How Do I Tell Someone They Need a Better Bra?

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I actually get asked this question a lot. "How do I tell my friend/mom/sister/aunt/ grandmother/wife that they need a better bra?"

Start with experiencing it for yourself. Go for a fitting and find those bras that are perfect for you and make you feel beautiful. We are so confident about the experience that sharing it with your friends will come naturally to you. We all love to brag up our great finds.

Share with her how amazing you feel now that you are wearing bras that fit you perfectly. Gush about how you feel and what a difference it is making for you.

That's actually how we started The Girls. We would go for evening walks and I'd be flashing Ann on Vincent Road telling her all about these great fitting bras. "It's also beautiful. Look!"

Odds are your friend will want to experience it for herself. Tell your friend if she prints off the referral poster and brings it into the store, you both get $10 off your next bra.

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

How to Know if a Bra Fits

http://bustygirlcomics.com

As you may have guessed, I love the Busty Girl comics. They truly depict a type of real woman and real situations.

I'm not sure if the author is a fitter but she gets it right with this image. The best way to know if a bra fits is to move around in it.

Once you and your fitter have found the bras that you like, take a few extra minutes and try those bras on again. This time move around in them.

Shake your booty, pretend you are lifting the laundry basket, run on the spot pumping your arms. Mimic activity you expect to do in that bra in real life.

If they don't move and your girls don't fall out, it is the bra for you.


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

Benefits of a Good Fit: Pure Bliss

It feels just amazing on!

http://bustygirlcomics.com

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

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Private Parties

We are pleased to announce that the St. John's location is now hosting private parties. Contact your location today for more information and openings.

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

Benefits of a Good Fit: Confidence

It's amazing what a good fit can do for your confidence. When you look good. You feel good.

http://bustygirlcomics.com

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

Benefits of a Good Fit: Posture

"A good bra alleviates pain, improves our posture and breathing and helps us to look good and feel good."^*

http://bustygirlcomics.com

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

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* Direct quote from: http://www.topazimageconsultancy.co.uk/bras/get-a-good-bra-alleviate-back-and-shoulder-pain-and-improve-posture/

Bring a Friend & Share the Rewards

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

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

http://www.investinyourchest.co.uk

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.

Nursing Bras Aren't Just for Nursing

This mother's day, I've been thinking of friends who are new moms. Of course that makes me think of nursing bras. Nature of what we do I guess. Giggle.

Nursing bras are not only designed for the convenience and comfort while nursing. The brands we carry at The Girls Bra shop are also designed to:

• Expand with your diaphragm during pregnancy and tighten after the baby is born.
• Be gentle against your tender skin.

It's important to be fitted regularly as your body changes. Around 3-4 months you may notice an increase in bust size. A trained fitter can help you find the right bra for you that will adjust to your changing body.

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

What Are You Going to Wear UNDER That Perfect Dress?

You're engaged. Congratulations!

You've started scanning and collecting all of the planning information you can get your hands on. Checklists for 12, 9, 7 months before the wedding. You've asked your girls to stand up with you.

Fantasie Ava

Now it's time to go find that perfect dress. That dress that will make your man's mouth hang open as you walk down the aisle towards him. That dress that will make your dad hold you a little tighter because his little girl is all grown up. That dress that makes you feel like a princess on your very special day.

But what are you going to wear under that dress?

According to the Knot Wedding Channel, knowing what lingerie you are going to wear under your dress is one of the top 5 things every bride should know before shopping for your dress. As they say, "finding the perfect gown requires patience and a whole lot of preparation."

Elomi Occasions

So be prepared for your dress fitting. Take the right lingerie with you. Go with your bridesmaids to a lingerie store with expert fitters and have lingerie fittings before going dress shopping. Our fitters at The Girls can help you find the perfect bra, corset, shapewear or hosiery for your perfect dress and body type.

Take the lingerie you are going to wear on your special day to your gown fittings. Wearing the right lingerie to your dress consultation and fitting helps the dresses fall on you like they will on your wedding day. So there will be no surprises. It also helps your wedding consultant get more accurate measurements for ordering that perfect gown.

Congratulations again! And happy shopping!!

Ann & Tammy

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

You Asked, We'll Answer

Below are common questions we come across.

How much does a fitting cost?
Fittings are complimentary at The Girls Bra Shop.

