Easy Lingerie Care

Most modern lingerie on the market today is available in a wide range of fabrics that are much easier to care for than was once made. However, we still need to give a little extra attention to all of our undergarments, if we want them to remain in good condition for a reasonable amount of time. Many manufacturers’ garment tags do state the garment can be washed and dried in a machine but many garment tags still insist lingerie should be handwashed only. And although it is certainly more convenient to throw a load of clothes in the washing machine before leaving for work in the morning, a washing machine can do serious damage to a delicate lace trimmed camisole while it is agitating a load of clothes for a thorough cleaning cycle.

Unfortunately, most of us are very busy people with full schedules that do not allow for the luxury of handwashing. The good news is we have several convenient alternatives to choose from. Modern washing machines normally have a “delicate” cycle alternative that will not be quite as harsh on the more delicate lace trims of your lingerie. If you combine your delicate cycle with cold water and a detergent meant for delicates such as Woolite or Dreft you should have no difficulties with repeated washings of any lingerie.

Another alternative is to use your washing machine as a soak basin by filling it up with cold water and a delicates-friendly detergent, letting it soak for 30 minutes or so, then simply releasing the water out manually by skipping the other cycles of your machine. Then refill the machine with clear water and let soak another 30 minutes, then repeat the letting out process. This should allow a wash/rinse that will suffice for most normal use but certainly will not be very effective in serious stains or odors.

The best alternative to safely clean your lingerie without handwashing is to use a lingerie bag for your delicates. These bags are inexpensive, readily available at most department stores, and are made of a durable mesh that will take the abuse of the washing machine’s twisting while protecting your lingerie safely inside. We would recommend using 1 bag per garment to avoid tangles. Simply place your item inside the lingerie bag, zip it up and toss it into a washing machine filled with cold water and a mild detergent.

Worried about the dryer? An especially good idea is to hang dry instead of using the dryer as dryers can be unpredictable in their heat distribution and you must remember that scorching a fine silk will permanently destroy the garment beyond repair. However, if you prefer using your dryer, leave the item in its lingerie bag during the drying process and use the lowest possible heat setting you have available. If your lingerie is made of a sheer fabric such as chiffon than no heat is really required to dry the garment. Simply use the air fluff feature to “blow-dry” your lingerie dry as it tumbles safely in the lingerie bag.

Eventually you will come across a tag that states the evil “dry cleaning only” recommendation and we certainly do not wish to dismiss this recommendation as somebody must know what they are talking about for the manufacturer to put that on the tag. However, it must also be recognized that lingerie is a very personal item that you may not always want to take to the local dry cleaning store. Fortunately for us, today we have products such as Dryell that imitate the dry cleaning products right in our own home. These products are effective, inexpensive and easy to use.

While we must recommend you always check the manufacturer's label before washing, drying or dry cleaning any item for their fabric specific recommendations we hope these few suggestions will help extend the life of your lingerie and help you to care for it stress free.

By June Kozak

A Primer On Uk Lingerie

Modern lingerie designers have a lot more freedom to use their imagination than they used to. In the UK lingerie market, this opens up an arena of opportunities for producers to make something wholly new and exciting. In lingerie, excitement is the name of the game. Camisoles with frilly panties, leather teddies with fishnet stockings, backless panties of Lycra...all stimulate the senses. Some prove stimulating in other ways. Some styles of lingerie don't have to excite. Corsets, bustiers and garters, for example. They control. They enhance. They sometimes shock. But as other lingerie, they all get attention.

In the UK, lingerie is often sold alongside swimwear and other mainstream items. Corsets, bras and bodices can also be found in the same area, along with men's lingerie. Styles in some smaller boutiques are made to measure. With all of the body sizes and types in the UK, this can mean getting a customized fit.

