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Bras & Blooms

Bras & Blooms

May 26, 2022 | Bra Bucks, Bra Fitting, Bras, Points

Did you know that 85% of women wear the wrong bra size…

At Confidentially Yours we believe that friends don’t let friends wear the wrong size of bra!

Let us help you find your best fit at our June 24-25 Bras & Blooms Eveden Fit Event!

During our Bras & Blooms event you will have the opportunity to:

  • Earn Double Bra Bucks on all in-store purchases
  • Receive a complimentary bra fitting
  • Visit with an Eveden Fit Specialist
  • Create your own flower arrangement (while supplies last)

You don’t want to miss this awesome 2-day event happening June 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tidings of comfort and joy

Tidings of comfort and joy

Nov 5, 2020 | Bralettes, Bras, Confidentially Yours

When I think of the upcoming holiday season, comfort and joy are two words that I feel accurately reflect my thoughts and attitudes towards the months of November and December. I’m sure that this holiday season will be somewhat different than in years past, but in looking forward to the season ahead, I strive to keep these in my mind. 2020 has been a unique year of challenges and trials; however, if I take a few minutes to reflect on the positives of these unprecedented times, there have been many lessons that I have learned that I hope will stay with me long after this pandemic has passed.

The past few months have been a time of learning to embrace working from home, reprioritizing commitments, finding enjoyment in additional time at home, and unexpected additional time spent with my family. One of the biggest highlights for me has been the daily opportunity to wear comfortable attire consisting of leggings, tunic sweatshirts, and sneakers. I enjoy shopping in local boutiques and frequently see bralettes shown with cute sweaters, sweatshirts, and button up flannel shirts, but developed a preconceived notion that they were not for me.

As I recently described my dream wardrobe to a few of my friends on a Zoom happy hour recently, one told me that she had added bralettes and t-shirt bras to her daily lineup. She also mentioned that she had difficulty with tops and bras fitting her desirably due to her chest size. She found that the bralettes gave her good support. Good support was all she had to say to pique my curiosity. A few of the other friends reported that taking off their bra was one of the first things that they did when they walked through the door and were home for the evening. I did think to myself, though, if the bralette works for my friend then surely it is worth a trial. I’ve always been self-conscious about my bra size and have avoided the notion of a bra that might not be as supportive as what I’m used to. I have stuck with my Wacoal and Chantelle underwire bras for years (which are fantastic, by the way). Those two bras have served me well throughout my years of “motherhood” and I feel like I owe them my loyalty.

After hearing my friends talk about their positive experiences with bralettes, I decided that if I was ever going to try one, 2020 was going to be the year. When I went to try the bralettes on at Confidentially Yours, the Bra Sisters were kind and eager to assist me in finding my correct size and color. I was excited to find that there was a wide variety of sizes and colors available. Since I have fall and comfort clothing on my mind, there were a wide variety of fall fashion forward colors available – jade green, maroon, black, teal, yellow, and beige. I also was pleasantly surprised to find out that the size of bralette that was recommended for me was what I would purchase in most tops that I own. I tried on the Cosabella Curvy Collection. These bralettes feature a smaller band and fuller bust. A petite bra fits band size 28-30 cups DD-F. These range in size to an x-large which fits a band size of 38-40 with a cup size of G-H.

The bralette fit snug over the shoulders but once it was in place and everything was secure, it was very comfortable. I gave it a few minutes in the dressing room to make sure that I still felt comfortable a few minutes later, and decided to purchase it. I decided on a neutral color for my first bralette. I wanted to make sure that I liked the fit before I branched out to a fun color. I also felt that I could wear the neutral color with most anything if I did not care for it.

For the next few days, I wore the bralette while I was at home each day. I washed it each evening and it held up quite well for the frequency of washes. The bralette was very supportive, but it did not feel like I was wearing a bra. I love the racerback feature of my new undergarment and it also features a flattering neckline, as well. I ran errands while wearing the bra and did not feel like I overstepped any boundaries by doing so. On a rainy Saturday afternoon, I fell asleep while wearing the bralette. I truly didn’t know what I had been missing.

