How Long Should My Bra Last?

Lately, I have been asked a lot “How long should my bra last?”. Unfortunately bras do not come with a lifetime warranty but, with a little care you can extend the life of your delicate undergarments. With so many women asking this question I thought I would do a little investigating and find the answer. We tell clients that with proper wear and care you can get a year out of a bra. You can imagine my surprise when I found most blogs, bra companies, and retailers claim that a good bra will last 3 to 6 months! Truthfully, with proper care, mine have lasted just over a year.

There are a few things you can do to help lengthen the life of your bra. When you come in for a fitting at The Girls Bra Shop Inc.™ our fitters take the time to go through all of this but sometimes we need a refresher.

• Never wear the same bra 2 days in a row. A bra is made of thousands elastine fibres. By wearing the same bra every day, it would break down the elasticity quicker, shortening the life of the bra. By giving it a day off you allow the bra to restore its shape and maintain the support required.
• Build a bra wardrobe. In order to rotate your bras, you are going to need to build a bra wardrobe. While some women have a slight addiction to lingerie, others are more pragmatic about their bra wardrobe, but there are some essential bras every woman should consider adding to her collection, everyday bras, wireless, sport, to name a few. I will admit I have a few favourites in my collection so to make sure I don’t wear them out too fast I’ve invested in that style by getting one in each colour. To learn more about bra wardrobes, see Your Bra Wardrobe.
  

• Hand Wash Your Bras. We all know to wash our bras by hand in a gentle detergent but I bet there are many of you out there that still sneak them into the washer and dryer. Here’s what happens when you go against this important rule. Even using a lingerie bag, a bra’s underwire could potentially get entwined in other garments and ruin the composition of the wire. The dryer’s heat can be damaging to the delicate elastine fibres causing them to break down much quicker than a handwashing.
• Use a gentle detergent. Let’s not forget the detergents used in washing machines are too harsh. Products like Forever New™ are formulated specially to preserve the elasticity of micro fibre and Lycra™ fabrics while gentle enough for delicate fabrics, promoting a long life to your undergarments.

• Wash your bra after every 3 to 4 wears. This is a general rule of thumb. Obviously an exception to this would be your sports bras after your zumba class or run. If you are an avid runner like me, you may want to get a couple so you get them washed and dried for your next run day.
• Hand washing is so very easy. Fill a sink with water and a gentle detergent like Forever New. Soak your bras. Rinse them. Pat them with a towel and then hang them to dry. No rubbing and scrubbing, this can break down the fibre as well. And unless you are a mechanic and spilling oil on your bra, it's unnecessary.

• Take extra care of your T-Shirt bras. If there is a bra that you certainly MUST follow these rules with it's the foam lined, or padded, T-Shirt bras. Not only do you have the elasticity of micro fibre and the Lycra to worry about but you want to take care of that foam lining that gives you the smooth invisible look you love so much. Machines can cause the foam to break down creating wrinkles that will be visible under your clothing. We also recommend storing your T-Shirt bras in their natural shape, do not crush or fold them, as this too will damage the foam lining and create wrinkles and less support.

Of course, we all treat our bras differently, but following the above will definitely add life to your bra. To learn more about bra care, see Caring for Your Bra.

When is it time to replace it?
When you have reached the last set of hooks, you no longer get the lift and support needed are signs it is time to update your lingerie drawer. To learn more about when you should come in for a fitting or check up, see Do Your Ears Hang Low...

And remember, it is good breast health to keep your girls well supported in a proper fitting bra.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Let Your Straps Show - Ann's Pick

A month ago I received an email from my biz partner that I had to check out these new straps, she had met the rep and loved them and bought a pair immediately. Who would have thought the rep would come to the store the very next day to check us out.

Tammy was right, I loved them and bought the pair shown above. They go great with almost everything I own in a strapless or sleeveless style. And so inexpensive, all the styles we carry are under $40.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Let Your Straps Show - Tammy's Pick

Exposed Envy straps
are so perfect with my
purple strapless dress

A few years ago I was traveling in the Asia Pacific and stumbled upon decorative bra straps while visiting a Mega Mall. I was entranced by all of the fun patterns and glamourous details. How brilliant! Convert strapless and multi-way bras into a fashion accessory. I was hooked. Thinking I'd go back before going home I decided to take my time in deciding just what styles I wanted. There were just so many to choose from.


