Bras & Panties
How can you tell you're wearing the wrong size?
There will be signs:
You are literally busting out! Unless you're wearing a demi bra, most of your bosom should be inside the cup. If not, you should try a larger cup. It will be a lot more comfortable.
The band rides up your back. When this happens, it means that the bra is too loose around your body. You can tell if the band size is right for you by placing two fingers under the back of the bra band. If you can comfortably fit more than two fingers, it's too big.
There's wrinkling in the cups. Stretchy materials will form to the shape of your body, and if there's wrinkling, the cups are too big. Try a bra with smaller cups, like a demi.
The center of the bra isn't lying flat against your breastbone. The bra should be flat against your skin without gaping. If it's not, you might not be getting the support you need. Try a bra with a smaller cup size.
Measuring Tips
The most important factor in buying a bra is
knowing your exact size.
This can be determined by taking a few
easy measurements.
Determining Band Size:
Using a measuring tape, take a snug measurement around the rib cage, directly under the bust and level around body.
• If the measurement is an odd number, add 5 inches to determine band size
• If the measurement is even, add 4
Determining Cup Size:
Using a measuring tape, take a loose measurement over the fullest part of the bust keeping tape level around body.
• The difference between this measurement and the band size will determine the cup size
| If the difference is: | Cup Size: |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 inch | AA |
| 1 inch | A |
| 2 inches | B |
| 3 inches | C |
| 4 inches | D |
| 5 inches | DD/E |
| 6 inches | DDD/F |
| 7 inches | DDDD/G |
Tip: When adjusting sizes if the band increases, go down in cup size and if the cup size increases, go down in band size.
Bra Styles
Balconette
Offer half-cup coverage and a straight cut just over the fullest part of your bust. They're the perfect bare-minimum essential to pair with your favorite tops.
Convertible
Provide the comfort and no-show coverage you desire. They can be transformed into a variety of styles to suit your versatile wardrobe needs — from halter to racer-back, one-shoulder to strapless!
Demi
Demi bras are half-cup bras. They do not cover the entire bosom to create a bare minimum look. (Most demi bras are push-up bras that create flattering cleavage.)
Full-Coverage
Just as the name implies — a bra that covers the entire bust. These bras usually have larger cups to offer maximum support.
Minimizer
Designed for full figures to reduce the bustline and create a more rounded shape. These bras can be very slimming!
Nursing
Intended for nursing mothers. The cups open and/or pull down to make breast-feeding easier while providing the utmost support.
Padded
Just help to add a natural enhancement to your bust. (Many push-up bras are padded.) And sometimes the pads will be removable.
Plunge
Provide the same comfort and shaping as basic bras do, but they have a low-cut center in front. They're the perfect solution when wearing daring necklines.
Push-Up
Give your bust a natural lift while pushing them together. Push-up bras are great for a smaller bust because they can add cleavage where there wasn't any before!
Seamless
Offer medium support and create a natural rounded appearance with a smooth shape. These bras are great for wearing under tight-fitting tops.
Sports
Essential for sports because they provide maximum support while reducing bounce. They're a must-have for any physical activity!
Wire-Free
Offer comfortable shaping and support without the irritation of underwires. They're designed with stretch to perfectly fit your figure. They make the perfect everyday bra!
Bra Care
By following the recommended care instructions, you can prolong the life of your bras! Here are a few simple tips that will help:
All bras should be hand washed, especially underwire bras. If the underwire comes out, not only will the bra be ruined, but the wire could also cause severe damage to your washing machine.
A mild detergent and lukewarm water are the safest way to wash a bra. Certain fabrics in the bra could melt in extremely hot water. And superstrong detergents can cause stretching in some materials.
Never put your bra in the dryer. The bra can get twisted and lose its shape. Plus, some materials may shrink in the dryer. Line drying is the best way to dry a bra.
Keep like colors together in washing (i.e., separate lights and darks).
Washing your bra after each use helps to reduce discoloring.
Panties
Brief
This classic style is one of the most popular styles available. Featuring an elastic waistband that hits at your waistline. Offering full-front and back coverage for added comfort.
French-Cut
A flattering alternative to basic briefs. This comfortable style features an elastic waistband that hits at your natural waistline. And high-cut leg openings. With full-seat coverage.
Hipster
A hip style that’s as comfortable as it is stylish! Featuring a low-rise, elasticized waistband. And full-seat coverage. With leg openings that trace your hips.
Bikini
Just as the name suggests, this style fits just like swimsuit bottoms. Featuring a low-rise, elasticized waistband.
String Bikini
A sassy alternative to the original bikini style. It has the same fit and style as a bikini with one important exception — thin strips of fabric on the sides that connect the front and back pieces.
Tanga
Combine the comfort of bikinis with the silhouette of a thong and get this unique cut. Characterized by a modern, low-rise fit and medium coverage in the front and back
Thong
Makes a great choice when your outfit calls for absolutely no panty lines. Featuring high-cut leg openings. And an elasticized waistband. With no back coverage.
Boyshort Brief
A feminine twist on the classic boy style. These briefs hit under the waistline for a low-rise fit. With hems that come just below the natural leg curvature.