All this to say, I was convinced that it was not for me until I tried it….but now that I have been influenced by the bralette, I definitely have my eye on the yellow. I will be back.

The 5 most common questions we get asked – and our answers

The 5 most common questions we get asked – and our answers

Sep 27, 2020 | Bra Fitting, Bras, Confidentially Yours, Laundry

Your Bra Sisters at Confidentially Yours are here to help you. No question is off limits and trust us when we say we’re asked a lot of questions. That’s why we thought it would be helpful to share five of the most common questions and their answers.

 

How do you tell if a bra fits correctly?

Like almost every article of clothing, how a “size” fits can really vary depending on who made the garment. So just knowing your usual band size and cup size might not necessarily get you the bra you need. To find the perfect fit, pay attention to these 5 features:

  • Comfort: You don’t want pokey underwire or elastic that cuts into your skin. If your bra makes your back hurt or irritates your skin, you don’t quite have the right fit. Bras don’t have to be uncomfortable!
  • Cup: A bra that fits right should comfortably cup the breast. See a gap in the cup, you’ve gone too big. Spilling over on the top or sides? Your cup is too small. What you want is a cup that comfortably cups the breast, with the section between cups sitting flat against the body.
  • Underwire position: Underwire should follow your natural shape. If it rides low, sits up on the bottom of the breast, or pokes your side, the fit is off.
  • Shoulder straps: Finding marks at the end of the day is a sign that the bra is not supporting you properly, and that weight is pulling down and tugging on the straps throughout the day. Straps falling down or consistently needed tightening is a sign that the elastic is wearing out.
  • Back strap: You don’t want the back of the bra pulling up towards your shoulders. This is a sign that your shoulder straps are doing all the support work. When it comes to good fit, you want the band to pull its weight too! A helpful test is to slip your straps down and see how much the bra sags. If the bra hardly sags, you’ve got the right fit.

 

Why does the band of my bra ride up?

When a bra truly fits, the band should sit straight across your back. If the band rides up, there are two possible causes:

 

  • Band is too loose: When selecting a new bra, feeling the band ride up on the widest is a sign to go down a size. Over time, the elastic in your bra will stretch, so you should start off with a snug fit from the get-go.
  • Straps are too tight: If you’ve tightening the shoulder straps as a way of lifting your breasts, you’re not getting the support you need. The bra band should do the heavy lifting.

 

Do I really need to replace my bras that often? They feel comfortable after I’ve worn them in.

As mentioned above, bras will stretch over time, which affects the support they provide. Yes, this is why there are multiple closure options, so that you can adjust over time, but eventually, your bra is going to lose its shape. When you find that the bra is loose enough to easily fit more than three fingers between the band and your skin at its tightest closure, or if you find the straps are always falling down—even after tightening them—the time has come to replace. It is hard to let go of a good bra, one that has served you well, but once it stretches out too much, you just will not get the support you need. One way to extend the life of each bra, however, is to have several in rotation, so that you are not wearing the same bra day in and day out.

 

Hand washing is a pain. Do I really need to do that?

The answer to this question really depends on how committed you are to extending the life of your bra. Washing a bra after every three wears is recommended to get rid of the sweat, oils, and deodorant residue that tends to build up and keep the material in good shape. The good news is handwashing bras is not as tricky as you might think. You can let them soak in a sink of water and detergent like one of these options that we offer at Confidentially Yours. After they have soaked, rub them gently to work out any stains, then rinse and hang them up to dry.

If you are adamantly against hand washing, get a mesh back for the washing machine and toss them in on the gentle cycle, preferably with no other clothes in the load. The key when the cycle is done, is not to pop the bras into the dryer. The heat of a dryer will break down elastic and delicate fabrics much faster than normal wear-and-tear, so always hang bras on a shower rod or lay flat to dry.

