Follow this guide and buying a bra that really fits will never have been so easy
May 20, 2016 by admin
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Choosing a bra can be a nightmare, even if you do manage to track down the correct cup size. But now, it seems we have been doing it wrong all along.
For new research has found that it is the shape of our breasts – rather than the traditional measurements taken around the chest – which best determines everything from the cut of bra to the clothes we should wear.
Lingerie company ThirdLove has even devised a breast shape dictionary, identifying the seven most common shapes, with advice on choosing the best underwear. Lingerie expert Becky John and stylists Natalie Theo and Tara Kavanagh-Dowsett of dressipi.com share their top tips on dressing to flatter your shape.
ROUND
Equally full at the top and bottom.
This, we are told, is what a ‘perfect’ breast should look like, but most of us don’t match up to that. The shape is not determined by fat, but by the density of breast tissue
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This, we are told, is what a ‘perfect’ breast should look like, but most of us don’t match up to that, says Dr Tracy Mountford, medical director of The Cosmetic Skin Clinic. ‘Women are genetically predisposed to have a certain breast shape, just as we have a particular nose shape or hair colour.’
The shape is not determined by fat, but the density of breast tissue, which is firmer to the touch than fat. But even the firmest breasts have a shelf life. In our 40s, as we approach the menopause and our ovaries produce less oestrogen, breast tissue is gradually replaced by fat – known as involution – leaving breasts much softer and less firm.
Low necklines will flatter your bust, whereas high necks would make you look top heavy
Bra to try: Underwiring and wider straps will provide support, says lingerie expert Becky John, while a plunge style will give an everyday shape, but leave cleavage. Try Satine Bra (£29, bravissimo.com).
How to dress: Low necklines will flatter your bust, says stylist Natalie Theo. High necks would make you look top-heavy.
DIFFERENT SIZES
Asymmetric – one breast is larger than the other.
It’s surprisingly common to have one boob that’s bigger or lower than the other. The best way to think of this is that they’re not identical twins but sisters
This is surprisingly common, says Dr Mountford. ‘Most of us have one boob that is slightly bigger. Or one might be slightly lower.
‘That’s why I always say that breasts are sisters, rather than identical twins.’
Indeed, it’s estimated that 99 per cent of women have different-sized breasts to some degree and 40 per cent have one breast that is a full one to two cup sizes bigger. It is usually the left breast that is bigger, as it is nearer the heart where there are more arteries and veins, and also sits on top of a protective layer of fat that surrounds the heart.
It is important to buy a bra to fit the larger breast, rather than try to squeeze into a smaller cup – padding can be added to the smaller breast to balance the sizes out
Bra to try: Becky says it is important to buy a bra to fit the larger breast, rather than try to squeeze into a smaller cup. ‘Choose a bra with detachable padding that’s flat and covers the entire bust. This can be removed from one side to even out the breasts.’ Try Boudoir Marilyn (£45, figleaves.com).
How to dress: ‘Draw attention away from your bust by wearing patterns and prints,’ says Natalie.
SIDE SET
A wide space between breasts.
If there’s around three fingers’ width between your boobs, they’re considered side set. If they’re very close together or touching, they’re close set.
Another important factor that determines how your bra fits is the separation, or spacing, between your breasts.
If there’s around three fingers’ width between your boobs, they’re considered side set. If they’re very close together or touching, they’re close set. Again, this is determined by genetics and varies widely between women.
Bra to try: When choosing a bra, Becky recommends that women with wide, side set breasts make sure underwires align properly with their breasts for the most comfortable and flattering fit. You should also choose a design that naturally pulls you in to a more central position, such as a front-fastener.
Wearing clothes that have higher necklines or pretty bust details will lift the eye up, drawing attention away from the breast
Or look for a plunge bra with an ingenious U-shape, designed to pull breasts together and ensure a more centrally placed cleavage stays put. Try Low Plunge U Bra (£28, bouxavenue.com).
How to dress: Stylist Tara advises steering clear of plunging necklines. ‘Go for higher necklines and pretty bust detailing. A pussybow dress or blouse will lift the eye up, drawing attention away from the breasts.’
BELL SHAPE
Slim at the top and full at the bottom.
Besides gravity, many factors can contribute to sagging – weight gain or loss, hormonal changes, the strength of the ligaments holding up breast tissue and lifestyle choices
Besides gravity, many factors can contribute to sagging – weight gain or loss, hormonal changes, the strength of the ligaments holding up breast tissue and lifestyle choices.
‘Running without a supportive bra can predispose you to more lax, droopy breast tissue,’ says Dr Mountford. ‘Significant drooping can be corrected only by a breast lift – a major operation. A non-surgical solution, to tighten the muscle using ultrasound, can lift boobs by around 1cm.’
