Bra Studies & Sampling Methods

Catherine Clavering of Kiss Me Deadly wrote a blog post about why the sampling methods of ‪breast‬ and ‪‎bra‬-related studies matter for the calculation of valid statistics on The Lingerie Addict. Think critically before taking the results on any of the studies that reach the news as fact. This is what you should consider before deciding if the statistics are representative of its population.

Bra Fit Science: Why Sampling Methods for Lingerie Research Matter

The number. Your sample size needs to reflect the total population that your research covers. In this case, that’s women from the whole of the UK, a number of about 32 million.

Geography. If your sample is supposed to represent the whole of the UK, then it should include people from all over the UK. A major issue in experiments is that the vast majority are done on people from one small area (namely, from a round the universities) and then interpreted to represent the entire world!

Socioeconomic Status. This means that if it’s possible social status and income might make a difference in what you are testing, then you should make sure your sample represents as much diversity in that area as possible. In the UK, there’s an established link between income and weight (the richer are thinner), so for any kind of size research you really must do this.

Other relevant demographic variables. In this case, age might be a significant variable; for example, we know that size changes much with age.

How are you finding your sample? The methods you use to find your sample set can make a hugedifference to results. Imagine if you were doing research on bra fit, and your sample only came from shops who told their unhappy customers to come and see you? If you surveyed women who just made a bra purchase they loved, you could get a completely different result!

Behind The Seams on Lingerie Talk

Lingerie Talk has a post about an exhibit that explores mechanical clothing, with women's undergarments being the main focus. They have transformed over time as certain female figures shifted in and out of fashion.

"The pursuit of a perfect figure — however culture and custom defined it — has transfixed humanity for centuries. And a new exhibition opening in Paris today reveals that this most unapologetic expression of vanity isn’t confined to women alone. The history of mechanical manipulations of human anatomy through undergarments is given a thorough and very serious examination in Behind The Seams: An Indiscreet Look At The Mechanics of Fashion, which runs until Nov. 24 at the Museum of Decorative Arts in The Louvre. (Yes, leave it to the French to put their undies on display — in the Louvre, no less!)" - Richard on Undressing History: The Louvre Looks At The Mechanics Of Fashionable Shapes

Articulated pannier and whalebone corset, circa 1740-60

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Starting a Lingerie Business

"If you would like nothing more than to arrange drifts of soft underwear, delicate brassieres and silken nightgowns into attractive displays for shoppers, consider starting your own lingerie business." - Bettina Drew

Photo of Forty Winks

Are you so passionate about lingerie that you're interested in the idea of starting a lingerie business? You'll have to take these steps in order to get started: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-own-lingerie-business-4850.html

The Relationship Between Bras and Breasts

A recently completed 15-year study conducted by French scientist Jean-Denis Rouillon observed the relationship between bras and breasts. It has gained attention from women, lingerie designers, and lingerie bloggers around the world. The results suggested that bras might cause expediated sagging in breasts. We've rounded up a few great responses to the study that are worth reading.

Lingerie Briefs - French Bra Study Exposed: Perks Up Media, Deflates Women's Busts
The Lingerie Addict - Do Bras Prevent Breast Sagging?: Why We're Having The Wrong Conversation
Lingerie Talk - Are You Better Off Without A Bra?

What are your thoughts?

Bra Adjustments

Bodies inevitably change over time, making bras that once fit perfectly no longer sit on the body quite right. Whether it's an issue with the band or the cup, there are ways to make the adjustments yourself. Cloth Habit has fantastic visual guides in their "Bra-making Sew Along" series of blog posts that show us exactly how to go about adjusting bras.

Band adjustment: http://clothhabit.com/2013/01/bra-making-band-adjustment/

Cup adjustment: http://clothhabit.com/2013/01/bra-making-sew-along-cup-adjustments/

Lingerie by Body Type

Certain lingerie styles just seem to work best on certain body types. If the shape of your body pear-like, curvy, straight, or athletic, Women's Health has expert recommendations on what lingerie would look amazing on you!

Read the tips here: http://www.womenshealthsa.co.za/beauty-style/what-to-wear/what-lingerie-is-best-for-your-figure?page=600

Proper Bra Storage

If you want to maintain your bras shape and extend their lifetime, it's essential that you care for them correctly!
When storing your bras, be sure to keep the cups facing upright and to stack them one on top of the other. Never invert the cups and be sure to keep them wrinkle-free.
Follow The Wife has bra storage tips on her blog that you should check out!

I have a lot of bras. Truthfully, I wear two or three of them all the time—a seamless nude bra and a padded black push-up are my everyday staples. But I can never say no to a pretty bra. Therefore, I have lots of pretty bras all crumpled a drawer. Additionally, last summer I went through a bright bra phase and now I have lots of bright bras crumpled in the drawer, too. Typing that made me cringe a little bit. My bras—pretty, bright or basic—should not be crumpled anywhere!

Read it here: http://followthewife.blogspot.com/2012/03/proper-bra-storage.html

Your Bra Transforms Your Body

Wearing the incorrect bra size can really do some damage on a woman's silhouette. With the right bra size, a body can be completely transformed into a smoother, leaner figure with breasts held upright in the right place. These women's before-and-after pictures show how drastic of a difference a bra fitting can make.