 

What kind of bras do I really need in my bra wardrobe?

Earlier this summer we shared with you our recommendations for essential summer bras. To fill out your wardrobe, consider these essentials to make sure you’re covered for any occasion:

  • A bra that matches your skin tone (plus a darker one that doesn’t): for light colors and fabrics, a bra that doesn’t contrast heavily with your skin will create a seamless look. For dark fabrics, you’ll also want a black, navy or other dark tone that won’t peek through.
  • A bra that gives you the coverage you desire: Whether your goal is to enhance your cleavage or minimize the size of your breasts, you will definitely want a bra that gives you uplift or full coverage. It is important to find a good bra that is comfortable and creates a silhouette you are comfortable with.
  • A t-shirt bra: a t-shirt bra can create a flattering, rounded shape that pairs well with a more casual look.
  • A sports bra: get the support you need while running, jumping, cycling, or dancing with a reliable, full-coverage sports bra to keep everything comfortably in place while you work out.
  • A convertible bra: whether your outfit has a halter neckline, bares your shoulders, or plunges low in the back, a good convertible bra works for any number of silhouettes, boosting your wardrobe versatility.
  • Specialty bras: Strapless, deep plunge, backless, racerback, nursing—your outfit, your life, and your body might need a specific fit. Our staff can help you find the right bra for the right occasion (and of course, the right fit to boot).

Stop in to see your Bra Sisters at Confidentially Yours for a complimentary bra fitting. Visit us Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nursing Bras

Nursing Bras

Jul 17, 2020 | Bras, Nursing Bras

When it comes to bras, finding the perfect fit and style can be a challenge under regular circumstances. Throw breastfeeding into the mix, and we’ve got a whole new ballgame. Whether it be for added support, health reasons, or just preventing leaks, finding the right bra is critical for mothers who are nursing. In this month’s blog we’ll explore nursing bra options to keep mama feeling comfy.

What is a nursing bra?

When baby arrives, staying on top of everything is no small feat. Life is a blur and anything that makes life a little more efficient is a welcome relief. Nursing bras provide easy access while breastfeeding, typically with some type of flap on the cup that can be folded out of the way with one hand to provide easy access to the breast. This quick, direct access makes it easier for mothers to breastfeed their little one or pump milk for later.

Why do we need nursing bras?

First and foremost, your regular bras probably just aren’t going to fit during and after pregnancy. The band size (the number in your bra size) may stay more or less the same, but as milk comes in, up goes the cup size. Proper support is important to help relieve discomfort that might arise from your breasts swelling, as well as soreness you may experience as you start breastfeeding and get used to the process.

Your breasts will not only be larger after giving birth, they will also be heavier with the added weight of breastmilk. The support of a good nursing bra will not only be more comfortable, it may also help prevent sagging later on by keeping Cooper’s ligaments from stretching and eventually loosening quite as much. Support becomes even more critical when it comes to exercise. Repetitive movement when your breasts are heavier with breast milk can run the risk of developing mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast, often caused by an infection caused by bacteria or microorganisms entering the body through an open in the skin (such as cracked nipples). Getting proper support from your bra can help reduce chafing, and nursing bras can also hold special inserts to protect sore nipples, giving them time to heal.

Leaking milk is another common breastfeeding concern, particularly for mothers in the workplace. A nursing bra can provide extra padding to soak up leaking milk and put your mind at ease.

Do nursing bras come in different styles?

You may be picturing a very functional undergarment, something frumpy, lumpy, or drab. Just like with any bra, however, in reality many styles and options are available when it comes to the nursing variety. With or without underwire, smoothing or seamless, soft and comfortable for sleeping, sports bras, or even sexy lingerie, you can find just about every type of bra you like, adapted for nursing mothers. Check out our nursing bra selection in our store or online here.

