Posts in category "sports bras"

Lingerie of the Week: Naked Sports Bra

Now that I’ve gotten back into a regular exercise routine, I have a renewed interest in sports bras. I’m not really into wearing my sports bra as a shirt, but I do love having something bright and colorful beneath my workout clothes. Call it whatever you want, but exercise is just a bit more fun in a hot pink bra. Unfortunately, my sports bras, while functional, aren’t terribly fashionable. And they certainly don’t incorporate any of the elements I enjoy in my ‘regular’ bras.

Perhaps that’s why I like the Naked Sports Bra so much…it’s top half is sheer, and I loooove sheer lingerie. Naked Sports Gear (the company that makes the Naked Sports Bra) is supposed to be about minimizing tan lines, but I don’t really care about all that. I just think this bra is really pretty to look at. And I have a feeling those happy, vibrant colors will make my workouts a ton more enjoyable.

Naked Sports Bra are $42.00 and are available in sizes S thru XL.

Treacle

Treacle

Lingerie Blogger. Sugar Junkie. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Giving Thanks: Ode to My Most Important Lingerie

What a trying couple of weeks it has been for the great city of New York and its fellow east coast neighbors! The stress that we’ve endured due to Hurricane Sandy has really set us back as we have suffered darkness, flooding & isolation due to her wrath. But we are resilient and will continue to keep moving forward, supporting one another, until we are fully recovered from this disaster.

The outpouring of support that I have witnessed since Sandy hit has been both inspiring and humbling. I am truly touched by those who have selflessly opened their hearts & homes to all of those affected by the storm. My loses were minor in comparison to others whose lives have been forever changed by this catastrophe and while I remain thankful for everyone & everything in my life, my heart goes out to those who were not quite as fortunate.

In the midst of this ordeal and with the upcoming American holiday of Thanksgiving approaching, I could not think of a more appropriate time to sit back and reflect on all the favorable blessings in my life. Aside from the love & fortune that surround me, I am also very grateful for so many of my tangible possessions. My addiction to lingerie is a luxury that I am fortunate enough to be able to indulge in from time to time and many of my pieces play an integral role in my comfort & happiness.

While they may not all be considered necessities, I am still thankful that I own those key pieces that make life that more pleasant. That is why I would like to dedicate this article, not only to the people that I am most thankful for, but also to my undergarments for which I have developed a great appreciation.

Below is an ode the 8 lingerie pieces that I am most grateful for.

1) To My Supportive Sports Bra

Lily of France In Action Cotton Blend Underwire bra, you are my most worn bra ever! I rely on your support during every workout and wouldn’t be able to succeed without you. Your underwire cups make me feel secure and help minimize bounce through the most rigorous of cardio. I also love your padded straps & comfy fabric that doesn’t leave me as sticky & sweaty as some other sport bras of the past. Thank you for living up to your reputation & I look forward to many more workouts together!
Available at www.lilyoffrance.com

2) To My Slimming Shapewear

Spanx Slim Cogneto Shape Slip, I can always count on you to support me in my time of need! A night out on the town is never complete without your slimming coverage that streamlines my shape & gives me that extra boost of confidence. Knowing that you are layered under my clothes makes me forget my insecurities allowing me to dance the night away free of concern. And as the bountiful holidays begin I take comfort in the fact that you will be there waiting for me to offer your support once more if I should need.
Available at www.spanx.com

3) To My Long Underwear:

Winter Silks mid-weight silk long underwear top & pant, you have stuck by me winter after winter, offering your full-bodied warmth with just a fraction of the bulk. I layer you under clothes in the harshest of weather with the comforting knowledge that you will sustain my body temperature and keep me cozy for the entirety of the day. Your lightweight filaments make you thin enough to be undetectable under my tightest, most form fitting fashions and therefore I am happy to pledge my loyalty to you for all future winters!
Available at www.wintersilks.com

4) To My No-Lines Underwear

Bali One Smooth U No Lines Bikini, knowing that you have me covered under a white pencil skirt or linen palazzos helps me to go about my day feeling care-free & confident. Your elastic-free leg openings eliminate VPL and your clear silicone grips ensure that you stay put. Not to mention your pretty lace waistband & fun color assortment that keeps me feeling feminine & fashionable day after day. Thank you for keeping me stylish, smooth & wedgie-free!
Available at www.macys.com

