Nipples. Everyone has them! Whether or not you like to show yours off, in many countries and cultures it’s considered taboo to do so. Luckily there are many ways to hide your nipples and make them more discreet through clothing and accessories. Find out how to prevent your nipples from showing through your shirt. Or, if you prefer to bare yours, we’ve got tips on how to do so with class!

Clothing:

Ways to hide your nipples range from the very basic and branch out into new innovations. The most common way to hide your nipples is through clothing. Women can wear clothing that doesn’t accentuate their shape. This includes blouses with print, pattern, color, and texture. However, if you have to wear a white shirt or your nipples are intent on showing through your printed tops, there are other options too.

Molded Cup Bras:

Some bras such as padded cup bras have thicker molding and may alleviate this issue. (A good example of this style is the Parfait Charlotte bra). However, many of the most popular molded cup bra styles today are made of softer materials. These materials mold to your body, creating a smooth and comfortable feel. Unfortunately, with the softer material, comes less nipple protection. But there’s no need to ditch that fabulous bra! Just choose a simple nipple cover for a discreet solution. No one will ever know! 

Victoria Floethe from Look TV’s Sexy. Not Sexy. Victoria is a very fashionable woman! And though she was wearing a very pretty pink and orange silk bralette, her bra did NOT fit. Turns out, Victoria was wearing the wrong bra size! Watch her reaction as my Bra Diva Kim teaches her some fitting basics, and introduces her to her new bra size. Let’s just say: She was floored! And guess what: so are a lot of women. Get the facts on learning your new bra size, what it means, and why it’s no big deal.

Learning your new bra size can be a big deal. Many women think they should be wearing a certain bra size, but after a quick measurement, some facts on how their bra should fit, they soon realize they were pretty far off. In Victoria’s case, she was wearing bras in size 34B. After Kim examined her stretched out, barely supportive bra, and breast shape, she picked the Simone Perele Andora bra for her in a 30C. Remember, every bra fits a bit differently, and this style fits Victoria perfectly in this new size! Victoria and her friend were flabbergasted – they could not believe that her petite bust could possibly be a C cup. As Victoria put it, she said she “got a promotion”.

 

Victoria and her friend just couldn’t believe her new bra size! And neither can a lot of my other customers. But here is the thing: A 30C (her new size), and a 34B (her old size), are not that far off. Here’s why:

The letter after your band size is your cup size. The cup size tells you the difference between the size of your breasts and the size of your ribcage. This brings me to a very important bra fitting tip: as the band size gets bigger, the cup gets bigger too. For example, a 36B bra has bigger cups than a 34B bra. If you go down a smaller band size, your cup size has to go up if you want the same amount of space in the cup. So a 36B bra has the same size cup as a 34C bra. Or, in Victoria’s case, a 30C has the same cup size as a 32B, or 34A.

So it turns out, Victoria was really wearing her bras two back sizes too big, and one cup size too big. Although Victoria says it feels like a “promotion” to go from a 34B to a 30C … the cup size in her new bra is actually one cup size smaller than what she was typically buying. Funny, huh? But that’s the facts! I feel like the “promotion” that Victoria got was a bra that felt great, and gave her breasts a lifted and beautiful shape.

A lot of women have the same reaction as Victoria. They say “I could never be a…enter cup size here::!” Many women often end up being a larger cup size than they are used to for a few reasons:

1. Many women don’t know that a snug back band is key to a great fit. Your bra’s band offers about 95% of the support! If it’s loose, the rest of your bra won’t fit, and your bra can’t do it’s job. And as we just learned, a smaller band means a larger cup size to get the same fit in the cup as before.
2. Bra sizes have changed in the past 10 years. Many companies have made their bra bands a bit bigger than before. That means women need to shop for a smaller band for the right support, and subsequently, a seemingly larger cup size.
3. Every bra fits differently. You may need a 32 band in one brand, or a 34 in another. To get the same space in the cup, you’ll have to change the cup size when you change the back size. That means you may wear a C in the 34, but a D in the 32. Totally normal!
4. A small band means a small cup size. Many women who have a petite back size, like a 30 or 32, may have a larger cup size, like a D or DD. But in reality, their bust is not very large. Remember, a 30DD (for example) fits the same in the cup as a 32D, 34C, 36B or 38A. So that “big” cup size doesn’t seem so big once you compare it to the equal cup size in larger band size. The letter just seems so big because the band is smaller.

