Bra Faux Pas

Did you know 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size.

With 70% of women wearing bras too small, and 10% wearing bras too big, it's not surprising to hear of so many Bra Faux Pas.

And it's not only us 'normal' women who fall prey to these problems. So often we see celebs getting it wrong! You'd think with all their stylists, someone would tell them.

Eva Longoria sporting the Overspill

Would you know how to find the correct size if you had any of these following problems?

Back Riding Up 

Cause

This means that the band size is too big for you.

(Sometimes, the cup size can be too small as well.)

Solution

Go down a back size.

Remember to go up a cup size if you're going down a back size.

Spilling Out

Cause

The cups are too small.

(Trick to check if you've fallen prey to this. Put on a tight light coloured top, this should highlight any bulging.)

Solution

Go up a cup size.

You might, or might not need to go down a band size.

Wrinkly Cups

                                                Cause

The Cups are too large.

Cup should fit snug (not tight) to breast.

Solution

Go down a cup size.

Try staying the same band size first, before going up.

Tight Straps

Cause

Cup size is too small.

Ensure you have loosened the straps as much as possible before going up in the cup.

Solution

Go up a cup size.

Band will most likely remain the same, but you may have to go down a size.

Wire Digging In

Cause

Cups size is too small.

Solution

You will need to go up at least one cup size.

Keep going up until the problem goes.

You may need to go down a band size, but only once.

 Things to Remember

• Always fit your bra on the loosest hook and eye. This way, there is room to tighten if you loose weight or the bra stretches. 
• Your size will always depend on the style and brand of bra, and may vary.
• Your size can fluctuate throughout the month, depending on hormonal changes. Some women can vary by as much as a whole bra size. 

Hopefully now you will be ready to avoid all these bra faux pas. And remember, always make sure it's comfortable! 

Baffled By Bras - The Cheats Guide

Do you often find yourself rummaging through racks of these gorgeous bras never knowing what you're looking for, or pondering what style and shape you need.

Or maybe you're just trying to find the right bra for that stunning dress you bought for that date with potentially 'the one'.

Instead you find yourself overwhelmed and confused.

Well here's where all that will change. 

Are you ready for The Cheats Guide to Bras? 

With so many different styles out there, it can be confusing to know what is who, and which does what. Which is the one for you?

The Plunge

The Plunge Bra

This bra consists of a 3 sectioned cup, in a low cut balcony style plunge shape.

It will give you a good boost and uplift, resulting in amazing cleavage. 

It tends to sit well under clothing.

This is the perfect bra to wear on a night out or simply if you want to look good in that new top.

Moulded

The Moulded Bra

This is a smooth, seam free bra that is also known as a t-shirt bra.

Highly supportive, this bra can come in many styles, such as full cup, balcony and strapless. And styles can often be found with extra padding for that boost.

It is The Bra that every woman should own.

It is the perfect candidate for wearing under everyday clothing, tight tops, or body con dresses.

Strapless

The Strapless Bra

Generally, but not always, made from a 3 sectioned cup, these bras provide a natural shape and will suit most bust types.

Most strapless bras will come with detachable straps, and a strip of gripper elastic to the top and bottom to ensure no naughty nip slips.

This bra is ideal for evening wear, or if you happen to have an asymmetric design dress.

Full Cup

The Full Cup Bra

Made from a 3 section cup, this is the bra that provides the most support and coverage.

Full cup bras provide excellent support and maximum comfort, along with a high level of modesty.

Perfect for everyday wear, it provides ultimate comfort and is ideal for the bigger busted ladies.

Soft Cup

The Soft Cup Bra

Either a 2 or 3 sectioned cup, generally without underwiring.

These bras are extremely comfortable and are favoured by expectant or nursing mothers, teenagers and mastectomy patients.

These bras are ideal for everyday wear as they are easily washed and long lasting.

Balcony

The Balcony Bra

Generally a 3 section cup, often with a sheer panel, or lace panel to the top.

Providing less coverage than the full cup bra, this is a style that is suitable for all types of bust.

It provides excellent support along with a brilliant uplift to show off that cleavage.

Perfect for any occasion, but especially ideal for any low cut tops or dresses, another staple for every woman.

Half Cup

The Half Cup Bra
Compromising of either a 1 or 2 section cup, this bra is a vertical seam balcony shape.
It provides medium support, whilst showing off the bust to its best.
More of a sexy bra than everyday, it's perfect when teamed with matching briefs.
Ideal to wear under any low cut dresses, or perhaps a sheer top. After all, these aren't bras that want to stay hidden.

Two Section Cup

The Two Section Cup Bra
Also known as The Continental Bra, this bra is made of a 2 section cup, occasionally with the bottom section consisting of 2 pieces.
It creates a more natural, rounded look and provides medium coverage.
This bra gives brilliant uplift and great shape definition. Often favoured by those who struggle to get other bras to fit right.
Perfect for everyday wear, under all types of clothing.

Full Cup with Side Panel

The Full Cup with Side Panel
A 2 or 3 section cup with a side panel, giving a medium coverage.
Creating a glamorous shape whilst still maintaining all the support, this bra is perfect for everyday wear.
Ideal for women with a fuller bust, this bra is suitable for any occasion.





Who knew there could be so many bras, doing so many different jobs. Hopefully next time you go bra shopping, you'll be a bit more clued up, but...

Want to know my top tip?

Wear what makes you feel good!

The Preventive Double Mastectomy

As Breast Cancer has become such a big part of life nowadays, many women have started looking into the preventive double mastectomy.

But the question is, Would You Do It? 

With tests now being able to show if you are a carrier of the faulty BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene, many women are choosing this path.

Back at the beginning of the year, we all marveled over the bravery of Angelina Jolie taking her health into her own hands and opting for the preventative double mastectomy.

Jolie's first public appearance after surgery

Due to her mum passing away in 2007 at the age of 56, to ovarian cancer, Jolie was going to take no risks. As a mother of six, Angelina didn't want her children to grow up with out a mum.

There are many pros to having the preventative double mastectomy, with the main being that it can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer down to 2%.

With the disease showing patterns of running in the family gene pool, it offers peace of mind to many that they won't be affected.

However, it's not without its down sides.

Don't be fooled, the double mastectomy is a lengthy invasive procedure. You must be prepared to take plenty of rest, and leave everything to everyone else. It takes some time to recover, and you must plan your day according to your pain medication. Even the simplest of tasks can become nearly impossible during recovery.

Then, of course, you have to decide whether to incorporate reconstructive surgery into the mastectomy, or whether you plan to live bra-less and flat chested. Although, if this is the case, it is quite simple to get a prosthesis fitted.

There are many bras out there which cater for this. Brands such as Royce and Amoena have created a range of bras with discreet pockets in the cups to slip the prosthesis into.

So all this considered, would you take the plunge to have a preventative double mastectomy?