Proper Bra Sizing: What Every Woman Should Know

Most women do not wear the correct bra size. With monthly water retention cycles, dieting, and general aging, it also should not be assumed that the size you were two years ago is the same size you are today (or that a bra can be worn that long, for that matter). Even a change of 5 pounds can change your bra size. This guide will help you to properly measure your bust, so that you can find the size for you.

While most shops will have a salesperson to assist you in proper measurements, in order to buy sexy lingerie from a catalog, it is important to know your size.

How To Know If Your Current Bra Does Not Fit

The back rides up. This may mean that the cups are too small, or the band is too tight. The front of the band is too tight to get a finger under it. This means you need a larger band.

The bra cups should be entirely filled, or you may need a smaller cup. If, on the other hand, the cups are overflowing, you may need a larger cup or a different style of bra.

If the underwire digs in, you may need a larger cup size. (Or your bra could just be very old. In either case, it's time to replace it.) This could also be an indication that the side wings of the bra are not large enough.

Proper Measurements

First, you will need three measurements: under bust, upper bust, and full bust.
For under the bust, measure directly under your bust. With all measurements, hold the tape secure but not too tight. For the upper bust, measure above the bust and below the arms.

If the difference between the under and upper bust is less than two inches, the under bust is your band size (round up to nearest even number). If the difference is more than two inches, add 2-3" to the under bust measurement to get an even number and use this as your band size. For the full bust, measure around a fullest part of your breast. Make sure the tape is secure around the back.

Your cup size is determined by your full bust measurement - your upper bust measurement. If the difference is less than 1", you are a AA, 1" is an A, 2" is a B, 3" is a C, 4" is a D, 5" is a DD (or an E), etc.

Beyond Measurements

Of course, your measurements are just the beginning. There are other things to keep in mind when looking for a comfortable, yet sexy bra.

When trying on different bras, make sure that the area in between the two cups actually comes into contact with your chest. Do not make the straps support your breast alone! This will be very uncomfortable over long periods of time, the bra will wear out quickly, and the pressure on the straps can cause back problems.

If you are finding the band sizes to differ for a different brand, you may also need to change your cup size. Generally, as you decrease the band size, you will need to increase your cup size, while a larger band will call for a smaller cup.

Bra Styles

Different styles of bras have different fits. Beware the convertible bras: while they may sometimes work, it is rare that every possible style will work for your body.

Full Cup / Full Coverage - Designed for support, these bras cover the entire breast.

Half Cup / Demi Cup - These bras cover 75 percent of the breast. This is a sexy cut that increases cleavage, but make sure your breasts are not "cut-off" in the center. Your profile should still be smooth, and if it isn't, you need a larger cup size.

Underwire Bras - These bras give the most support.

Racerback Bras - These bras have a crossover pattern in the back. They can have a front or back clasp, or can simply pull over the head. This is a common style for a sports bra.

Halter-Top Bras - As the name imply, these bras have a strap that loops around the neck, rather than the usual shoulder straps. These bras can increase cleavage, and can be worn with both halter tops and tops with low center coverage.

Backless Bras - While some backless bras literally have only front coverage, generally this refers to bras with extremely low backs, so that many dresses with low backs can be worn without the bra showing.

Strapless Bras - These bras have no straps at all, only the band. Some of these can cover the stomach area as well, and some even cover the body like a leotard. These longer strapless bras tend to stay in place better.

Padded Bras / Push-Up Bras - These bras have extra padding in the cups in order to give the illusion of a larger breast and/or to increase the cleavage. The padding can be made of the same material as the bra, foam, or gel. Gel is becoming more popular because of its more natural look. In some bras, the padding is removable.

Décolleté - These bras are lower cut than a demi bra, allowing you to wear something even lower cut without revealing your bra.

Light-Support Bras - These bras have no underwire. While you may be tempted to wear one to an all-day event, if you are larger than an A cup, you may not be getting the support you need. A properly fitted bra will be comfortable whether or not it has underwire.

Sports Bra - These bras are designed to minimize bouncing during athletic activity. While some inexpensive varieties do this by squishing your breasts, it is better to find on that is sized by cup sizes (as opposed to small, medium, and large) and get fitted as you would with a regular bra. Over the long term, this will increase your comfort.

Nursing Bras - For the convenience of nursing mothers, these bras have a snap on each of the shoulder straps, so she can easily remove them to feed the baby without taking off the entire bra. Generally, nursing bras are full-coverage for the added support a new mother needs.

