Know Your Shape: Athletic and Uneven

We've already taken a look at pointed, thin and full breast shapes. Let's take a look at two more: athletic and uneven.

Athletic

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The athletic breast shape is usually referred to as flat. They tend to have less fatty tissue with little cleavage between the two breasts.

Recommendation:

• Padded or pushup t-shirt bras to enhance the size
• Bandeaus and bralettes for coverage and no nipple chafing

Caution:

Plunging bras are not going to suit this breast shape.

Uneven

All women have one breast different from than the other. With some women this is more prominent than typical.

Recommendation:

• Foam lined t-shirt bras to balance the appearance of the breasts
• Cookies (typically silicon shapes that can be added to the bra) to balance the appearance
• Full coverage bras with stretchy lace that will form to the shape of each breast

Caution:

Plunge bras can show off the unevenness in this breast shape.

That concludes the Know Your Shape series. I had a lot of fun writing it. And remember there are exceptions. You may be more than one shape discussed or maybe not quite any of them. This is only a guideline, I recommend that you work with a professional fitter you trust, trying on the different styles, to truly see what works best on you.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Know Your Shape: Full

Last week we look at the pointed and thin breast shapes. This week we look at full breast shapes.


Please note: There are exceptions. You may be more than one shape discussed. I recommend that you still work with a professional fitter you trust, trying on the different styles, to truly see what works best on you.

Round and Full

The round and full breast shape is the most common and most sought after shape. The breasts are exactly that, round with equal fullness on all sides of the breast. Women with round and full breasts are fortunate as most bras are designed with their breast shape in mind.

http://www.investinyourchest.co.uk

Recommendation:

• While most bras can fit this breast shape, we recommend:
• Demi and balcony bras that are cut lower and less likely to cause pillowing
• Full coverage bras for the most lift and support and will cover the full breast and not cut across the top. 

Caution:

Structure is important to a round and full breast shape. We caution against foam lined t-shirt bras unless they are firm, as they will not give the lift and support a full breast requires.

Full on Top

The full on top breast shape appears fuller above the nipple.

Recommendation:

• Demi and balcony bras that are cut lower and less likely to cause pillowing

Caution:

The top of bras can cause pillowing with this breast shape.

Full on Bottom

The full on bottom breast shape appears fuller below the nipple.

Recommendation:

• Bras that push up on the bottom of the breast for a more rounded look
• Foam lined and padded t-shirt bras for a rounded look

Caution:

The full on bottom breast shape is not likely to fill out a full coverage or demi cut bra and will leave a space not looking quite round or full.

Full on Sides

The full on sides breast shape appears fuller on the sides of the breast. It may appear to extend beyond the rib cage.

Recommendation:

• 3 or 4 part bras, like balcony and full coverage for the best support and to center the breast
• Look for bras that are not stretchy
• Optionally, plunge

Caution:

This breast shape should avoid typical t-shirt bras unless they are firm and specifically designed for this particular shape. They will not give the support needed for this breast shape.
Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Know Your Shape: Pointed and Thin

We all know how important it is to find your right size to get that proper fitting bra. But that doesn’t mean that once you know your size, every bra in that size is going to fit you perfectly. Some styles are going to be better on you than others, and some you should just avoid.

http://www.investinyourchest.co.uk

Not all bras are the same.  Each is designed with a certain woman, shape, and purpose in mind. Knowing your shape goes a long way in knowing the right style for you.

Are you pointed and thin? Round and full? Athletic? Uneven?

This is naturally part of the fitting process. Not only is a good fitter trying to find your right size but she is also determining what styles work best on your shape.

Over the next couple of weeks we’ll look at common shapes and what might work best for that woman.

Please note: There are exceptions. You may be more than one shape discussed. I recommend that you still work with a professional fitter you trust, trying on the different styles, to truly see what works best on you.

Pointed

The pointed breast shape is pointed or cone like. Typically this shape is found in the A-C cup range. It is likely that the nipple will be pointed and obvious. This shape is best suited for foam lined and padded t-shirt bras.

Recommendation:

• Foam lined t-shirt bras to smooth and round the shape
• Padded push up bras for a fuller look
• Bandeaus to round the shape

Caution:

The pointed breast shape should avoid plunge bras as they are more likely to fall out of the bra.

Thin

The thin breast shape appears slim and long. This shape is typically found in the A-C cup range. Thin breast shapes will find soft cup (or wireless) bras comfortable as standard underwire bras can sit too low on the rib cage.

Recommendation:

• Foam lined t-shirt bras to smooth and round the shape
• Padded push up bras for a fuller look
• Bandeaus to round the shape

Caution:

The thin breast shape may find underwire uncomfortable as it may sit too low on the rib cage.

