It’s a very exciting project that allows me to share my knowledge and experience.
To date, the first book has covered many basic topics. I want women to know how to determine what bra they want to buy before they head out to the stores. It’s also important to know what mood you should be in to shop. Of course, it’s essential to know who to take along on your trip.
Let’s face facts. Buying a bra is an extremely frustrating challenge for most women. Yes, there are those who can walk into any store and buy the first item that they see without trying it on. Most women never have that experience. Buying a bra is a stressful activity that is often avoided. In many cases, shopping trips result in adding one more to the back of the drawer.
I am covering all of these issues in the book. It’s important for women to know how to shop, when to shop, and where to shop.
You want to know how a bra is sized. You may ask if you fit the same size for every manufacturer and style. Hint, you don’t. Every bra is different, but there is a good reason for that. One size, or style, does not fit all.
On my website, on the custom-fitted bra pages you will find a selection of bras that I sell and fit in my studio, and a selection of links to companies that sell a wide range of styles. No woman should be without a properly fitted bra. Even those wearing a size 40J. There is a bra for you. Look for assistance on the bra pages and read previous blogs regarding fitting.
Send an email to info@PatHornsby.com to have personal questions answered.
I’ll do my best to post updates regarding the progress of the book. It will be a must-have for every woman.

So, what can you do?

Compiling your own research is always a good idea. You are always your best advocate in matters relating to your own body. Knowing your measurements is an excellent place to start.

When measuring, have a friend help you. The tape must be taut, but not pulled, and it must be level. A friend can see that the tape is held correctly and can easily record the information for you. Be sure to measure when wearing your best fitting bra. A bra that is allowing you to sag, or squeezes the tissue will give you false readings.

You’ll need at least 2 measurements. First, measure around the ribcage, directly below the breast tissue. Keep the tape level. Next, measure around the fullest point of the bust. Again, keep the tape level. A third helpful measurement is around the top of the bust, just below the armpit. Some online companies require that measurement to help with sizing. For most women, this measurement compares to the band size.

Your body is constantly changing throughout the month and even throughout the day. Don’t expect the measurements to be exact, but try to be as accurate as possible.

A general rule to finding your band size using the measurements is to add 3 to 5 inches to the ribcage measurement. The amount varies, depending on the measurement. Anyone measuring 33 or lower, should add 5 inches. For example, if you measure 29 inches around the ribcage, look for a 34 size band. Those measuring higher than 33 need only add 3 to the measurement. For example, 35+3=38.

The cup size is determined by subtracting the band size from the fullest bust measurement. If you measured a bust of 38 inches, and your band size is 3, then take 38-34=4. Cup sizes go up in 1 inch increments, starting with A. 1″=A, 2″=B, 3″=C, 4″=D, and so on.

Remember that this is just a guide. Everyone fits differently, and manufacturers try to create a variety of styles to accommodate the differences. You will find that you require a different size for different brands and styles.

Once you are certain that the measurements are the best set possible, record the information on a small card and keep it in your purse or wallet. That way, you will have it when you go shopping. By the way, it’s nice to have a friend to shop with. She can pick out other sizes and styles, instead of  you have to dress and undress.

In the store, take care how you shop. Remember your measurements and your approximate size. Get help if it is available. Store clerks often know how each style and brand fits.

Choose a style and pick several sizes that look appropriate to try on. Remember that you may be a 36D in one brand or style, but could be a 38C in another. Keep an open mind. If looking at boxed bras, you may finding some sizing information on the package. Some hanging bras have helpful information on the tag.

As you try the bras, check the fit of the band. Is it too loose or too tight? The band is part of the support, and should have a snug fit, without pinching.You should be able to slip two fingers under the band, but no more. Check the placement of the band. Does it sit level? It is too loose, if it rides up your back when you move about.

How are the cups fitting? Wrinkled cups mean that you need a smaller size. Unless you are wearing a balconette style bra, you should not have tissue spilling over the top of the cups. Try a larger cup size if this is the case.

Take care when looking for a better fit. Going for a larger band to get a larger cup is not always a wise move. You compromise the support when you wear a band that is too loose. If you can’t find a cup large enough for your band size, then you must choose a different style, or possibly, a different brand.

That sad fact for many is that their size is not available in most stores. Don’t waste your money on bras that should fit, but don’t. Go to a specialty store for a proper fitting. Most have trained fitters. Watch carefully during the fitting. Remember your fitting tips. If you question the fit in any way, tell the clerk. Bras from a specialty shop are an investment. You don’t want to be disappointed when you try the bra on at home.