Now you can order all your intimate apparel with confidence! So next time you find the perfect little black dress, you can be sure you will look your best

About the Author:

Jessica Valentine is a successful writer and publisher interested in women’s apparel providing valuable tips and advice on finding sexy lingerie, lingerie fit, and lingerie buying guides for men. http://www.sexy-lingerie-for-her.net

Plus Size Swimwear Are Design To Give You The Best Silhouettes

So you've finally decide to have a great time at the beach to enjoy the hot summer whether. If you've been looking around in your local retail store for swimsuit to fulfill the supreme need of your dream plus-size-swimwear, but unable to find the best fit and style, don't give up. And don't give this as an excuse; because it's much easier then you think to shop for plus-size-swimwear online.

Extra Feature

After doing some research on plus-size-swimwear, I found out that Swimwear design for plus size women's are design to give the best silhouettes with trendy and sophisticated look. The extra features you can find in a plus-size-swimwear are the Tummy Tamer, Waist minimizer, Hip Minimizer, Bust enhancer and Bust Minimizer.

Although it cost slightly more then the usual swimsuit, but with these extra feature in it, it's worth the price and the satisfaction you get! Not to mention the excitement and experience you've once thought impossible.

If you want to feel sexy and in style, with proper coverage, it's important to take a good look at yourself in a full size mirror in order to define and determine which area or part of your body you'd want to accentuate to flatter your figure and which to camouflage to look slimmer or to hide.

You can easily establish a guideline on what to look for to be appropriate and in style for your occasion. Once you've analyze your physical characteristic carefully you'll be surprise to learn that you have a unique size and shape. Your case will be different from others and need swimsuit with different feature and style to get the best silhouette.

After you've established a guideline, you can then choose a style with features according to your physical requirement. You can find these features in a one piece swimsuit, Tankini style, Bandeau style or Swim dress.

If you want a slimmer look to give you the best silhouettes, Well, get one with all these feature in it - Tummy Tamer, Waist and Hip minimizer and Bust enhancer or minimizer, choose a style in your favorite color or print and you are now ready to ramp the beach in style.

To complete your look you might want to get swimwear cover up to be worn over your plus-size-swimwear after or before a swim or while strolling along the beach. Make your next trip to the beach the best of your life!

You should be very excited that, at last you finally are able to enjoy yourself and have fun under the hot summer whether at beach or swimming pool in a suit specially design for you.

About The Author
Christopher Ayu is the webmaster and content provider of http://www.swim-wear-in-style.com.

Formal Dresses – So Many Choices for that Formal Event!

Formal dresses are a great way to show up at a formal event, such as a prom, wedding or charity event. There are many options that a woman can choose from when they are in need of such an article of clothing. When browsing through the long list of available formal dresses, there are many decisions to make. The size, length, cut, style, and color are all issues needing careful consideration before you make a final decision. The perfect dress could set off your presence at an event just as strongly as an inappropriate dress choice could put a damper on the festivities.

Nowadays, formal dresses come with so many options to choose from - a woman could develop a headache deciding whether or not she wants her dress to feature a ruffle, a bow, as well as beading or additional sashes. The length of a formal dress is also important. Shorter lengths show off a little leg, which may, or may not, be desired. Longer dresses can help to achieve a slimming effect, as well as create the aura of regality. The style of the formal dress presents many choices; some opt for a strapless number, while others prefer the spaghetti strap look.. Dresses can also be dressed up with a simple accessory, such as an elegant choker or a fur wrap.

When choosing the style of your dress, you may want to consider some of the styles that will flatter your figure the most. Strapless dresses can be used to draw attention to lovely shoulders, while some dresses are available that can promote an hourglass appearance.

Below you will find an array of choices when one is in need of a formal dress for that special occasion:

1) Jacket Gown

When choosing a jacket gown for a formal event, you may prefer a dress selection with long sleeves, providing more coverage during your night out. Many of these gowns come in satin or lace options, offering a sexy yet still covered look.

2) Velvet Gown

Velvet gowns, especially a chocolate-colored selection can make a statement. If you are interested in drawing attention away from the hip and waist area, choose a formal dress that features an empire waist.

3) Lace Overlay Dress

Going for a classic look? Try a dress that offered a lace overlay bodice (preferably the color black) with a deep V in the front and back.

4) Strapless Satin

For a nice streamlined look, consider this option where accessories can be used to the fullest effect. Long earrings and sparkling necklaces go well with this dress choice.

Some top designers on the market have achieved positive results with a number of formal dress creations. Marc Jacobs offers a silk black dress that features an empire waistline and a bow located on the back of the dress. Nicole Miller has an open back dress in her line that showcases a sizzling back. BCBG offers a black bubble dress selection made from taffeta that provides a great strapless option.