With this in mind, don’t get too hung up on your cup size. Some women are shocked or upset when they find out they’re a AA or DD or G cup. In reality, the cup size is almost meaningless without the band size. Buy bras that make you look and feel great and don’t worry about the size on the tag. Nobody will know but you and me!

Have you ever had a bra fitting or tried my Bra Calculator? Were you surprised by your new bra size?

1 – Strapless Minimizers: It makes sense why a woman would want a strapless minimizer but unfortunately it’s physically impossible to create. A minimizer bra is able to produce the illusion of a smaller bust by evenly distributing the breast tissue around the cup. This is possible when the entire breast is enveloped with fabric and held up with straps. Strapless bras don’t have enough material to accomplish the minimizing task.

Instead Try: A regular strapless bra in the right size. It will flatter your bust so you won’t mind showing off a little! We recommend the Fit Fully Yours Felicia Strapless Bra. This bra is lightly molded, has seamless cups and won’t add to your size. And, It runs up to a J cup!

 

2 – Low-Back Strapless Bras: A strapless bra can’t have a low back because your breasts won’t have the support necessary to stay up. This is especially true for women with larger busts; the breast tissue is too heavy to be supported with a low back band. Think of it this way: Your bra band is like a shelf. If it’s tilted, everything will fall down!

Instead Try: If you’re above a DD, try a strapless longline bra. These types of bras go down to the waist for strapless support. For a sexy yet supportive look, check out the Elila Lace Strapless Longline Bra. This lace bra runs up to a size 48I and because of the long band, your bust is lifted no matter your cup size. A great option for the smaller sizes is a bra by NuBra, which offers two adhesive-style bras with no back or straps.

 

Mermaids don’t exist. Neither do

strapless minimizers or low-back strapless bras!

 

3 – (Supportive) 100% Cotton Bras: Bras that are 100% cotton are missing the vital ingredient needed to support your bust: elastic. Many women (including myself) have questioned mathematical probability and wondered whether it was possible to have elastic in a bra that was 100% cotton. No. Not possible. Another problem with 100% cotton bras is that they stretch faster and therefore lose support quicker. If, however, you need a cotton bra because you’re nursing or post-surgical, you may find solace in bras with 95% cotton.

Instead Try: Most bras that have a high concentration of cotton are post-mastectomy or nursing bras. You’ll have the support you need in the material you desire.

So while there’s no such thing as strapless minimizers or low-back strapless bras, there are much more practical and realistic alternatives to finding the bra style you think you need. And of course the key to finding the perfect fit is knowing your bra size and your breast shape. For assistance regarding all things bra fitting, feel free to contact us for help and support!

People say two heads are better than one…but believe me, four boobs are NOT  better than two! “Quad boob”  is our term for a bump that spills out from the top or side of your bra, making it look like you have four breasts instead of the usual two. This embarrassing effect can even show under your shirts. Yikes!

1)  Adjust Your Bra

First, make sure your bra band is snug and lies in a straight line across your back. A snug bra band is super important because it provides 90% of your bra’s support! If your band is loose, it may ride up, causing your cups to fall forward, and breast tissue to spill out.

 

Adjust your breasts so that all of your breast tissue is inside the cup and the wire. Your underwire should always lie on your body and never dig into the breast tissue. It should also sit just around your breast- not down on your belly or over to one side.

Next, adjust your bra straps so that they are not too tight or too loose. An overly tight strap will yank your cup up and cause unnecessary spillage.

Sometimes a good bra adjustment is a perfect fix for quad boob! Look how fabulous our model looks in this Curvy Kate Gia Balcony bra!

If your breasts are still bulging out from the top of your bra then the cup on your bra may be too small.

2) Wear The Right Sized Cup

 

If your bra band fits correctly, then the only thing you need to do is to go up in the cup size. Typically, one “handful” of breast tissue equals one cup size. For example, if you are wearing a 36C bra and have a little “muffin top” at the top of the cup, you will want to buy the same bra in a size 36D. You can also try our Bra Size Calculator or visit a Linda’s shop for more bra sizing help!

*Tip: Not everyone fits in the B, C and D cups that you find at most stores, so don’t be surprised if your cup size is larger than you thought. There are great bras available up to an N (yes, N!) cup. And WOW wearing the right bra size sure looks fabulous! Once our model was wearing the right cup size, she looks great in this Panache Andorra Full Cup Bra.

