Perfect Fit

For most women today, underwear is not just an essential commodity product but an important fashion accessory that can make or break your outfit. Most of us now have a “wardrobe” of bras – old favourites, everyday bras, bras for special occasions etc.  Research by Playtex shows that 40% of women own more than 10 bras and that 85% of women have bought a bra in the last 6 months. Even though lingerie shopping can be frustrating (difficulty finding the right size, hassle to try on), it is also a feel good experience and wearing nice lingerie gives us a confidence boost.

The important message that Playtex and other bra manufacturers are trying to get across is that practicality should still override any fashion statement.  

Improved Posture - A bra that fits correctly should fully support the bust.  An average 36C breast weighs between 250-300g.  The weight of the bust, if not supported properly, can affect your posture and put pressure on your back and shoulders.  

Your breasts will look good for longer – If your bra fits properly it will help to minimise movement and reduce the strain on the breast’s support structure which comprises the outer skin and connective tissue known as the Cooper’s ligament.  Over time, these ligaments will stretch and the breast will sag – some quicker than others. The damage is permanent!  A lot of people believe that if you go to the gym and exercise using weights, it is possible to regain a firm bust – this is a myth!!! The only way to slow the process down is to wear the correct size and support of bra.

Improved mood - If your bra is uncomfortable it will be on your mind all day long and you will be desperate to rip it off at the earliest opportunity.   If your bra fits well you can forget about it and you will automatically feel more relaxed and confident. 

1.       The back strap should fit firmly and securely.  A common mistake is to wear a bra that is too big in the back and too small in the cup.   If  the strap is riding up at the back, you need to go down a size

2.       Your breast should be fully contained in the cup, not bulging over the top or out at the sides or falling out underneath.

3.       The underwire should fit against your body and not the breast tissue

4.       The centre gore (that’s the bit in the centre of the bra!) should sit flat against your breastbone.

5.       Ensure the bust is lifted so that you can see the wire channel underneath the breast as you look in the mirror.  This way you can be sure of a good fit and shape.

6.       And finally, it’s important to adjust your shoulder straps every time you put your bra on to ensure good fit and support.

As Sharon Harrison explained to me: “For many years, Playtex may not have always seemed the immediate choice for women looking  for fashionable rather than functional underwear.  But we have come a long way since the rubber “Living Girdle” of the 1930’s which you sprinkled with talc and rolled on. Playtex are proud of their comfort and support heritage and we spends millions every year researching the market and understanding what the women of today want from their underwear.”

One style to emerge as a direct result is the new Blooming Lace Bra.  Research indicated that 77% of women wear underwire bras most of the time. Around half of them said that the underwire digs into their underarm – I think the majority of us can relate to this form of discomfort. Consequently, Playtex have designed a beautiful lace bra that looks more “glamour” than “function” but which has comfort pads for underarm cushioning and padded straps to ease discomfort around the shoulder area.  I can vouch, thanks to Playtex, that the bra is a joy to wear and feels like a second skin. I was impressed.

For many years, Playtex may not have always seemed the immediate choice for women looking for fashionable rather than functional underwear. Rival firms have spilled into the market producing more glamorous and provocative styles.  But Playtex have come back fighting with a new range a modern look, still bearing that same proud legacy which stretches back almost 100 years.  

For more information regarding Playtex underwear and outlets please contact www.playtex.co.uk