As you can guess, I didn't make it back to the mall and have been looking for fashion straps ever since. So when I first saw a similar collection here in Saint John, I didn't hesitate and bought a set immediately for myself. And we now have them for sale in the store as well. So love them!


Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Let Your Straps Show

Bra straps are the latest and greatest in fashion accessory. 

Add some color and style
to your tops and dresses

Fashion accessories are considered to be items that supplement and compliment our clothing. "Accessories can add color, style and class to an outfit, and create a certain look, but they can also have a practical function: handbags can be used to carry small items such as cash, hats protect the face in bad weather, and gloves keep hands warm."

(copied from Wikipedia)

Perfect for any occasion!

And bra straps add that extra sense of security to the strapless or multi-way bras, while artfully adding sparkle to any top or dress. Perfect for special occasions and the summer months coming up.

Come into our stores and check out our great collection of fashion bra straps by Expose Envy. We know you'll love them as much as we do. 

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Have You Checked Your Girls?

70% of lumps are found during self breast exams.

Don't be alarmed: finding the lump doesn't mean that you have breast cancer but it does mean that you should visit a health professional to have it looked at.

There are a lot of resources out there that show you how to do a self breast exam; here's a good one from the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.

But it all boils down to one thing:

Feel Them!

Have you checked your girls?

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Under Cover Agent

We spend a lot of time focusing on bras and a proper fit, but what about the southern hemisphere? What you wear on the bottom half can make or break your outfit too. Visible Panty Line is just wrong and with all the different styles available it can easily be prevented.

Photo taken by Playful
Moments Photography

Thongs are even diverse within the category. The string is still available for those who want them but a lot of brands are designing their thongs with a little wider back so you don’t get that dental floss feeling.   While thongs will be good at preventing panty line they may not create the smoothest look.  If this is something you are concerned about you may want to try a shaper panty.

Shapers come in boy leg, thigh or legging. The beauty of shaper style bottoms is that they give a little lift while smoothing out your curves. Most shaper bottoms feature a blend of moisture wicking, breathable fibres that let you work, exercise and play in confidence.This makes shapewear very versatile. Perfect for evening wear, formal wear, gym wear—no matter how clingy or sheer, these bottoms vanish beneath it.

Invisibles - Completely smooth, seamless briefs ensure no panty line under lightweight summer outfits. Laser cut thongs that lay smooth and flat on your derrière. Without elastic or trim, laser cut eliminates panty lines and hip gouging forever. Soft, stretch styles are incredibly comfortable; choose nude shades for complete invisibility.

Freya Loretta Bra and
Fashion Panty

Fashion Panties are the way to make a women feel beautiful top and bottom. With brands like Fantasie, Freya and Chantelle designing your briefs and boy shorts you can be assured that you will be sitting on luxury. They provide the maximum amount of comfort to the wearer, using the same feminine, delicate fabrics and laces that are used in their matching bras.

They are called underwear for a reason so be sure to keep them under wraps, whatever the occasion. “Showing off your Undies” is right next to “Visible Panty Line” on the don’t list. Remember, when you are wearing white pants; opt for a nude - invisible under your garments. 

Whether you love the look and feel of a full back panty, or enjoy the assurance that you've got no lines that a comfortable thong offers, we've got exactly what you're looking for. We have the panties you need to suit your comfort and style.

Ann and Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

An Experience (We Trust) You'll Enjoy

I recently read a post on a blog I enjoy about this customer's recent experience at a lingerie boutique she visited. Without going into detail, she did not enjoy it. Her review was such an eye opener to the poor service that is out there. You can read her post here.

It got me to thinking about the vision we had and still have for The Girls. Not only do we want women to find the right fitting bra for their shape and lifestyle, and not only do we want every woman do be able to own beautiful bras, but we want to provide it in an environment that makes every client feel good about themselves and their experience.

The Girls in Rothesay, NB

You see, Ann and I are both women who enjoy quality product and expect a certain level of service. I personally shop at a store based on the level of knowledge and friendly service they give me. Yes, I expect to walk into a clothing store and have one of their sales people help me find the perfect top and pant for my body. I expect waitstaff at a restaurant to keep my water glass full without me asking and to be able to make smart menu recommendations based on my likes. And I expect them to do it with a sincere smile. Is that too much to ask? I don't think so. :)

That's why when Ann and I founded The Girls, we spent a lot of time and money on research and training. We still do and have proudly claimed being among the top fitters in Canada since our first year.