5) To My Granny Panties

Fruit of the Loom 6 Pack Heather Briefs, I may not always express my appreciation but I want you to know that I am thankful that you are in my life. Your simple, full coverage styling offers me comfort during times of bloating, fatigue & irritability. I know that you will secure me in comfortable cotton & a no-fuss waistband leaving me free to focus on the more pressing matters of the day. Though I may not say it often enough, you are still an integral part of my wardrobe and I am grateful to have you in my life.
Available at www.fruit.com

6) To My Cozy Bathrobe

Gap Body Fleece Sherpa Lined Robe, we have spent a lot of time together this season already. With the plunging temperatures and lack of power last week you’ve really got my back. Your super soft fibers feel amazing on my skin and the warmth that you radiate has been much appreciated. I anticipate many more seasons together as you have proven yourself an asset against the cold northeastern winters and I am thankful for your comfort.
Available at www.gap.com

7) To My Fuzzy Socks

Little Miss Matched Zany Stripe Fuzzy Anklet Socks, My feet are so thankful for your warmth. Each winter they long for your cozy embrace and you always come to the rescue with your fun patterns & bright colors. Your quirky miss matched-ness is a playful reminder of childhood innocence while your fuzzy fibers are so soft & toasty that I can hardly bear to take you off. Here is to another warm winter together!
Available at www.littlemissmatched.com

8) To My Sheer Pantyhose

Pretty Polly Nylon Backseam Tights, how can I repay you for consistently camouflaging my stubbliy legs in my time of need? When I’m in a crunch and need to look silky & smooth you always deliver. Not only do I feel more polished with your presence but your retro back seam detail gives the illusion of longer, leaner legs. You are their best friend and we are both are so grateful for all your hard work.
Available at www.prettypolly.co.uk

While these undergarments serve multiple purposes both from a functional and a fashionable standpoint, I realize how fortunate I am to own them. Some people have lost everything in Hurricane Sandy and relief efforts are still underway today. If you would like to help with donations that includes food, money, clean clothing & undergarments, please visit the following websites to see where & how you can help:

www.redcross.org
www.americares.org
www.foodnotbombs.net
www.newyorkcares.org
www.humanesociety.org

Kristina

Kristina

Lingerie Designer specializing in fashion & trend.

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Naughty Bits: Lingerie News for 10/14/12

Victoria’s Secret Push-up Sports Bra

  • Victoria’s Secret push-up sports bra? For you ladies that workout, Victoria’s Secret would love for you to consider their new push-up bra. That’s right, Victoria’s Secret wants you to have maximum lift while you lift. Do you think that’s a good idea or big miss?
  • Bra sizes are up three sizes in just 2 years, according to one study.  In a survey conducted by the British high street store, Debenhams, 78% of women in the UK have been buying bras that are too small with typical bra sizes going up three sizes (from 34B to 34DD) in the last 2 years. Debenhams has also discovered that many of their customers are buying padded and pushup bras…70% more to be exact.
  • Breast sizes are booming but is it because women weigh more? Even MORE talk about bra sizes recently (there’s been a lot!)t. Last week there was news of lingerie firms possibly tampering with bra sizes in order to flatter their customers along with the study above. Some say that the jump is a result of women being more confident in letting themselves be curvaceous. However, statistics do show that obesity in England has been increasing over the last decade and the bigger busts may be a result of this trend. Generally speaking, the bustier a woman is, the larger she is. Why do you think the increase in bra sizes is happening?
  • An Indian lingerie campaign which doesn’t feature half naked women. Indian lingerie firm Amanté is urging its customers to get rid of ill fitting bras through an ad campaign reminiscent of campaigns against domestic abuse. Telling consumers to “break up with the wrong bra” and that “suffocation is the worst kind of abuse”, Amanté has raised eyebrows by not showing a single bra or breast; the ad simply shows a woman gazing into the camera. How do you feel about that?
  • Stunning photos of plus-sized swimwear model Robyn Lawley. Australian model Robyn Lawley, the first plus-sized model for Ralph Lauren, was pictured in a swimwear editorial in Australian Cosmopolitan. Being 6′ and a size 12, this may be the beginning of seeing a wider range of shapes and sizes in fashion magazines. Check out the photos and tell us what you think in the comments.
  • Touched up Victoria’s Secret photos from last week’s post Remember last week’s post where we showed what unretouched Victoria’s Secret photos may look like? Well, check out the published versions after a little “sprucing up.” There have been changes to swimsuit colors, changes to the background, along with wrinkles, birthmarks, and scars removed. Is this the kind of retouching you expected?
  • A bra that can detect breast cancer on the way? People have been attempting to create a bra that can detect breast cancer since the 1970′s. However, the world may actually be on the verge of having one. A device name the “First Warning System” is equipped with sensors, AI, and pattern recognition software that can detect temperature changes of cells associated with breast cancer. More sensitive, accurate and cost effective than a mammogram, it will have both applications for both OB/GYN and primary care office use along with over-the-counter potential.

