Stephanie’s recently came across their copy of “Don’ts for Wives”, a pocket book of suggestions penned in 1913. It put us in mind of Don’ts for Bras. We came up with a check-list ourselves in response to some rules we feel apply to your underwear.
- Don’t save your oldest or worn out bras to wear “at home”, or for working purposes, such as farming or gardening. Active pursuits require the most support, not the least.
- Don’t go without a bra. No support = Long term droop. If you really don’t feel like putting on a structured bra, think about using a non-wire bralette that will hold your bust up, and in place. You won’t know yourself in a simple cotton or pretty feminine bralette with a natural shape…and no wire.
- Don’t rely on lycra to hold you up. Many crop tops have a high lycra content – great for comfort, bad for stretching. Crops are tops…not bras. Bras are shaped, with cups for control and adjustable straps for lift.
- Don’t buy a brand new undergarment style to wear to a special occasion, or to take with you on holiday. Give your shapewear, bras and undies a couple of advance trial runs so you know things work.
- Don’t always wear beige. Have at least one lacy, colorful, or elegant style in your wardrobe. Don’t use the excuse that no one sees it. You see it, and surely you matter. Same for sleepwear – don’t sleep in your oldest tee shirt.
- Don’t expect any underwear to last forever. Inspect for wear and tear, and reject anything that is faded, grey, stretched, thin, or developing holes!!
- Don’t assume you will be the same bra size forever. Figures change, for better or worse, and being refitted regularly will keep you “abreast” of your exact size and keep you comfortable.
- Don’t think that selecting a particular size off a rack (especially a sale rack!) will guarantee a good fit. Bras differ by brand, shape and fit, sometimes even colour. Try before you buy.
- Don’t reject wire or non wire outright. Either might suit you for different requirements, and both can give great shape and support. On that topic: Don’t make one bra do everything. You may need different styles, even brands, for different looks and purposes.
- Don’t remove the wires from a non wire bra. The bra won’t provide support without the wire. If a wired bra is digging in, it may be time for a different size.
- Don’t spin your bra around to put it on. This stretches the straps, and forces the elastic structure to loosen, hence cutting the effectiveness and life of your bra. The best method is straps up to the shoulders first, hook under the bust, clip at the back. (Damaged shoulders/hands are extenuating circumstances).
- Don’t use fabric softener or harsh detergents. Bleaches and chemicals, such as are found in whitening and fluffing laundry products are death to delicate fabrics and elastic. Cool water, mild wool wash, and a lingerie bag is best practice. And…never in the dryer, never in the sun. Your undies will thank you to remember this motto.
- Don’t hold off buying a new bra until you lose weight. More on that topic in our future newsletters.