General

What is the best way to put on a bra?

Hook & spin method

1. Wrap your bra around your waist and hook the closure in front of you. Make note of the location of the bra’s label (e.g. side seam, back).
2. Turn your bra clockwise until the front of your bra is centred. This ensures that the excess on the adjustment flap lays flat against your back.
3. Bring bra up so that the bra band is resting directly under the breasts.
4. Slip the shoulder straps over your shoulders.
5. Run your finger along the area where the bra’s label is to make sure it is lying smooth and flat against your skin.
6. 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.
7. Bend over at the waist and ease your breasts into the cups. One technique is to pull the band down and shake until the breasts fall into place. Another technique is to move the breast around with your hand until it is satisfactorily in the cup. Your nipples should be centred into the fullest point of the cup, and the cup should completely contain the breast (with the exception of push-up and semi cup styles). If your bra has a centre seam, make sure your nipple is on the seam - this will reduce your nipples from showing.
8. Stand upright and visually check to see that your breasts are in the proper position.

NOTE: Critics of this technique claim that rotation of 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.

Stretch & hook method

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 centred into the fullest point of the cup, and the cup should completely contain the breast (with the exception of push-up and semi 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.

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What Can I Do To Have Plumper Looking Breasts?

Centre your nipples above the apex point of your bra. Then, you’ll have a plumper top to your breast volume.

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What’s The Psyche of Your Bra Size?

One of the reasons women aren’t wearing the correct bra size is psychology. Women tend to buy the bra size they want to be 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

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I’m an “A” cup. Do I really 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 fibrefill 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 underwire.

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What Is The Most Common Mistake Women Make When Trying To Find Their Correct Bra Size?

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.

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How Many Hooks Do I Need On My Bra Closure?

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 really proportionate to cup size. Small cup sizes only require 1 or 2 hooks. Bigger cup sizes can require 3, 4, or 5 hooks. Now, I’ve heard it before- “I don’t want to wear a harness.” I understand this sentiment, but how many people actually 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 bulges, and gives 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.

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Do Thin Bra Straps Still Provide Support?

Lately straps have been a fashion statement, but according to some research, thin bra straps can lead to headaches and serious nerve damage. Doctors now warn that wearing thin bra straps too tightly can be dangerous. If the thin strap is so tight that it digs into the shoulders, it is probably putting downward pressure on the cervical nerve, which runs from the neck to the shoulders. This nerve is very important to the nervous system. Any damage to it can cause frequent neck pain, headaches or numbness. Eventually this can develop into pain that runs from your shoulder down to your hands. Solution: make sure your bra fits correctly and that your straps aren’t being asked to do more than they are designed for.

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How Do I Know If My Straps Are Adjusted Correctly?

Can you slip a finger under your straps? If you can’t, or if the straps are digging into your shoulders, you’ve probably over-adjusted to compensate for a bra that’s the wrong size. Usually, the band size is too large. Straps should have just enough tension to hold the bra on your shoulders; they should provide about 10% of a bra’s support. So, do the strap test - 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.

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I 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. Semi cup and front closure bras tend to have straps set farther apart and should therefore be avoided. Check out Intimate Details for fitting suggestions on falling shoulder straps.

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What Colour Bras Should I Buy?

There are a lot of opinions when it comes to choosing the colour of your bras. Some women only wear white because it’s the traditional undergarment colour, matches up with white panties, and can be bleached clean. Others swear by nude colours saying it blends in with everything. While some women (usually younger) like different colours for fun. In straight utilitarian terms, nude (or colour closest to your skin colour) is the best all around colour, if your goal is to minimize having your bra show under clothing. White, however, has its benefit in that once it starts to look a little dingy and gray; you know it’s time to buy a new one. Colours are fun - especially if you want part of it showing outside your clothes. Black is always a slimming colour and usually the best choice under black.

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What Colour Bra Can I Wear Under a Black Top?

If your black top is sheer or a knit, your best bet is to wear a nude colour. If your top has a low neckline and movement could reveal the edges of your bra, the best colour is black.

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What Type Of Bra Should I Wear?