By the way, most shops will exchange product if you take it home and double-check the fit. Do this as quickly as you can. Don’t remove the tags, and don’t wash the item. We are talking about an undergarment, so be as respectful as possible.

Today, you can find a wide range of bra sizes and styles, online. For those who have a good feel of what size they need, but just can’t find the size, the internet has become a wonderful friend. As a fitter, I can only help those who live in Fergus-Elora, Guelph, Elmira, Waterloo, Kitchener and area with a personal appointment. I can provide tips, products and links for those farther away, but I can’t do the fitting.

Recently, I have contracted with select online stores and brands to offer shopping choices. Most are featured on this page and can be connected by clicking the photo links. Please see the Custom Fitted Bra page for more products.

As a fitter and as a department store clerk, I realized that most women hate shopping for swimsuits as much or more than shopping for a bra. They hate this shopping, because they can’t find the size that they need.

Swimsuits are active-wear. You need proper bust support to be comfortable and to protect your delicate breast tissue. Fitting the bust of the suit requires the same care as fitting a bra. The band must fit snug to your body. This is extremely important, because most fabrics stretch a bit when wet. Some suits have an inner band that allows you to fasten with a three-hook option, just like your bra.

Try to find a suit that properly covers the tissue. A sexy, revealing suit is great for sunning, but could expose tissue when you dive in and swim.

Note, that many suits use under-wire to support a larger cup. Take care with the fit, if you choose this option. A poorly fitting wire will provide very little support and could damage your breast tissue. Molded cup suits are not as readily available as a wire cup, but they are becoming easier and easier to find.

Consider torso length, too. Suits are designed for a long or a short torso. If you are taller or have a long torso, be certain to choose that option for the best fit and support. The same goes for petites. A longer suit will have straps that are too long, putting the bust support in the wrong place. Choose a petite suit, whenever possible.

Sadly, most of the suits available in department stores are either small in the cup, or not supportive. It’s embarrassing to jump into the pool and realize that things are not staying in place. You want a suit that fits. It must cover essential areas, just as your bra does. Most suits fail at this job, because they are designed for an A or a B cup.

Take heart. There is a swimsuit waiting for you. Need a Size 8 with a D cup? No problem. They do exist. Looking for Designer Swimwear in a plus size with proper bust coverage? Flattering sizes are available.

For the past couple of years, I have been assessing what women have been telling me about swimsuit needs. I have searched for products that would be helpful for a wide variety of sizes and tastes. The task has been taking some time. There really is a lot to choose from.

I don’t want you to miss out while I compile my own swimsuit collection, so I have contracted with a few major online sellers to promote their products on this site. Go to the swimsuit page of this site for some links and special Spring offers. The links will take you away from this site, or will open a new tab, to allow you to shop the new sites.

Please review these sites. You may enjoy shopping for Plus Size Swimwear at Junonia. They sell swimwear and active-wear. Check out the Swimsuits For All Clearance – Up to 80% off You may also want to Shop SwimSpot.com Today! Find great brands like Reef, Guess, St.John and more! Try Always for Me for Plus Size Tankini’s And one more. Maidenform suggests that you can find the right bathing suit to flatter your body type with the New Control Swimsuit Collection with fabric that shapes and slims.

Bust size is determined by your genes, and often we are unhappy with what we are given. Larger-busted women want to be smaller and smaller-busted women want to be larger.

Let’s consider the issue of larger-busted women wanting to be smaller. There is no exercise that really takes away bust-size. If you are truly unhappy, you can go the extreme route and have a breast reduction. Many choose that option and are very happy with the results.

But, what about the women who don’t want breast surgery? They just want to feel comfortable. A first option would be to find a bra that fits properly. The band should feel snug to the body, without binding or tearing into the skin. The cups should accommodate all breast tissue. Nothing should be pushed up, down, or to the back.

Maintaining the body in a healthy state of fitness can also be extremely helpful. If you feel jiggly up top, you probably feel it elsewhere. As the pounds creep on, you add them to your breast tissue. It’s a natural place to put it.

By enrolling in an exercise program and improving your overall state of fitness you will find that the jiggling is reduced. Many women find that their bra size decreases as they tone their bodies. It’s not that the breast tissue is getting in shape, it’s just that your body is using the fat that is stored in the tissue.