One of the most popular fabrics used to make lingerie is silk. It begins cool to the touch but warms the body, keeping the wearer nice and snug. Of course, for those who don't have the extra money and time that silk demands, satin is a related fabric. It is also smooth. And soft. But it is slightly less expensive then silk. But it is not as sturdy, due to the construction differences between the two fabrics. Other popular fabrics for UK lingerie are mesh and lace. Cotton is a newer option that promises comfort. Velvet and leather are popular fabrics for erotic lingerie. Lycra, a body-hugging material rather like spandex, is becoming a success for those wanting a sporty and slimming effect.

The kind of lingerie consumers look for depends on their purpose for the clothing. Those whose primary goal is to gather the attention of a lover will find success with leather teddies or a sheer camisole set. For a romantic lead, lace and satin negligees or a simple chemise might do the trick. For comfortable eveningwear, cotton gowns afford warmth and comfort. And then there are those styles of lingerie that can serve a multitude of purposes. Bras, bustiers and corsets can lend support and can also serve as a turn on. The baby doll, a style of lingerie that became popular in the 1950s, is a versatile piece that usually covers (but not always) the torso and ends at the hips. It normally comes with matching panties. Sheer material is often used to heighten a man's libido.

Traditionally, UK lingerie is produced for mass consumption. Therefore, the primary colors of lingerie are black, white, and red. Black denotes mystery and allure. At the other end of the spectrum, white represents purity and innocence. A lot of women like to play on that irony during sexual encounters. And red has always been a symbol of boldness and sexuality. Which color buyers choose to buy depends on these facts and some knowledge of skin tone and color compatibility. Fair-haired women look best in pastel shades. Brunettes look good in bold colors, like purple and red. Red-heads impress with earth tones and other Earth-inspired colors, like greens and blues.

By Jason Hulott

Plus Size Lingerie – Not Grandma’s Muumuu Anymore!

Rejoice ladies, the designers are getting it – larger women want clothes that are truly made for their size but that also look good and fit their lifestyle. And not just work clothes, or jeans and t-shirts, but sexy, expressive plus size lingerie too!

And it’s no wonder since women naturally know that clothing is a form of expression, of reflecting on the outside what you’re feeling on the inside. And there’s very little that speaks more loudly than lingerie!

But it’s not just sizes that have changed over the years. Lingerie, of all sizes, has come a long way since being worn as “foundations” as our Grandmothers used to call them. In fact, their long ago functions often are not the reason behind wearing it at all these days.

I spoke to a friend of mine recently who despite not always being happy or comfortable with her larger size, shared an interesting thought with me about plus size lingerie, “when I wear good quality lingerie that fits me, that is actually made for my size, I feel sexier and in some ways more powerful. First of all, when I used to think about wearing lingerie, I would envision trying to stuff myself into something made for a very thin girl, like the fashion models in most of the pictures, and that was not appealing to me at all – and the image I had would not likely be appealing to anyone else for that matter! However, once I discovered that there is nice, quality lingerie that actually fits me, is cut and designed to really fit me and my curves, in all different styles, it was a different ballgame all together!”

She went on to say “I finally realized whether you are comfortable with your weight or are planning on losing, or for some people, gaining – this is the weight you are today and there is no reason that you shouldn’t express yourself right now, where you are, in all different ways – dress to enjoy your body – decorate it, embellish it, drape it in clothes you love and that make you feel good. Whether that’s a big, cozy sweatshirt today or plus size lingerie tomorrow. There are days that skinny girls don’t like their bodies either, or don’t like the way something fits them, I don’t think that’s something that is exclusive to big or small girls. But on the days when I’m feeling sexy or maybe needing a little help feeling sexy, I’m very glad there is plus size lingerie available that fits me well!”

“The best part is that it seems that the assortment of what is available just keeps getting better. There is now plus size lingerie in all materials from lace to leather and in all different styles including corsets, teddies, bustiers and babydolls. It’s great to have a whole variety to choose from – especially if you’re talking about expression. I mean let’s face it, satin and lace say one thing while leather lingerie says another altogether! I like it all - it’s fun.”

