So, last week, I sent an email about bras. This subject never seems to get old and is vital to our silhouette and shape. I used to use Queen Elizabeth as an example of how a bra should
and shouldn't look. But remember, the queen was in her 90s when this was taken, so I give her a little lee-way.
I don't even need to tell you which bra is better. It makes that much difference, and sometimes all this is, is adjusting the straps. But most of the time, it's not. The other thing to mention here about the Queen's attire is that she always had
an excellent shoulder, meaning everything hung correctly. For everyone, having a great shoulder that fits AND hangs correctly is a huge plus in any well-fitting garment.
Some of my readers (thank you very much - I always love getting feedback), asked where to get a bra. Locally, I go to Dillard's.
It's a fine department store, but it also has some excellent bra selections. But how did I choose this store? There's a locally-owned lingerie store close by, but dang it - the kind of bra they sell isn't the everyday bra I need to have good posture and long wear.
So where do you go and what do you look for. I can't possibly name all the
places to go in the world, however I can tell you what to look for.
Victoria's Secret is not a place I look for. Maybe that middle bra might have enough support, but honestly, how many white shirts (or even light-colored ones) could I wear that under? Not too many.
This is Nordstrom's, and although the first model there is not what we're looking for, looking just beyond, I see a good selection of supportive bras made to last. It's not that one is sexier; it's that one does last longer than the other, and that's what I'm
looking for.
So, here is a short note. There's a time and a place for all sorts of bras, and I've made my fair share of fun lingerie.
But even my well-made lingerie has a short lifetime. So, for everyday use, I'm looking for something that lasts. This is not about anything decorative or for a one-time event. If you like other kinds of lingerie - go for it. The lingerie I'm talking about is the everyday look that should make you feel supported and flatter your figure.
Obviously, the pink floral number is not our look, but in the distance, again are some great choices.
Some trade names I like are On Gossamer, Vanity Fair, Calvin Klein, and Maidenform. There are other names, so don't let the name govern your choices. It's the bra that matters, not the name.
I prefer a smooth "molded cup" because I work toward having a rounded, smooth area in my clothes, and if my undergarment doesn't have that, my clothes sure
aren't going to have that.
I also prefer an underwire. My circumference is large, and my chest measurement is not much, so I need some good
support for the "girls." I have a wire in my bras, but I also make sure it's a good and comfy fit. If a wire isn't your thing, no worries. It's the support that matters, and there are lots of ways to do that.
In the end, you want to make sure that your bra is in as much good proportion as possible.
Yikes!!! You know what looks right and what doesn't, so keep your proportions as even and natural-looking as possible.
See how all of these have good proportion and support because their busts aren't hanging near their waistline. This also cleans up that space on the side underarm area. Keeping this area (underarm) clean and fit is about 80% of fitting a person who carries her
weight above her waist and in her chest area.
When you're in a department store, they will always have models with the latest nonsense stuff,
but go deeper and if you find a good bra, try it on. When I go through, I usually pick about 4 or 5 bras to try on at once, and once I find one I like, I'll purchase 2 of them to have a backup. If they are costly (and prepare to pay about $70 for one in a department store), then get one, take it home, and look on the internet for others, just like the one you bought.
If you don't live close to a large city with a department store, make a point to drop by a lingerie department
and try on some bras when you travel to a large city. That is the best way to determine a bra that will support you, feel comfy, and look good. Nothing replaces trying it on. Once you find one, you can order replacements on the internet.
If you have any more questions about bras, just reply to this email, and I'll answer them.
The SewingArtistry Resource Library is designed to contain information to not only make your sewing better, but to aid in you fitting and flattering your shape, size and style. Check it out.
Look for future classes coming in 2024 The Core Pattern Shirt, (one of my favorites for woven core pattern that you can make into a myriad of different
garments), Basic Knit Top (core pattern class for knit basic tops, shells, tees, dresses, and tunics)
This is the way fashion used to be -- pretty, flattering and I can't wait to make some of...
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