What Women REALLY Want this Valentine’s Day

If you’re in a couple that celebrates Valentine’s Day then you’ll know that 14th February is just around the corner. In the UK, lingerie is probably one of the most popular Valentine’s presents and thousands of racy underwear sets are sold every February to hopeful individuals praying that they’ve got it right this year!

Wearing beautiful lingerie is empowering and can make you feel incredible. The lucky recipient will likely be tickled pink that you’ve given her such a thoughtful and lusted-after gift, and you’ll no doubt be in the good books for weeks. However skimpy barely-there panties and pornstar-worthy bras aren’t on our Valentine’s wish list this year, and here’s why…

It’s just not comfortable. There, we said it.

It’s hard to put into words just how torturous badly fitting underwear can be. Imagine wearing a bra that is slowly constricting your ribcage, or wearing skimpy knickers that rub you in places where they really shouldn’t. The last thing you’ll feel like doing is getting jiggy because, well, the chafing, drooping, squeezing and wedgies you’ll experience at the hands of terribly-fitted lingerie means you won’t be even close to feeling your best! 

Giving well-fitted lingerie as a Valentine’s present is a beautiful thing. Believe us; being presented with a lovingly wrapped set of stunning lingerie IN THE CORRECT SIZE is nothing short of incredible and will make us do a little happy dance.  

But as we know, sizing can be a complete nightmare. Women often end up buying the wrong sizes for themselves, and they’re the ones with the breasts! So expecting someone to use guess work or good judgement (or, in some very worrying cases, a show of hands to the shop assistant) is madness. 

That’s where we’re here to help! If you’re considering buying your significant other beautiful lingerie for Valentine’s Day this year then read on. Our helpful guide to buying lingerie as a V-Day gift will give you all the information you need to get it right this year!

How to Choose Underwear for Your Partner

• BRA SIZING

As mentioned above, many women don’t even know what size bras they should be wearing themselves,  so what hope does someone else have of getting it right! If your lady has already been fitted by us and knows the correct size, then peek into her underwear drawer and read the label from her most-worn/favourite bra, and come into the shop armed with the size so we can help you. If you can get the brand/make of that bra too that would be really helpful! We stock cup sizes B-JJ and band sizes 28-44, so we’re sure to have what you need

If you’re not sure that she’s been fitted in a while, then we strongly recommend arranging for her to get correctly fitted here in our lingerie boutique in Wadebridge. Our Luxury Fitting Experience package is an incredibly popular gift for Valentine’s Day and one which your woman will adore. Trust us. For just £50, the lucky lady in your life will be able to come in for a bra consultation with a lingerie specialist, get properly fitted and matched with the perfect underwear for her body shape, all whilst enjoying a glass of Prosecco. She will get £50 worth of lingerie and a goodie bag to take home too! Alternatively, if you’d rather buy her a gift voucher so she can come into the shop and pick something out herself then we do them in any increment you like from £10-200 (and above!)

• UNDERWEAR STYLE

Look at what she already has. If there isn’t a single thong in her underwear drawer, she doesn’t wear thongs. That will be because she doesn’t like them, not because she has always wanted one! Ditto anything crotchless. Scratchy fake red lace also. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with buying her something you want to see on her, you will get a lot more brownie points if she loves it and feels comfortable in it, too. 

The female figure is a work of art that deserves to be honoured with only the most flattering undergarments. There are so many different types of knickers and briefs out there and each woman has her favourite style so it’s important for you to take note of what she wears. Does she like hipster briefs or does she like a little more coverage? Are her bras and knickers bright and patterned, or are they mostly black? What kind of colour palette does she prefer? Are you seeing lots of lace, or just plain cotton? All of these things are good to keep in mind to make your life a little easier once you come in to pick that perfect Valentine’s Day gift. 

From balcony to plunge, full-cup to longline… the world of bra styles can seem like a minefield and there are many many different types of bras in the giant world of lingerie.Some are better suited for busty gals, and some are better for smaller frames. Take a look at the shape of your partner’s regular bras and let us know the shape (or look on the Mish Online website to find similar) and let us help you with picking the perfect shape bra for your partner. 