How much does an average bra cost?
There really is no such thing as an average bra. Each one has a dozen or so features that make it unique and special. We do try to carry something for every budget and have bras in our store that range from $60 to $145. Our prices are not determined by size but by the materials and manufacturing processed used.

Do I need to make an appointment?
Appointments are not necessary. Walk-ins are welcome in most boutiques. However, we recommend making appointments to guarantee you will have a fitter available during those unpredictable busy times.

How long does a fitting take?

That really depends on the purpose of your fitting: first time fitting, re-fitting, wedding, prom, swim, shapewear, etc. On average a fitting can take up to 30 minutes. 

Will I be naked?

Certainly not! Measurements are done over your clothing. You will then be presented with a series of bras for you to try on and help determine the proper fit. It is important once you have the bra on that your fitter see you in that bra so she can check the fit. At no time are you completely exposed.

How long will my bra last?

That really depends on the quality and care of the bra. On average the lifetime of a bra is 6-9 months. However, you can get a longer life out of bras by doing the following:

• Invest in quality. The better the quality, the longer a bra will last. 
• Buy more than one. Three to five quality bras is the recommended average. The more you can rotate your bras, the less wear you put on each one.
• Take proper care of your bras. Hand wash your bras. Machines are known to break down the materials and damage the wires. This is especially true with foam lined bras. Store your bras without crushing them.
• Put your bra on gently. Twisting a band around your torso and flipping your cups increase the wear and tear on your bra.

These tips work. I'm still wearing bras I bought 4 years ago and they look brand new.

How do I get rid of back fat?

A bra band needs to be snug to ensure the proper support. Some women are softer than others and will pillow a little in the back. This is natural and typically barely noticeable under clothing. There are a few bra brands who have bras with wider and flexible back bands to account for the softer back. Some of my personal favorites are Empriente, Chantelle Sexy Shaping and Elomi.

Ann & Tammy

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

The Subtle and Fun Detail Often Overlooked...

This guest post is by Alaina Lockhart. Owner of Lockhart's Wedding & Special Occasions bridal boutique. 

For all the years you have dreamed about your wedding day, you have no doubt envisioned your gown, veil, and possibly your shoes but have you stopped to think about what intimate apparel you will want or need under your gown? It is actually one of the most commonly asked questions we receive from our brides. The reality is that there are no real rules when deciding what to wear. However, our best advice is to wear items that are going to complement your figure, provide comfort, and perhaps even add a touch of romance for your special day. Here are a few things to consider as you plan your wedding trousseau.  

What style is your gown?

A strapless gown - Many strapless gowns from the Lockhart's collection are crafted with boning and support through the bust. However, not all brides consider that support enough to feel comfortable. A bustier will provide support and lift while also slimming and smoothing through the waistline.   

The Mermaid gown – Mermaid style gowns are very popular at this time. Brides choosing this style will want to focus on garments that flatten the tummy and smooth out the hips and thighs. In order to maintain those lovely lines that drew you to the mermaid gown, consider a high waisted slimming garment.  

A Sheath gown – Sheath dresses often are made of sheer fabrics such as chiffon. These fabrics have lovely flow, are light and very comfortable but are less forgiving of panty lines and such. Be sure to look for seamless garments that are a nude shade to ensure that your unmentionables don't steal center stage on your wedding day. 

Interesting necklines - Many gowns have very interesting necklines such as halters, deep sweethearts, or sheer insets. Keep this in mind when choosing a bra to ensure that you don't spend the day checking for wardrobe malfunctions. There are many options available such as convertible bras that allow for halter necklines and plunge cut bras to address your needs.

You will want to make decisions about your undergarment shortly after deciding on a gown as you will need to have them with you for your fittings. The seamstress will be able to provide a much better fit for you if she knows exactly the shape your body will be on your wedding day. But there is no need to be overwhelmed. 

Start by asking your bridal consultant what she thinks you will require and then seek out a specialty store such as The Girls Bra shop for your needs. We recommend that you have a proper bra fitting with one of their professionals before making your choice and then the sky is the limit in regards to the lacy bits you can choose from to complete your wedding day look.



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

Prom: Finding the Perfect Dress and Bra

New fashions are arriving weekly at local boutiques and we're getting prom fever! Such a magical night.

When you go dress shopping for that absolute to die for dress, don't forget about the bra. The right fitting bra will give you the shape, comfort and confidence to really stand out.

