Tomima's Blog – Lingerie & Underwear Expert

The men’s undewear line, 2(X)ist has a new collection out called Liquid Cotton.  The claim is that fabric used is lightweight stretch cotton with an incredibly soft and luxuious hand without any kind of synthetic feel to it.  As their press release states: "the cotton literally feels like it was poured onto your body!"

So, what is really going on with this collection by 2Xist?  The Dow Chemical Company has created a fiber called DOW XLA.  This fiber is an alternative to spandex and latex that can be mixed in with cotton to give it great stretch and shape retention. XLA is combined with natural fabrics such cotton, wool etc. and claims to keep the same hand as if it weren’t there but has the advantage of stretch that returns to its natural shape when taken off.

Additionally, XLA is more resistant to heat and chemicals.  Spandex and latex are known to break down when put in the dryer.  DOW XLA claims to be more resistant.  Thus garments made in XLA should last longer, be more durable and retain their shape all day and night.

Given that there is nothing worse than baggy tighty whities on a man, 2Xist Liquid Cotton made with XLA sounds like just the ticket in mens underwear.

Posted by Tomima at 9:50am
Tags: 2xist
1 Comment »

The Oprah Winfrey Show enjoys finding personalities and having them run the show while Oprah sits on stage and listens.  The first was Dr. Phil.  Lately, it’s been Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, two English women with frank yet funny delivery who share what not to wear and how to accentuate your assets to full advantage.

This pair recently announced that they are everyone’s bosom buddies and will help you find the support you need through their 10 Breast Tips.  So, here they are along with my take.

1. Get Fitted. - This tip suggests you go to either a trusted friend or professional bra fitter and have yourself measured.  With the right size bra, you won’t have to constantly adjust your bra throughout the day.  My take on this tip is well, Duh!  They are simply stating the obvious.  Everyone says to go get yourself fitted.  You can’t walk into a lingerie store or department these days without being asked if you want a fitting. But I  think a woman should also perform her own analysis of her bra’s fit.  Does she like the way it looks?  Does it feel comfortable?  Simply read my section on symptoms and solutions to help you figure out your own correct bra size.  Remember, not all "professional bra fitters" are accurate or altruistic. For the most part, they are there to sell bras.  I think women are smart enough to figure out their bra size without bringing in reinforcements.  All that is needed is proper guidelines.
2. Emphasize your Ribcage. - This duo feels your ribcage just below your breast is usually the thinnest area of a woman and should be accentuated.  I would agree with this tip, but in order to see it, your breasts have to be in the right location.  The fullest part of your breasts should be positioned midway between your shoulder and elbow. Once you have them in place, your clothing should be altered to better follow your body’s silhouette.  This will give you a slimmer look.
3. If You’ve Got ‘em Flaunt Them. – Tinny and Susannah believe you should not hide breasts, but rather show them off.  I strongly disagree with this statement.  Speak to any woman with size D and larger breasts and she will share with you a history of embarrasement from men (and women) always looking at her breasts.  Unless you want to attract attention, it is best to dress with an emphasis on de-emphasising your breasts.  A minimizer bra will help if you have that pesky front button pulling.  Necklines that draw attention up to your face and away from your breasts are also a good idea. 
4. Buy An Underwire Bra. - Susannah, who claims to be large chested, feels an underwire bra helps push your boobs forward and upward to reduce the risk of looking heavier that you really are.  Actually, an underwire will give your silhouette more definition that a softcup bra.  Softcup bras are kind of a crutch for many women who have been unable to find their correct size.  A soft cup bra is very forgiving and can fit even when it’s not exactly your size.  With an underwire bra, you really have to get your size right or you will be uncomfortable.  However, an underwire bra will give your breasts better shape and more definition.  When walking down a street, I can tell you which women are in underwires and which are in softcups.  It’s all about their breast shape.
5. Boost Your Breasts, Uplift Your Look. – For small breasted women, Trinny recommends getting gel inserts to put in the bottom of your bra to lift your breasts.  I would agree that this was the answer a few years ago.  However, bra manufacturers today have come up with amazing bras with built-in pads called "bump pads."  These pads  lift your breasts and some also have side pads that push your breasts together.  Rather than fooling around with gel pads that can move around, I would suggest investing in one of these newer bras to get the same look without the hassle.
6. Wear Halter Tops With or Without a Bra….If You’re Small-Chested. – These Brits think the angular cut of a halter is attractive and shows off your shoulders and I agree. But by no means forego the bra.  Halters tend to gap when you lean forward and can show off your breasts to the person across the room.  Also, even if you are small chested, your breasts need some support or they’ll tend to sag. A halter, more than any other neckline will point this fact out.  I personally always wear a bra or at least a Nubra when I’m wearing a halter top.
7. Don’t Wear The Same Bra For Years On End . -  I would agree with this tip.   Not only can your body change, but clothing styles change as well from year to year.  A new bra every year helps keep you current and gives you a fresh look with your new clothes.

Wondering were the last 3 tips are?  Well the site stopped after 7.  In closing, my response to all of this is that just because  talk shows declare someone an expert, you should not assume they truly are.  I have seen these women on several shows and they are very entertaining.  But bra fit is serious stuff to most women and, while fashion tips are always welcome,  sound advice only comes from an expert in the field.

You can find extensive sizing and fitting advice in HerRoom’s fitting guide.

Find bras at HerRoom in these departments:
Bras

Posted by Tomima at 7:10am
Tags: Bra Fitting, Oprah
No Comments »

I saw this today and had to blog about it. We’ve all seen those silly hats where you put beer on each side and the wearer has siphon-like hoses leading to his mouth.  Well, this same idea now has been incorporated into a bra form.  The website, firebox.com is selling this sports-bra looking item under the oh-so ridiculous name of ‘The WineRack.’

Clearly invented by a man, the WineRack comes in two sizes – small and medium. It consists of an almost no-shape sports bra with a removable dual bladder made of polyurethane that slips inside the bra frame and has a hose attached.  The claim is that once the bladder is filled, a woman’s cup size will increase two full sizes.  So if you start at a C cup, wearing a filled up WineRack will have you walking around looking like you have a DD rack… hence the name.  The wearer also now has a portable cocktail station on her chest where she can pass around the hose and simultaneously deflate her breast projection.  See what I mean?  Clearly, invented by a man.

The practical side to all of this is that this device allows a woman to bring a drink into places where it’s not allowed or must be paid for.  For example, church, concerts, sporting events and Disneyland.

Selling for just $29.95, it will probably pay for itself with one wearing given the over-charging of drinks at entertainment venues these days.  But the two sizes are not explained, and the bladder is easy to see.  A shirt or something needs to be worn on top.  And forget about support. 

All in all, I think this gadget is more for the benefit of men than the beautifying of women.

Find actual sports bras at HerRoom in these departments:
Sport Underwear

Posted by Tomima at 10:05am
Tags: winerack bra
No Comments »