• BRA ALTERNATIVES

A nice alternative (or addition!) to a bra and pants set is a body – bodies are really nice to wear under clothes but also super sexy and easy to buy as they come in clothes sizes and accommodate a large array of bust sizes. For example the Superboost lace body from Goassard can fit anything from a 32D to a 34GG and can be worn under a dress with a bra, but also with no bra. They are nice and warm for wearing under clothes in winter and make you feel held in and beautiful. Likewise with gorgeous lace chemises like this Wacoal lace affair. We also stock a gorgeous range of luxurious loungewear by Mey which is perhaps not as ‘sexy’ as a gift for Valentine’s, but it might be something that a lady wouldn’t buy herself so it’s a really lovely gift and something she’ll wear time and time again.  

Luxury Lingerie Valentine’s Gifts for Her

Below we’ve picked out some of the more traditionally ‘Valentines-y’ lingerie items (red and black!) to get you thinking about what she might like as a gift this year. But we can’t highlight enough that coming in to have a chat is the best way so we can carefully guide you to choosing exactly what will evoke enormous grins on Valentine’s morning – from you and her. Happy Valentine’s day!

Simply call us on 01208 816446 to book your partner’s luxury fitting experience or to buy a gift voucher. Or pop in to say hi and chat about finding your perfect Valentine’s gift, we’re very friendly honest!

Mish xx

How a Sports Bra Can Make or Break the “New You”

2020… As another new year rolls around you promise yourself that THIS is your year! You’re going to finally dust off those trainers. No, really this time. This is the year when you’ll get fit, the year you’ll start walking up the stairs rather than taking the lift, the year you’ll run that half marathon,  the year you’ll eat healthily and achieve those health goals and be really “truly happy” (whatever that means).  

2020 is your year and you’re going to smash it!

It is then that you realise that your trainers have seen better days and you don’t have a sports bra, but you do have a comfortable old bra that you don’t wear anymore so it will be good for getting sweaty. Your plans for a run get waylaid as you start searching the internet for new trainers.  Your old comfy bra will be ok, as long as you can stretch in it, right? 

Wrong! 

We can’t help you with your trainers unfortunately, but we’re here to tell you about the importance of wearing a good sports bra and how it can make or break the ‘new you’. Yes really. 

Read on dear reader, this is the advice you need to help you achieve those new year fitness goals…

 

The Invention of the Sports Bra

Women in ancient civilisations used to bind their chests with leather to stop their boobs bouncing around and legend has it that the Amazons of Ancient Greece used to actually cut off their right breasts to partake in archery pursuits. In the 1920s French sportswoman Violette Morris even chose to have a double mastectomy because her breasts “impeded control” of her racing car!

Thankfully, sports bra technology has come on leaps and bounds (pardon the pun) since the sports bra was invented in 1977 and put a stop to all that historic craziness. Commercial sports bras came into circulation thanks to the new popularity of jogging in the US and the women’s liberation movement. And our boobs have been grateful ever since.

The Importance of a Good Quality (Properly-Fitted) Sports Bra

Your sporting performance can be affected by the type of bra you wear. During high impact activities like running, a normal bra cannot prevent your breasts from bouncing back and forth.  If you don’t wear a sports bra then the Cooper ligaments (that maintain the shape and height of the breast) can tear and become damaged. Just as with any sport-related ligament damage, this hurts! Also, once they’ve been stretched they don’t shrink back so you need to take the utmost care because gravity is queen!

Breasts can move as much as 8 inches during exercise up and down, in and out and from side to side. This figure-of-eight-shaped boob dance when exercising means that a good quality supportive sports bra is a must, especially for high impact sports such as running. 

 

A good pair of trainers should cushion the foot, give arch support and improve athletic performance by aiding the prevention of injury. A sports bra is no different and equally as important – but for your boobs instead of your feet. If your sports bra is ill-fitting or not supportive enough it can damage delicate breast tissue, cause back pain and even restrict your breathing – which of course will make exercise more difficult and hamper your keep-fit efforts.

Here at Mish we generally specialise in bras for larger boobs but where sports bras are concerned, even women with smaller boobs need to get correctly-fitted and wear a good quality sports bra when exercising. You wouldn’t exercise in trainers that are too small (or too big), so why would you wear an incorrectly-sized sports bra?

What Makes a Good Sports Bra?