Going Strapless?

Fantasie

A strapless bra is a specialty bra that is strong enough to support your girls without extra help from the straps. Most of the time this type of bra comes with straps and can then be worn as an everyday bra, halter style or cross back style for racer back shirts.

Strapless bras do not suit every body type but the amazing styles we have are the best on the market.

Tip: When trying on a convertible bra, remove the straps to see how it feels if you are planning on wearing it as a strapless bra. Not all convertible bras are meant to be worn strapless.

CASS

Smooth Operator

When you get fitted for a prom dress you may find you want or need shapewear, like spanx. Good shapewear smooths out your curves and can make your prom dress fit better. Many prom dresses have boning throughout the dress. Good shapewear can relieve some of the stress and discomfort from this boning.

Tip: Be sure to take along the bra and shapewear you plan to wear prom night to any and all dress fittings, as it can significantly impact necessary alterations. And vice versa, if you already have your dress, take it with you to your bra fitting.

Calvin Klein

Perfect Panties

What you want in a panty will depend on the fit of your gown and overall desire for comfort. Too-tight undies cause unsightly lumps and bulges that you can see through your dress, so choose a seamless panty. There are plenty of materials to choose from. If prettiness is a factor, go for lace. If you're only concerned about function, choose a panty that is breathable.

                                                                        

When to Buy The Bra

Since every gown is about as different as every girl's body, we recommend you talk to a fitter that you trust. Before committing to the dress, make sure you can get the proper bra, shapewear and panties to go under it.

Like the dress, you may need to order the bra or shapewear that you want. Allow for the same amount of time as your dress to be ordered.

https://www.facebook.com/thegirlsbrashop

Event: Good Company Workshop

What a great event to start off the new year!

This one day workshop will feature key women in the St. John's, NL metro area contributing to women’s health and well being. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. There will also be a “Retail Therapy Room” offering products and services at deeply discounted rates. Cap off the day with prizes and a 30 minute Hatha yoga flow class!

Come hear Kim from The Girls talk about breast health and bra fittings.

To learn more and register online, go to http://healthyvibes.ca/goodcompany/

Models Needed

Kim at the St. John's location, is looking for a few women of all ages and body types to be models at a fashion show early in the new year. No experience is necessary.

It is a lot of fun. We had a great time at the one in Rothesay. You can read about it here
Fashion Show Fundraiser Event and here A Night at the Inn (written by one of the models).

If you are interested, please contact her at:

Newfoundland
22 Hamlyn Rd.
St. John's, NL Canada A1E 5X7

Tel: 709.745.6338
Toll Free: 1.877.719.6338
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlsbrashop
Email: nfld@thegirlsbrashop.com

Spotlight on Anita

When opening our bra shop we introduced many brands to our region that had never been heard of before. One of these brands is Anita.
With 125 yrs experience, Anita continues to combine "quality, function and comfort" in creating their line of undergarments and swim wear.  Anita has several areas of focus: full busted; post op; nursing, athletic; and comfort.
Like any of the brands we select for our stores we test the product ourselves to make sure it is a brand we can stand behind. Anita has proven over and over that it is up for the challenge. Let me take a minute to highlight a few of their products and their features, but don't just read about them, come into your nearest The Girls Bra Shop, try one on and see for yourself.



Frankly, Scarlett....
Scarlett (B to I cup) is more than just a pretty bra. This bra has a softly-padded underwire band as well as interlock fabric with cotton on the skin for extra comfort. The cup is additionally lined in the larger sizes to offer perfect support in larger sizes. The straps are more centered at the back for perfect support. Briefs and high waist briefs match the underwired bra­.



 We all know how important it is to get active but that can be a challenge if you don't have the right equipment. Wearing a proper fitting sports bra designed with breathability, dryness and support is key to good performance and an essential in your gymbag. 

Here's what I like about Anita Active (B to H cup): The net panels at the back regulate the moisture level and ensure that the skin remains dry. The side support function enhances the shape of the breast. The ergonomically tailored relief straps provide firm support. The seamless inner cup of microfibre towelling provides chafe-free support.





Some days you just want to stay in your pjs. Well, that's not always possible but who says you can't still surround yourself with comfort? Anita has a wide selection of comfort bras to choose from: Twin, Alicia, Safina, Aerelle are but a few that you will find at The Girls.

