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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How Much is Too Much Breast Bounce?
April 29, 2008
All parts of our body bounce as we walk around and do everyday chores. But, when it comes to doing impact aerobic workout, we really want to contain the bounce of our breasts for comfort and well as to keep them from becoming pendulous and sagging. So, do we need to bind our breasts and prevent any movement, or can we let some breast movement occur?
I put this question to Dr. Joanna Scurr. Dr. Scurr is the lone researcher of breast bounce. Here were some of her comments.
First, we need to understand that breasts are kept in place by the Coopers Ligament - not muscles. Once the ligament becomes stretched, your breast sag, and there is no way to reverse the sagging. A sports bra, or most bras for that matter, support one’s breasts to reduce breast movement. Even testing of breast movement on an everyday bra, says Scurr, showed that it reduced breast movement by 49% compared to not wearing any bra at all.
Dr. Scurr’s research also found that breasts just don’t move up and down, but from side to side and in and out. All this movement, if not supported will contribute to sagging breasts. So, though it would be nice to have a sports bra that provides no breast movement, the truth is, as long as you have a sports bra that reduces your breast bounce enough so that the movement is less than your normal breast hang, you are protected and no further sag damage can occur.
At HerRoom, we offer the Bounce Test videos on all our high impact sports bras. Some clearly don’t provide enough support, but many also show some breast movement. What been learned here is that some movement is fine, but just make sure the movement is less in the 3 directions than your breasts normally move. This way, you won’t be stretching any of the breast’s ligaments or tendons during impact workouts.
Posted by Tomima at 11:04am
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Lingerie Made Out of Wood
April 26, 2008
That’s right. Eco-friendly fabric made from wood is now available. French lingerie designer, Sophie Young is designing lingerie with Lenpur fabric under the label By Nature. Her collection, called g=9.8 (the scientific equation for earth’s acceleration due to gravity) claims not only to be eco-friendly, but ultra comfortable and soft as silk, with the feel of cashmere and the coolness of linen.
Lenpur is made from white pine trees. Tree trimmings are mixed with enzymes and turned into fibers for weaving. The claim is that these fibers regulate the wearer’s temperature so she is never too hot or too cold. Lenpur is biodegradable and anti-bacterial. It also washes and dries very quickly. Not only is g=9.8 a sexy brand, it is trying to be innovative as well with strong ethics. It has based its entire production in a small village near Angers, France to help strengthen the local economy. The dyes it uses are certified by Oekotex as non-toxic. The pine used is not part of a deforestation project.
Young’s line was introduced recently at a Paris ethical fashion show this spring and in Lyon Mode. There is one British company selling the underwear line, but interest has been brisk, and many others retailers have asked for linesheets.
Posted by Tomima at 8:44am
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