How do I choose the best option for me?

As you choose a nursing bra, you want to keep both these factors in mind: comfort and convenience.

Comfort:

  • Durability: You want to make sure that you don’t just get good support when you put the bra on, but for hours to come. Life with a new baby might not leave you with time to change, so you want straps, elastic, and padding that can go the distance.
  • Padding: Even if padding is a bra feature you typically avoid, nursing bra padding is less about creating cleavage and more about keeping your shirt dry from possible leakage, leaving you more confident and less distracted, particularly in a professional setting.
  • Flexible closures: Nursing bras will often have additional rows of hook and eye closures than the standard three on your average bra. The additional closures give you even more flexibility to adapt to changing cup size in case of engorgement.
  • Flexible fabrics: Bras designed to support you while you sleep are often made of stretchier fabrics, which can adapt to your changing cup size throughout the day.

Convenience:

  • Drop-cup: This design allows you to unhook and open up one cup to feed your baby, while the other side stays closed and supported. The cup unhooks from the strap at the top and can be reattached when you are done.
  • No clasp: These softer designs offer comfortable support while sleeping, and can also hold nursing pads during the early days of breastfeeding when leaking is more common. The cups can simply be pulled to the side to breastfeed or pump (nice and easy when you wake up groggy from a deep sleep), and are usually made with the type of soft, stretchy fabric mentioned above.

Fit is key. An ill-fitting bra that does not sit well with your shape can lead to some of the health problems discussed above, like mastitis. Make sure a more supportive bra does not have an underwire that pokes you or seems to get wedged into the same spot. Quality of fit and material might drive the price up, but the investment is worth it for the comfort and durability.

You may try to avoid procrastination, but purchasing a nursing bra is one item best left closer to your due date. At that point you will have a better idea of how much your cup size has increased and can purchase something that will gives you the support you need. Even then, keep in mind that you may go up another cup size when your milk fully comes in, so choose a nursing bra that fits comfortably when the closure is set as tightly as possible. That way, you know you have some wiggle room and can let the clasp out if need be.

Finally, it is recommend owning at least three reliable nursing bras, so that you have a clean one handy while the others are in the wash. Regular laundering is very important in order to keep the bras sanitary, both for you and your baby. We offer some wonderful delicate washes that are perfect for you and your baby’s skin. Check them out in store or on our website here.

A change in cup size may be the most obvious reason why a few new bras are needed after giving birth, however as we have seen, just going up a few sizes doesn’t quite cover all the bases. Investing in well-made, well-fitted nursing bras will help you enjoy this special bonding time with your baby and help make breastfeeding a little easier. Stop in to see your Bra Sisters to learn more about what you need, get properly fitted, and feel confident that you’re ready. You got this, mama! And we’re here to help!

The Exact Bras To Wear Under Any Summer Outfit

The Exact Bras To Wear Under Any Summer Outfit

Jun 26, 2020 | Activewear, Bras, Sports Bras, Strapless Bras

Summer has arrived. Temperatures are rising, lighter tops are back in the rotation, and our hot weather nemesis has returned: boob sweat. In this month’s blog, we’re going to explore how to choose the best bra for your summer looks.

Our summer wardrobes typically get lighter and flowier to combat the heat and humidity. We want to look good, but we also want to stay cool and comfortable. A bra that’s too restrictive can lead to chafing, especially on a particularly sweltering day. When moisture sits on the skin, friction from tight fitting straps or rough material mixed with sweat can irritate and get outright painful. Cooling fabrics and construction techniques can keep you comfortable even if you’re sweating buckets.

Comfort is key when choosing a summer bra, as is style. Summer tops tend to have thin straps or no sleeves, and you may not want visible bra straps to show. Fabrics also tend to be lighter in color and weight, which means an elaborate pattern may show through, or a thick material might make a t-shirt look lumpy. Your summer favorites may also show a little more skin, best complemented by a bra that either boosts or minimizes your cleavage, depending on your own personal style.