A good quality sports bra should have cool breathable panels, be able to wick away moisture and have a wide elasticated chest band which can reduce bounce (as with this non-wired Shock Absorber running sports bra which reduces bounce by up to 78%, and this wired sports bra by Panache which reduces bounce by 83%!)

Along with this, it needs to fit correctly! Take a look at our bra fitting guide for advice. A good sports bra needs to fit a little more snug than a regular bra but shouldn’t restrict breathing. You should be able to fit two fingers between the straps and your shoulders. If you choose an underwired sports bra then it should lay flat against the ribcage. The band shouldn’t ride up when you raise your hands above your head and ideally the cups should be seamfree and moulded to ensure that you avoid the dreaded nipple rub!  Your breasts shouldn’t bulge – pay close attention to any bulging at the top or by the underarm. Furthermore, the cups shouldn’t have any wrinkles or gaps. If the cup fabric is wrinkled, try a smaller size. 

Can I Wear the Same Sports Bra for All Sports?

While having one reliable sports bra in your gym kit is a necessity, ideally you’ll have a few on the go for different activities, such as a simpler style for yoga and a high impact design for more intensive workout sessions. Choosing a sports bra which is supportive for running and court sports, or aerobics and yoga means choosing one which is lightweight, flexible and which has the technology to withstand high impact activity too. 

Things to Consider:

• If you plan on weight training, dancing or boxing, a bra with a good low cut around the armpit will restrict chafing on the armpit. Good to consider when doing wide arm movements, whether it’s warrior II pose or a deadlift. 
• If doing yoga or low impact sports then consider a lightweight freestyle non-wired bra with a racer back style to give freedom of movement. Also consider the neckline and compression of the bra to ensure your boobs don’t fall out when you’re practicing those tricky yoga inversions!  
• Compression/Encapsulation: Most regular bras offer encapsulation (where each breast is encapsulated by a cup, supporting each boob individually) but many sports bras offer compression (where the breasts are compressed against the chest to restrict movement). Consider which works best for you and your breast size/chosen sport.
•  Don’t be embarrassed to try your chosen sports bra on and jump up and down, jog on the spot, do jumping jacks and stretch those arms around. If it feels supportive and comfortable, you’re set!

Getting Fit, Getting Strong

Getting fit is not necessarily about weight loss – it’s about being fit and healthy and strong. It’s about seeing what the body can do and pushing it that little bit further to make you feel good. Whether that means a 10k run or a swim in the local pool, just getting moving is a positive step for your body and your mind.  We love Georgina Horne @fullerfigurefullerbust who has a good workout on her grid which shows how moving and feeling strong can make you feel incredible. 

Park Run organises Saturday morning runs in communities all around the UK. The runs are open to all; anybody and everybody of all ages and running abilities can take part in a park run – you can run, jog or walk the course and speed doesn’t matter. Taking part and getting moving is what it’s all about! This is a great drive to get people out and about in their communities and an awesome way to start getting fit. And once you have a good bra and your boobs aren’t uncomfortably getting squashed or jostled about when you exercise, you might find that you really enjoy it!

We stock a good selection of sports bras which are suitable for all your sporting needs, just pop in to our shop in Wadebridge and we can fit you and advise you on the best sports bra for you. 

Take a look below at a few of our favourite sports bras and their benefits, we hope you’ll now be clued up on the importance of a good sports bra and come in to be fitted for yours soon. 

“New year new you” starts here!

Nursing Bras and Why It’s SO Important to Wear a Decent One

You’ve just popped a baby out, your nipples are red raw and there’s milk spraying out when you least expect it. Oh the joys of new mummyhood! Breastfeeding can be a walk in the park for some, but for others it’s a difficult journey which takes lots of practice and saintly patience. And then there is the minefield of nursing bras! Which should you choose and why are they necessary?

Nursing bras are a crucially important addition to your maternity/new mum kit for numerous reasons. A good nursing bra will offer comfort and support, a bad one could contribute to damaging the milk ducts and could cause pain or mastitis. Here we look at the main questions we get asked about nursing bras and why it’s SO important to wear a decent one…

Nursing Bras: All Your Questions Answered…

What is the Purpose of a Nursing Bra?

