Archive for the 'Intimate Wisdom' Category
Bras Made with Simplex Fabric – What Does this Mean?
May 19, 2008
I’ve been seeing the word "Simplex" a lot lately. In fact, a quick search shows HerRoom offers 16 items made with simplex, and several of them incorporate simplex into their product name. It looks to be a trend in lingerie. So, what is simplex and is this a good thing to look for in lingerie and specifically bras?
Let’s start with defining simplex. For that, I’ve turned to two great sources. My friend, Ellen Jacobson, President of Elila Lingerie, and Beverly Johnson, Author of "The Bra-Makers Manual" and a true expert in bra construction and fit. Beverly has written about simplex several times on her blog. True simplex is a nylon knit with a little stretch – not like nylon that’s combined with spandex. Molded simplex bra cups can stand on on their own – even in the bigger cup sizes – without needing interfacing or other fabrics fused or layered onto it. And, simplex tends to have a matte finish. Ellen takes the definition a little farther. She first points out that the word simplex in Asia or Europe simply means a knit or "tricot" fabric you see in bathing suit material but without the spandex.
However, simplex’s more correct definition is a type of knit that has a "V" shape pattern to it’s knit. This makes it great for molding to the body. And, because of this type of construction, rather than just stretching up and down, and left and right (known as a 2-way stretch), simplex has what is called a mechanical stretch – it can stretch in every direction. But, it also gives great support because the stretch is controlled and not overly stretchy. It’s more like our skin, it stretches a little in any direction, but bounces back and gives great support. So, seamless molded bra cups made in simplex will be light-weight, but hold your breasts firmly without sagging – even in the larger cup sizes. A simplex cup will feel like wearing a second skin because of it’s all around firm support that stretches to give your breasts a natural look.
Here are some bras using simplex fabric in their seamless cups: 
The Fantasie Smoothing T-Shirt Bra style 4510
The Lilyette Technocomfort Unlined Bra style 947
Also, Olga company is also launching throughout 2008 several underwire and minimizer seamless cup styles that will be using molded simplex in the cups.
You can find bras made with Simplex on HerRoom.
Posted by Tomima at 7:47am
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New Pussycat Dolls Lingerie Collection
May 12, 2008
During Los Angeles Fashion Week in March 2008, The Pussycat Dolls – inspired lingerie line was a surprise hit. Designed by the founder of the Pussycat Dolls band, Robin Antin, the collection received several thumbs up from major LA fashionistas.
The group, known for their skimpy lingerie-like costumes and overtly sexy moves, is now putting its reputation on an equally sexy and skimpy line of lingerie. Sean "Puffy" Combs and Quincy Jones were just some of the celebrities at the fashion show.
The collection first featured micro-mini skirts with corset, graffiti-covered bra and panty sets, leopard-printed pieces and many lace-up ensembles. Then a frilly, ribbon trimmed and ruffly collection emerged with very sheer sets and a sailor inspired theme. Antin summed up the show by saying "It’s feminine and it’s edgy, just like the Pussycat Dolls." The first collection is titled "Shhh" because Astin wanted a word to sum up "Our little secret."
Posted by Tomima at 7:23am
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How Maidenform Designs a Bra
May 05, 2008
Thanks to National Geographic, we all now have a sneak peak into the very secret world of bra design. This clip from National Geographic’s documentary "Secret History of the Bra" below shows the steps Manufacturer Maidenform goes through in designing a bra for market. What’s particularly fascinating is the process of taking fabric and molding with heat a bra cup shape into it. Basically, this is how a molded bra is formed.
I was delighted to see the care that was taken to careful measure the many aspects of the samples. And, it was encouraging to see that they also take the time to bring in several "fit" models. Not only do they fit to them, but actually ask them how the bra feels, and what they do and don’t like about it.
This video is a real treat for us lingerie junkies.
Here’s a link to Maidenform products.
Posted by Tomima at 5:56am
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