If you’re still having trouble, you may be wearing the correct size, but need a new style. Remember, not all shapes are the same. Some women with fuller breasts or softer tissue need more coverage than others.

3) Try A Different Style

Plunge bras are not flattering on every breast. This Natori Feathers bra is fabulous, but because her breast tissue is too full and too soft, it’s not the right style for our model.

Try something that is “less risky” and covers the whole breast, or has a high center gore. Under tight tops, that fuller coverage will help avoid any embarrassing spillage. This Wacoal Minimizer or Panache Andorra Full Cup Bra are two great options!

 

Tip: Though some may argue that full coverage bras “aren’t as cute”, they sure look better under some clothing. Besides, are four boobs cute? I didn’t think so. And remember, many bras with a high center gore that lift and separate come in sassy colors!

The best way to avoid the “four boobs” look is to wear bras in the right size and style, and at Linda’s, we’re here to help you find them.

Many women come to my shop in a bra that is so “dead” that I tell her: “You’re not leaving here in that dead bra. Throw it away right here and now and wear a new bra home!” To me, it’s obvious when a bra has expired. Many women, however, don’t have a clue! They’re walking around in bras that should have been replaced months or even years ago and don’t even know it. There’s no point in keeping a dead bra. Your bra has a job to do, and once it’s dead, it can’t do it.

Many women ask me  “How long do bras really last?”. The answer: it depends. And it depends on quite a few factors. Just like “how often should I get refit“, I do not have a one part answer. And before you know how often you should replace your bras, it’s important to know for yourself what qualifies a bra as “dead”. So, here’s my very best advice on how long bras should last, how to help them last longer, and how to know when it’s time to say goodbye.

When to say goodbye: A bra is not a Mercedes. It won‘t last for years. Slightly worn bras that just don’t fit anymore can be donated, but dead bras should be thrown away. Here are some signs that your bra has to go:

• When you have to wear your bra on the tightest hook and it’s still roaming around or riding up your back
• When the elastic is so stretched out that it doesn’t bounce back anymore
• When it’s covered in stains or splotches
• When your band or cup has holes in it
• When your body has changed and you need a new size
• When molded cups have lost their shape
• When wires poke through the cup or break
• When the hooks are broken or ripped out
• When your bust is drooping and your bra no longer does its job

What factors affect a bra’s lifetime? My typical answer for a bra’s lifetime is 6-9 months. But wait a minute! There are a lot of factors that go into this. Some things help bras last longer, and some will kill them faster.

• The number of bras: I tell women to have at least 3-5 good basic bras to rotate. Think about it, if you wear just three bras every day for a year, you’ll wear each bra an average of 121 times that year. Yikes! Add just two bras to your wardrobe and now you’ll only wear each bra about 73 times a year. That will really help cut down on wear and tear! The more bras you own, the less often you’ll have to wear them and the longer they’ll last.
• Cup size: Full busts are always welcome at Linda’s! I carry bras up to N cup. However, I have to tell them the truth when it comes to wear and tear. Their bras just won’t last as long. Think about it – an itty bitty A cup’s bra has an important job to do, but it just isn’t working as hard. A woman who wears an H cup, on the other hand, is really making her bra work! It’s only logical that the H cup’s bra will have to be replaced sooner than the A cup’s bra. A hard truth, but important to realize.
• Nursing: Nursing moms have a lot of new things to get used to. One is replacing bras more often. Your cup is going to be bigger than before, making your bra work harder. Additionally, breasts full of milk are much heavier than normal breast tissue. Add that to constantly pulling the cup up and down to feed and a fluctuating size and replacements may be due more often while nursing.
• Quality: Just like clothes, some bras are made better than others. We all love those super chic lacy styles with thin straps and sheer tulle, but those bras may not last as long. Also, some brands are just not made well. Even popular brands! A higher price doesn’t always mean better quality, but sometimes it does. I try my best to stock quality bras at a reasonable price point.
• Washing: Washing or drying your bras in the machine is the #1 way to kill them. Bra murder! Using harsh soap will also cause the elastic to become brittle which will stretch out the band even faster than usual.
• Doing the Flip: There is a wrong and right way to put on your bra. Women who do the “flip” will ruin their bras. This means that she puts the bra against her body, upside down and hooks the bra in front. Then she rotates the bra around so that the crushed cups are in the front and flips the bra up to meet her bust. This will cause the wire to poke out, dents the cups, and stretches out the band. Yikes.
• Basic versus Special Occasion: Let’s face it, that lace number that only comes out for your birthday and Valentine’s day is going to last a lot longer than that nude basic molded bra you wear to work almost everyday. Special occasion or specialty bras will always last longer than your “work horse” basics. Don’t expect your basic bra to live as long as that specialty bra if you wear it more often.