A nursing bra is (as you might gather by the name) a bra that you wear whilst nursing/feeding your baby.  Nursing bras differ to maternity bras as they have easy access to your breasts for feeding/pumping without actually having to remove your bra (or stretch the cup out of shape!). A woman’s breasts will continue to change in size throughout her lifetime, and it is particularly noticeable around pregnancy and post-birth. New mums will notice large fluctuations in breast size as the body learns to regulate its milk supply to suit your baby. Ordinary bras do not have the ability to accommodate the enormous changes which will happen to your breasts while pregnant and nursing so a nursing bra is a must-have for breastfeeding mums. 

It’s important to use a good quality nursing bra for the duration you breastfeed your baby with soft cups or nursing flexiwires with at least 6 rows of hooks and eyes (ordinary bras usually only have 3). The back band of your bra provides 80% of the support, so this is very important. This will allow your bra to have room for the diaphragm and rib cage to expand during pregnancy, and the ability to tighten after the baby is born and it all settles back down again. Nursing bras have clips on the straps to easily access the breast, and some of our new style nursing bras actually use magnets which makes it even easier still!

When Should I Buy a Nursing Bra?

The rib cage expands in pregnancy to accommodate your bulging uterus and the baby growing inside it, and during this time some women can go up 2 or 3 back sizes. For this reason we advise that you come to get fitted regularly during your pregnancy to ensure that you are wearing the correct size wireless or flexi-wire bra right from the outset when you see that little blue line on the pregnancy stick.

You can wear a nursing bra at any stage of your pregnancy (some of ours are so pretty and comfy that we have women wearing them even if they’re not pregnant!) and we advise getting your final nursing bra fitting 3-5 weeks before your due date to ensure that you have something with you to take to the hospital that will fit well and be comfortable from the outset. When you’re packing your hospital bag you can pack everything but the kitchen sink for baby, but sometimes forget you! So don’t forget the essentials you will need, including that properly fitted nursing bra. 

Here at Mish we advise leaving the tags on just in case you are unable to breastfeed and we will fully refund you (as long as it’s unworn and you have the receipts!) should you no longer have use for a nursing bra once baby arrives. 

What Size Nursing Bra Will I Need?

Many new mums make the mistake of choosing nursing bras “off the shelf” just with extra room in the cup. We really don’t advise doing this as an ill-fitting cup won’t offer your breasts that much-needed extra support required and it can lead to problems. 

We can’t accentuate enough the need to get properly fitted by a bra fitting specialist to ensure that your nursing bra is comfortable and correctly-fitting. This is important for your health and comfort; two things which all women need to consider and not just when nursing. A good nursing bra will have stretchy fabric on the top of the cup; this will allow for movement in the breast as it produces milk. Don’t just size up and hope for the best – you will need to visit a proper bra fitting specialist and be correctly fitted to ensure you are looking after your boob’s best interests.   

How Many Nursing Bras Will I Need?

We get asked this a lot! We always recommend starting off with at least two nursing bras so that you can have one in the wash and one on the go. Even with good breast pads (we recommend Hotmilk washable nursing pads), your bras are still likely to get milk-sodden and need washing more regularly than would a ‘normal’ bra. You’re likely to be wearing your nursing bra to bed (see next point) so washing will be required more frequently than you would for a normal bra that you only wear during the day. Definitely start with two nursing bras and then get remeasured a few months in when your milk supply has settled and your boobs aren’t fluctuating so much as in those early days of new motherhood. 

Should I Wear a Nursing Bra to Bed?

We find that most breastfeeding mums like to wear a bra to bed, and this is for two reasons. Firstly, night time is often when milk production is at its highest (hence the sleepless nights!) so leakage might be common and you’ll need breast pads, and breast pads need something to go in – a bra! Secondly; support. Your boobs are likely to be tender and need some extra support when you’re lactating so a comfortable bra is crucial so you can wear it at night too. Seamless multifit bras and nighttime maternity bras such as this one from Hotmilk will prove a god-send for a more comfortable night’s sleep. 

Are Underwire Nursing Bras Harmful?

There’s lots of talk about underwires causing mastitis or stopping lactation. Research shows that an ill-fitting bra which is too tight and squeezes the breast tissue will actually cause more damage than a wired bra that is perfectly and correctly fitted, wired or not. 

