#but the band size I need is small enough that wire-free bras do not usually come in sizes that actually match what I need

[tj-crochets]

Follow up question! Well, follow up in that I keep forgetting to ask, it's otherwise completely unrelated: 3. do y'all have any recommendations for where to buy bras online? Not sports bras and not pullover ones, my ribs are too messed up to reliably be able to not get stuck in bras without clasps lol

Hey y'all! Two questions, for once not that weird lol 1. do you have a recommendation for a crocheted hexipuff blanket pattern? (if I am remembering that those are called correctly) 2. I got some small pieces of the like thermal insulated batting in a box of scraps and it makes a pleasant crinkly noise when moved. Do y'all know if it's machine washable (when inside a finished object) and do you think it would be good to put inside like stuffed animal ears as a fidget toy kind of thing?

[juliadfdias]

What you have to know about bra fitting & care

Did you know that 7 out of 10 women are not wearing the right bra size? I learned that in August 2015, when I was being trained to become a bra fitting specialist in a bra store. Bra shopping is often something we tend to avoid. Finding the right size can be such a pain! We end up trying on too many styles, buying the wrong cup size and a few weeks later we stop wearing those bras because they’re not as comfortable after all.  But with the help of a REAL fit expert, shopping for a bra won’t make you sweat anymore. Here are some things you need to know. 

Finding the right size First step: head to a bra store where they can adjust you. Not any bra store. A real one with fitting experts. If you’re busty, try to look what stores have D+ cups. Find the right bra store for your needs! Second: tell them your current bra size - or at least, what you think it is. Show them the bra you currently have. If you don’t remember, that’s totally fine! The bra fitter will measure you. This measurement is approximate. It’s just to guide us, bra fitting specialists, to have an idea of what bra type is best. Why? Simply because every bra company has their different measures. From a Chantelle to a Triumph, from a Victoria’s Secret bra to a Warners, the cups and sizes will not be the same. Just like pants! A size 12 at Old Navy won’t fit exactly like a size 12 at Calvin Klein.  Third: tell the specialist what you want. Which color, style, how many bras you need to buy, what your budget is. Tell them also what you really don’t want and why. For example: I don’t want an unlined one because I often wear t-shirts and I hate when my nipples are showing through my bra and clothes. Whenever someone comes to me and asks for help, I just picture all the bras we have in store in my head. The more the customer tells me what they want and doesn’t,  the bras get eliminated one after the other, until I am left with what I think are the best ones. I picture them in my head, knowing the sizes available and how they fit. Fourth: time to try the bras she brings you! She might show you some that you won’t want to try on, but trust her: it often looks better on you than on the hanger. We know what we’re bringing you, we’ve seen it on other women and we’ve also tried it on. Yes, all the bra fitters of where I use to work tried ALL the bras in store. Of course, if the bra style is only for DD+ cups and the employee was a 34B, she wouldn’t try it on but one of the other coworkers had to show her the fit on herself. I was shy at first but, hey, we’re all different and so beautiful in our own way! All bodies are beautiful! Fifth: the fitting. If you don’t want the specialist to see you in the fitting room, tell her. Of course if you show her how the bra fits, it will be easier for her to find where something is wrong: straps too tight, cup too small, band size too big. I always explain to the client what the problem is. This way, they will be informed next time they’re buying bras, and maybe even be confident enough to shop by themselves!  Sixth and last step. Before saying yes to the bras you chose, do this in the changing room: try them under a shirt. Where I work, we sell pajamas. I always bring a fine shirt for the client to try on. It might look exactly like you want it but once you try it with a top, you end up not liking the shape it gives your breasts. I also bring a shirt because styles with lace don’t always look smooth under it.  After those steps, you’re ready to go home with brand new bras! 

Oh no, the fitting specialist didn’t find anything for me! Do not lose hope, dear. It happens. It can make you feel like either the bra fitter is not the best or make you feel like your breasts are not ‘normal’. Girl, NO. The store you went to just doesn’t have anything for your unique breasts! Worry not, there are plenty of other places to continue the search. Where I currently work, Lilianne Lingerie, not all stores have the same styles. From one city to another, it varies a lot. The selection is based on what’s selling better in each of them.  If I am not able to find any bra that fits the client, I look at the catalogs we have and see if I can order different styles. In my 4+ years of experience, it happened a couple of times. My passion is to help women find the good bra, so I’ve done a lot of research on my free time. I know a lot of different brands and companies and know what they sell. So if I didn’t find a bra in my store for my client, I tell her where she can start looking next, online or near.