How to help bras last longer: All is not lost. You don’t have to think of bras as totally disposable! Want your bras to last more than 6-9 months? Here are a few ways to help them last longer.

• Have more to rotate: Especially your basic bras that you wear more often. I say 3-5, but that’s the minimum. Have a favorite bra? Buy two or more of that one so you’re not tempted to reach for the same one everyday. Also, if you have a full bust or are nursing, do your bras a favor and stock up on even more to rotate.
• Don’t wear the same bra two days in a row: Just like a hardworking woman, the elastic on your bra needs a break. It’s under a lot of stress while it’s stretching around your body and hugging you all day. Giving your bras a day of rest will help the elastic relax and last longer.
• Wash them properly: So important! Never use regular detergent, and I caution you not to use most “delicate washes” (don’t want to name names here, but there’s one that has a terrible reputation in the bra biz). I recommend LeBlanc or other soaps made specifically for lace, lingerie, or hosiery. Avoid petroleum based washes. Hand wash, air dry – always. Women ask “well, can’t I just throw them in the washer?” I say “You sure can! But it’s your money. It’s up to you how long you want your bras to last”. Listen, I could sit here and tell you to wash them in the washer so your bras will wear out and you’ll have to buy more from me. Not my style. I want to make sure that you love your bras and that they last for you!
• Invest in quality bras: Again, I don’t want to name names, but there’s a very popular bra company out there that is just not made well. You know you have run into a dud when you wear and wash them just a few times and it’s already stretched out. A good bra, if taken care of properly, will take much longer to stretch out. Look for sturdy elastic, reliable stitching and trustworthy material.
• Put your bra on properly: The ideal way is to put your straps on first, then lean over and place your breast tissue inside the cups. Next, hook the back of the bra behind you (It’s doable -I promise). Then adjust the cups and your breast tissue slightly so that you’re all in place. If you have to turn the bra around to hook it, it’s ok. Just be sure to start with the cups “up” and not crushed against your body so you won’t have to flip. No flipping, no crushing, no extra stress on your bra.

Every few months, check on your bra inventory. If your favorite bras are worn out and you just need to replace them, call up my bra experts and they can help. Or, take the opportunity to try something new! Don’t suffer in an uncomfortable, dead bra. Take good care of your bras and replace them when they have expired. Having a drawer full of ready-to-wear bras makes getting dressed and looking your best so easy!

 

 

One of the trickiest aspects of bra fitting is that, at the end of the day, it isn’t an exact science. Every woman’s body is a little different, and that applies to breasts too! Two women with the same bra size can have different shapes and need totally different bras. If you’ve worn out your tape measure and tried every size on the rack without finding the perfect fit, try shopping with your shape in mind.

I have fit hundreds of thousands of women over the years and when it comes to sports bras, I hear some of the same questions over and over again. Whether you CrossFit, run or do yoga, when it comes to working out, the number one most important aspect is having the proper sports bra. Without one, you risk paying more attention to the movement of your breasts, which is going to result in you dreading the workout. Here are some of our top questions on everything about sports bras.

1) Q: What are the different types of sports bras?

A: You should select your sports bra depending on the type of activity you’ll be doing. For more intense exercises, you should opt for a high-impact sports bra like the Shock Absorber Run Sports Bra. If you’re going to be doing yoga or similar mild exercises, you may want to invest in a low to medium impact sports bra such as the Parfait Active Wireless Sports Bra.

 

You can also choose between underwire and non-underwire sports bras. While your sports bra should be snug (even snugger than your regular bra), it doesn’t necessarily have to have an underwire to provide support. Whether or not you wear an underwire is a matter of personal preference.

2) Q: How should my sports bra fit?

A: The main purpose of wearing a sports bra is to limit excessive bouncing and to compress and encapsulate your breasts so that they are stationary while you’re not. For this type of fit, your band should be snug – even snugger than your regular bra. You don’t need a smaller cup size to hold your bust down – the bra is designed to do that for you.

 

3) Q: What are the best sports bras for petites? Plus Size?

A: When selecting a sports bra, first narrow down what activity you’ll be doing. Once you know if your sport is low, medium or high impact, you can then narrow down by your size.

