Tomima's Blog – Lingerie & Underwear Expert

I was recently asked by the media to share my observations on the latest trends and new styles in the world of men's underwear. While men's underwear for the most part stays very basic, a change that took place a few years ago that has picked up popularity is the contour pouch.

What is a contour pouch? The pouch is the center-front section of men's underwear, and the contour is the new shape it now has thanks to a vertical seam. Prior to this design change, the front of men's underwear was mostly just a flat fabric panel with no shape. Many times, it was two panels on top of each other with a side opening. But, it was discovered that most men never use the opening – preferring to simply go up and over. Plus the lack of shape made the underwear a little binding.

The center seam of a contour pouch creates a more anatomically correct space for male parts and provides a supportive lift. Wearers say the difference in comfort is remarkable. We know how seams can make or break bra styles – especially

for full-busted women – by creating more lift. Well, that same effect is accomplished for men when a shaped seam is placed at the center.

The crotch area on most traditional men’s underwear isn’t made any differently than the seat, other than the addition of a fly-front. A contour pouch begins as two pieces of fabric joined together to create a pouch, which creates the space a man needs so that he doesn’t feel squashed and uncomfortable. The two pieces of fabric are joined by a contour seam. The contour seam runs along the center of the pouch and is sewn in the shape of a capital “D,” which allows for space, but also gives the wearer more support. The seam is connected to the base of the crotch and the elastic waistband. This creates an effect that hoists the male anatomy up for a more supportive feeling. This simple innovation has created a comfort level in underwear that wasn’t possible before and appeals

to men of all ages. The style featured above is the

Calvin Klein Prostretch Reflex Low Rise Trunk.

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Posted by TE at 5:30am
Tags: best men's underwear, boxers, briefs, calvin klein, contour pouch, Men's Underwear
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To celebrate her 40th birthday recently, Sofia Vergara chose the beaches of Mexico where she wore an unbeachy get up for the occassion. While most fashion critics were distracted by the golden rod design on the crotch area of her dress, I was

distracted by her cleavage.

I can't help it, but I'm in the business. My guess is that all men and most women would think it's fabulous. I on the other hand look at it and say “her bathing suit top is too small!” Yes, I get that she's trying to create sexy cleavage but this is yet another great example of celebrities and others giving women false information about how a properly-fitting bra should look. Specifically her center cleavage. Her inverted “V” shape is a neon sign that she lacks breast support, and that her breasts are about 2″ lower than they should be. And, to get this look, I know that she is in a cup si

ze that is 1 to 2 cup sizes too small – the right size would have her supported and her girls sitting higher and rounder.

If your boobs look like this in your bras – then it's time to re-evaluate your size. You might want to think about going down in band size and up in 2 cup sizes for a better, more flattering fit. Make sure your bra's center panel sits flat against your chest and that your cups don't gap.

Take it from me, the difference between a good fit and a bad fit is amazing. You'll feel and look better instantly when you slip into your correct size. Sophia, you are amazingly beautiful, and you carry off this look with style and flare. But, do your fellow female friends a favor and wear the right size next time and

teach women what a well-sized bra (and swimsuit) can look like and do, for even your amazing figure.

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Posted by TE at 10:05am
Tags: bad dress, beach, birthday, boobs, bras, cleavage, sofia vergara
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Just when I thought I had my lingerie history down, an earth shattering discovery is made. For decades, historians believed the beginning of any bra-like garments first appeared in the 1800's. Then, in the 1930's, the first patented bra styles that we would relate to today were created a few decades later. Well, it's as if the Dead Sea Scrolls of lingerie have been discovered!

Back in 2008 (but just last week revealed) 4 linen bras were discovered in an Austrian castle that date back 600 years! Yes, not the 1800's but now the 1400's! Who would've thought, women in the Middle Ages were wearing bras long before the corset? With this discovery comes the curious realization that bras were a

known

item, disappeared and were replaced by corsets, only

to return again.

One of the most interesting aspects of these unearthed bras is the similarities in construction to the bra styles we wear today. Archeologists say they look like modern bras with cups, straps – and even lace. Other lingerie items were found too. Linen panties that look like a string bikini bathing suit bottom were also discovered among the finds. But historians says these underwear styles were worn by men as a symbol of their dominance. On that front, times have certainly changed. But, it's nice to know that women as far back as the 15th century were looking for breast support and a way to keep the girls contained. Yes, everything old is new again… especially with bras.

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Posted by TE at 6:41am
Tags: 600 year old bra, austrian castle, bra history, bra invention, bras, lingerie, underwear, women's bras, women's underwear
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