6 years ago when I started in lingerie 8 out of 10 women were wearing the wrong bra size. Today with all of the information and education we have on bra sizes 8 out of 10 women are still wearing the wrong size bra. So please help a sister out and if you know anyone whose boobs are looking a little low, has serious bounce or she is bursting out of her bra, you must send her this post!

Here are 2 super quick Videos that will show you what a good fitting looks like and how you can find a bra shape that works for you and your body.

To find your bra size you can read “How To Measure Your Bra Size” or download the free Bra Fitting App.

How To Find The Right Shape Bra For You

I must say I was a bit chuffed when I seen Studio Europe have a whole section dedicated to Front Opening bras that they have labelled “Arthritis Bras”. Here is a sneak peak at some Front Opening Bras.

For 6 glorious and sometimes stressful months together with Sharreid and Fine Lines Lingerie we have been developing Australia’s 1st Bra Fitting App. This is your virtual fitting room where you can fit yourself for not only your bra size but also your bra shape. We then give you a list of your nearest stockist!

We have short videos that take you through what a good fitting bra looks like, how to find your bra shape and a calculator that will give you your bra size. Then you can go to your nearest Retailer and you will know the bras that will work for you.

Fine Lines and I always recommend you get professionally fitted however we understand that not everyone has access to a Bra Fitter, while other women don’t like too get fitted for a bra so this way we can still provide you with a bra fitting service.

It’s a FREE App and you can download it from iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fine-lines/id560999031?mt=8 or for Android users you can download from Google Play

I would love you to rate and review it!

It haunts 1 in 9 women and 1 in 29 women will lose their fight and breast cancer will take their life. We all know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. On a positive note there is so much awareness around Breast Cancer and it is supported by numerous businesses. Two lingerie companies who are supporting Breast Cancer this year and selling a limited “pink” bra are Berlei and Panache.

Panache will be launching their best selling and super awesome Sports Bra in a delightful Hot Pink. It will retail for $74.95 and you can find your nearest stockist at www.panachelingerie.com.au . Panache Lingerie will be donating $2 from every bra sold.

Available Sizes-

6 DD – H

8 D – H
10 C – H

12-16 B – H
18 D – GG

Berlei will be promoting their Pearl Pink Barely There Bra this October and donating $5 from every bra sold. They are also proud to say they have sent out 60,000 My Care Kits to women who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Berlei Barely There retails at $59.95 and you can find a stockist at www.berlei.com.au

Bra Sizes- 10A to 24E

BREAST CANCER RISK CALCULATOR

Cost

Lift- 10/10

Separation- 10/10

Quality- 10/10

Shape- 10/10

Material- 10/10

Appearance-10/10

Over All- 10/10

Bra Queen’s Comments- This Memory Collection by Fine Lines is like no other I have seen, the memory foam is so unique and feels so divine on the skin it’s incredible. The Memory Foam shapes and moulds to your body for ultra comfort. The entire range gives you fantastic lift, support and a great shape all day long. It conforms to the shape of your breasts for extreme comfort and gives you the ultimate shape.

The Memory Collection includes a strapless bra, push up bra, full coverage bra and a plunge bra. All for the fantastic price of $44.95.

Most breast shapes will look divine in this bra.

Available in sizes 10 to 18 and Cups A to E.

Available from all good lingerie stores.

Disclaimer: The views, conclusions, findings and opinions of the author are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the product owners, producers and there affiliates. Nor is Bra Queen paid or an affiliate of any bras she reviews.

BRA FACTS

• 8/10 women wear the wrong size bra
• 40% of Australian women are DD Cup plus
• 10 years ago the most popular bra size was 12B now it is a 12D
• The average life span of a bra is 6 to 12 months
• Women need to be fitter at least once a year
• Not all bras are created equal
• The shape of a bra is just as important as the bra size
• Comfort, support, lift, shape and size are the key elements to a bra (if it’s a sports bra breathability is also a factor)
• The largest bra size belongs to Norma Stitz who has a chest measuring 69 inches and is the proud owner of the world’s largest bra, a size 72ZZZ
• The smallest bra size is AA Cup
• The average weight of a size 12DD is 3- 3.5 pound (1.36- 1.59kgs)

BRA MYTHS

• Wearing an underwire bra increases risk of getting breast cancer.
•  Wearing a bra weakens breast tissue.
•  Back fat. I can’t wear a bra too snug.
• Underwire bras are all uncomfortable.
• Nipples will show if I don’t wear a molded cup bra.
• You’re one size and one size only.
• There is one bra that is for every BODY
• Loose fitting bras are more comfortable
• Underwires are uncomfortable
• Minimisers make a woman look smaller
• Larger cups will never find a bra where the underwire sits flush against your chest.