For more womens fashion articles, and a FREE Fashion Magazine featuring the latest fashion trends for women, please visit our web site: www.net-planet.org

http://www.rachel.in/article-details.asp?ArtID=46

Cocktail Dresses – What They are, and When to Wear Them

Cocktail dresses, also referred to as a cocktail gown, are a woman’s garment that usually displays a shorter length and worn when one has been invited to a cocktail party. Cocktail dresses are suitable for wearing to events such as a semi-formal, prom, or other formal occasion. Cocktail dresses come in a variety of shapes, sizes and lengths, but one of the most popular choices is the well-known “little black dress.”

When choosing from the many available cocktail dresses, you should familiarize yourself with some of the lengths that you may encounter. Depending on the current fashion trends of the year or wardrobe acceptability, the length of a cocktail dress varies. Some cocktail dresses stop just above the knee, while other selections end around two inches from above the ankle, known as a tea length cocktail dress. When a cocktail dress touches the ankle, it is “ballerina length” - this is commonly associated with being an evening gown, with the differences between the two hard to tell.

Today, cocktail dresses come in an array of beautiful materials, with silk, satin, and chiffon these being the most popular choice.

Some people receive an invitation to an event or party and have no clue what to wear. The fear of over or under dressing for the occasion begins to set in. There are some clues to follow when you are puzzled on what to wear to an event. When using the invitation as a clue, you are more likely to casually dress if the invitation arrives through email or by telephone. If the invitation arrives through the mail, chances are you may be in need of a cocktail dress.

When invited to attend a benefit or event held by a charity or other association, a cocktail dress is probably the attire you should be thinking of. Sometimes deciphering what sort of wardrobe to raid is as simple as reading the entire invite. More than likely, you will find phrases, such as “casual dress,” “semi-formal attire” or “formalwear required” on the invitation. Moreover, the last resort if you are unsure is to call the phone number that is included on the invite and ask to make sure.

When attending a cocktail party, you shouldn’t wear a sequined gown – they are for a more formal occasion, such as a wedding or anniversary party. Cocktail dress lengths can range from a mini length to something that stops above the ankles. The type of material sends a message - satin and silk are popular choices, accompanied by flattering jewelry, handbags, and other accessories. The shoes that you select can also set off a cocktail dress - especially if you are sporting a shorter length and the shoes become an important focal point.

When choosing the color of your cocktail dress, you should keep in mind that during the summer season, floral prints, light pink, sky blue, pale green and yellow, as well as other pastels look good during this time. For a winter get-together, gray, crimson, black, dark brown and dark blue cocktail dresses are quite flattering. And for one of the number one tips regarding cocktail dresses: do not try to fit into a dress that is cut too low or is too tight; the results could be disastrous.

For more womens fashion articles, and a FREE Fashion Magazine featuring the latest fashion trends for women, please visit our web site: www.net-planet.org

http://www.rachel.in/article-details.asp?ArtID=47

Matching Your Footwear To Your Jeans

You can change your entire look by the way you combine your shoes with your jeans or dresses. You should take a little time to consider what shoes or boots go best with your clothing choice.

Today we have a huge variety of jeans to choose from and depending on which style you wear a certain type of footwear looks best.

If you are wearing jeans with flared legs or wide bottoms they are complimented best with low or flat heel boots, tennis shoes, or flat heel shoes. Jeans like these also look great with biker boots and hiking boots.

For jeans that are straight legged or with very little flare choose shoes or boots with a heel to accentuate the length of your legs and take advantage of the shape of the jeans.

The same advice goes when you are wearing the new low cut, low rise jeans that are popular today, and please only wear these if you are in really good shape. They don’t look good if you have a roll hanging over them! Assuming you pass that test, wear heels of any kind to make your legs look even longer. If you aren’t crazy about high heels try wearing a wedge heel that is easier to walk in and easier on your feet.

A really cool look that I like in particular is wearing tall knee high boots with straight leg jeans tucked into them. This is a hot and sexy look!

With jeans you can either opt for a more formal look or a more casual look by simply changing the top you decide on or your footwear.

If you wear a nice pair of jeans with a dress shirt and yet pair it up with flip flops you have taken a dressed up look and made it casual.

When wearing very light or faded jeans choose colors for your footwear such as black, browns and earth tones.

If you are wearing darker jeans wear brighter colors to give some accent.

Many women today are choosing cowboy boots which can look very sexy with the right jeans. Don’t be afraid to get a little wild and have fun with them!

Gregg Hall ia a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Take a look at www.stylishwomensapparel.com for stylish women's clothes.

http://www.rachel.in/article-details.asp?ArtID=48

Tight Clothing has been a Long Term Fashion Trend – But is It Sensible?