Correctly fitted underwired bras can be worn during pregnancy, but we don’t recommend the use of underwire bras during the first three months of your pregnancy or the first 6 weeks post-partum because these are the times when your breasts are fluctuating most. Regular changes in your breast (you’ll find that they can even change hourly!) will inhibit it from fitting perfectly into the cup and could cause some hindrance to you.

What is a Flexiwire Bra?

Flexiwire bras (such as the ProjectMe Warrior nursing bra) are a good alternative to normal underwired bras whilst pregnant, and are a very popular option for pregnant mums. A flexi-wire bra contains a lighter, more flexible wire in it than traditional wired bras. The flexible wire sits in the wire channel in much the same way as in your regular underwire bra, but is more supple and bendy. Flexible wire that is specially designed for nursing bras generally have a wider smile (curve) to help ensure that it sits comfortably below the breast tissue and not on it. If you feel like you want wire then ensure you’re properly fitted and the nursing bra is high quality from a reputable brand (have a look through our range of nursing bras and lingerie to see what we suggest!)

Where Can I Buy Nursing Sports Bras?

If you are a sporty type and can’t wait to get back to your fitness regime after baby arrives then a nursing sports bra will be a necessity because your milk-filled boobs will be heavier and more sensitive than they were pre-baby. Even when not nursing, breasts can move 8.26 inches during exercise as they move up and down, in and out and from side to side! So a good quality supportive nursing sports bra is a must. With cooling breathable panels and sports elastic under the bust to anchor the bra to the body, a nursing sports bra is quite a technical addition to the maternity wardrobe.  Hotmilk make a great range of nursing sports bras for the larger bust such as this Activate Sports flexiwire nursing bra. The good news is that if you exercise/workout when your baby is not around, then it’s fine to wear your usual sports bra. 

Where Can I Find Nursing Bras for the Bigger Bust?

Here at Mish we specialise in providing bras for the fuller bust, and our nursing bras are no different. We stock a beautiful (and comfortable!) range of stunning nursing bras for the bigger bust from maternity lingerie specisliasts Hotmilk, ProjectMe and Sugar Candy. 

When you’re exhausted and not feeling like yourself, at least you can smile at the knowledge that underneath that comfy old t-shirt is a beautiful sexy nursing bra making you feel incredible. And that’s priceless.    

Where to Find Nursing Bras in Cornwall

For an in-store nursing bra fitting just pop in to the Mish shop on Eddystone Court, Wadebridge and one of our specialists will be on hand to fit you. We can’t wait to welcome you and get you perfectly fitted into your choice of nursing bra to help your journey into motherhood run that little bit more smoothly… You’re too good to hide!

Men! This is your guide to buying Valentines lingerie!

We know that the  pressure of underwear shopping for your partner can be, a little overwhelming! With so many styles to choose from, different cuts, fabrics, colours, and that’s before even getting started on the size! Where do you begin?

Well consider us your lingerie buying guardian angels! Luckily for you, we know how to buy lingerie for women, and we have some alternative options for you too! This Valentines Day, you will not go wrong…

Gossard Entice Complete Set 

Pick up the perfect set for the ultimate surprise – Just remember these 5 TOP TIPS:

1. It’s all about the size! Especially when it comes to the bra! And this is no guessing game, oh no. When she’s not around find her favourite bra (with hope she’s not wearing it that day!), have a little peek on the label (it will look something like ‘32E’) and make note of her size. We stock cup sizes B-JJ and band sizes 28-44, so we’re sure to have what you need.

2. Get to know her style! Take a moment to look at what she likes…yes I’m sure you’ve seen it all before, but take a closer look this time. Does she prefer vibrant block colours? Love feminine floral prints? Or does she prefer lace in classic tones such as white, black or nude? With a rough idea of what she likes, we can also help further in store, or via email, and point you in the right direction.

3. Once you’ve got the style nailed, it’s time to think about the different shapes bras come in! Some women prefer a full cup, others a balcony, whilst many prefer a plunge. Check the style of shape your partner has more of, and you’re sure to get it right. And if you’re not too sure what those cuts look like, you can find a little guide down below.

4. And lastly, we cannot forget about her knickers! Every women loves to match her undies, we recommend 2-3 pairs per bra. But ask yourselves this first… Is she a thong lady? Or does she favour shorts or briefs?