Huit

We will be seeing their divine signature purple this season as well as lots of gorgeous colors that you will love. The collection has a lot of classic lines and that is echoed in their bottoms. What I like about Huit is their bras are wide set so they are great for women with wide set breasts.

Fauve

Something we don’t see very often is green in lingerie but I love it, they have a delightful green and pink bra that is in their classic shape. Neutral tones that aren’t boring because they have a hint of color.

Fantastie

I am predicting to have a great season because this collection has something for everyone. They have their signature shapes but they are brought back to life with new material and a lovely color palette. They are a nice combination of lace, floral and print.

Freya

Have taken a new turn, traditionally the fun and flirty lingerie has been quite edgy but this season is more what I would call “sweet”. The collection is lovely but I must say I do hope we see something a bit more edgy next season. In saying that there are lots to look out for.

Elomi

Was the real stand out for me, their innovation, the colors and the structure of this plus size lingerie is amazing. It’s so great to see such beautiful lingerie made in larger sizes because who doesn’t want to feel good? Their swimwear collection is so flattering and so lovely. Heaps to love about their next season.

What’s your fav?

I stumbled across this post that I published a long time ago on Busting Out, reading it again I realised how much I have grown and how much more comfortable I am in my own skin. Gosh, I was really not very kind to myself and for no real reason. I know you will get it and have probably been there yourself and that’s that beauty of letting go, growth and gratitude.

I hope you like it!

When I look in the mirror some times I like what I see and other times I don’t, but I have grown to realise that I am who am I…curves, breasts and everything in between.

I think about how cruel I used to be to myself…you know what I mean because we’re all guilty of it. Starving myself as a teenager, then vomiting every time I ate something and I remember feeling so alone, no one understood. When bones were popping out and clothes were swimming on me, I felt fat. Sometimes I still feel fat. I often looked at myself with such distaste, I thought I would vomit. I would stand in front of the mirror for hours on end until I could find something that I could frown upon.

I had this love/ hate relationship with food, constantly going up and down in weight. Stopping and starting an exercise regime then fuelling it with a healthy diet of alcohol and cigarettes. But that’s excuses; empty excuses that I use to tell myself to feel better for having a dad that was never there, living in a house where it was normal to beat up women and children, it became a normal progression to follow that environment and continue to be beaten and abused in my own relationship. The constant argument between myself and the world, I am the rock and I always have been but sometimes I don’t want to be because it’s tiring. Food is my friend, no it’s not it is my enemy, I am my friend, no you’re not you don’t treat friends like that. You’re up, you’re down, you’re up, you’re down. Can you please stop it because I am fucking tired!

My life is spiralling out of control and it is filled with people who say they love you but you just don’t do that to people you love….I wouldn’t do that to anyone! Is it because I am nice and I am the easy target, the push over? When you give, give and give until you have nothing more to give and it’s still my fault, never yours always mine and everybody else’s. You treat people like they are a piece of shit on your shoe, you have no respect for anyone, you’re selfish, you make life hard and I just can not do it anymore. The amount of times I have had loved ones tell me they are going to commit suicide is too much for one lifetime and really what on earth do you want from me?…seriously.

We get one shot, one opportunity.

Truth is we see what we want to see, we attract who we think we are worthy of but if we are so cruel to ourselves then we are looking within with distorted vision….a distorted mind.

You want to stop attracting horrible people into your life and start looking in the mirror and loving what you see? Then peel back the layers and start to see yourself for exactly who you are and who you want to be. Heal yourself; love yourself because that is the only way you are going to unleash the shackles that are holding you back. See the world for the wonderful place it is, it’s not out to get you, the world isn’t out to get you, people aren’t out to get you.

It’s a process that takes time, consistency and persistency but if you can do it you will live long and live happy.

5 Lingerie Blogs, 5 Questions

Me- Renee, Bra Queen

Immersed in ALL things Lingerie, my 2 favourite things are bras and business! I LOVE transforming business and believe in Stereo UN Typical Success.

1. Why do you love lingerie?

I believe it’s a small thing that you can do that makes you feel great, no matter who you are and what you do lingerie has the ability to give you confidence and empowerment. We can embrace who we are and express ourselves in a way where no one else will see….only if we want them too.

2.  What is your brand message?

It’s important to us that we deliver honest and unbiased information for both women and lingerie businesses. We NEVER accept money for reviews and we have a few advertisers however we have strict rules around who we promote. We like to have fun because we believe that life shouldn’t be boring so that is always injected as much as possible.

