Bra Fitting - More than just a number

I recommend getting a bra-fitting once a year (especially if you have had dramatic weight loss or a child), but how is it done? Well, that's easy enough to Google. Many people have seen the soft tape measure and know a measurement is taken under the bust and at the fullest bust point. I like to point out that this measurement provides a good starting point.

 I still measure at the store, or you can at home. Just get a tape measure (the soft kind, not metal, you're not building a shed here). If measuring at home, you will be most accurate in front of mirror, as all the measurements need to be taken with the tape parallel to the ground. Wrap it around the underbust. Round the number to the nearest whole inch. I generally prefer to round up at the half inch point.

If the underbust measurement is 35 inches or larger, your band size will be the closest whole even number. For example, 35 inches will be 36 band. 36 inches will be 36 band. 37 inches will likely be 38 band, but 36 may feel better in some brands or styles.

If the underbust measurement is under 35 inches, then it's a bit different. I'm not sure who created this shoddy measuring system, but if your curious, this is just how it's done. 34 inches, 36 band. 31 - 33 inches, 34 band. 28 - 30 inches, 32 band. Honestly, anything smaller than this and I would aim for a 30 band. You may be smaller, but unless you want to start making your own bras, it's going to be very difficult to find smaller band sizes. The Little Bra Company is one of the few available brands I can think of with 28 bands.

 Next measurement is taken at the fullest part of your breasts. Wrap the tape around your body parallel, find the measurement, and round to the nearest whole number. Subtract the underbust measurement (not calculated band size) from this number. For example, I measure 28 inches at my underbust and 34 at my fullest bust. 34 inches - 28 inches = 6 inches. Each inch is a lettered cup. 1 inch difference would be A, 2 inches B, 3 inches C, 4 inches D, 5 inches DD, 6 inches E.

*A note about the letters: The measurement I use are the most common, going from D, DD, E, F, G, H and so on, but some companies use DDD instead of E.

My bra size would then be 32E. Cool. Fun fact. However, I rarely like the fit of this measurement. The point is measuring gives a good starting point, but you also have to consider fit and style.

Bra fittings sound so definitive and concrete. Jeez, it must be since I have to do math. Anyone outside of a nudist colony knows different brands of clothes fit differently. Same with bras and panties. European brands are often a bit more snug, however the brand Gossard I find true to size in bras but have to move down a size in panties. In Kiss Me Deadly and Elle Macpherson, I prefer a 34DD. Just try a few brands on, and see what you like.

The below mentioned orb effect.

 Additionally, different styles fit differently. I'm not shy about admitting I've had a boob job. For me, that has meant bralettes still fit but differently. I find it disconcerting to see globe-like orbs floating with no support.  Prior to implants, I had a full cup size difference between lefty and righty. Because of that I only wore bras with contoured cups and generally opted for push-up bras or added a turkey cutlet to the smaller breast. The point is don't just try different brands, try different styles, too.

Valentine's Gift Ideas: From Mild to Wild

With less than three weeks until the often-anticipated and sometimes-dreaded Valentine's Day arrives, most of us start thinking of gift ideas for a significant other, a close friend, or even ourselves (no shame in that, ladies and gentlemen...who doesn't love a good treat yoself box of chocolates, after all?). Even if we don't sell chocolates here at the Ruff Life Lingerie and Vintage, we have plenty of options for V-Day gifts whether you're looking for a sweet little something or a sexier vibe. Check these ideas out!

1. Booty Parlor "Dust Up" Kissable Body Shimmer (in Cocoa Bronze or Marshmallow Gold) $24

These little guys smell amazing. And they make your body shimmery and sexy paired with a lingerie set or your outfit for the day. Great for a significant other or a friend!

2.  Booty Parlor "Kissaholic" Aphrodisiac Plumping Lip Gloss $16

Absolutely wonderful lip glosses that taste delicious. Different shades and different flavors. Sexy AND cute option for a lover, yourself, or a friend. As irresistible as they'll make you look, you won't be able to make it through the holiday without a kiss.

3. Vintage Accessories: Hats, Shoes, Scarves

Great gift ideas for friends or family to show your love on V-Day! All reasonably priced with a uniqueness you won't find anywhere else.

4. Elle Macpherson "Cloud Swing" Bra and Thong Set, Bra: $60 Thong: $30

 

I think it's safe to say this set qualifies as both sweet and sexy. Purple and pink with lace...it really needs no introduction. 

5. Gossard VIP "Retrolution" Bra and Panty Set, Bra $54 Panty $26

 

Now we're getting into the sexier stuff. This Gossard VIP bra and panty set is incredibly sensual with its vintage pin-up feel. The undies are a flattering cut as well. Get 'em for yourself or for a lady lover... either way your Valentine's will be super sexy. 

6. LELO Pleasure Sets (40% off!) and Personal Massagers $27-$199

 We've got all the LELO you could ever dream of! It doesn't get any sexier than this. All LELO products are made with body-safe silicone, by the way... and some are even waterproof! Get the tools and you can make this Valentine's unforgettable. The possibilities are endless. ;) 

Come on in to the Ruff Life and check out our products for Valentine's! It's the perfect opportunity to support local business and show your friends or significant others that you love them (and their sexy assets!). And don't forget: every Wednesday, 10% of all proceeds go to YWCA to support victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse. 

--Ashley Davenport, Retail Assistant