There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a garment that drapes and moves with the body. It all starts with properly fitting “unmentionables”. Understanding proper fit will help you treat your body with the reverence it deserves. A bra worn regularly only has about a year of working well for you. Did you know that your breasts come in 3 shapes? According to Madame Poupie Cadolle, great-great granddaughter of Hermaine Cadolle who invented the first bra, your breasts are pears, apples or pyramids (triangles). So, how do you know what is the correct fit when trying on a bra? Lingerie designer Joyce Baran suggests looking at the following:

• Center of the bra should lie flat against your breastbone and not gap
• Straps should not dig into your shoulders
• Back band should not ride up in back

Bras come in many different styles, but a basic bra wardrobe should include the following for ultimate versatility.

• T-shirt (molded, lined cups to create a smooth finish under tops-no lace)
• Strapless (make sure the band is the correct band, otherwise it will fall down!)
• Plunge (great for lower necklines, usually has convertible back to crisscross straps)
• Backless (newest type-allows you to be totally backless while supporting your front side)

Now that you have all the right bras, caring for them and properly alternating them will extend their life and your enjoyment. Hand washing is preferred, but if this isn’t an option for you, always use a lingerie bag to protect pads, lace and the underwire bras are made with. Use the gentle cycle and cold water in the washing machine and hang to dry. The heat of a dryer will erode elastic, set stains and fade color.

To hand wash use lingerie soap, mild shampoo such as baby shampoo or baby detergent. Fill a small tub with cold water and dissolve a small amount of soap in the water. Place items in the tub and let sit for a few minutes 3-5. It is not necessary to soak more than 10 minutes. Gently push water through your lingerie to permeate suds into garments and clean. Rinse with cool water thoroughly and line dry.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, go out and treat your body with the love it deserves and discover the beauty in well fitting lingerie.

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.