5. Once you’ve found the perfect lingerie…Don’t forget to ask us to Gift Wrap it for you!

Shop Our Full Range

Or why not buy her an experience?!

With our Luxury Fitting Experience vouchers, your lucky lady can indulge herself in £50 worth of lingerie, a style consultation over a glass of bubbly and a relaxed and comfortable bra fitting from one of our professionally trained fitters. To top it all off, we’ll even throw in a goody bag with some lovely gifts!

Buy in-store or give us a call on 01208 816446

And a Gift Voucher doesn’t have to just be a ‘gift voucher’ either, turn it into a sweet sentiment – Wrap it up in a cute box and tie a ribbon around it, but most importantly add a touching note; tell her you love her, but you just knew she would do a better job than you ever could. As you know, we women do like to be right!

Additionally, Mish offers Gift Voucher’s in a range of prices from £10 – £500, which can be brought in-store.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

 

 

Uncover the secrets to a great looking party dress! Part two

Last week we mentioned there was only one secret you needed to know to ensure your party dress is looking its best – and that’s getting your underwear right! Now that we’ve got the sizing bit of out of the way (for tips on finding your fit, view our post from last week), let’s get onto the fun stuff! STYLES!

Just over a week ago The Daily Mail released their ‘Ultimate Christmas Party Dress Hot List’ and it really is the ultimate list, we can guarantee you there is a style to suit whatever your shape, budget and event!

So to make your life just that little bit easier this Christmas (because we all know there is so much to do this time of year!) we have picked a couple of our favourite styles from the list, and handpicked the perfect lingerie solution for it!

Are you ready to be inspired?

                  

Dress: Low Cut V-necks
Bra: Gossard Superboost Padded Plunge in Twilight
Why: Superboost offers a low front centre gore and thin straps for minimal coverage, meaning no unsightly bra flashes!

                       

Dress: Wrap Dresses
Bra: Fantasie Elodie Balcony in Cobalt
Why: Elodie is the one for wrap dresses as it’s balcony style has wide set straps that will sit perfectly underneath. Wrap dresses are great if you require a bra with a higher front for that extra support!

                   

Dress: Plus Size
Bra: Elomi Anushka Plunge 
Why: Elomi is always are go to style for fuller breasts! They offer fantastic support and are absolutely gorgeous. We think Anushka will jingle all the way this Christmas with it’s fiery red colour and pretty lace detailing!

      

Dresses: Spaghetti Straps & Strapless
Bra: Panache Evie Strapless in Nude
Why: Seems obvious really doesn’t it? Strapless dresses need a strapless bra. But what about those with those teeny tiny thin straps? Best to keep the straps away and opt for strapless there too! We love Evie by Panache as it offers all the support of a normal bra and it’s paneled cups means it has an amazing fit!

 

Dress: Sheer
Bra: Panache Evie Strapless in Black
Why: There’s nothing more feminine and classic than a sheer or lace panel! So again, lets not ruin the appeal with unpleasant straps, and guess what? Evie also comes in Black.

  

Dress: Tailored Shifts & Bodycons
Shapewear: Spanx High Waisted Mid-Thigh Shorts
Why: Shapewear is perfect for smoothing out your silhouette and emphasing all your curves! Just what the fitted dress called for.

 

Dress: High Necklines
Bra: Fantasie Allegra with Side Support in White
Why: High necklines can really show off your shape, so stop your breasts from looking east & west by choosing a bra with an added side support panel in the cups! Side support helps project your shape forward and will keep you looking neat and tidy.

 

Dress: Cocktail Dress
Bra: Tutti Rouge Jessica Plunge with Tutti Booster
Why: Some dresses really do want that va-va-voom! And Jessica is the only one you need for that. Jessica comes with Tutti Booster pads in 2 different sizes, so you can tailor that oomph from day to night!

If you’re still struggling to find your perfect match, then why not pop in-store with your party dress and we’ll get you sorted! Alternatively, drop us an email at mish@mish-online.co.uk with a photo of your outfit.

 

Uncover the secrets to a great looking party dress! Part One

Can you believe it? It’s that time of year again. The sound of sleigh bells are coming around the corner, it’s nearly time to pucker up for a kiss under the mistletoe and we’re all starting to get in a tangle trying to wrap those pretty ribbon bows around the presents! All of this can only mean one thing….party dress season has officially arrived!