See the Shape Magazine before-and-after bra fitting collection here: http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/change-your-bra-change-your-body

Linda's Bra Problem Guide

With more than 80% of women wearing the wrong bra size, it's no wonder why there are so many issues and questions regarding their fit and appearance floating around. For the most common bra problems among women, Linda The Bra Lady has the reasons why they happen and the answers to help you find your correct size!
Check out her Bra Problem Guide if you have any questions regarding the fit of your bra's band or straps, breasts, any medical problems, uneven sizes, or anything else.

"It's important to care for your bras properly. Every woman knows how painful the wrong bra can be. Learn how to solve your bra problems here, once and for all."

Read it here: http://www.lindasonline.com/bra-problem-guide.html

Bra Bulge - Too Tight?

We all hate the unsightly back bulge caused by bras that don't fit quite right. Think it's because it fits too snugly? That's likely not the case.
Read Is My Bra Too Tight? on RealSimple.com.

Q: I always look like I have back fat. Is my bra too tight?

 A: No, it’s actually too loose. A properly fitting bra is the key to a smooth back. Here are three strategies to prevent bra-induced bulge:
 
Make sure the band fits snugly (you should be able to slide only one finger underneath it) and sits low under your shoulder blades. “When the band is too large, the bra rides up in the back, which creates a roll,” says Lauren Amerine, a co-owner of Isabella Fine Lingerie, in Chicago. (Remember: The band should fit perfectly on the loosest hook, since the bra will inevitably stretch out.)
 
Look for a bra with a band that is wide under the arms and across the back to help hold in soft flesh (the closure should have a row of two or three hooks, not one hook).

http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/lingerie-hosiery/is-my-bra-too-tight-00000000026508/index.html

Summer Lingerie!

Summer is upon us and we all have to choose the right lingerie and underwear to stay comfortable in the heat! From lingerie for women to undershirts for men, check out this helpful and cool article by Mary Beth Adomaitis from LoveToKnow!

As temperatures rise during the summer, lingerie styles for women and men heat up as well. Don't let modesty hold you back from keeping cool on those hot summer days -- and nights.

Stay cool this summer everyone!

A Guide The Best Under-Fashion Boutiques in NYC

Finding a go-to place to shop for your skivies in New York can be an unexpectedly difficult task. With thousands of retailers to choose from city wide, how do you know where you're getting your money's worth for quality, fashion and price?  Luckily, we've done some of the work for you. Here's a few of our Underfashion Club top picks:

Azaleas

233 East 10^th street

New York, NY

http://www.azaleasnyc.com/

Azaleas is a small boutique on the lower east side of manhattan amidst turn of the century apartment buildings and a thriving community. Upon entering Azaleas, you are greeted by friendly, helpful staff who offer their assistance in what ever you may need. They are very knowledgeable about their wide variety of under garments and can help you find what you want. Although the store seems geared more towards thinner women, There is something for everyone. Azaleas also has a nice collection of lounge wear and bathing suits where little gems can often be found.

Orchard Corset Center

157 Orchard Street

New York, NY

The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Orchard is the lack of visible merchandise, everything is kept in boxes. Extremely knowledgeable staff members (usually little old ladies) take your measurements from behind a curtain and voila, moments later you have the perfect fitting bra. There is no browsing at Orchard which may not be ideal to some women but if you trust in the system, you will not be disappointed. The most pleasing aspect of Orchard is the nonjudgmental atmosphere that will make any woman feel welcomed.

Le Petite Loquette

51 University Pl

New York, NY

Le Petite Loquette (which translates to “The Little Flirt”) has everything you might need but they specialize in lingerie. Upon entering the store, you are greeted by a salesperson who can help you find exactly what your looking for. After you have tried on a few bras, each looking more bootylicious and feeling more comfortable than the last, it will dawn on you that you are in the Mecca of sexy undergarments. Though this is not the place to go if you are particularly frugal (the prices will often shock you) but, Le Petite Loquette has something for everyone.  

Happy Shopping!

As always, 

The Underfashion Club 

Have an idea for an article, need advice? Contact us @

Underfashionclub@gmail.com Subject line:Blog

The Best Bras for Summer

The heat of summer is upon us and fashion styles are bare and sheer.  It’s time to rethink your bra selections.  There are hundreds upon hundreds of bra styles out there -- but fear not, we at the Underfashion Club are here to help you sort through them.

A convertible bra offers you the most versatility. It gives you many options for customization while still supporting you well under a backless bodice or halter top. You can go strapless under skinny tanks, halters, or strapless tops. Additionally, cross-back and racer back bras go well with sleeveless tops, with no sign of a bra strap in view. Skip styles with lace or heavy seams for a cleaner look under fitted sleeveless tops and fine knits.

A demi bra is the perfect choice for a plunging or revealing neckline. The wide-set cups cover the nipple, while providing good support with maximum exposure. Flesh tone-colored bras are the best option when sporting pastels or wearing sheer materials like linen or silk.

If you are into outdoor activities, you might consider fighting sweat-inducing humidity by pairing summer attire with a moisture-wicking sports bra. Sports bras provide great support and comfort, while the high-tech fabric keeps you cooler and drier than most fashion bras.

Wanna know more?  Read more!
How to Choose a Bra to Wear With Summer Tops  via  eHow.com



  As Always,
The Underfashion Club





Have an idea for an article, need advice? Contact us @
Underfashionclub@gmail.com Subject line:Blog