3. What are the values that your blog has?

Passion- a passion for all things lingerie, a passion for women to educate them on all things lingerie, a passion for business because that is driver and makes us come alive.

4. What is your point of difference to other lingerie blogs?

I’m a Professional Bra Fitter so it’s important to me that I educate women on their bras, bra sizes and their bra shape. I look at lingerie for the function as well as the fashion point of view. I’m also a business mentor so I work with lingerie businesses and designers who want to work less and earn more while empowering women through lingerie. For me it’s perfect because I can combine my love for lingerie with my love for business.

5. What are you’re favourite lingerie blogs?

I love all the girls featured in this post, I love that their blogs are an extension of who they are, their blogs are personal so you get a real sense of who they are. I love their passion for lingerie!

Georgina Horne, Fuller Figure and Fuller Bust

‘Forever battling with diets, huge bras and high street dresses.  I am here to share my experiences about living with and shopping for a fuller figure and bust.’  

1. Why do you love lingerie?

I love lingerie because I can now wear it!  I never used to be able too find/wear/afford gorgeous bras in my size and now my knicker drawer is bursting at the seams with colours, patterns, plunges, balconettes, padding… you always want what you can’t have and now I have and I no longer want for anything!

2. What is your brand message?

My brand message is…to be happy in the skin you are in, just as long as your bra fits you well!  I am a devil for trying to bra fit everyone, I have had friends shout at me for wanting to approach random women with their back bands riding up, double boobs everywhere, straps slipping down!  I just want every woman to understand bras and wear them correctly.

3. What are the values that your blog has?

I hate body snark.  Yes I am full figured but that doesn’t mean I should insult slim women!

I also believe in health at every size and making changes to your body for YOU and how you really feel about it.

4. What is your point of difference to other lingerie blogs?

I think the fact that I am larger and prepared to demonstrate how everything looks, 360 degrees is a little different!  I also think the variety of topics and reviews is something a little off the beaten track.

5. What are you’re favourite lingerie blogs?

Invest In Your Chest – Cheryl is my fairy blog mother!  CurvyWordy, Thin and Curvy, Sophia Jenner, Kel Kitty, Undercover Lingerista, Braless In Brasil, Boosaurus, Busts4Justice, The Lingerie Addict, Butterfly Collection, A Sophisticated Pair, Venuisian Glow…so many!  I love reading and writing blogs!

Cora Harrington (Treacle), The Lingerie Addict

Founder of The Lingerie Addict, the world’s leading lingerie blog. Digital media consultant for the lingerie industry. Obsessed with lace.

1. Why do you love lingerie? I love lingerie because it’s such a powerful means of self-expression. I feel like that often gets lost because so much of the conversation about lingerie in our culture focuses on being ‘SEXY’ and the effect your undergarments will have on your significant other. But lingerie is really the ultimate interpretation of your fashion sense. No matter what your job is or what you have to wear in your everyday life, you can always have on the things you really love (whatever they are) underneath.

2. What is your brand message? That lingerie is for every woman, no matter her size, age, income, or ethnicity.

3. What are the values that your blog has? The Lingerie Addict is all about being accessible and hospitable, and I mean that in every sense of the world. From giving readers multiple options for engaging with TLA content to promising a personal response to reader e-mails to making our blog an emotionally safe place to visit (as of this year, we’re a Body Snark Free), we’re all about making the vast world of intimates a friendlier one for every woman.

4. What is your point of difference to other lingerie blogs? From my perspective every lingerie blog has the same point of difference…no one thinks about lingerie in exactly the same way. When you’re a blogger, people are visiting your site to get your unique point of view, and that’s every bloggers point of difference.

5. What are your favourite lingerie blogs? Lately, I’ve been reading a new blog, The Lingerie Lesbian. I also enjoy Butterfly Collection’s blog, The Full Figured Chest (Holly is one of our columnists), and Slip of a Girl.

Holly Jackson, The Full Figure Chest

Holly is a digital content specialist and well known lingerie columnist. She currently writes on a monthly basis for The Lingerie Addict, The Lingerie Journal, McPeteSez, Bella Bella Boutique, Butterfly Collection, and Handmade Success.

Holly lives in Jackson, Mississippi, along with a pen and ink illustrator and an overactive springer spaniel mix dog named Sir Didymus.

1. Why do you love lingerie?

I think wearing great lingerie under your clothes is like having a secret super power. The market is big and broad enough now that there are great bras being made in pretty much any size range. I always cringe when I hear people say that no one makes lingerie for them, because it just isn’t true. Lingerie can be used to express your personality, feel like a princess, or just feel like a badass in the boardroom.