Whether you’re planning on treating yourself to a shiny new outfit, or you’re dusting off your trusty favourite, there is only one secret you need to know to ensure your dress is looking its best…

Underwear!

Yes you read that correctly, it’s all about the underwear. Get the foundation right and everything else will fall into place. It really is that easy.

The only thing you need to know, is make sure your bra fits!

Not only will it drastically change the overall shape it’ll give you, but do you know what? It’s actually a lot more comfortable (perfect for getting a little Christmas boogie on!) and helps improve breast health.

Our top three tips to ensure you’re wearing a well fitted bra:

1. THE BAND

• The band should be fitted nice and snug running parallel to the bottom of the cups. If the band is riding up your back, or you can pull it a good couple of inches away from your body, then the band is too big, which means losing 80% of the support of the bra. Try going down a size or 2 and see how that fits. But remember, for every band size you go down, go up 1 size in the cup! (See our post about sister sizing)

2. THE CUPS

• The Cups! What you are looking for is that the centre gore of the bra sits flat against your body and the top edge of the cup is sitting smoothly over your breasts. To check that the wires are not pressing on the edge of your breast tissue (just under your arm) simply pop your arm out to the side, pull away the side of the cups and check that the wires are sitting behind the start of your breast tissue (you may need to use a mirror to help, you ask a trusted friend of partner).
  • The most obvious sign that your cups are too small is that dreaded 4 boob look! (We’ve all been there haven’t we?) You’ll notice this if you find that your breasts spill out over the top, from the sides, or that the top edge of the bra is beginning to cut into the skin. Other signs to look out for include, the centre gore sitting away from your body, and the uncomfortable feeling of wires digging into you (no Christmas boogieing for you!)
  • Alternatively, if the cups are too big, then you will notice quite a gap between the bra and your breast, or an excess of fabric. If, like most of us, you have 1 boob slightly bigger than the other, then we always recommend fitting to the fuller side to ensure the best support.

3. THE STRAPS

• The straps offer 10% each of the support in your bra, so check they are sitting correctly by popping your fingers in under the straps and lift them up off your shoulders. A well-adjusted strap should lift no more than about 2 inches. If you can stretch them up over your ears, you might want to tighten them a little.

We always recommend dropping in-store and getting professionally fitted by one of our trained fitters, but if you don’t happen to live nearby then we’ve always got our carefully crafted Bra Size Calculator on our website for you to try!

Stay tuned for part two next week, where we’ll be offering our tops tips on lingerie styles to best suit your outfits this year!

 

Parents Guide to Buying Bras

You know how important it is for you to #FreeTheSqueeze by wearing a well fitted, supportive bra and how much of a difference it can make to your well-being, confidence and posture!

Introducing your daughter to bra fittings during the early stages of breast development is a great way to instill this positive habit of a lifetime!

When should my daughter first be fitted?

There is no correct age in which your daughter should first be fitted for a bra. We are all different, and grow and develop at different rates. For some girls, this may be as young as 9 or 10, whilst others may be older. As a guide we would recommend getting her fitted as soon as there are signs of breast tissue developing.

Why does she need a bra?

It’s important to start supporting the breasts as they begin to grow and a bra helps to prevent any damage that can be caused to the breast ligaments.

What should I be looking for when choosing a first bra for my daughter?

If it’s her first bra that you’re looking for, then we would recommend trying a non-wired soft cup bra to begin with as girls can grow quickly and rapidly, and this helps to prevent any pressure being applied to the developing breast tissue from the wire. Soft cup bras are incredibly comfortable and a great way to start introducing your daughter to the feeling of wearing one.

What’s the difference between a padded and a moulded foam bra?

You may find that the style of bra your daughter wants may differ from what you would feel comfortable with her wearing. Many girls will say they prefer to wear a ‘padded’ bra because they offer modesty and hide their nipples which they may feel self-conscious about. In reality it is not a padded bra they are after, but actually a moulded foam cup bra. A moulded foam cup offers a seam free cup and a very light padded covering that is discreet and smooth under clothing, but does not provide any additional sizing or push up of the breasts that a padded bra will.

What type of bra should my daughter wear during PE?