Ensure that your bra has underwiring to make your bust appear rounder if it’s bell shaped
Bra to try: Look for styles with circular underwiring to make the bust appear rounder. Vertical seams offer shaping and support. Try PrimaDonna Couture Balcony Bra (£88.95, rigbyandpeller.co.uk).
How to dress: ‘After enhancing your curves, look for clothes with a sleek fit – such as a tailored dress,’ says Natalie.
SLENDER
Smaller, flatter breasts.
For many, being flat-chested is seen as undesirable – nearly half of women said a C-cup was their ‘ideal’ size, according to lingerie brand Playtex
There are advantages to having smaller breasts: those with an A-cup are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life than those with a more ample bosom, for example.
Yet, for many, being flat-chested is seen as undesirable – nearly half of women said a C-cup was their ‘ideal’ size, according to lingerie brand Playtex.
Bra to try: The good news for you is that it’s much easier to fake ‘up’ than ‘down’. ‘There are some very good built-in push-up pads that give natural fullness,’ says Becky.
With a pretty scalloped edge, flatter breasts can look rounder. There are also bras that come with soft ‘cushions’ to insert, which can take you up to two cup sizes bigger
With a pretty scalloped edge, flatter breasts can look rounder. There are also bras that come with soft ‘cushions’ to insert, which can take you up to two cup sizes bigger. Try B.Wow’d Push-up (£35, figleaves.com)
How to dress: ‘Any details that add volume to this area, such as ruffles or frills, will help to create a curvier silhouette,’ says Natalie.
EAST WEST
Nipples face outwards.
Nipple position can vary widely and an outward or downward facing nipple is very common. Diet changes can help those prone to droopiness
The most sought-after breast shape is round, coming to a small point at the nipple. Many bras are designed with this in mind. But nipple position can vary widely and an outward-facing nipple is very common.
Nipples can also face downwards, and this becomes more pronounced if breasts droop. For those prone to droopiness, diet changes can help, says nutritionist Helen Bond. ‘A diet rich in vitamin C will help boost collagen production to strengthen the connective tissues that give the breast its structure.’
Avoid clingy fabrics and instead choose shift dreses that skim the body, creating a flattering silhouette
Bra to try: ‘Choose moulded, more rigid bras with side panels to draw in breasts and give maximum cleavage,’ says Becky. Try Jodie plunge bra (£26, bouxavenue.com).
How to dress: Avoid anything clingy, says Tara. More fluid fabrics that glide over the bust, such as shift dresses that skim the body, would be very flattering.
TEARDROP
Less full at the top.
The deep ligaments that hold up breast tissue are constantly fighting gravity, but some of us are luckier than others
The deep ligaments that hold up breast tissue are constantly fighting gravity, but some of us are luckier than others.
‘The ligaments are weaker in some women, which is why even some young women will never have had a pert bust,’ says Dr Mountford.
For many, sagginess is a big concern. ‘Like a saggy face, in our society, saggy boobs send out a message that you are older.’
The teardrop is best served by a suportive plunge bra. Steer clear of detailing on the neckline as this will add bulk
Bra to Try: The teardrop is best served by a suportive plunge bra, says Ra’el Cohen, of ThirdLove. ‘These have a deeper neckline and the cups are at an angle to create lift, which helps fill in the top where the breasts are shallower.’ Try Heidi Klum Intimates Contour Balconnet (£38, figleaves.com).
How to dress: Steer clear of detailing on the neckline as this will add bulk. A body-skimming fit will flatter your silhouette.
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6 Ways Bachelorette Weekends Suck So Much More Than Bachelor Parties
May 20, 2016 by admin
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In recent years, bachelor and bachelorette parties have evolved from “one last crazy night out” to four-day long, destination escapades. Most people can see the logic in moving the party further away from the wedding, given our binge-drinking culture. Also, with so many friends spread out throughout the country who want to participate, why not choose a place that’s convenient for everyone?
However, these changes to the protocol of a final fling weekend have had radically different effects on bachelor parties and bachelorette parties. Honestly, every girl feels a certain amount of dread when she gets that, “Ladies, let’s make this the most special weekend for the bride-to-be” email.
Here are the reasons why:
The Planning Process
Bachelor Parties: The best man puts everything together a few months in advance. There are maybe 10 emails that go out during the planning process.
Bachelorette Parties: There are too many intricacies for one person to plan. So, various aspects of the weekend are delegated out by the maid of honor. There may be an actual “bachelorette planning brunch” (which in and of itself obviously requires one week of planning).