2. What is your brand message?

I try to maintain a blog that is inclusive and informational. Great lingerie is for everyone and no one should feel excluded from that. I run my own lingerie copywriting company, so I think by nature the blog covers more of the industry than some other full bust/plus size blogs do. I focus heavily on indie companies and more offbeat offerings from the larger companies. I’ve never featured a nude bra, ever.

3. What are the values that your blog has?

I don’t do a ton of reviews and I very rarely do sponsored reviews. That means if something shows up on the blog it’s because I liked it enough to pay for it. Lots of blogs out there are just reviews — many of the sponsored ones aren’t labeled as such so it’s hard to tell a real opinion from an opinion that may come from an ongoing relationship that the blogger and the company has. I work hard to be a trustworthy source of information rather than just a review site.

4. What is your point of difference to other lingerie blogs?

My blog focuses heavily on indie designers as well as lingerie for HH to L cups. I also spend lots of time covering the current trends and how you can make them work if you’re extremely full busted.

5. What are your favourite lingerie blogs?

For industry news, I’m a big fan of The Lingerie Addict (where I’m also their full bust columnist) and Lingerie Talk. Hourglassy has been around for ages and is a favorite of mine, but Sweet Nothings NYC is my newest blog obsession. You can’t go wrong with baking and lingerie.

Cheryl Warner- Invest In Your Chest

A Lingerie blogger livin’ the dream. I have a ridiculous amount of love for The Smiths, shoes, and tea. The blog was born on 18th October 2010 in response to the awful fitting service I received on the high street. Invest In Your Chest is a 100% independent, completely unsponsored site.

1. Why do you love lingerie?

I love lingerie because of the way if makes me feel. In the past, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with undercrackers, as I’d been fitted on the high street and I never found my boobs looked or felt good. At one point I had gaping AND overspill – so not a good look! It wasn’t until I was fitted by Bravissimo and I saw how bras could look and feel amazing that my outright obsession started. Lingerie, for me, is the ultimate expression of femininity.

2. What is your brand message?

I wouldn’t say that Invest In Your Chest is a brand to be honest. As a blog my message is of good fit and to introduce full busted women to the choice that is available to them in their sizes. I don’t make money from my blog despite it being darn hard work – but it’s a labour of love. I give my opinion on my favourite brands and styles, but I’m in no way an expert and really, it what it is: I’m just a girl blogging about her favourite bra and pants in her bedroom.

3. What are the values that your blog has?

Fit, body confidence and acceptance is a must, and that you should only change your weight or images for yourself – nobody else! I’m under the firm impression that the correct fitting bra can change your life, and that really is the best place to start when it comes to ‘investing in your chest’. There is a world of good fitting practice beyond La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, Marks and Spencer…

4. What is your point of difference to other lingerie blogs?

When I started my blog there weren’t really many other blogs, certainly not in the full bust sector. My point of difference could be the fact that I blog as a small framed, fuller busted girl from the UK, but my opinion on bras and shapes differs a little as I have fairly wide set breasts and prefer fabric cups. To mix it up a little, I’ve also got Becky Mount on side, giving the opinion of a close set pair of boobs which are also slightly larger. Neither of us are ‘cookie cutter’ sizes, so I think people like to see and identify with that.

My voice and opinion also aims to take the ‘taboo’ our of the D+ world, and my regular reviews get a lot of positive feedback as it helps women who are shopping online – where many of us are forced to shop unfortunately!

5. What are you’re favourite lingerie blogs?

I have to list them as there are just so many. The ones I have to keep going back to include: Miss Underpinnings, Busts4Justice, The Lingerie Addict, Hourglassy , Thin and Curvy, Bras I Hate, The Full Figured Chest, Braless In Brasil, A Sophisticated Pair, Venuisian Glow and, of course, Bra Queen!

What I love about hearing stories is the vision, what I love about successful businesses is the fact that they don’t look for an opportunity. Instead they become the visionaries and predict they way the market is going. To me that is what business and life is all about, having a vision and making it happen.

The year was 2003 and Studio Europe opened its online store, they were the first lingerie store in Australia that offered European Lingerie. The pioneers of what has since become one of Australia’s most sort after lingerie. European lingerie has been one of my favourites for many years because they just seem to understand the female form. They don’t try and change it but make lingerie to fit it, using succulent materials and fantastic designs. They are the world leaders in lingerie, in my opinion.

Studio Europe has since delivered over 100,000 orders through out Australia and continues to offer women the finest European Lingerie. They believe that all women are beautiful and are passionate about sourcing lingerie that caters for all ages, all sizes and all shapes.

What’s not to love about a great vision?