By Mike Mansfield

Trying Large Size Bras

It has now become a need for manufacturer’s to survey busty women before they get to sewing bras. It has become a life long struggle for busty women to find a large size bras.Soon there will be a revolt when years of bottled up frustration breaks free. We are not demanding for anything big, so hear me.

The first fact, full figured women are no demanding push-up bras. In large size bras a push up bra does not exist. There are push out bras in the bigger sizes. No more efforts need be put to attract more attention to a women’s breasts if they are larger than B-cup. It will simply be overdoing it.

More than enough amount of time has been spent in making busts look bigger. If you still continue to manufacture large size bras, I think now is the time that these ladies already are endowed with large enough boobs. No more help is required from your side in this regard.

At the same time, we don’t desire to be suffocated in bras we put on. Many large size bras are manufactures so as to flatten the bust line. I found some great information at http://www.masspressreleases.com. In case of sports bra this is acceptable, but not for daily used undergarments. Large size bras are meant to be actually for large size breasts. We need ease to breathe, please.

Do also remember to decide about the actual sizes. I have noticed and done my research and found that no all cups are the same. But we still have to buy large size bras. The numbers are all your domain and I wish you all the luck you require.

The sizes are not all standardized. A D-cup for one company is a double D for another. There are even “almost” seizes that make me all the more angry. Ultimately we will have large size bras categorized as plus and minus. Soon we will hear things like: “I was a C-plus but I fell to C-minus.”

Ladies who have big boobs experience a lot of difficulty while shopping. Maybe large size bras are more in demand than regular full-figured ones. I hope never to find it out.

Our demands are pretty straightforward. We want a constancy and support in our large size bras. We don’t want to be asphyxiated and taken advantage of. Do give a good thought to these terms while sewing the large size bras. Same is definitely applicable to relationship between people. Nobody wants to be forced, subdued and taken for granted.

By Rachel Lynn

Bra Straps Become Newest Trend

The newest trend to hit the fashion world are decorative bra straps. No longer will you see everday bra straps peeking out from behind t shirts and sweaters. The straps come in a multiitude of colors and styles from all beaded, to rhinestone, clear straps with glitter inside and beaded with beautiful ornaments. The assortments are endless.

For women who could never wear a strapless bra, a whole new world opens up for them. These straps attach to any convertable bra and can be worn with even the most elegant dress whether strapless, spagehetti strap or halter.

The straps range in price depending on the style from $12.00 to $75.00. Some offer support while others are simply for decoration. The amount of stretch in the strap determines the amount of support. A strap that stretches five or more inches will be simply for decoration and are usulally made on stretchy cord. The straps with more support are made of nylon string or the rhinestone version. There are also some available on elastic which are partially beaded and adjustable. These offer good support. Some straps are not adjustable but are offered in different sizes. To find your size simple measure you existing bra strap where you would normally wear it comfortably.

The craze is here to stay and finally adding a touch of class to an everyday bra.

By Nancy Jackson

Baby Doll Lingerie Emphasises And Supports Your Bust As Well As Showing Off Your Rear

A Baby doll is a short night gown consisting of a robe or loose top and matching bottoms. This lingerie is often trimmed with lace, ruffles, fur, bows and ribbons. Sometimes you can also find spaghetti straps.

The top is normally loose fitting and is usually just below the bust line and is short, ending at or just below your rear. Baby doll sets are available in a wide variety of fabrics from silk, satin to sheer lace.

A baby doll nightie with will provide support for your breasts while letting you flaunt what you got below. Baby doll lingerie is flattering and feminine and puts emphasise on the bust and takes the attention off your waist.

Baby Doll Lingerie In Pinstripe And Lace

This type of baby doll lingerie has stretch lace and micro fiber stripe and adjustable straps. This set includes matching thongs and costs around £22.47.

