the bra turns 100!

happy Birthday

Can you believe that women have been wearing a bra for 100 years?
The bra has come a long way!

I had a chance to ask Karen Bromley, the spokesperson for the Intimate Apparel Council, a couple of  questions I had about bras.

1. What are the main things women should focus on when they’re buying a bra?

• Fit is the most important thing when purchasing a bra. Below are the three most important ways to tell if a bra is offering the right fit and support

Tips

• A woman’s bra should always tack at the center gore (between the breasts)
• The underwire should rest on bone and not on fatty breast tissue, which is painful and potentially damaging to a woman’s body.
• The back of the bra should run parallel to the floor and be at the exact same level as the front of the bra. If the bra is riding up, it does not fit properly.

2. Should women measure themselves at home? Or should they let a sales associate do the measuring?

• Every woman should go to a fit specialist to get measured for a bra. Most major department stores have fit specialists on staff that can help – just call the stores when you want to go in to check!

3. What are the 3 best bra styles that every woman should own?

• The 3 best bra styles depend on a woman’s size and preference, but it is important to look at your bras like you look at your wardrobe and fill it with the basics. You should have a good sports bra that fits you comfortably, a basic everyday underwire bra and a convertible bra that has removable straps.

4. What is the most reliable brand? Or is it a personal preference?

• That always depends on the woman’s personal preference. There really isn’t any correlation between price and quality, so once a woman has the right fit it is up to her to decide which bras she is most comfortable in.

5. Is there any new bra technology coming out for 2011?

• For 2011 many companies are working with much lighter and extra fine fabrics. Additionally, many brands are using lighter weight padding and moving away from foam to other materials.
• Another hot 2011 trend – fabrics that have performance value and offer some extra features

Thanks Karen!