To learn more, see the entire Know Your Shape series.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

For Men: Tips for Buying Lingerie

Looking for that perfect gift? Want to buy something special for your sweetie? 

How about some Lingerie? It's intimate, sensual and can make your partner feel wonderful. 

http://www.veinteractive.com/blog/231211/its-man-dash-day

Not sure where to start? No worries, our knowledgeable team at The Girls can help you find the perfect item that will have you looking like a lingerie pro!

If your sweetie already shops at our store, we already know what she likes. We keep track of our client wish lists, favorite brands, most wants and must haves, taking the guess work out of it.


Don't know if she's a frequent buyer? No problem. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• The first thing to remember is that you may not like the same things. Try to think about what she would like. Women can tell what you bought for them, and what you really just bought for yourself, and guess which one she’s going to appreciate more?

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/how-to-teach-your-man-to-buy-lingerie/5581/5

• Seek the advice of a professional sales assistant, such as one of our fitters at The Girls Bra Shop.  Our knowledge of lingerie and women’s shapes and sizes will definitely help you select the correct garment for your loved one.  

• Do your research – know her size.  Research says that most men think their wife or girlfriend is a size 34B.  Since most women do not fit into the average category, it is best to check out her underwear drawer and write down her size.

• Buy quality. Good lingerie is like jewelry – you get what you pay for.  Cheap lingerie will show signs of aging with minimal wear and washing.

• Consider buying three matching panties for each bra.  Panties are washed daily, while bras can be worn several times before washing.

• Avoid anything with the words “Control”, “Reducing”, etc.  You don’t want to send the wrong message.

• Think about her color preference.   

• Pajamas, nightgowns, and slippers are great options!

• If the store offers to wrap your purchase, take them up on the offer.  You want this gift to be perfect from start to end.

• Keep the receipt. Because lingerie is intimate, not all items can be returned. Make sure you know the store's return policy before buying. Just in case. 

• When all else fails, a gift card fits every woman perfectly.

Men who shop in lingerie stores need not feel awkward and out of place.  Most women view this type of man as thoughtful, sophisticated, and trendy. We also secretly envy the lucky woman you're buying for. ;)

http://fx.dowib.com/lingerie/lingerie-buying-guide/
9-lifesaver-tips-for-men-buying-lingerie/

Go to our contact us page to see our hours of operation, phone number and email address. If you need an instock gift mailed, call at least a week ahead.

Have You Started Your Wish List?

It's December and I've started making my wishlist. Have you started yours?

At The Girls, we keep track of your size, favorite brands, and even most wants and must haves.

Visit The Girls and take the guess work out of finding that perfect gift. Your loved one will thank you!

Meet The Girls: Kim

Kim Lidstone

Franchise Owner of The Girls

St. John's, NL

Why are you with The Girls?

Photo by Kelly Lawson

I always hated the bra shopping experience. Never knowing what size I was and having one breast larger than the other has always been difficult.  I thought I needed a padded bra to accommodate the smaller breast. I found that no one really explained to me what size I should be wearing and sales clerks never helped me find the right size or even checked in to see if I needed any help.  Sometimes, I brought a dozen bras of different sizes to the change room, desperate to find something suitable.  I often bought a bra, only to find when I put in on at home, it was the wrong size band or cup.


On a trip to another province, I had my first ever bra fitting. I left with a great bra. From that day forward, I knew Newfoundland needed a bra shop, so I opened one myself! We offer our clients a professional bra fitting in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, with access to a large variety of beautiful, proper fitting bras. We pamper our clients because we believe women deserve to feel good from the inside.

What is your favorite part about being with The Girls?

The smile on ladies faces when they first look in the mirror to see what a proper fitting bra can do for their appearance. Suddenly, they are standing straighter and taller with their shoulders back, and I can see the transformation as they begin to feel more confident and beautiful.  Not only do the bras fit well but they are so pretty.  Many women say they finally feel sexy again, and they leave with a new spring in their step.

Tell us about yourself (kids, hobbies, activities…what do you do outside of the store?)

I have a great supportive husband and the cutest little Yorkie dog who we think is our little girl. I love to toll paint, garden and decorate.  Perhaps when I retire I'll become a fortune teller since my friends say I have psychic abilities. I guess you can say I also have a sense of humor. I never take life to seriously. 

What is your secret skill or superhero power? 

My ability to find the humor in things.

What advice or tip can you give other women?   

Color outside the lines, think outside of the box, and it's never too late to be the best you can be. There's nothing you can't conquer if you put your heart and mind into it.  

Ann and Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2012, 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.