Featured here is Twin wireless (A to F cup). Double-layered, molded cups in breathable microfibre create a natural breast shape and provide firm support. Try it on and feel the silky-soft microfibre for maximum comfort and double-layered cups and all-round breast support for maximum fit and comfort.







Splishin' and a Splashin' in Estepona Spain

 What a treat to see one of our clients enjoying her vacation while sporting an Anita swimsuit.

 In her words: "I love my new Anita tankini. That's performance. Not only does it slim, but the top remains down even when swimming. I feel pretty in my new swimsuit. Thanks!"
 ~ Maureen  



Like I said at the beginning, don't take our word for it. Come in and see for yourself why we like Anita so much.


Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2012, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Embrace Your Shape Series. Part 1

There is a misconception that full bust means full figure. They are actually two different body shapes. Over the next few blog entries we are going to focus on different body shapes and what works best for each them. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule (I know, I am one of them), not all the advice will apply to your unique shape. As you read on you may say to yourself “that’s my shape”. Great, keep that suggestion and get it working for you, if it doesn’t apply to your shape than discard it and move on. You may even find you are a combo of two different shapes. You are not alone. We are all so unique that you can’t completely box us into just one category.

So what is the best shape to be? Simple. There is no best shape. You are distinct and one of a kind. Despite what the fashion magazines tell us, it isn’t a popularity contest. We are never going to look like the models in those magazines. Heck, the models don’t even look like that in real life. The goal is to work with what you’ve got. We all want what we don’t have- I want long lean legs but it is never going to happen so instead of trying to figure out how to stretch the bones in my legs, ouch! I am going to focus on my assets. And that’s what we want you to do.
Your body shape has very little to do with what the scales say or what size clothing you wear but rather it is determined by your measurements, a proportional description of your figure. A woman of any shape can be of any size and any size range: petite, average or tall. You may have heard of our body shapes labelled as fruit: The Apple, The Pear and the Hourglass. The Hourglass? That is not a fruit. Who came up with these categories ?

No matter your shape or size, the first step is building on a good foundation. Ah. Good old foundational garments are not what they used to be. And thank God for that! When is the last time you had a bra fitting? A year, two or maybe never. We can’t emphasize enough how much of a difference it makes in how your clothes will fit and how you will carry yourself by wearing a proper fitting bra. You and those around you will see a new found confidence and may even ask “have you lost weight?” just from putting on a supportive bra that lifts the girls up, and puts them where they should be. If you have ever complained about the back riding up, your cup runneth over, or the straps keep falling then you need to see a professional fitter.

When is the last time you cleaned out your panty drawer? It’s time to sort through the good, the bad and the ugly and ask yourself a few questions: “Would I be horrified to let the ER team see me in this?”, “Is it stretched out and thread bare?”, “Are the leg bands digging into your thighs?”, “Is the seat saggy?”. At The Girls Bra Shop we have beautiful matching panties for most of the bras. They are made for real curves and hug in all the right places. We also have some really great basics like Warner’s, Calvin Klein and Hanky Panky. Talk to any of the Girls and they will tell you all 3 brands are staples for any lingerie drawer.

So let’s start with a good fitting. You can book an appointment or just drop in. Stay tuned for when we take a look at the Apple Shape and what styles work best for her.

Out of the Box

Richard Chamberlain and Billie Holiday had it right: "No two people are alike". They were talking about taste but it holds true physically as well.

Notice the difference?

No two women have the same body shape, shoe size, arm length, and yes breast shape. Some breasts are large, some are small, some are denser than others, some are perkier, some are high and rounded, some start low but still rounded, some are flat at the end near the nipple, some are closer together than others, some have one significant larger than the other....and so on. Our breasts are unique to us.

Because of how unique each woman's breasts are it's hard to find a bra that works for you. That's why getting a fitting and knowing what works on you is so important. The style that your BFF likes may not be what works for you, even if you are the same size. What might give her good cleavage could be cutting off your air supply.

Every woman is different

Go to a bra boutique and get a professional fitting. I'm not talking about your local department store. I'm talking about a place that has a collection of bras from designers and manufacturers who spend their time and money researching the construction of the breast and how best to support the varying shapes and sizes out there. Any fitter in these boutiques will be able to help you narrow down what bras are going to best flatter and support you.

You don't live in a box and neither should your breasts.

Images take from http://www.dalerae.com/fitting/sidetorsocomp.jpg.