Tight clothing is stuck somewhere between the rock era of the 60s and 70s to today’s trends that many young females choose to follow. It is interesting to see the shift in the people who have worn or wear tight clothing. It was common for a man to wear tight jeans and shirts during the 70s, where in today’s society they wouldn’t be caught dead in tight clothing. Today, females find tight clothing sexy and attractive, especially when it comes to their jeans.

The styles of jeans have evolved throughout the years, ranging from bellbottoms, to boot-cut jeans, to hip huggers. With the trends as they are, it seems that many young girls desire a pair of low riding, tight jeans. However, unless, you weigh around 105 pounds, the look may not be the most flattering. Who wants to squeeze into tight clothing that makes you feel like you are cutting off your circulation throughout your legs and other body parts? The numbers are still high despite the fit or lack thereof.

Men stay away from wearing tight clothing because of its lack of sex appeal. Women embrace tight clothing as something that will enhance the curves of their body and make them appear more attractive to the opposite sex. The tight clothing that women are purchasing today consist of tight jeans with quite a low waist, accompanied by a tight top that shows off their breasts. Sometimes you will even see a tight bustier or bra matched with a pair of tight jeans. During the warmer months, tight mini skirts, as well as tight shorts replace tight-fitting jeans. Just think about Jessica Simpson in those daisy dukes; when is that trend going to end? It is also hard to resist this fashion trend of tight clothing when you see all of the hottest celebrities displaying the very same look.

However, there is another negative factor besides the frowns you may receive from your parents. There is actually a nerve condition that can develop from wearing tight clothing - especially seen in tight jean wearers. This nerve condition is comparable to that of a carpal tunnel syndrome for the legs, called paresthesia. Those who experience this condition will feel a tingling, burning sensation that develops under the hipbone area. The Canadian Medical Association Journal has published studies of this condition.

Not only can a female develop paresthesia, but tight clothing can also cause a highly annoying yeast infection. Wearing tight clothing leads to increased retention of heat, as well as an increased level of moisture in the vaginal area, which leads to a yeast infection – which is more prevalent in women who wear tight jeans, as well as tight pantyhose or stockings.

A word to the wise for men still wearing tight clothing, tight pants can cause infertility, as well as damage the testicles. Men should be aware that this damage could also affect their ability to father a child.

http://www.rachel.in/article-details.asp?ArtID=51

Selecting the Perfect Evening Attire

Women have an array of choices when selecting evening wear. This is a clothing category that allows women to express themselves in many fanciful ways. There are few rules as to what is appropriate, so each woman can choose whatever suits her own style and personality. This flexibility is evident when watching award shows. Some celebrities have appeared in outfits that defied gravity while others seemed to have animals growing from their clothes.

Making an appropriate choice in women's evening wear depends to a certain extent on the occasion, the level of formality needed and the climate. In spring and summer, light colored gauzy fabrics are often seen. There can be an element of whimsy about these dresses. Short dresses are popular for evening wear in warm weather, particularly for outdoor events.

In fall and winter, the general tone is more serious. While there are still many sleeveless and strapless gowns, they tend to be more structured. Taffeta, velvet, brocade and other rich fabrics are the norm. Black is always a popular color for women's evening wear in winter, but burgundy, deep blue and other dark, rich colors make fabulous alternatives.

Some women even choose tuxedo like pantsuits for evening events. This can be a great alternative in cold weather, although a long dress in a winter fabric worn with a coordinating shawl or a fur wrap can result in the same level of comfort.

Celebrities love designer evening wear

When actresses are interviewed as they walk the red carpet before award shows, one question they are always asked is, "Who designed your gown?" Designer evening wear has become a requirement for these posh events, so much so that many designers loan custom made gowns to top stars at no charge.

Calvin Klein, Dolce and Gabbana, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Versace and more are popular with many of today's well known performers. But women aren't the only ones whose taste in clothes is an issue at these events. Men have become fashion plates as well and will also be asked the source of their designer evening wear. Armani is well known for his top quality suits and his tuxedoes have quite a following also.

Knockoffs of the most attractive gowns seen on televised award shows are usually available in stores within a few weeks after the show to which they were first worn. These are unauthorized copies made to sell at prices regular people can afford. While a designer gown might cost $5,000, the department store copy will go for about $200. Unfortunately, the great bodies worn by celebrities are often harder to reproduce.

About the Author:
Jean Feingold is a copywriter for Catalogs.com. Catalogs.com is the Internet's leading source for print and online catalog shopping - and a growing hub of original content and "how to" information at www.catalogs.com.