 

4) Q: Do all sports bras give you the uni-boob look?

A: Ah, the dreaded uni-boob. No one likes this look but unfortunately, it is a necessary evil with wirefree styles. Sports bras work by compressing your breasts so that they don’t jiggle when you’re being active. If you’d like to avoid this look you can do so by opting for a bra with underwires. An underwire sports bra creates a more feminine silhouette which is ideal if you need to go out after the gym.

 

5) Q: What other features are important when selecting a sports bra?

A: One of the most important features of any bra is the material. This is even more important when it’s your sports bra. Because you’ll be working out and subsequently sweating (sometimes excessively), you’ll want to stick to moisture-wicking materials that won’t absorb sweat. When shopping for your bra, make sure to look at the fit support to see the materials used.

 

6) Q: What are the benefits of wearing a sports bra?

A: Sports bras are beneficial because they reduce the force high-impact sports may have on your breasts. Women with larger breasts know just how painful it can be to walk around, much less jump around, unsupported. Everyone needs a little support now and then.

via GIPHY

 

7) Q: How many sports bras should I own?

A: You should own one sports bra for every day you work out. If you work out twice a week, have two on rotation. If you work out four to five days a week, try to have at least four on rotation.

 

8) Q: I plan on losing a lot of weight. What size should I buy?

A: You should always buy the size that you are now. You never know what shape your breasts will be when you lose the weight so whatever bra you buy for your expected size could become obsolete. Why yes, that actually is the sound of money being flushed down the toilet! If you’re concerned about buying too many bras as you lose weight, stick to non-underwire sports bras because they are more forgiving if they are slightly too big.

 

9) Q: I have very large breasts. Should I wear two sports bras?

A: No! If one isn’t doing the job for you, it’s either too loose or it’s not high enough impact for your activity. A good-fitting sports bra should be snug and supportive and you’ll only need one to do the job. If you find yourself having to wear two sports bras when you work out, I’d recommend using our bra fitting calculator to determine or your new size, or getting fit for a new one.

 

10) Q: How should I wash my sports bras?

A: Because you sweat much more in a sports bra than in a regular bra, you should wash your bra after every wear, especially if you’re doing high-impact sports. Wash your sports bra by hand with Le Blanc Lingerie Wash or comparable detergent. But unlike your lace bras, don’t be afraid to put some elbow grease into cleaning your sports bras — they can withstand it!

If you have any questions regarding sports bras feel free to e-mail us or call our expert hotline at 1-888-262-4887. We’re here and always happy to help you!

Yours,

Linda

What does Band Size Mean?

The number portion of your bra size is your band size.  This number relates to your “underbust” – the spot right under your breasts where your bra band should lie.

The wider this part of your body, the higher your band size will be.

Bra band sizes are even numbers, usually between 28 and 56. (That’s right! At Linda’s, we carry a wide range of band sizes!)

*Tip: Your band size has nothing to do with how large your breasts are. In modern bra sizes, your band size is typically about 0-3 inches larger than your ribcage measurement in inches. Remember, a snug bra band is very important for a good fit because your bra band provides about 90% of your bra’s support!

What does Cup Size Mean?

The letter after your band size is your cup size. The cup size tells you the difference between the size of your breasts and the size of your rib cage.

At Linda’s, we carry AA to N cup sizes. AA is the smallest, and N is the largest.

This brings me to a very important bra fitting tip: your cup size is relative to your band size.  As the band size gets bigger, the cup gets bigger too.

For example, a 36B bra is about one cup size larger than a 34B bra, and two cup sizes larger than a 32B bra.

If you go down to a smaller band size, your cup size has to go up if you want the same amount of space in the cup. So a 36B bra has the same cup size as a 34C or 32D bra. This is often called a “sister size”.

With this in mind, don’t get too hung up on your cup size. Some women are shocked or upset when they find out they’re an AA or D or G cup. In reality, the cup size is almost meaningless without the band size.

*Tip: Just like jeans, bra sizes vary in size from brand to brand, or country to country. For instance, UK brands use double letter cup sizes, like FF, or HH. And in some companies, a DD is the same size as an E cup.

It can get confusing, and that’s why we’re here to help you navigate the world of bras and choose the perfect size and style, just for you.

Buy bras that help you look and feel great and don’t worry about the size on the tag.  At Linda’s, size doesn’t matter. It’s the fit that’s most important.

Don’t worry, you don’t have the be a bra fitting expert – that’s what we’re here for!