We surrounded ourselves with a team of women who really care about their clients and are passionate about helping women get the right and beautiful fit. We focused on even the slightest details, such as making sure the color and lighting of our fitting rooms compliment a woman's skin color. All because we want The Girls Bra Shop to be a place we, The Girls, would shop in.

The Girls in St. John's, NL

From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave we want you to feel taken care of and special by our expert and caring team. Clients tell us regularly that we've achieved this. One gal even wrote on her facebook wall that she was feeling blue one day and needed a trip to The Girls to brighten her day. I was over the moon reading that!

We hope your experience is the same.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Exercise Your Right To Better Breast Health

This week I was astonished to learn that a healthy lifestyle involving proper eating habits and a weekly exercise program can affect your breast health. If you’re having trouble getting motivated, read on.

Four hours of exercise per week can result in a 37% reduction in the risk of breast cancer. Doing regular exercise will cut down your risk of developing the disease, as well as preventing its return in a breast cancer survivor.  What’s troubling about this fact is that the later group knows this information already because they’ve been in a fight for their lives. They’ve been educated in the school of hard knocks.  It’s time ladies that we turn the tables and educate ourselves before we too are faced with this life changing diagnosis.

Here’s how it works.  Regular exercise lowers your levels of estrogen.  Although women need estrogen to mature and to create strong bones, overexposure can lead to breast cancer. Eighty percent of all breast cancers are fueled by estrogen.  Exercise is a natural way to reduce your estrogen levels, as well as reducing other hormones and growth factors that can cause breast cells to turn into cancer. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reported that exercise reduced mortality from all causes in breast cancer survivors by 50%, when combined with a healthy diet. (http://breastcancer.about.com/od/riskfactorsindetail/a/exercise_bc.htm)

As women, young and old, we have a choice.  Let’s become educated now on preventative measures to avoid relying on doctor intervention in the future to save our lives or limit the effects of an unhealthy life style.  

A friend of my mom once said in jest, “If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself”. That sentiment stuck with us and luckily mom and I made the choice of a healthier lifestyle.  In hindsight, mom wishes she had done it years sooner. 

At The Girl’s Bra Shop we see both sides of the story:  women searching for the perfect bar to wear under a special dress and those shopping for mastectomy attire to help them be comfortable and look shapely again.  Every need is as important as the person who walks through our doors, and we want to ensure we do everything we can to make women feel comfortable and confident.  But we are also passionate about being healthy and that includes breast health.  


Drop by our stores and check out our latest exercise bras. They will enhance your exercise experience by keeping the girls in place with the correct amount of support for your individual need.  Click on the link below to see some of the sports bras we carry and stay tuned for more “Healthy Breasts for a Healthy Life”.   

Visit our Facebook to see some of the sports bras we carry.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Join Our Team

We are looking for women to be part of a dynamic and passionate team that wants to hear your ideas and see you grow with us.

You:

• Are innovative
• Are positive
• Are detailed orientated
• Are a learner
• Care about customers and serving them
• Are able to work alone and as part of a team
• Care about women's issues

We will accept resumes with a cover letter only, explaining why you are the right “fit” for the job.

Please note store hours are 9-5 Monday - Saturday, with the exception of Thursday in which hours are 9-8.  This is for a part-time position and flexibility in scheduling is a must.

Mail to:
The Girls Bra Shop Inc.
47 Clark Rd Unit 2, Rothesay NB, E2E 2K9
Attn: Katherine

or email: info@thegirlsbrashop.com

A Night at The Inn

A fitting began my journey as a model for fun,

The staff and other participants - laughing and bonding - we became like one!

The night of the show, I couldn't wait to go!

My make up on, bejeweled and with the clothes fitting so well, I sure was feeling swell.

I was feeling glamorous and happy not to mention proud.

A neat experience, a great charitable cause - wow, confidence abound! 

Aware my body is not an air brushed model but a great reality,

I wanted to show the ladies of the audience no matter the age or size - all that they can be!

The products from the Girls Bra Shop, the organization they supported and the comraderie - made this event a wonderful empowering experience for me!

Barb MacLean

Writing about her experience as a model at The Girls Bra Shop Fashion Show Fundraiser. We were so excited she could join us. She owned that runway!

Real women. Real bras. Real beauty.