6 Sports Bras For Full Busted Women

Image via Figleaves

Have you caught the Olympic fever yet? I don’t even have a tv (yeah, I know, I’m a luddite) and I’ve found myself going to to eat in places that are showing the Olympic events. There’s something addictive about seeing the Olympic athletes strive for perfection like that.

Seeing all of the different events has really inspired me to try some new stuff in my own workouts, as well as reminded me that I really need to update my sports bra collection. I actually find sports bras to be one of the more difficult subjects to talk about when it comes to full busted lingerie. Not only are the options far more limited for full busted women, but people also tend to make assumptions about why you want one.

If you’re on the, ahem, larger end of the full bust spectrum then people tend to assume you’re trying to lose weight. If you’re on the smaller end then people want to tell you that you don’t need to work out. All of these sports bras are great for everything from running a marathon to a once a week zumba class and health is important regardless of body size or type. And yes, having a sports bra that fits definitely falls into the health category.

Here is a quick roundup of the most popular sports bras on the market for full busted women, as well as their pros and cons:

Shock Absorber Level 4:

Image via Figleaves

This has been my staple sports bra for over a year now. I only switched since I lost weight and gained cup sizes. It’s definitely not perfect, but it’s a great place to start. The bands run tight and it is compression based, so it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s great for working out, but I can’t imagine lounging around in it comfortably. In addition, the double set of hooks on the back seems to require contortionist training to fasten by yourself. If you’re someone who hates any bounce at all or you’re a fan of high impact workouts, this bra should be on your list.

Pros: Attractive range of colors, no bounce, low price.
Cons: Potentially uncomfortable compression, difficult to fasten solo.

Panache Sports Bra:

Image via Figleaves

Panache says that this bra will reduce bounce by 83%! It was an instant hit when it came out and is incredibly cute for a sports bra. I’ve heard mixed reviews from people who have tried it, but those who are fans swear by it. It’s also the most expensive bra on this list.

Pros: Attractiveness
Cons: Price

Elomi Energise Underwired Sports Bra:

Image via Figleaves

This sports bra is incredibly comfortable and retains that “regular” bra feel while still stopping bounce when you exercise. It’s easy to get on and off by yourself and gives you nice separation under your workout clothes. It’s underwired, which ensures great shape while still keeping you supported. The downside is that it starts at a 34 band, so anyone below that won’t be able to wear it.

Pros: Small range of colors, comfort, shape
Cons: Limited band sizes

Freya Active Underwire Sports Bra:

Image via Figleaves

This is another great basic sports bra for your collection. It gets rave reviews from everyone and will support you through almost any type of athletic activity. It’s available in all the standard colors plus a black and pink colorway. I’d love to see Freya come out with a more adventurous looking version in the future, but for now I’m just happy they’re making such a solid style.

Pros: Support
Cons: Limited colors

Royce Impact Free Sports Bra:

Image via Figleaves

I haven’t mentioned size ranges before this because every other bra on this list basically covers the same range (D-H/HH, bands starting at 28). However, if you’re above an HH cup this bra from Royce is pretty much your only option. Luckily it’s a really good one. The band runs tight, but it’s supportive and comfortable. The hooks in the back are covered by velcro, which will curl upwards after repeated trips through the washing machine. Handwash it each time and your back will thank you when you’re doing floor exercises.

Pros: Up to a K cup, supportive
Cons: Has issues when machine washed

Enell Sports Bra:

Image via Fresh Pair

This is the terminator of sports bras, both in looks and in terms of support. Like the Shock Absorber, it works by seriously compressing your chest. This is a high quality sports bra that will last forever, as long as you don’t mind wearing something that looks like body armor! Enell’s sizing system is also a little weird, so make sure to take your measurements and consult their charts. If you’re between sizes, take the smaller one.

Pros: No bounce, longevity
Cons: Looks, sizing system

Have I missed any sports bras that you love? Have you tried any of these? Let me know in the comments!

Holly

Holly

The Full Figured Chest provides creative and elegant copywriting for the high end lingerie industry.

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