Cleo by Panache - Rihanna

It is is no secret that I am a huge advocate of not only well fitting, but gorgeous, underwear.  As a trained bra-fitter, I am extremely passionate about ensuring that all woman have the option to wear bras that not only fit them like a glove but are pretty too, no matter what size they are.

I have shouted about how to ensure you are wearing the right size and also highlighted a great bra from Marks and Spencer but now it is the turn of Panache to be thrown into the spotlight...

I first became aware of Panache when I was working for House of Fraser in the lingerie department in 2008.  I recognised them as a brand that desired to serve women with fuller bust and for me, that is always a great thing!  They dropped off the radar a little but then in the Summer of 2009, they launched Cleo.  A sister brand that has an aim to provide fashionable and vibrant trend-led designs in sizes D-J cups that, maybe most importantly, start from a 28 back.

As a girl with a larger-than-average cup size, I jumped at the chance to try out one of their styles and I have to say, I am seriously impressed.

Style and Cut

I was sent the Rihanna set and although on first impressions I felt the pattern was a bit out there for me, the actual cut of the bra more than makes up for it.

It is a classic balconette shape - wide set straps, a deep centre piece and an uplift that provide a classic rounded shape, rather than an statement deep cleavage.  This is my personal favourite style as it gives you a great shape without being overly obvious which when you have large breasts, is a great option.

Fit

I requested a 32FF which is my standard size in popular brands such as Freya and Fantastie.  I am pleased to report that this fits absolutely perfectly and is very true to size.  This, is my mind, is a sign of a great company who are focused on ensuring their bras fit to industry standard.  This is where companies such as La Senza fall down in my mind as the larger breast size is not their main priority.

Comfort

This is perhaps the most important factor and one I have to say that the Rihanna bra delivers on.  After a 12 hour stint, I am pleased to report no digging in or rubbing of wires and the bra was a dream to wear.  It kept me supported and comfortable whilst giving a great shape at the same time.

To sum it all up, I am truly impressed with this bra.  With a larger cup size, it is so important to wear well fitting and comfortable underwear and Cleo really delivers the goods.  I have definitely got my eye on a few more designs and it is safe to say, Cleo and Panache are back on my radar for good!

Have you tried any underwear from Cleo or Panache?  Do you have trouble finding great bras that fit well or have any questions on sizing?  Let me know!

xxx 

A beautiful find

Apart from cosmetics, there is one other thing I am really passionate about - Lingerie.

It all started on my gap year when I was offered a job on the lingerie department of my local House of Fraser.  I jumped at the chance and since then I've been obsessed not only with finding beautiful underwear but also telling anyone who will listen to get themselves measured as they are probably wearing the wrong size.  In my honest opinion, out of anyone who has told me what they think their size is, 90% were incorrect.  If you want a bit more information, please read my post here :)

So after all my banging on about correct sizes, I thought I better let you all know that I have found the perfect bra.  If you wear a cup size that is larger than average like me, then you'll know how hard it is to find a pretty and supportive bra that doesn't cost an absolutely fortune.  But, after years of searching, one little lunch time mooch in M&S answered my prayers....

This gorgeous floral lace plunge bra is not only pretty but it is comfortable, supportive, only £14 and is stocked up to a GG (NB - M&S seem to miss out FF for some reason; so a FF becomes a G and G becomes GG).  It is also seriously flattering and gives a great shape - it truly is a perfect bra for larger cup sizes.

M&S are currently also running a promotion of £5 off when you spend £30 which makes this even sweeter!  The range can be found here and includes a gorgeous long line bra up and matching knickers.

Do you all struggle to find gorgeous lingerie in larger cup sizes too that don't cost the Earth?  I'd love to know you opinions on this one!! xxx

The most important thing you will ever read

OK, I am probably exaggerating but please, stick with this...!

Raise your hand if you love beautiful underwear?!  But are you splashing your cash on the right size?

I wrote this post when my blog was just a baby but I feel it needs another outing.  This was primarily inspired after seeing some girls tweet Laura (lollipop26) about what happened when she went to get measured recently.  It just shocked me that so many women are still scared of getting measured.  Let me reassure you:

You do NOT need to take your bra off!!!