Update: Fashion Show Fundraiser Event

Invite donated by Nic Carhart Designs

How do I describe what has been called the Fashion Event of the season? ... With awe and wonder.

On March 23rd of this year, over 90 women and eight businesses joined us in celebrating being real women and raising funds for a much needed organization, KV Outreach. Believing every woman is uniquely beautiful and should have the support system behind them (excuse the pun), Ann and I believe strongly in the free and confidential service KV Outreach provides to those in unhealthy relationships.

Months before the event,  we put a call out to our clients for models. Eight beautiful, exciting, and local women answered the call and walked the cat walk wearing the latest fashions in bra sets, loungewear and swimwear made by the bra companies we love and sold at our online store. These women came from a variety of professions and lifestyles from university students to IT professionals.

We spent weeks of giggles with these women doing fittings getting ready for the evening. It really was a pleasure to learn more about them and to see their passion for encouraging self esteem in their peers. Ann and Tammy with Pam from Toose's had so much fun deciding what outfits and jewelry they should show off for us. It was wild, all shapes and sizes and they made everything look good.

Finally the sold out event was here and I can't tell you what a remarkable night it was. Women who were only strangers weeks before were lifting and supporting each other as women only know how. We were all so excited to be a part of this fabulous evening. Their make up was generously donated by the team at Yves Rocher accentuating each model's natural beauty.

There was so much energy as our guests enjoyed the decadent treats made for them by the talented team at the Bourbon Quarter and samples of wine carefully chosen and poured by the Valley Wine Cellar. The room was made ambient by the lovely bouquets by Sandra Miller Floral designs and sound and lighting generously donated by band Southern Comfort. Our own girls, at The Girls, made the event run without a hitch, doing as they only know how and putting their all into it.

As the fashion show began Ann and I were moved by the room full of women who applauded each model as she took her place on the runway. Women who are our friends, customers, and the neighbor in the grocery line behind you.

All in all it was a glamourous evening abundant with women encouraging and supporting women. Lisa from Playful Moments photography captured it all wonderfully.

In the end the event raised $1,600 from ticket proceeds. Ann and I were so encouraged by the response that we matched it and ended up presenting KV Outreach an amount of $3200.

Thank you to everybody who made this event such a success! And if you didn't make it this year, we hope to see you next time!

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

New (To Us) Breast Screening Method, Digital Infrared Imaging

A friend recently introduced Ann and I to a new, non invasive method of breast screening called Digital Infrared Imaging (DII). Using a digital infrared camera and a high speed computer, the metabolic activity in the breast cells are measured, identifying potential problem areas 5 - 8 years before a mass is large enough to be seen with mammography. Since approximately 26 percent of all cancers in women occur in the breast, we felt it was our responsibility to learn more about the process so we could pass the information on to other women. Information is power, and the more we understand about our breast health the better armed we are against breast cancer. In November the date for our DII appointment was set, and last week we travelled to Moncton for the procedure.

Upon arrival, we were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding our breast history. Moving to a private room, we undressed to the waist and for ten minutes let our breast adjust to the cool room temperature. Cooled down and ready to move on, we posed with our hands on our head while three pictures of our whole chest, breasts, and armpit area were taken, each from a different angle. Our hands were then placed in a 10 °C water bath for 1 minute. With the “cold challenge” complete, another batch of pictures was taken and, voila, it was over. Quick, simple, non-invasive, painless, respectful and professional! It was as easy as having a fitting by the girls at The Girls Bra Shop.

A certified thermologist will now analyze the images, and within six weeks, barring a postal strike, we will each receive a report outlining our current breast health as seen through the eye of a digital infrared camera. The same report will also be forwarded to two practitioners of our choice. With 88% accuracy, changes in our breast tissue function will be identified giving us a heads up of potential problem areas. In many cases, with early detection, health professionals can work to eradicate problems before they become a mass of cancer cells.

Digital Infrared Imaging is not meant to replace other screening methods such as mammography, but is a valuable first step assessment that can be done by any one at any time after puberty, regardless of your breast type (dense, pregnant, breastfeeding, fibrocystic, etc.) DII is just another tool enabling health management through practical and proactive knowledge. The following websites provide more information: www.medthermonline.com, www.breastthermography.com, and http://sunleitehealth.ca/breastthermography.html.

Watch this site for more articles addressing “Healthy Breasts for a Healthy Life”.