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History of Bra
During recorded history, women have used a variety of garments and devices to cover, restrain, or elevate their breasts. Brassiere or bikini-like garments are depicted on some female athletes in the 1400s BC during the Minoan civilization era. Similar functionality was achieved by both outerwear and underwear. From the 1500s onwards, the undergarments of wealthier women were dominated by the corset, which pushed the breasts upwards. In the latter part of the 1800s, clothing designers began experimenting with various alternatives to the corset, trying things like splitting the corset into multiple parts: a girdle-like restraining device for the lower torso, and devices that suspended the breasts from the shoulder for the upper torso.
By the early 1900s, garments more closely resembling contemporary bras had emerged, although large-scale commercial production did not occur until the 1930s. Since then, bras have replaced corsets (although some prefer camisoles), and bra manufacture and sale has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. Over time, the emphasis on bras has largely shifted from functionality to fashion. In China during the Ming dynasty a form of foundation cloth complete with cups and straps drawn over shoulders and tied to the girth seam at the lower back called a dudou was in vogue among rich women. While they first arose in the Ming Dynasty, were also common in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In English they are known as "stomach protectors" or "tummy covers." (source: wikipedia)
Comfort and fit have become more important to consumers and bra manufactures have responded by improving design and sizing. There is also room for bra-wearing education. First, bra wearing is a choice, not a law. You do not have to wear one if you don't feel the need. Many women wear bras an unhealthy 24 hours a day, never allowing their breasts to have natural freedom. And even more women wear bras that fit poorly and leave marks and indents on their skin. This is particularly bad for blood and lymphatic system flow.
If you are going to wear a bra, shopping for the right bra will take time and patience. Try not to be tempted by the style, price or brand of a bra. If it hurts to wear, don't buy it. And if you buy a poorly designed or ill-fitting bra, return it.
If you are going to wear a bra, comfort comes from having a good fit. The bra band must fit snugly to the chest, just below the breast, so that your breast weight will be transferred to it. When the bra band is loose, the shoulder straps take the weight. This sets off a chain reaction of bad to worse. Shoulder straps get tightened, causing the back of your bra to ride up and the straps to dig into your shoulders.
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Bra's Style
Which one is for you? |
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Underwire Bra | Sport Bra | Softcup Bra | Minimizer Bra | Push-up Bra |
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U N D E R W I R E
For maximum shaping and support, the underwire shapes and holds the cup to a fixed diameter, which can benefit even a small-busted woman. Complaints about underwires are due mainly to poorly fitting bras, which can cause pinching and poking wires. Underwire also is solution for occasional bra. Let say if you have a party and you like to wear strapless bra, underwire bra helps to hold your breasts on place.
The first key when thinking about wearing an underwire bra is the occasion you'll be using it for. If you're wearing it for an evening out, you'll not be wearing it for a long period of time so it is best to just accept the fact that you have the underwire there. If you want a bra which you can wear all day, an underwire bra may or may not be the right choice. There are everyday bras which offer support without having to deal with underwire. If you decide that an underwire bra is the right way to go, make sure to take your time in choosing this so that you can have the maximum support and comfort upon your body. The underwire bra can set an outfit off well depending upon your extracurricular activities as well as provide great support if you've chosen the right type and size. (back to top) | |
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S P O R T B R A
Sports bras provide support, motion control and a snug fit during workouts. If you decide that you prefer to wear a bra, choosing a sports bra that fits you well, matches your activity level and offers you a soft feel with moisture-wicking performance is your goal. Don't be afraid to allow your breasts to be bra-free during your preferred activity. This allows your breasts to experience their natural range of motion and allows for unrestricted lymphatic flow. And, as an added benefit, increased fitness and activity will reduce your risk of breast cancer.
If you decide to be a sports bra wearer, the first step is to determine your bra size. More than 68% of women do not know their proper bra size. Second, determine your physical activity level. Generally there are three defined impacts of activity; low impact (yoga), medium impact (tennis), high impact (running). Most sports bra makers will indicate the activity level that their bras are best suited for. Third, choose sports bra style that suits your body type. The compressed style works by strapping the breast close to the body. This style is ideal for the A and B cup woman. The natural shape style is more comfortable for a larger breasted woman. | |
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Fabric is important to consider when buying a sports bra. Chose of fabric will depend on your physical activity level and how sensitive your breast skin is. Different fabrics provide different levels of softness, moisture management and fit. Read the label and ask your retail assistant for help in deciding. And finally, there are an increasing number of styles to choose from in sports bras. Differences include different back styles, a range of closures, pullovers, and styles that can be worn as outerwear. Sports bras that are used 3-4 times a week tend to wear out within 6 to 12 months. Hand-washing will help extend the life of your bra. When your sport bra starts to lose its fit, throw it out. (back to top) |
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S O F T C U P B R A
Nowadays women like softcup bra more than before. This bra is suitable with dynamic women. Without wire, you don't need to be worry for being poke. Softcup also recommended for pregnant women or nursing bra or after surgery.
A lot of women wear softcup bra for sports bra, you just need to fasten the straps around the shoulder, until tight and comfy enough. Softcup is not match if you go to party or wear a gown, but softcup can be wear for any sizes, from tiny to large you can wear without thinking about the effect.
We have a lot of softcup bras especially from Playtex and Barely There. Soft cup bras include styles such as front hook, bralette, convertible, minimizing and nursing. The other good news is usually soft cup cheaper than underwire! (back to top) | |
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M I N I M I Z E R
Minimizer bras are designed to reduce the appearance of your bust size. The cups, which are usually molded, are made to re-shape your breasts. It pushes your busts toward your chest instead of gathering it towards the front and pushing it up. By distributing the breast tissue away from the front and just towards your underarm area, a minimizer bra creates the illusion of a smaller bust, about a cup size lesser.
One of the great benefits of wearing a minimizer bra is that it smooths out the front of your shirts and eliminates the problem of your blouse gapping. It also gives your a better silhouette under your clothes. While they may come either with underwires or as a soft cup bra, minimizer bras give you the much-needed support.
Aside from that, most minimizer bras have comfortable cushioned straps and stronger - sometimes wider - side and back bands to make you feel more comfortable as you wear them. (back to top)
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P U S H U P B R A
Hang on ladies! Push up bra like a magic bra! It not only makes women feels incredibly sexy but it creates the ultimate cleavage. Larger breasted women may have difficulty in finding a conventional bra that maximizes their support without looking like they have a straitjacket on and unfortunately the larger the breasts, the greater the effect of gravity. Although they have yet to create an anti-gravity design, a push-up bra can do wonders. The extra padding along the lower portion of the push-up cup can keep breasts from sagging.
More importantly, push up bras for larger breasts can have extra comfort features, such as padded straps and comfortable backing. Unlike a regular bra, its push-up counterpart will help your breasts achieve its full potential by pushing up and together. The underneath and sides of the push-up bra give the breasts the extra help it needs and can actually appear to increase cup size. Additionally, some push-up models have the added benefit of being able to choose exactly how much oomph you really need. Some come with removable padding, so the wearer can choose how busty she would like to be! (back to top)
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