Baby Doll Lingerie In Chantilly Lace

This baby doll piece and thong are made from Chantilly lace. This has a lace up front and black floral lace with spaghetti straps and costs around £19.66. A really sexy piece!

Satin Baby Doll Item And Thong Panty

This item is made from stretch satin and comes with a side slit hem. It also has spaghetti straps and black lace trimmings. A thong panty is also available with this set and costs around £19.00.

BabyDoll in Lace Fishnet

This is an attractive baby doll piece with lace and fishnet. This baby doll dress has a ribbon lace up in front and costs around £13.00.

Baby Doll Dress With A G-String In Sheer Chiffon

This type of baby doll dress is made from sheer chiffon, with floral embroidered accents. It also has a sheer gathered front. This has adjustable straps and matching G-strings and costs around £21.00.

Blush Baby Doll Lingerie Pieces

This is a sheer baby doll piece which has a front ribbon fastening. The lace top fishnet holdups provide added beauty to this baby doll dress and costs around £35.

Baby doll lingerie items come in various styles and fantastic colours. You will be sure to have a fantastic time with this piece of sexy lingerie.

By Kalwant Rana

Bra Sizes and Bra Types - Finding the Right Fit!

Unlike years gone by, there is now a vast array of bra sizes and styles available to suit every taste and every figure. This is great news for those amongst us that are petite or larger than average. It is also great news for those that like to combine the practical benefits of a good bra with style, comfort and a dash of sexiness.

Getting a Good Fit

It is important that in order to get the most out of your bra you are fully aware of your correct bra size. This will not only improve posture and comfort, it will also ensure that your clothes are a much better fit. There's nothing quite as embarrassing as going out to a function with your breasts bulging from the sides of your under-sized bra - except, perhaps, going to a function and having your breasts fall out of an oversize bra!

Before you purchase a bra, you should always check your bra size. If you think you may have lost weight or put weight on since you last bought a bra, don't assume you will still be able to get in to the same size bra - measure up again!

The best way to check what bra size you need is to stand straight and wrap a tape measure around the ribcage, under the bust. Pull it so that it is firm but not tight. This will give you the size of your required band. To check the cup size you need, wrap the measure around the fullest part of the bust, and again pull until firm but not restrictively tight.

Whatever the inch size around the ribcage, you should add five to it (and round it up to the next even number if adding five gives you an odd number). This will give your band size. Then calculate the difference between the band size and the cup measurement to get your cup size. If the measurement you get when you measure for your cup size is the same as that of your band size once you have added five, your cup size will be A.

* Up to one inch difference is cup size B

* Up to two inches is cup size C

* Up to three inches is cup size D

* Up to four inches is cup size DD

* Up to five inches is cup size E

* Up to six inches is cup size F

* Up to eight inches is cup size G

The Perfect Fitting Bra Should:

* Contain the whole breast in each cup with no bulging or spillage

* Contain the whole breast in each cup without excess space in the front part of the cups

* Should rest levelly against the ribcage, with adequate room to slip two fingers in at the back

* Should support your breasts totally, and remain in place even if the straps are slipped off the shoulders

Bra Types

There are now bras available for every occasion, from weddings and special occasions to pregnancy and sports. Whatever you are looking for in a bra, you are certain to find something that suit perfectly. So, whether you want to enjoy an innocent game of badminton or a naughty night of seduction, you can get just the bra for your needs.

The Internet is the source of a vast array of bras: you can find all colours, styles, sizes and prices online. Whether you want something cheap but effective or whether you are looking for the latest in designer bras, the Internet is the place where you are certain to find it.

Different Sizes

The bra sizes available these days are incredible, and whether you are large, small or in between you can get a great fit at the right price - and you can choose from some stunning designs and styles.

You no longer have to compromise on the look, comfort and style of your bra, whether you are an A cup or a G cup. These days, the power of the Internet allows you to choose from retailers all over the country - in fact, all over the world - so choice is something you will have plenty of.