Putting on the bra the right way - Attach the hook on the widest size. The more we wear a bra, the more the elastic loosens up. Yes, even if it cost you $120 or if it’s from France, nothing lasts forever! Doing that helps the band’s elastic stay ‘elastic’ longer. When it starts getting loose, you’ll be able to make it tighter. - Sweep your breasts inside the cup. Learn forward and do the ‘scoop and swoop’ so they get in the right place! - Adjust the straps. They shouldn’t be loose or digging into your shoulders. - The band size has to be horizontal and at the same level as the front. If it’s too high or too low, you won’t have the needed support and you’ll have back pain. Also, if it’s digging in, you guessed it, you need a bigger band size. If you move down a band size, move up a cup size. And the other way around.  - The cup. There should be no bulging or sagging. Move up or down a cup size - don’t forget to verify the band size as well! 

What about bra extenders? When a client is between 2-3 bra sizes - yeah that happens too - a bra extender might do the job. I try to not rely on that option but sometimes the client’s back is too wide for a band size 34 (75) but a 36 (80) is too loose. ‘But why don’t you attach the 36 on the last hook?’ Because then, when the elastic starts getting loose, the client won’t be able to make the band tighter and her bra will not last as long as it’s supposed to! So, NO. I just take a bra extender and put it on the 34, if the cup is perfect on it. ‘Cause the 36 band can be good but if the wire goes too far under the armpit, that ain’t okay. That’s when the bra extender comes in handy. Without changing the cup size, it adds up to 3 more hooks to the bra. It’s also a good option for people who tend to become bloated throughout the day: they can loosen up the bra a bit to be more comfortable.  

How much should I pay for a good bra? It depends on so many factors. My bra size varies from 36DDD/80F to 34DDDD/75G. La Vie en Rose’s sizes are not for me, neither La Senza or Victoria’s Secret. So far, I can fit in Chantelle, CORIN, Simone Perele, Wacoal. Their prices are from $75 to $190 CAD. My bras cost me a lot but they fit like a glove. I can spend the entire day in them and not even feel I’m wearing any.  I’m not telling you to pay $100 for a bra. It just depends on the style, quality, brand, size. DD+ cups are pricier because of the complexity of the design. A stronger support is needed. D cup breasts can weight 10 pounds. Do you realize how heavy that can be for your back? Choose a bra you’re comfortable in. It’s better to pay more for a high quality bra, with a strong elastic band that fits well, than to pay for a cheap bra that will make you hate how you look in your clothes. 

How often should I get fitted? Our bodies change a lot. We might not notice it. In January you could be wearing a 34D and then in June, when buying the same bra, you could be going home with a 36DD: one cup and one band size bigger! Gain weight or loss affects how often you should get fitted. If you feel like your body has changed you should go get a bra fitting again. I suggest getting it every 6 months. It doesn’t mean you’ll have to spend money again on a new bra. It’s just to make sure your size is ‘up to date’. Random fact: I have bras for different times of my cycle. During my PMS, they get a cup bigger. They go back to normal after a week. So I have my PMS bras.

Bra care I don’t buy 10 bras per year. I can use the same 3-4 and they’ll still be looking brand new after months and months. I take good care of them because they cost me a lot of money. That’s how I keep them looking like I just bought them: - Lay them flat to dry. Don’t put them in the drier. Please. Don’t. It will literally destroy the elasticity of the band. It can also twist your wires and deform them. Try to not hang them by the band or by a strap. The weight of the water in the fabric will stretch it. Laying them flat is the best way to keep it the right shape. Also, don’t twist your bra to remove excess water. Do it gently. - Use gentle soap. Bra stores sell some but you can use gentle laundry soap (for babies clothes, for sensitive skin, for delicate fabrics).  - Buy a lingerie wash bag. If you don’t have time to hand wash them, it’s okay. You can your bras in the washing machine but don’t forget to attach the hooks and put them in a lingerie wash bag. It keeps them from being tossed around the other clothes you are washing them with. The hooks can also pull the thread of a cable knit sweater. There goes your favorite sweater, oh no!  - Hand wash them. It’s the best way of keeping them looking new. You don’t need to rub them. I usually put soap on the places where my body sweated the most: fabric under the armpit area, under the wire and on the back (band).  - Bra rotation. We spend around 8+ hours wearing it. Don’t use your bra two days in a row. It will make the elastic become loose faster. To give it time to go back to its shape, don’t wear that bra for at least 24 hours.  - How often to wash your bra. Every 2-3 uses. It all depends what you did with it. Did you run a marathon is your sports bra? Wash it, girl. Did you just use it to go to the grocery store real quick and took if off after getting home? It’s fine, put it back in the drawer. Washing it every time is exaggerated and not enough is gross.

That was a lot of information, I know. But the more you know about it, the more confident you’ll be when it comes to finding the perfect bra.  I hope this article helped you conquer your tiny fear of getting help for bra shopping! Thanks for reading!