Tight Sweater

A seamless, uplifting bra

Bulky Sweater

A bra with shaping

Sheer Blouse

A seamless flesh-tone bra

Tight Tee or Polo Shirt

A seamless bra

Halter, Tank, Strapless

A strapless, convertible or halter bra

Business Suit w/o Blouse

A bra designed with a low centre panel or front closing.

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When Can I Wear a Fancy Lace Bra?

You walk into a lingerie department and your eye immediately goes to a beautiful lacy multi-coloured bra. You’re excited until reality sets in... What would I wear it with? You then 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. But, they are a psychological picker upper. Any woman will tell you, 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 jogging suit, wear a pretty bra (and better yet include its matching panty) and feel more confident.

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When Should I Wear Lace - When Should I Wear A Seamless?

For 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.

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Full-Figure Bras

My straps painfully dig into my shoulders. What can I do?

When the frame of your bra is not giving you adequate support, the shoulder straps are forced into providing 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 she is a 38E and the bra she wants only goes as high as a “D” cup, she will go up a band size and down a cup size and think it fits (40D). However, she has done a disservice to herself because going up a band size means her 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.

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My underwire bras always poke me. How come?

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.

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Why do I need a wider band along the back of my bra?

There are several reasons. A wide band is less likely to ride up in 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.

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Is a “D” cup in a 36D different from a “D” cup in, say a 42D?

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 40C, her cups (and breasts) will be larger than yours.

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What do the #1 mistake full-figured women make in sizing a bra?

By far, the most common mistake among full-figured women is buying a bra with cups that are too small and then compensating by going up to a band size that is too big for them. This mistake is understandable since many bra styles don’t come in larger cup sizes. However, you are doing a disservice to yourself. Find out what your measurements are and only buy bras that are made specifically for your measurements.

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Must full-figured women only wear underwire bras?

No, but here is the trade-off. A soft cup bra can be more comfortable, but does not shape your breasts. A proper sized underwire bra can be comfortable and will provide attractive shaping to your breasts.

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Maternity Bras

Why can’t I wear regular bras throughout my pregnancy?

During and after pregnancy your breasts undergo numerous changes. They enlarge and become heavier and more sensitive. So for late pregnancy and after delivery, choosing a bra that provides the right support can help you feel more comfortable and less fatigued. Normal bras simply aren’t designed with these issues in mind.

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When is the right time to buy a maternity bra?

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.

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How much is my breast size going to change during my pregnancy?

There is no standard answer. Some women change in size drastically and require several different bra sizes throughout their pregnancy, while other women change very little until the baby arrives and milk production begins. Your best guess is to ask your Mom what her breasts did during her pregnancy.

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How do I measure for a maternity bra?

Wait until your fourth month of pregnancy, then, wearing your most comfortable bra, measure yourself as described in our Bra Fitting in FITTING ROOM.

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What features should I look for in a maternity bra?

A comfortable maternity bra should have wide side bands and shoulder straps to support growing breast tissue. Shoulder straps should have some cushioning and not stretch. Look for a bra with three or more back closures to offer the most flexibility in fit. The bra’s band should lie under the breasts and on the rib cage -- not creeping up on the breast tissue. If the breast tissue is receiving pressure, this could lead to a plugged duct and ultimately mastitis or breast infection. Also, if you’re pregnant during hot summer months, or you find yourself getting hot easily, look into bras made from 100% cotton. And remember, you will 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.

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Should my maternity bra be soft cup or underwire?

Properly fitted underwires generally cause no problems during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, soft cups are usually more comfortable when the breasts are at their fullest. This is during the last months of pregnancy and during the first month of breastfeeding. Also, it is imperative that the wire fits well under and behind the breast tissue. Any pressure on the breast tissue can result in a plugged duct and ultimately mastitis or breast infection. Wearing an underwire while sleeping is not recommended.

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When is the right time to buy a nursing bra?

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 the 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 the breasts to droop in front. If the bra seems to fit properly but it is riding up in back, go to a larger cup size before trying a larger band size.

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What are some tips for a well-fitting maternity/nursing bra?

