Breast friends: The bra turns 100
The bra celebrated a birthday this week. The great whites finally turned 100, a milestone which has prompted us here at CS to pay a little homage. Here, some background on these cleavage caddies, and a few tips to ensure you’re getting the proper fit. (Hint: There’s a good chance you aren’t!)
The first bra was patented in 1914 by New York City socialite Mary Phelps-Jacobs. Often on the town, Mary hated the constricting corsets of the time. Her idea: Two silk handkerchiefs tied together in the middle with ribbons sewn on to make straps--the first official bra was born. However, tried as she might, Mary could never drum up enough sales to sustain her idea, (many women considered her invention to be too taboo ) so she sold her idea to Warners. Yes, that’s right, Warners -- as in the big bra company. And the rest, as they say, is history....
Today, these ‘support systems’ are a feminine staple. Available in every size, shape and color, women around the world now wear their bras with patience and pride. I say patience, because it’s a rare woman who hasn’t had to ‘adjust’ herself. Falling straps, too-tight bands, super-roomy cups -- any of this ring a bell? You’re not alone. According to “industry studies,” over 80 percent of women aren’t wearing the right bra size. So, we thought, what better time than the bra’s birthday to offer a little, ahem, uplifting advice.
The right way to wear a bra:
According experts, bras should be worn level (front to back). However, most women wear their bras too high on their torso, throwing their measurements off. “Most women go up in the back increasing their band size instead of getting a deeper cup,” explains Susan Nethero, bra expert and owner of the Intimacy lingerie store chain. “Instead, you want to keep the back lean so you can lift the bust.” Plus, in order for your bra to maintain optimal support, she says you should give your bra at least one day of rest. “Don’t wear the same bra two days in a row because you’ll wear out its support elastic.”
Four signs you’re wearing the wrong bra size:
• Literally falling out of your bra? Go up a cup size.
• Cups caving in? Take it down one cup size.
• Suffering from unsightly back flab? Your bra is likely too big. Wearing the bra lower on your back with a smaller band size often fixes this problem.
• Straps keep sliding down? Go down a band size.
• To calculate your correct bra size, Nethero suggests:
• Standing up straight, expand your rib cage (breathe out like you’re going to blow out candles).
• For your correct band size: Then, measure all the way around your body, placing the tape measure directly beneath your breasts. Add five to that number, rounding up if necessary to the next even number.
• For your correct cup size: While wearing a bra, measure completely around the fullest part of your bust (across the nipple). Make sure the tape measure goes around your entire back. Then, subtract this number from your band size. The result will reveal your correct cup size (based on the guide below).
0=AA, 1=A, 2=B, 3=C, 4=D, 5=DD, 6=DDD
For more supportive advice, check out our recent report on sports bras.
Aphrodite Apple Mask
• 1 T Applesauce
• 1 T Wheat Germ
To Make: Purée apple in a blender or add applesauce to a small bowl. Mix in the wheat germ to form a paste.
To Use: Apply to washed, scrubbed, and steamed face. Allow mask to set for 10-15 minutes. Tone then moisturize.
Cucumber- Honey Toner
• 1 medium Cucumber, peeled and cut up into pieces
• 2 tsp. Honey
Puree cucumber in a blender. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and set the sieve over a glass bowl or measuring cup. Pour the cucumber puree through the sieve and let it stand for 15 minutes for the juices to drip into the bowl. Pour the clear juice into a clean bottle and add honey.
To use, shake the bottle and saturate a cotton pad with the lotion. Sweep over face, neck and chest morning and night, and let it air dry (about 3 to 4 minutes). Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes about 1/2 cup.
Summer hair care
If you swim in a chlorinated pool for exercise on a regular basis, the same damage you’ve noticed happening to your skin and bathing suit, is happening to your hair, as well. Try this treatment at home to keep chlorine damage to a minimum.
• 1 egg
• 1 eggshell’s worth of olive oil
• 1 quarter of a peeled cucumber
Blend the egg, olive oil and peeled cucumber. Spread evenly through your hair, leave on for 10 minutes, then thoroughly rinse. For the best results year-round, continue this treatment monthly.
Avocado Mask
Persea Americana. Rich in vitamins A, D, E, potassium, sulfur and chlorine, this fruit is used in facial and hair packs and is deep penetrating.
This mask combines avocados, which are rich in Vitamin E, with carrots, which are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, and cream, which is high in calcium and protein. These ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots.
•1 avocado, mashed
•1 carrot, cooked and mashed
•1/2 cup heavy cream
•1 egg, beaten
•3 tablespoons honey
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner.