Here are some helpful articles I found online on ThirdLove.com about other points I have not covered: Bra size chart | Sister sizes | Bra styles guide | Breast shapes | Fit issues 

[adrianafashionstyle]

Mae Women's Lace Padded Bralette - The Top Fashion Item Of The Day

97% Nylon, 3% Spandex

Imported

Available colors: Aqua, Astral Aura, Coral  (check availability)

Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large (check availability)

Machine Wash

Pullover bralette with cotton-lined cups and floral lace overlay

Scalloped trims

Adjustable straps

Removable pads

Light, comfortable support ideal for A-C cups

Model is a 34B wearing a size Small

   Product description

Mae bralettes pair soft, smooth fabrics with wire-free construction for everyday support that's comfy enough for lounging and pretty enough to flaunt.

Package Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches

Item model number: RB71J109

Customer questions & answers

Question: Is the lace itchy where it touches your skin? I have a few bralettes made of lace, but they are all irritating to my skin.

Answers:

·        If you've had problems with that before, I'd stay away from this one. I don't normally have sensitive skin but this one does itch a little after I've been wearing it for a while. 

·        I was concerned about itching, too. I have not had any itchiness with this lace. It's not stiff or thick, so maybe that's the difference. Bottom line-no itching. 

·        On initial try on it was a bit irritating but after i washed and dried it with a dryer sheet it isn't itchy at all. That being said I think it did shrink some around the band when I dried it. It also fuzzed up the lace a bit so I'd be careful if you do go that route.

Question: Is this lightly padded or just lined with fabric?

Answers:

Lightly padded with inserts. 

Lightened paddyd

Question: Hello! I am a 24 D, 36 inch bust, what size should i get?

Answer: I would guess extra large.. I got large, and I'm smaller , it was tight.. extra large I would think

Question: How many rows of hooks are there for closure? (2 or 3)

Answer: None, it's a pullover bralette 

Top customer reviews

THE best pull over bralette, and yes, I've tried them all! 5.0 out of 5 stars

Size: X-Large|Color: Charcoal Grey

Having boobs a little on the larger side, and always looking for something comfortable (so pull over, no back clasp) that provides some amount of nipple coverage...well, I've tried every bralette and low impact sports bra that exists.

This really is the winner of internet bralettes! It actually fits like you would expect an XL to fit. Nicely, but no so loose you are falling out, or like others that might as well have been a medium.

The removable pads are decent quality and thickness, but the bralette itself is double lined in the cup, so you may not need them.

Now, if we could only get every color of the rainbow, and some not in lace! This will be my go-to summer bra under tank tops. Good coverage without being too much.

For reference: 5'7", 150lbs, correct bra size 32E (36DD for all you VS sizers)

Awesome product! Cute and comfy!! 5.0 out of 5 stars

Size: Medium|Color: Charcoal Grey

I was on a mission to find a wire free comfy bra that wasn't unattractive and thought I'd give this Lacy cute one a try.

I'm always hesitant with lace cuz it's itchy but this one has lined cups so it's nice and soft.

Super impressed! Super comfy, sexy and a perfect fit!

Going to buy more in different colors!

Love this bra!! 5.0 out of 5 stars

Size: Small|Color: Coral

Um this is the cutest most comfiest non-underwire bra! It doesn't pinch or itch, very soft material, tiny bit of padding, tight enough for a little support. And it's super cute!

Could even wear this by itself in some contexts. I will be buying more in other colors for shiz.

Comfy Lace Bralet 5.0 out of 5 stars

Size: Medium|Color: Coral

Purchased the coral in medium. It is a beautiful color and I love the lace. Very comfortable too.

Reference: I am 39 yo, 5"4', 130 lbs. I have an athletic build with bigger-than-average thighs/bum/shoulders with a smaller waist.

I usually wear size small shirt, size 6/8 pant, a size small dress (or size 4/6), 8.0 W or 8.5 M shoe, and a 34B bra.

This is the BEST bralette! I have a larger chest and too ... 5.0 out of 5 stars

Size: X-Large|Color: Astral Aura

This is the BEST bralette!

I have a larger chest and too many bralettes don't offer support for larger chests. This one is perfect!

The colors are great, it's super comfortable, and pretty too! I have grey and navy, can't wait to get the rest!!

Fits well and is comfortable. It covers everything nice enough 4.0 out of 5 stars

Size: X-Large|Color: Charcoal Grey

Fits well and is comfortable. It covers everything nice enough, but the lace does show through thinner tee-shirts/tops (little bumps).

I still like how comfortable it is though

Love it! 5.0 out of 5 stars

Size: Small|Color: Charcoal Grey

This is the second bra I have bought from Mae, and I think I am more impressed with this one than the last! It is extremely comfortable (more comfortable than some of the sports bras I own).

I have smaller boobs, so I don't need a lot of support, but the padding is enough to keep my nipples from poking through. It's also super cute!

Good value 4.0 out of 5 stars

Size: Small|Color: Snow

I wanted this for a sleep top and the straps felt a bit too thin to be comfortable when sleeping, but it's a nice bra.

It's very similar to a cosabella never say never bra, but much cheaper.

One thing I don't understand is why this entire range doesn't come in black.