Try to wait until about the 8th month to buy a nursing bra. Then, buy one cup size larger than your measurement at 8 months. In general, this is how much a woman’s breasts will increase once milk comes in after the birth.

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How many maternity/nursing bras do I need?

Most recommend that you have at least three maternity/nursing bras so that you can wear a fresh one every day. One to wear, one to launder and one as a spare just in case...

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What is the best way to put on a maternity/nursing bra?

You may pick any one of the three techniques we recommend above. However, you must take extra care in making sure your breasts are placed correctly into the bra. You should bend over while doing this to allow the breasts to fill into the cups naturally.

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Panties

The elastic in my panty legs is too binding. What’s going on?

Your size might be too small or the manufacturer has not given enough allowance for your legs. Consider going up a size, trying the same style from another manufacturer, or choosing a high-leg cut.

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How do I eliminate panty lines?

Wearing a thong or a g-string will eliminate panty lines in the back. However, if you find those uncomfortable, consider wearing a slip or a panty liner between your panty and garment. If this doesn’t work, consider wear a long-leg styled shapewear brief like the ones SPANX offer.

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What’s the difference between a thong and a g-string?

A g-string, as the name implies, has a string in the back of the panty instead of a fabric panel. A thong has a little more fabric and usually comes to a “Y” at the waistband. Both serve the same purpose of cutting down on visible panty lines. Each style has its fans so your best choice is to try both to see which one suits you best.

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Lingerie Laundering

What are some general tips on washing lingerie?

Sort articles by colour, washing whites, darks and medium colours separately. Lighter garments can pick up dyes from darker colours.

Separate man-made fibres (e.g. polyester) from natural fibres (e.g. cotton). Man-made fibres can attract the oils that are released from natural fibres during washing. These oils build up over time and make spots on the man-made fibres more obvious.

Try to have both large and small items in each washer load. This will let the items move more freely during the washing cycles.

Sort delicate fabrics from tougher fabric like denim. This will lessen the friction of fabrics between each other.

Don’t overload the washer. If the washer is too full, the clothes won’t get enough agitation to get clean and the laundry soap may not spread evenly through the load leaving clogs of detergent on certain items.

We always recommend you use an extra delicate wash to clean your lingerie pieces. Tocca Delicate Wash is a specially good one.

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Can you give me some general care information on specific fabrics?

Acrylic

Acrylic garments may be washed or dry-cleaned. Lingerie items should be washed by hand in warm water. Gently squeeze out water, smooth or shake out garment and let dry on a non-rust hanger. If ironing is required, use moderately warm iron.

Cotton

Cotton can be easily laundered and can withstand hot temperatures. Chlorine bleach can be used safely on 100% cotton whites. Use colour safe bleach on dyed 100% cottons. A higher heat setting is needed in the dryer to dry cotton. It will take much longer to dry than less absorbent fibbers. Cotton can be ironed with a hot iron and does not scorch easily.

Microfibers

Acrylic, nylon and polyester microfibers can be machine-washed and dried or dry-cleaned.

Nylon

Most nylon items can be machine-washed and tumble-dried at low temperatures. Use warm water and add a fabric softener in the final rinse cycle. A dryer sheet is best for reducing static electricity. If ironing is required, use a warm iron.

Polyester

Most items made from polyester can be machine washed and dried. They can also be dry-cleaned. Use warm water and add fabric softener to the final rinse cycle. Machine dry at a low temperature setting. If ironing is needed, use a moderately warm iron.

Rayon

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

Silk

Dry cleaning is the preferred method for cleaning silk since laundry detergent and the dyes in other clothes may adversely affect silk fabric. Silk items without linings or attached embellishments can be carefully hand washed with mild soap and lukewarm water. Never use chlorine bleach on silk. For long-time storage, silk should be kept away from light, air and insects.

Spandex

Items made of spandex can be hand or machine washed in lukewarm water. Do not use chlorine bleach on any fabric containing spandex. Use colour safe bleach only, then rinse thoroughly. Drip dry. If machine drying, use a low temperature setting. If ironing is required, iron rapidly on a low temperature setting and don’t leave the iron in one place too long.

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