During my gap year before University, I trained in a House of Fraser lingerie department and gained so much knowledge about underwear that I think really needs to be passed on.  We all love reading fashion blogs but no outfit can look fantastic without a proper foundation.  

However, even in today's day and age, a worrying proportion of women still wear the wrong bra size without even realising.  The scary reality is though - if your bra doesn't fit right & doesn't support you properly, you're breasts will probably sag.  Scary thought??

Don't worry...help is at hand!

The art of a perfectly fitted bra all centres around 3 basic factors: 

1) THE BACK BAND

This is the band that runs horizontally around your rip cage and is truly the most important part of the bra.  It is where you get all your support from and therefore prevents the dreaded sagging.
This band should be TIGHT.  And by that I mean - you should only be able to pull it out 1 inch or so, when on the LOOSEST hook.  Any more and it is TOO BIG.

Obviously, as you wear the bra, it will loosen over time and that is when you move to the next hook.  When you are on the tightest hook and can pull it out more than an inch or two ... you need a new bra.  If you wear a bra day in; day out - expect it to have a 6 month life span.

It may seem strange at first with it so tight but you will get used to it; I promise!

2) THE CUPS

Your breasts should be fully encased in the cups with the centre piece flat against your breast bone.  This is common sense but how many times have you seen a woman walking down the street with the 'four boob effect'?!  If your breasts spill over or the centre piece is coming away from your body?  Go up a cup size.

(Horrible bra but the best example I could find)

Also, check the bra wire is not cutting into your breast tissue at the side - this is another sign that the cup size is too small and usually the main cause of discomfort. 

3) THE STRAPS

Many women believe that this is where you get your support from.  This is however not the case, with the band providing the support - hence why a correctly fitted strapless bra can be as supportive as one with straps.

Primarily, on the loosest setting of the straps, you should only be able to stretch them up 1 inch or so - as with the back band.  Then tighten them as you wear the bra in.

If your straps always fall down or you always need to tighten them, it means the weight of your breasts are not getting support from elsewhere.  You therefore probably need to go down a back size, up a cup size or both.

In general, the most common mistake women make is believing to be bigger in the back and smaller in the cup.  I for one, before my training, believed I was a 36DD.  I now know, that for my frame (size 12) a 36 back is far too big.  I was actually a 32F.  Did it feel weird and tight at first? Very.  But now I have got used to it I realise how baggy my bras were before.  Now my tops fit better, I stand straighter and my back does not hurt anymore.  All because I am getting the correct support from that trusty firm back band - it really is your best friend!

Just try now - reach around and pull the band of your bra out.... How far can you stretch it?? More than an inch or so??!  Go get yourself measured girl!!

The general rule of thumb is, if you need to go down a back size, go up a cup size and vice versa.

For example...

36DD = 34E
34E = 32F
 
The assistance of a trained lingerie fitter is invaluable though.  Please don't just rely on this tip - get measured by a professional.  Even if you are sure of your size, it won't harm to check...and it will always be free!  

EXTRA HINTS

• Steer clear of M&S and La Senza - I have never been fitted right in these stores.  In M&S, the women just looked at the bra (36D) and said it was OK.  As a company that many woman put faith in, that is just not good enough.
• Don't rely on the tape measure - I never once used one when working.  All bras are sized and manufactured differently and for this reason you cannot purely go on a measurement.  Trying bras on and looking how they fit is the most effective method.
• NEVER put a bra in a washing machine or a tumble dryer.  The force and heat will probably cause the wire to pop out and not only cause you discomfort but reduce the life span of your bras.  Always hand wash and air dry!
• Don't assume once you get fitted, that will be your size for life.  Hormonal fluctuations can cause us to change size and just the sheer difference in bra manufacturing can mean varying sizes.  As a general rule, always take advantage of the changing rooms and qualified staff to ensure you leave with a great fitting new bra.

