a challenge. With the right planning and preparation finding the perfect lingerie gift for the lady in your life can be just as fun as presenting that special present.
There are of course many different types of lingerie on the market, and it is a good idea to get familiar with the various terms used in the industry. Every woman will have different tastes, of course, and it is always a good idea to purchase lingerie with her needs in mind.
The Baby Doll – The baby doll is a classic style that never seems to go out of fashion. This great style of lingerie provides just the right amount of coverage, making it the perfect thing to wear around the house. Even though it is perfect for everyday wear, the baby doll can also be very sexy in its own right.
Lingerie Sets – Lingerie sets are a perfect gift for the lady in your life. These gifts are as practical as they are beautiful, and they can be worn in different ways to express different moods. Look for a lingerie set with several different types of panties – ranging from the demure to the ultra sexy. Choosing a great lingerie set will allow the lady in your life to express her unique style night and day.
The Bustier – A bustier can be a great choice for sexy lingerie, and many women love the way these garments make them look. For the uninitiated, a bustier is a combination of a bra and a corset, and the look can be quite sexy and wonderful. These beautiful pieces of lingerie are made of materials ranging from sexy silk and lace to bold leather and vinyl. So no matter what your lady’s taste and style you can find one that would be perfect for her.
Garter Belts – While garter belts once served a very utilitarian purpose, these days their appeal is mainly sensual. A beautiful garter belt and set of silk stockings makes a great gift. As with all types of lingerie, there are many beautiful styles of garter belt sets to choose from, so let your imagination run free and find the perfect one for your mate.
Now that you know all about the world of lingerie, you will be able to march boldly into the store and pick the perfect gift for the lady in your life. . Lingerie shopping does not have to be intimidating, and the results of a well planned and well executed purchase will be well worth the effort.
