So, What’s the Difference between “Full Figure” and “Plus Size”?
March 03, 2008
The terms "full figure" and "plus size" have been in the lingerie lexicon since the beginning. They’re frequently mentioned and used interchangeably so often that many consider them synonymous. Well, they aren’t. That’s right, there is a difference between the two terms; you can be full figured without being plus sized. Let me explain.
In the lingerie business, the term, full figure means you have a cup size of D or greater. Plus size means you have a cup size of D or greater AND a band size of 40 or greater. So, a 34DD would be considered a full figure bra size. A 42D would be both a full figure and a plus size bra.
This is important for a couple of reasons. The bra size 38D is the cut-off size for the largest bra size in many brands. A bra can therefore have a size range up to a 38D and be considered an "average figure" bra. But, bra styles that include and exceed a 40 band size in their size run are considered a plus size bra. By contrast, a bra style that only goes up to a 38 band size, but includes cup sizes larger than a D is considered a full figure bra style, but not considered a plus size bra style.
The point here is that you need to pay attention to what term is actually being used on a bra style. If you wear a 42E, don’t be so sure that a bra claiming to be full figure will come in your size. Conversely, if you wear a 34DD, don’t think you need to be looking only at plus size bras in order to find your size.
There has been an increase in manufacturers who cater to the full figure market. These brands include Lunaire, Panache and Chantelle. Plus size brands are also on the rise. They include Goddess, Le Mystere, Fantasie of England and Freya.
Posted by Tomima at 4:28pm
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The New Spanx Bra - Bra-llelujah 216 - Is it really a Halleluhah?
March 03, 2008
With great fanfare, the highly anticipated Spanx Bra-lleluhah Bra style 216 launched this January. Three years in the making, this Spanx bra claims to be "So comfortable… You’ll forget you have it on!."
So what’s so different about this bra? Unlike other lingerie manufacturers, Spanx approached its 
design more from a shapewear and hosiery perspective. The bra is fashioned out of a unique hosiery fabric. Spanx claims it conforms to your body like a second skin, and thus reduces any visible bra lines under your form-fitting tops. The straps have no hardware adjustments. Instead, the unique hosiery fabric naturally adjusts the shoulder straps to the appropriate length for you. And, a new technique claims the underwires are contained differently so that no wires will peek or pop out. This new bra concept is also patent-pending.
Given this bra has the Spanx name behind it, many would predict opening sales would be brisk… and they were. So good in fact that Spanx is now saying they’re sold out and will not have more inventory until August of 2008! This is a good sign, but does it put to rest the initial cautions being voiced before its launch?
Here were the pre-launch concerns with the Spanx bra. The shoulder straps are unusual in that they’re not adjustable. These non-adjustable straps could be probl
ematic for petite and tall women who need strap adjustability. Also, as this bra is worn over time, will these straps stretch out of shape? This Spanx bra is a front closure bra. Hence, it has no band adjustability - unlike the traditional 3-position hook and eye back closure. Again, as this bra is worn, will it have a shorter life-span because the back has stretched out? Finally, it appears this bra is really designed for an average height woman who has neither a broad nor narrow back, because anything other than normal can not be adjusted for in the band length.
So far, the reviews at HerRoom.com have been mostly raves. 38B and 34C sizes have given it 5 Star reviews:
"Loved 
the Bra. I do wish that they offered bigger cup sizes in the smaller sized bras. ie: 34 D/DD or 36 D/DD"
"I love this bra. It is the most comfortable bra I have owned. I hardly know I have it on!"
However, a peek at early returns is showing a trend. There is a higher return rate in D cups. Perhaps these recent review explains why:
"Did not like this at all! I am probably a 32D-32DD and although the band is big enough around (maybe even a little too big), the cups are too small!" 32D
"It is not comfortable, does not fit well and is almost no support at all." 38D
"This bra is extremely comfortable, and perfect for under T-shirt and fitted tops. The drawback is that you cannot adjust the straps and it does not offer a lot of support. I would not recommend this bra to anyone who requires larger than a C-cup due to the lack of support. If you have smaller breasts and want a smooth line under your clothes, this would be perfect for you." 34D
Bottom line: the Spanx Bra-lleluhah bra is so far, quite popular. However, if you’re a full D cup, or you’re out of the norm in terms of height, just understand that this bra may not be the best choice for you. Hallelujah!
Spanx Sighting Update! As rumors spread that Carly Smithson, a top American Idol contestant, was pregnant, she confessed to wearing Spanx for her performance in an effort to show that no, she isn’t pregnant. She did look unusually trim and got knowing looks from American Idol judge, Paula Abdul at her mention of Spanx. And by the way, Carly really isn’t pregnant.
Posted by Tomima at 12:55pm
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How to Measure for Your Bra Size
February 28, 2008
Here’s the truth – there is no exact measuring system when it comes to figuring out your proper bra size. Now, I appreciate that this is a rather provocative statement, but after 8 years of helping women find their correct bra size, invariably the tape measure is abandoned and in its place is a conversation about what’s not right about their current size.
First, you need to understand that the tape measuring system was designed by manufacturers to help women with A to D cup sizes only. That’s right, it was never intended for the larger cup sizes, yet retailers will try and make it work anyway.
to take the wrong measurements. As an example, when measuring your under-bust, have you first taken a deep breath? Having been a synchronized swimmer in my younger years, my under-bust measurement can expand more than 3” with a good intake of air. Most don’t know that this measurement is to be taken after letting out all your air.
Your tape measure must also be exactly parallel to the floor when taking the under-bust measurement. This is very difficult to do. What if someone handed you a funnel and asked you to take its circumference 1" down from the top? It would be tough; the tape measure would want to slip. As most of us know, we aren’t columnar shaped, so getting this measurement accurately is almost impossible without help.
Now, those are just the issues with the under-bust measurement. Let’s move on to the bust measurement. Again, the tape measure should be parallel to the floor, and cross over the nipples. Okay, but most of us, except for maybe A cup women, have sagging breasts. So, how do we measure this? Do we take this measurement naked? Do we bend over so that our breasts measure at their fullest? Do we measure while wearing a bra? Do we have someone hold our breasts where we would like them to eventually wind up, then take this measurement? And then, should we breath in or out during this measurement? As you can imagine, all of these considerations will render a different measurement.
The answer is to find your best fitting, non-padded bra, breath out and take this measurement with the tape parallel to the floor. Of course, your best fitting bra is probably wrong (which is the reason you’re going through this exercise in the first place) so even this measurement will be inaccurate.
So, what’s a girl to do to find her correct bra size? What I have found over the years is that treating the ill-fitting symptom with a size change is the most accurate solution. In my next blog entry on this subject, I’ll explain to you what a correctly fitted bra should look like. Knowing this is the first step to getting you to your correct bra size.
Posted by Tomima at 12:48pm
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