Now what are you waiting for?!  Go and get fitted...then treat yourself to some beautiful new lingerie!

xxx

A Girl's Best Friend

Diamonds? No


Chocolate? No


A bra that fits perfectly? INDEED!!

A bit of a random post I know but I think it is something that seriously needs to be addressed... So many women wear the wrong size and the reality is - if your bra does not fit right & doesn't support you properly, you're boobs WILL sag.  Scary thought??

Hopefully I can help you - I was trained in a House of Fraser lingerie department and learnt so much about underwear that I thought I should pass on....  I know we all love reading fashion blogs etc but the reality is, good clothing needs a proper foundation!  So here goes....

When trying on a bra, bend over slightly, ensure your breasts are fully in the cups then slowly stand up while fastening the hook on the LOOSEST hook (explanation later...)

Then there are basically THREE things to look out for to make sure the bra fits...

1) THE BACK BAND
This is the band that runs horizontally around your rip cage and fastens with the hooks.  This is the most important part of the bra.  It is where you get all your support from and therefore prevents sagging (evil word I know).
This band should be TIGHT.  By that I mean you should only be able to pull it out 1 inch or so, when on the LOOSEST hook.  Any more and it is TOO BIG.
Obviously, as you wear the bra, it will loosen over time and that is when you move to the next hook.  When you are on the tightest hook and can pull it out more than an inch or two ... you need a new bra.  If you wear a bra day in, day out, expect it to have a 6 month life span.

It may seem strange at first with it so tight but you will get used to it, I promise!

2) THE CUPS
Your breasts should be fully encased in the cups with the centre piece flat against your breast bone.  This is common sense but how many times have you seen a woman walking down the street with the 'four boob effect'?!  If you boobs spill over or the centre piece is coming away from your body, go up a cup size.

(Horrible bra but best example I could find)

Also, check the bra wire is not cutting into your breast tissue at the side - this is another sign that the cup size is too small.  

3) THE STRAPS
Many women believe that this is where you get your support from.  As I said though, it is the band that gives you the support - hence why a correctly fitted strapless bra can be as supportive as one with straps.
Primarily, on the loosest setting of the straps, you should only be able to stretch them up 1 or so inches - as with the back band.  Then tighten them as you wear the bra in.

If your straps always fall down or you always need to tighten them it means the weight of your breasts are not getting support from elsewhere.  You therefore probably need to go down a back size, up a cup size or both.

I think the biggest factor is the back band.  For me, before my training, I believed I was a 36DD.  I now know, that for my frame (size 12) a 36 back is far too big.  I was actually a 32F.  Did it feel weird and tight at first? Very.  But now I have got used to it I realise how baggy my bras were before.  Now my t-shirts fit better, I stand straighter and my back does not hurt anymore.  All because I am getting the correct support from the back band.

Just try now - reach around and pull the band of your bra out.... How far can you stretch it?? More than an inch or so??!  Go get yourself measured girl!!

The rule of thumb is, if you need to go down a back size, go up a cup size and vice versa.
That is ...
36DD = 34E
34E = 32F

This does not always work but it is a good starting point.

There is so much more information I could tell you but I don't want to overload you!

The most important thing I can say is - get measured by a professional.  Even if you are sure of your size, it won't harm to check... All bras are also made differently - I can vary from a 30G to a 34E.

So what are you waiting for girls?!  Go get measured!  You don't need to take your bra off at all - many of my friends were worried about this!  Also...my advice?!  Steer clear of M&S and La Senza - their bras are wrongly sized and my experience of being fitted has always been bad.  Your fitter should ALWAYS pull out the back band first to see if it is tight enough - if they just look at the bra?  Not good enough.

My recommendations are department stores with old fashioned lingerie departments or a specialist shop such as Bravissimo.

Our breasts are our best feature!  Look after them!  And what better way to treat yourself than with some gorgeous, well-fitting lingerie?!

Any questions?? Please ask!!!

xxxx

ps - I am using UK sizes - not to be confused with EU/US.

pps. NEVER  put your bra in a washing machine or tumble dryer - the heat is what makes the wire pop out of the bra.  Always hand wash and air dry bras and you will extend their life span!