Special Occasions

We all have the odd occasion where we need a special type of bra to really set off that stunning dress or that flowing gown. The good news is that there are plenty of special occasion bras around. You can get backless or strapless bras for that sexy little black number, sheer bras for that special night of passion, push-up bras for when you want to make the most of your assets, minimiser bras for the times when you want to tone it down a little - in fact, you really can get a bra for every occasion.

Colors and Materials

These days there is also a vast choice in colours and materials, leaving you spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a bra. Some of the popular materials for a range of occasions include:

* Cotton

* Lace

* Satin

* Lycra

And the colours available are incredible. You can choose from white, black, red, green, pink, purple, beige, blue, silver, gold - every colour you can think of. If you fancy something a little different, you can get all sorts of prints and designs on your bra as well, so the choice is endless.

Other Bra Types

As mentioned earlier, there are bras available for every occasion, taste and budget, not just special occasions. Whether you are a housewife, a mother-to-be, a new mother, a teenager, a fitness fanatic, or whatever else, you can get the perfect bra for you. These include:

* Teenage bras

* Nursing bras

* Maternity bras

* Sports bras

* Full size bras

* Petite bras

* Designer bras

With so many bras available for the women of today, it is at last possible to combine comfort and affordability with style and sophistication; and practicality and support with sexy and savvy.

By Reno Charlton

How To Measure Bra Size

Do you know how to measure your bra size?

Do you know what your bra size is? Of course you do, otherwise how do you shop for a new bra, right? But do you know that measuring your bra size every six months is absolutely necessary?

If you don’t measure your bra size every six months you risk buying yourself an uncomfortable bra. That happens often when you shop online. Well, you can return the product if it does not fit you, but you can also save yourself a lot of time and troubles just by measuring your bra size every six months.

You want to know how to find you bra size now, but you are not sure how exactly to do it? I am her to help you, it is very easy.

Measuring bra size

Your bra size combines two sizes - your Band size (Band measurement) and your Cup size (Cup measurement).

For example: a bra size of “36B” combines the two sizes – “36” (Band size) and “B” (Cup size).

First you should measure your band size - the numeric portion in your bra size (ex: the “36” in “36B”). Here is how to:

Measure under your arms, high on your back, around the top of your chest.

If this measurement is an even number (assume 36 inches) that is your band size.

If this measurement is an odd number (assume 35 inches) add 1 inch to find your correct band size of 36 inches.

Second you should measure your cup size – the letter portion in your bra size (ex: the ''B'' in ''36B''). Here is how to:

Put on your favorite comfortable and supportive bra and measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust.
Let us assume that you measured 38 inches.

Finally subtract your band size (36 inches) from your cup size (38 inches) that equals to 2 inches. Each inch difference represents one cup size in this example that difference is 2 inches, which equals to cup size “B”. As you may guessed you need a bra size chart to determine your correct cup size and I will give it below.

Now you know your band size (38 inches) and you found your cup size is “B”, so you can combine these two sizes into your current correct bra size of 38B.

Bra size chart

Cup size chart - actually I can’t insert a table here, so I will give you the table in a list style:

1-inch difference: A cup
2-inch difference: B cup
3-inch difference: C cup
4-inch difference: D cup
5-inch difference: DD cup
6-inch difference: DDD cup
7-inch difference: DDDD cup
8-inch difference: FF cup

Conclusion

To conclude properly I must tell you that bra sizes differ according to the country of the bra manufacturers.

Example:

European E cups equal to American DDD cups, unless otherwise indicated.

French E cups equal to USA DD cups, and French F cups equal to USA DDD cups.

One more thing for all women, who measure their band and cup sizes into centimeters. Keep in mind that 1 inch equals to 2.54 centimeters, so after measuring your band and cup sizes, divide them by 2.54 and you will find your band and cup sizes in their inch equivalents.

