Top Tips on Caring for Your Lovelies

Finding the perfect bra or the lingerie that you absolutely love can be a fun but sometimes daunting challenge. Once you do find that sacred item, the worst crime you can commit is treating it with anything less than the distinction it deserves by putting it in the washing machine with your common garments.



TIP #1: Handwashing

Your goal with caring for intimate items is to keep them in a beautiful state as long as possible. One of the keys to keeping your pretties pretty is right at your fingertips. Soak your delicates, and especially your bras, in a bath of cold water with a gentle detergent or soap. Then hand wash them by rubbing them gently with your fingertips.



TIP #2: Read Care Instructions

This seems like common sense but how many of us actually do it? Always read the care instructions for your lingerie and intimates. No matter what, some items are simply not made to be placed in the washer. This is especially true for silks, lace, and hosiery items which are extra delicate and may snag easily.



TIP #3: Lingerie Bag

If you are a Lazy Lucy and you must use the washer, invest in an inexpensive lingerie bag or even use a pillow case to put your lovelies in. Don't forget to clasp all hooks and eyes to prevent tangling and snagging. The lingerie bag also helps prevent stretching and twisting of your bra and underwires. Wash them on the delicate cycle with a gentle detergent.



TIP #4: Never Use the Dryer

No matter what, don't put your bras and other intimates in the dryer! Dryers can heat up to 200 degree Fahrenheit which is hot enough to break down silk, lycra, spandex and elastic in your lingerie. Instead air dry them on a rack, clothesline or even a hanger. This helps avoid deterioration and prolongs the life of your items.



TIP #5: No Wringing

Hand wringing, can cause wrinkles and creases which may be difficult to get out. Wringing also stretches fabrics and twists clasps and underwires. It is better to gently press the garment between two clean, dry towels to remove the excess water and then place the garment for air drying.



Intimate wear caresses your skin with femininity and elegance during your every moment. Intimates bring confident elegance to your day by pampering and supporting you in your most delicate and sensual places. Apply a delicate hand when caring for the items which are so intimately intertwined with your femininity.

Shapewear: Bra or no Bra?

Technorati Tags: Shapewear,Bra Size,Fashion Trends,Lingerie

One problem area that I noticed when wearing shapewear in the past was the brassiere region. Some of the products I had used to target certain problem areas, had built in bras that just did not provide solid support upstairs. Not to mention, wearing a bra with these items just added bulk or discomfort to my overall ensemble.

That problem has recently been addressed with newer braless designs that have an open brassiere region and longer straps. You can give your girls all the support you want by wearing any bra you choose and add your favorite shaper to target other body regions.

Elegant Underbust Shaper Lipo Slimming Shaper

Another great new shaper innovation is the completely strapless style. Many of these offer great support upstairs while allowing you to enhance your figure when wearing sleeveless/shoulderless dresses and tops.

Strapless Dress Shaper

Shapewear has come a long way in terms of not only being flattering, but comfortable and convenient all in one.

Featured Product of the Week: Deportiva Waist Cincher

Deportiva Waist Cincher
$55.95 45.95
Sizes: XS-XXL

You may have noticed shapewear has a made a fierce comeback in the form of new and contemporary styles such as this cupless waist cincher

Unlike throwback versions, you won't have to break a rib to wear the 'new' shapewear and receive its flattering benefits.

For those of us who may have a more shapely abdomen the Deportiva Waist cincher provides immediate gratification in the form of a slimmer, firmer abdomen under our favourite clothing.

This shaper provides a smoother silhouette and comfortably shapes the body; no worries, it allows you to breathe and move with ease!

Another added benefit of this cincher is that it helps accelerate weight loss. Between the compression effect and the sauna effect of the latex design, you can reduce your waist line and abdomen size. Wear it while exercising or during a day at the office not only for weight loss but added support for correcting your posture!

Don't forget we have other elegant and practical shapewear designs you can't dress without at Milana Fashion Gallery!

How To Find Your Bra Size

Worn correctly and in the right size a bra will provide your girls with excellent support and the shape you love. See our upcoming article titled I Know How To Wear a Bra! for tips on correcting those little mistakes you may be making with your bra.

Your bra size includes your band size and your bust size. This may seem simple but some of us just are not buying the correct bras for our body.

We can take a few easy measurements and do some simple math, and then you will be ready to buy that new bra. Measuring yourself accurately may be challenging so try to get some help if you can.

Band Size

The first measurement you need is your band size. Take this measurement while wearing an un-padded bra or without a bra.

Place the tape measure around your back at band level and bring it to the front just below your breasts. This should be a somewhat snug measurement around your rib cage and under your bust and shoulder blades.

Since bras come in even sizes need to add 1 inch to your measurement if it is odd. This will be the measurement for your final bra size.

Bust Size

To find your bust size, measure your torso at the fullest part of your breasts. The tape measure should not be snug like in the Band Measurement. It should be loose enough for natural breathing and movement.

You can take this measurement while wearing a non-padded bra or without any bra.

Cup Size

Your cup size can be found by determining the difference between the bust size and the band size. Each unit in difference equals one cup size.

For example if your bust size is 43" and your band size is 40":

43" - 40" = 3"

Final Step: Calculate Your Bra Size

Next we will use a chart to determine your cup size. Locate the difference in inches in the chart below and that is your cup size. In our example the difference was 3" which would equate to a C cup.

So our final bra size in this example is 40C.

Difference	1	2	3	4	5
Cup Size	A	B	C	D	DD

After completing this short measurement you may find out that you have been wearing the wrong bra size. Purchasing a bra in your new found size is a great idea. I am certain that you will notice a significant change in fit, comfort and flattery!

The Correct Bra Size

A bra can be a woman's best friend or her worst enemy. It is the difference between the perky round shape that we all want and a not so flattering one. Over time, the bras and lingerie that you wear will eventually mold your breasts so it is important to take a few extra steps to ensure you choose the right bra size for you.

The best bra is the one that fits right.

Surprisingly many women choose the wrong size bras and as time passes find they are unhappy with the way their breast appear or are shaped. Ill-fitting bras will eventually lead to an ill-shaped figure or sagging breasts. The wrong bra could even lead to a host of other problems like back pain, muscle tension in your shoulders and even posture trouble. Milana Fashion Gallery wants to help you avoid these negative affects and help find your proper bra size. Our step by step guide, How To Find Your Bra Size, will help you avoid making the mistake that many women make when it comes to choosing the right bra size.


When to Measure for Bra Size

It is a great idea to check your bra size periodically. Many women experience weight fluctuations and this can definitely cause changes in your bra size. Other signs that you may need to double check your size are spillage over bra cups, tight straps or tight bra band, a gap between your bra cups, and pain or discomfort in your back that is relieved when you remove your bra. All of these are signs that you are probably wearing the wrong bra size.

Bras which will fit you beautifully:

Embroidered Princess, $28 __________________________Noelle Pushup, $28