Material is key when it comes to picking a summer bra. Even a full coverage, padded, or post-mastectomy bra doesn’t have to smother you in the heat. Look for lighter cotton cups, like those found in the Amoena Katy Wire Free Soft Bra, or mesh panels for a cooling effect. Moisture-wicking fabrics can also help dissipate body heat, like that which is offered with Amoena’s Breathable COOLMAX® wicking fabric found in the Mara wire-free bra.

So, let’s dive into some specific styles that will keep you cool, comfy, and chic all summer long:

  • Deep plunge bra: If you are looking to show a little skin with your summer attire and want to accentuate your cleavage, a bra that offers a deep plunge is for you. Underwire and a horizontal construction give great support and lift, which helps prevent boob sweat. The straps are typically wider set, too, which helps hide straps with a wider-cut neckline like a boatneck or V-neck. We love Freya’s Offbeat Demi Plunge Moulded Bra in a delicate Earl Grey colourway with blush details. The sweetheart neckline offers enhanced cleavage and seamless cups ensure a smooth rounded shape under clothing.
  • Strapless : Whether it be a tank top, off-the-shoulder neckline, or a cold-shoulder cut, summer fashion can often leave us with nothing to hide a bra strap. A strapless bra can provide the solution, however in order for a strapless to hold everything in place, fit is key. No one wants to spend the afternoon tugging at a bra to keep it up, constantly worrying that it’s just going to slide down out of position .For a strapless bra to do the trick, it needs to do the following:
    • The underwire should sit under the arms, not the rib cage
    • The band around the rib cage should be snug, and the front of the bra—between the underwire on either side—should rest smoothly against the skin (known as tacking).

    One of the best selling and most popular strapless bras we carry is the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless. Specially designed to stay in place, Wacoal’s supportive Red Carpet Strapless Bra features seamless contour cups that beautifully enhance your shape. It offers a cushioned lower bottom band for added comfort, the band and sides smooth and minimize bulge, and it converts to traditional, halter, crisscross, and one-shoulder styles. Plus – it has removable + fully adjustable straps!

    • Racerback: Another good solution to go under your favorite tank top or sundress is a racerback. Because the straps are positioned closer to the collarbone rather than over the shoulders, they leave more of your back free and clear, making this cut versatile with a number of different styles. Double up on two of our favorite summer bra styles (t-shirt bra and racerback) with the Fantasie Memoir Underwire T-Shirt Bra. This bra has light padding for a perfectly round shape and coated metal J-hooks for a comfortable racerback.
    • Bralette: Something light and simple is often more comfortable in the summer, and the simple bralette provides just that. Bralettes are perfect for those who do not need quite as much support. They can even function as a layering piece underneath a gauzy top, with a design that often looks more like a bikini top than an undergarment. Check out the Embrace Lace Wire-Free Bra in dew/coral. Not only are the colors perfect for summer, but this soft and sexy lace makes it comfortable for summer! It’s supportive, has back adjustable stretch straps, and converts for versatility. And let’s face it, summer clothing is all about versatility!
    • Sports: When it comes to avoiding chafing from physical activity on a hot day, a good sports bra is essential. With added support to hold your girls in while you run, jump, and play, these bras help keep you cool while you sweat. Look for a sports bra that comfortably anchors itself underneath to keep everything in place while you move around. One of our newest bras in the store and online right now is the Amoena Seamless Melange sports bra. It’s extra soft fabric dries quickly and retains shape while providing comfort during your whole workout. Bonus – this cute sports bra also comes with matching leggings!

    When picking out bras for the coming months, think about your favorite outfits, how you plan to spend your time, and what kind of support you need. There are plenty of options out there to keep you cool while you sizzle this summer.