The added weight of the breast tissue will cause the chest to bounce during exercise which can put strain on the ligaments and damage them. Wearing a sports bra during PE lessons or any physical activities and hobbies, is a great way for your daughter to support herself and also keep herself feeling comfortable! .

What if my daughter is feeling shy about having a bra fitting?

It’s perfectly normal for your daughter to feel shy or nervous about having her first bra fitting, but there is nothing or her to be embarrassed about. Assure her that we (including us bra fitters) have all been there before! It may help to put her at ease by inviting her sister, cousin or some friends and turning it into a girls trip out. She’ll be surprised how much fun it can really be!

Here’s a couple of bras that we love:

Royce Missy Petal and Plain White 2 Pack

The Missy collection by Royce have been specifically designed to be your daughters first bra! They contain no wires and have soft moulded foam cups, so not only are they practical and comfortable, but conveniently come in a pack of 2! Each pack consists of 1 pretty design like the petal bra featured above, and a plain white one suitable for her to wear under her school uniform. Available in an A-D cup and band size 30-36, and is also available in a cute cupcake design!

Lepel Athena Soft Cup

Another fantastic choice for a non-wired soft cup bra, is the Athena by Lepel. It’s discreet enough for everyday wearing and suitable to wear under anything, and the added features of a lovely lace band and small pale pink satin bow detailing give it a pretty finish.

Lepel Lyla Balconette 

Lyla is available as both a soft cup (in-store only) and as a wired t-shirt bra, so is a great transition bra when your daughter reaches the size when a little more support is needed. Lyla has seam free moulded cups to be discreet under clothing, but like Athena, features delicate lace detailing on the band.

Freya Eden Half Cup

How about something lighthearted for after school or at the weekends? The Eden half cup by Freya features a pale floral print that’s cute and fresh, whilst the half cup style is very lightly padded to help shape the cup and offer some modesty.

We have plenty more styles available in store, and a team of friendly trained fitters, so if you have any questions, would like some more information or would like to book your daughter in for fitting, then simply drop us message and get in touch!

#FreeTheSqueeze Our First Blogger Event – Review 3

Happy friday ladies!

You might have remembered that last month we hosted a blogger event at our shop in Bodmin? Well here is another great review of the day, this time by the fantastic Slummy Single Mummy!

Read all about her day with us here.

Now, we have a special little thank you to give to Jo from SSM. Team member Stacie attended a blogger workshop back in February, run by Jo herself! It was such an inspiring morning, and Jo was so lovely, that we decided we needed to invite her and some other local South West bloggers to pop over to spend the day with us, and viola, it was the beginnings of our blogger event!

So, thank you Jo!

#FreeTheSqueeze Our First Blogger Event – Review 2

As you may have seen on our blog last week, we held our first blogger event at the start of this month, and we had such a great time meeting all the fab ladies that came, that we want to share with you their reviews of the day.

Last week we featured Stevie’s from A Cornish Mum.

Our next review comes from the lovely Alison from Shut The Frock Up (how great is that name?), so why not kick back and relax whilst having a little read!

Alison is wearing Maddie Pop by Cleo by Panache. Doesn’t she look amazing?

Alison is also the designer and owner of Cornish based vintage inspired clothing label Silly Old Sea Dog. We’re loving her 1950s Style Grey Flamingo Dress:

#FreeTheSqueeze Our First Blogger Event – Review 1

Last week on July 8th we hosted our first ever blogger event #FreeTheSqueeze to chat about all things bras and to share the benefits of a great fit! We teamed up with Panache for the event, and we would like to personally thank Zehra from Panache, for joining us for the day.

The event was held in our shop, right here in Bodmin, and 3 of our lovely, lovely customers kindly offered to modelled for us for the day. We cannot thank you enough.

We invited some fabulous South West bloggers including Jo from Slummy Single Mummy, Stevie from A Cornish Mum, Sam from Sofa Dodger, Hannah from Cupcake Mumma, Elle from Garden of Eden and last but not least, Alison from Shut The Frock Up who also owns the vintage inspired clothing line Silly Old Sea Dog! Be sure to stop by their pages to say hi.

Overall it was great day, and everyone had a good laugh, enjoyed some good food and ice cream, and left feeling confident that they were now wearing the correct sized bra. But enough from us…

Here is the first review of the event by A Cornish Mum – Enjoy reading!