It may seem like a really silly thing to say but it really does matter what bra you wear underneath your clothes. When you can you should opt for a fuller cup as this provides maximum support and will help look after your breasts and keep them firm. Not only should it be properly fitting but it should compliment the clothes you are wearing. Here’s just a few hints:

• underneath a tight white top, stick to a smooth skin tone bra
• with a plunging neckline opt for a push up bra, it might be just as well to apply some lingerie tape to ‘secure’ yourself in the bra – just a strip along the inside of the cup will suffice and keep you from worrying about anything popping out!
• with a round neck or polo neck go for a full cup bra – we don’t want any double breasts! It will also keep them secure and well supported.

There are several important things to look for when trying on bras. The tradition of using a tape measure is rarely accurate as every bra and every body is different. At Barbarella we love a good fitting bra so have a look at our guidelines to check your bra fits perfectly. If you’re still unsure then please contact us and we’ll be pleased to help you.

• The back strap of the bra should feel firm but comfortable. This is where the support is carried – not on the shoulders – and this is what makes the bra work properly. If it’s too loose the bra will move around and be of little benefit to your breasts.
• Always fit a new bra on the loosest set of hooks. This will enable you to tighten the back as the bra gives with wash and wear and keep that all important support.
• Always lift yourself in to the bra when you put it on (yes, every time you put it on!). Ensure that you are resting in the bottom of each cup and that you pull your breasts forward from the side to ensure all the breast tissue is inside the boning.
• The boning under the arm should rest behind breast tissue, if you look down at the side of your breast without a bra on you will see where your breasts start. It is very important that the boning sits behind your breast tissue and not on it. If it is sitting on it, you need a bigger cup size.
• The boning inbetween your breasts should lie flat against your rib cage, if it doesn’t the cup is probably too small.
• Because bras need to fit firmly they will leave a mark on the body, it’s like anything that fits firmly like your socks for example.
• Most importantly your bras should be comfortable. If they’re not there’s something wrong so give us a call and we’ll try to solve the problem for you

Any manufacturer will only guarantee a bra for six months and only if it’s hand washed. It may seem like a real chore but I can assure you this will make all the difference to the longevity of your bras. The water must be cool to luke warm as it is the heat that really harms them (so definitely no tumble dryers!). Just leave them to soak in cool water and some mild detergent for an hour or so, rinse them through in cool water and leave them to drip dry naturally – in the shower is fine as long as you remember they’re there before you turn the shower on! For your bra to perform at it’s best you should wash them after every wear, this will ensure they’re always in tip top condition and comfortable to wear.

Swimwear should also be rinsed in cool water after each wear to minimise the damage of chlorine and salt on the fabric. Avoid softener as this breaks down the Lycra. If you follow these tips and look after your swimwear it will be guaranteed for six months.

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