    Stop in to see your Bra Sisters at Confidentially Yours for a complimentary bra fitting. Visit us Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    To wear or not to wear a bra? The truth about going braless during the Stay At Home Order

    To wear or not to wear a bra? The truth about going braless during the Stay At Home Order

    Apr 9, 2020 | Bralettes, Bras, Camisole, Seamless Bra, Sports Bras

    Have your bra-wearing habits loosened up, literally and figuratively, since the stay at home order went into place? It might sound good and feel free and liberating, but there are some pros and cons to weigh. Now let’s dive into the details! 

    Thought: Comfort – it just feels good to “let it all go” now that I can!

    It’s really the main reason…so need we say more?

    Reality: Deliveries, house mates, ZOOM calls, etc.

    Think about your daily home habits and the people that you live with. You may feel some temporary comfort, but it may not be sustainable over time and it’s not great for your breasts, either. We explain more below. 

    Thought: It’s better for your breasts to NOT wear a bra.

    There have been discussions that share that women who wear bras have saggier breasts compared those who don’t, and that by not wearing a bra could improve the shape of the breasts. We totally disagree. Read below.

    Reality: Damage to your breasts

    In reality, wearing a bra preserves the delicate connection between the mammary gland and the pectoral muscles known as the Cooper’s ligaments. It is important that these very subtle connections are not exposed to any undue stress. Therefore, by wearing a bra, the breasts lift upward, improve posture, and prevent a lot of spine problems as well as long-term back pain. 

    Thought: It’s more comfortable to go without a bra

    It feels a whole lot better to not have to deal with digging, pulling, and pressing bras.

    Reality: Bras can be comfortable, we promise!

    A bra that doesn’t fit can cause a woman of any shape or size to have pain. We promise that bras can truly be comfortable. The key, though, is finding the right combination of style, shape, and size for your unique needs. This can vary not only by brand but also by style. Your Bra Sisters at Confidentially Yours can help you find the right bra JUST FOR YOU. Before COVID-19, we’d happily welcome you into our comfortable fitting rooms in our storefront and take you through the process of a professional bra fitting. However, because we cannot be open at this time for an in-person fitting, we can still work to help you by phone and email to find a bra that helps you feel comfortable and supported and then ship it directly to you! Feel free to call us at (217) 366-0244 and email at [email protected]. 

    Thought: No sweating under the breast if I go braless

    You might think that by not wearing a bra you will avoid sweat under your breasts from pooling. But in reality, it’s about choosing the right bra with the right materials.

    Reality: There are “bra alternatives” that may better suited to your current casual living/working conditions

    Stay at home order certainly falls into the category of casual. So why not find some “bra alternatives” that may be better suited for the t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tank tops that you’ve recently become accustomed to living instead of dress shirts and business / office attire.

    • Bralettes: The bralette is a slightly more unstructured option than a typical bra but it still provides support and brings about a feeling of comfort! The bralettes we offer come in various sizes, fabrics and more. Shop our Bralettes here.
    • Sports Bras: Sports bras can be a nice alternative, especially if you’re taking multiple walks with the dog during the day, or getting out to walk your block for some much needed fresh air. Even though the impact of walking may not be as much as your typical jog or exercise class, you still need to protect those delicate ligaments in your breast and supporting muscles. A good sports bra can help so very much! Shop our Sports Bras here.
    • Seamless Bras: A seamless soft bra (many of which come pocketed) have a high cotton content with no uncomfortable seams and soft removable molded & padded cups. It’s all about comfort and limiting chafing with a seamless bras! Shop our Seamless Bras here.
    • Cami with built in bra: Camisole tops are a great alternative to going braless and still provide some support. Amoena’s popular Valletta camisole top is soft and comfortable and features an integrated shelf bra with modal pockets. Shop our Amoena Valletta Camis here.

    We miss seeing all of you in the store, but in the meantime, we’re here to serve you through our website, www.cybras.com, by phone at (217) 366-0244 and via email at [email protected].