Inevitably, one person will seriously drop the ball or make some uncouth decision that is unacceptable to several guests, at least three of whom will have dietary restrictions. Resentment has already begun to build. Any number between 30 and 50 exclamation-point-filled emails get sent, and it all starts six months in advance.
The First Day You Arrive
Bachelor Parties: The dudes go to a casual dinner and find somewhere to drink until everyone has arrived.
Bachelorette Parties: Prepare for lots of squealing noises and hugs. This is what happens when girls haven’t seen each other in several months.
A hashtag must be created. Everyone insists this will be “the best weekend ever.” The bride’s room will be decorated with balloons, glitter and (possibly) penises.
Something will be wrong with the accommodations. They may not be clean enough, or the power play of choosing bedmates leaves someone feeling jilted. But since it’s the first day, everyone will move on quickly.
Bachelorette gift bags will be handed out and champagne will be popped. Maybe some of you will hit the bars. But it won’t be too crazy because getting ready to go out takes approximately seven hours. Also, everyone wants to get to bed early because of the big day the next day.
Morning Meal, Day Two
Bachelor Parties: The dudes emerge from their rooms sometime around noon, and go seek some greasy food for breakfast.
Bachelorette Parties: The ladies wake up early to head to an 11 am brunch at a darling spot that got great reviews on Yelp. But it doesn’t have the best reviews, since the place that did was already booked by the time Becky-who-dropped-the-ball tried to make reservations.
Half of the party will arrive at 11:10 am to hold the table, and the other half will arrive at 11:40 am because they were “getting ready.” There will be lots of mimosas, but the food will take forever to arrive. Because of the whole group getting hangry, someone will take someone else’s comment the wrong way.
Silence will fall over the table. These two girls will avoid speaking for the rest of the weekend.
Afternoon Activities, Day Two
Bachelor Parties: After a refractory period to digest the grease, the guys will participate in a bar crawl or some kind of outdoor activity. Or if they’re in Vegas and feeling fancy, they’ll go to a day club.
Bachelorette Parties: The only two activity options for a bachelorette are wine tastings or mani-pedis (with wine). There will be some sort of walking tour.
One girl – f*cking Becky – will get too drunk and have to go back to the hotel to lie down. Everyone will comment on this. The two girls who stopped speaking at brunch will covertly try to win other members of the bachelorette party onto one side or another.
Then, it’s time for fun and games. The ladies will reconvene in the bridal suite before dinner to either have a lingerie shower or play bachelorette games. A lingerie shower is where everyone is given the bachelorette’s bra and panty sizes, and each person buys something her future husband will enjoy seeing her in before they have sex.
These concepts are extremely uncomfortable for all parties involved. Bachelorette games usually involve penises, temporary tattoos, a survey filled out by the bachelor beforehand (which took five reminders to get in time) and alcohol.
Evening Activities, Day Two
Bachelor Parties: The guys will allow some time (say 90 minutes) to shower and get ready before they head out to (almost certainly) a steak dinner. Afterward, they will go drink (possibly with bottle service) and awkwardly hit on girls. There is a 60 percent chance of strippers.
Bachelorette Parties: Despite allowing three hours to get ready for dinner, the previous meal situation will be repeated. Some of the group will arrive to hold the table and complain about the others, who will arrive at least 30 minutes later due to a curling iron situation.
The former group won’t understand how it could possibly take so long to put on a dress, while the latter group won’t get why everyone is giving it death stares when reservations are more of a concept than a set time. At least one of the people with dietary restrictions will silently seethe that her needs were not accommodated, and at least one other person will complain about the cost.
Post-dinner, the ladies will head to a bar or club. (There will be zero problems getting into said clubs, which is the one bonus of a bachelorette party.)
The bride-to-be will wear some kind of crown or sash, which will not stay on for more than an hour. The two factions from the brunch debacle, who are now drunk, will drop snippy comments until the bride-to-be steps in.
A third of the party will head back to the hotel early. There is an 80 percent chance someone will cry, and a 90 percent chance someone will throw up. Hopefully, this will happen back at the hotel, as opposed to a bar bathroom.
The Departure, Day Three
Bachelor Parties: As they are extremely hungover, the dudes find some greasy food for breakfast before they head off to their flights. There are some hugs and back-slapping as they part, and they’re thankful for the quality time they got to spend together.
Bachelorette Parties: There is probably a brunch planned. But mostly everyone will skip it due to a combination of being hungover and wanting to get the f*ck back home. While overall, everyone had fun – and tentative truces were made to avoid wedding awkwardness – each girl can’t wait to get back to her own bed and bitch about the weekend’s events to her significant other or BFF.