Example:

Your band size in centimeters is 92 divided by 2.54 is about 36.22, ignore the fraction and you have your band size of 36 inches. If you ever get an odd number, add “1” to find your correct band size.

Your cup size in centimeters is 97 divided by 2.54 is about 38.19, ignore the fraction and your cup size is 38 inches.

You already know the rest. I know I got into too many mathematical operations, so I am really sorry, but it just could not do without them.

By Galia Ivanova

Where To Find Cheap Online Lingerie

There is no shortage of lingerie shops online today. Not too long ago, they were scattered in dark corners of alleys and hidden in out-of-the way places. Somehow, the Internet has validated a lot of businesses that would otherwise find themselves skirting society's boundaries. Cheap online lingerie can be found in any corner of the online apparel industry, whether from a specialty shop or a local department store website. Some high-class lingerie companies sell cheap brands online to widen their audience, in addition to gathering profit for their flawed or otherwise unwanted merchandise.

To find cheap online lingerie, simply search. Just about every lingerie seller will have bargain bins. They will mark down those styles that have reached public saturation. Lingerie companies can still profit from these by moving their sale to other areas of the country or world.

If you buy bargain lingerie online, inspect the picture and description of it carefully as permitted. Make sure that if you are going to buy from a company you're not familiar with, you read the return policy thoroughly. It is likely that your bargain lingerie will be flawed in one way or another. This might be minor design problem. A piece being labeled with the wrong size, or a small tear. The fabric might just be unevenly cut.

The advantages of buying lingerie cheaply online can be one of attitude. Some women aren't seductive. They don't feel attractive. They are shy. They may even be body-phobic. Having the choice to buy lingerie online, discreetly, gives them the chance to find some of their innate sexiness. Plus-sized women often feel self-conscious walking through a lingerie shop. They see the thin models and body-baring styles and get scared. But online, they can browse the selection and the price in the comfort of their own homes. And since most lingerie companies ship their merchandise in plain brown boxes, nobody needs to know. This goes the same for men searching for lingerie for that loved one. Many men don't particularly want to go into a Victoria's Secret and walk around. Online lingerie stores allow them to search as much as they want. And if they decide to go for a cheap piece of lingerie, they don't have to see the shop clerk. They don't have to see the accusation. The voice saying: "That's not all you're going to spend on her, is it?"

The kinds and styles of cheap online lingerie vary from storefront to storefront. Many of the cheap selections will be made of cotton or polyester, but you may be fortunate and find a real silk set. They may not have the lace or the frills, but they will probably look tasteful and attractive. Lingerie that covers the torso can be inexpensive; styles like the camisole, chemise, or teddy. Invariably, however, you'll be able to find more provocative items. These might include crotch-less panties, g-strings and thongs. Lingerie of all different sizes, colors and styles are scattered about the Internet. All you have to do is look and you can find the cheaper varieties of most lingerie.

By Jason Hulott

Choosing A Comfortable Yet Flattering Bra

Today’s bra is not only designed to make you feel pretty and sexy, they are designed for comfort and practicality.

You can choose from an underwire bra for support or a bra without underwire. Need some help with adding a little extra to your bustline? Then choose a padded bra or a push up bra. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have a little extra natural padding already. You could then choose from a minimizer bra.

Not shy and would like to show off your bustline? Try a bra that will show a little cleavage. You could even try an adhesive bra which can be adjusted so it won’t show under any neckline.
Today’s new fashions sometimes call for a bra with special straps. You could try an adjustable bra with straps which can be worn far out on the shoulders or removed to be used as a strapless bra. Maybe you like to wear halter tops. So, try a halter bra.

Of course sometimes you just want a bra to make you feel pretty. There are a wide variety of colors to choose: pink, lavender, white, black, red, etc. Also, why not try a bra with lace trim or ones made of silk or satin?

Most importantly, wear the bra that makes you feel most comfortable.

By Wendy Yeager