Why is measuring and bra fitting such a black art? Is it possible to reduce your shape to a set of numbers?

We are all individual and unique so to make a ‘one size fits all’ bra is an impossible feat. When bras were first introduced in the UK they were based on dress sizes e.g. 32, 34, 36 etc and didn’t have different cup sizes. Because of this convention the band that goes beneath your bust is actually 4 – 5″ smaller than the size it states on the box. If you measure in cm at least the measurement is less confusing as this does match the actual band size.

Cup sizes were first introduced by Warners in the USA in 1935, but didn’t make it into the UK until the ’50s when conical bras (more recently seen on Madonna) were all the rage. In the ’60s a more natural, although still very structured shape came back into vogue and new fabrics such as powernet and lycra revolutionised support. Each country has developed it’s own bra size convention – for example, in the USA it is common to measure at the top of the bust (just below the armpit) and the Italians and French have their own systems.

A ‘cup size’ isn’t actually one size to add to the confusion – as the band size goes up so too does the cup. So a 32C has the same cup volume as 34B. This is why it is possible to find two different sizes that fit fairly well, because the back can be adjusted using a different hook and eye setting.

More recently manufacturers have begun to cater for smaller backs and bigger busts, now I am looking for bigger backs and bigger cups for my customers many of whom are blessed with curves.

There is a really good online guide to bra history at http://www.fashion-era.com/.

It is possible to measure to find your bra size – I’m not convinced you need a professional fitter – women know from experience what fits them and what looks good! Simply follow our online fitting guide, but make sure you stick to either inches or centimetres throughout. Our guide from Shock Absorber also gives advice on how to check the bra fits properly when you get it, so do read this when you try on your bra and you can return anything that does not fit to us for a refund.

Harwayes is owned by Katy Brown Limited, and you may like to have a look at my new blog – I’m reporting on womens issues, female entrepreneurs, useful websites and checking out the demand for further clothing ranges by mail order.

Follow the link! http://www.katy-brown.co.uk – I hope you like it.

Early Victorian Swimwear (from Pauline Weston Thomas for Fashion-Era.com)

A friend commented that she would like a swimsuit in the style of the running suits men wear these days. My Mum also commented she would prefer to see a return to victorian style suits. Certainly swimwear in the USA is far more flattering than that available in the UK, so I would like to bring some American styles over here – any views? Katy

Have a look at this great video published by the organisers:

http://www.lingerie-show.com/index.cfm?do=features.fashion

The annual Jamboree for bras!

I went to the manufacturers showcase for new developments in bras and underwear on Monday 17 August 2009. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day out, an opportunity to talk to the people who make design decisions and see the latest colours and shape trends modelled live.

In maternity there are now some underwired bras from Anita and Emma-Jane giving a plunge effect – great for pregnant ladies to show off their best ever cleavage! We will definitely stock these on the Harwyeslingerie website. Hotmilk have some gorgeous new fashion led designs and there were one or two new suppliers, not currently stocked on our website such as Cake Lingerie, another high fashion, London based company and Bravado, the Canadian maternity bra manufacturer. I’ll be putting some of their bras to the test soon and would welcome any feedback from ladies who already have these bras.

I found some excellent post surgery bras from Anita – ideal for ladies to take into hospital with them. I also have some free ‘Anita Care’ catalogues that give some useful guidance for prosthesis and post lump/mastectomy bra advice – please send your name and address to enquiries@harwayeslingerie.com for a free copy.

The hot news centred on bras for larger cup sizes, up to K in some cases, with new brand ‘Curvy Kate’ getting a rave review in ‘Lingerie Buyer’ magazine’s August 09 issue. I wish I’d been a bit quicker with my camera as the model turned cartwheels to prove that everything stayed in place! I’d like to add these to the site soon.

For teens I found some beautiful non-wired bras, slightly padded and giving a fabulous shape under t-shirts, in polka dot, tartan and basic colours from Boobs and Bloomers.

Please do get in touch if you have any comments or feedback on the products or brands mentioned here, we want to ensure Harwayes provides you with the bras that fit your needs! Katy

The appearance of Muslim women in sport is a controversial topic. When a Muslim woman competes at a national or international level, the first comments made about her in the press concern Islam or the way she dresses – rather than her skill in the sport!

Their appearance should be modest and at the same time it should reflect a professional sporty appearance with pride.“Ahiida” represents the  freedom to choose to participate in any sporting activity. By providing suitable specialized sports wear, for the active Muslim female, that will give her the freedom to choose in either starting or to continue in any sporting activities and keeping active.

Fabrics play a big part to the finished product. We have found that using high performance innovative fabrics that have the flexibility, breathability and moisture control are key to creating a garment that looks good and feels comfortable with no restrictions to movement. Watch the Harwayeslingerie.com website for more news on this great swimwear range soon.

Did anybody see the feature on Bra Angel on Dragon’s Den last night? (Wednesday 12 August, 9.00pm, BBC2). The invention was a small fishook type contraption that pushed into the underwire of the bra to ‘mend’ the bra when the underwire starts to poke out – a very frustrating problem as we all know. But surely by then it’s time for a new bra anyway?! Go to  hhtp://www.harwayeslingerie.com for your new bra, or phone 01780 749449 to place your order.