As a woman whose body is prone to adding fat in the bust area, I know right away when I am gaining weight and am getting out of shape. I don’t need a scale. Others may feel the same way. When the bra ceases to fit properly, but is not old and stretched, it’s time to look at an exercise program.

Note that I said exercise program. Dieting alone is not the best solution.

Most of us don’t exercise, because we are extremely busy. We have jobs. We have children. We have obligations. All take up our time, and a jog around the block or a trip to the gym is just not the easiest to fit into the schedule.

I found a new program that can overcome that obstacle. It’s called the 7 minute workout. I like the program, because it combines exercise, diet suggestions and social networking. On their own, each activity offers only partial success, but together, they provide the perfect combination for getting in shape. Click on the ad, below to learn more about this program. It is done through the internet with a recipe section, an exercise section that is tailored to your needs and wants, and a group forum. The videos are clear and concise. The advice is offered by fitness experts, Joel Therien and Chris Reid who believe that it is better to get into shape exercising 7 minutes a day, 3 times per week, than it is to spend hours on a treadmill.

I hope you find the program of interest and take the time to learn more. As you will see, you can also earn a bit of extra money with the program.

As always, wear a properly fitting bra, to protect delicate breast tissue, whenever you exercise.

’til next time

Pat

The whole problem with buying a bra lies in the fact that we are all unique. The bra manufacturers try to take uniqueness into account when designing the bra. A ‘B’ cup for one company is not exactly the same as a ‘B’ cup for another company. Some are fuller. Some provide more support. A bra is a personal garment that is meant to fit to the body. It is not the same as buying a purse or a hat.

Often, with a fitting, I will ask what size the woman is wearing. Many have purchased the same size for years, and are surprised that I fit them in a different size for every style of bra that they try on. It happens this way, because the designer is trying to fit the bra for different issues.

These are just a few of the reasons why it is difficult to purchase a bra for another person. Fitting a bra is more than measurements.

If you really must purchase for someone else, ask a few questions about their favourite bra, such as what style of cup do you like? Push-up, fully encapsulated, seamed, smooth, under-wire? These issues are very important.

Find out how a favourite bra fits. Is it tight, loose, just right? What hook is it done up on? A new bra should be done up on the loosest hook for optimum fit.

How about the cups? Is tissue spilling over the top, falling out the bottom or being pushed back under the arm? These are all signs that the bra does not fit and indicate that a proper fitting is in order if you can arrange it.

How old is the bra? Does it fit, because it is old and stretched? A larger band might be needed, if that is the case. Is the band riding up the back? If it is riding up a lot, but the bra isn’t stretched, then the band is too large. You’ll want a smaller band.

Remember, when changing band sizes that you must also change the cup size. If the cup fits, but the band is too large, go down a band size and up a cup size. If the cup fits and the band is too tight, go up a band size and down a cup size.

Fitting a bra can be complicated. That’s why many women just give up in frustration, and buy whatever is close enough. Fitting for a person who isn’t in the store to try the bra, is even more difficult. You need a lot of information to get a proper fit. Most stores do not take bra returns, so you will be stuck with a poor fitting bra, if you buy the wrong one.

Go to the store armed with as much information as possible, and take the best fitting older bra that you can. Go to a store where you will get assistance from a clerk and tell her everything that you know. Show her the bra that you brought along. Most clerks have an idea of how their stock fits, and will do their best to direct you.

’til next time,

Pat

As mothers, women ensure that families have what they need, both physically and emotionally. We feed, clothe and boost our children spiritually. We help them to grow into well-adjusted adults. Often our efforts come at the expense of our careers and our health.

Women are helping others all over the community as parent helpers in schools, hospital volunteers and in business. They never stop. Most women put others first. They want to help ease pain. They want to see others succeed.

At this time, I would like to thank women, everywhere, for all of the little things that they do for their families and for their communities. Often, it is a challenge to find the energy and the time, but you seem to do it on a regular basis. Thank you for being you. Thank you for giving of yourself.

I would also like to suggest that every woman try to do at least one thing for herself, during the moth of March. It doesn’t have to be an expensive trip to the shopping mall or to the spa. It could just be taking a moment to sit down for a rest. It could be signing up for that course that you always wanted to take, but felt you couldn’t spare the time for.

Be brave and take a step towards celebrating the woman in you. Find out more about who you are, what you like to do and what you would like your future to be. Use International Women’s Month as an excuse to think about you and how you feel you fit into this world.

For those who enjoy women’s shows and seminars, I have provided a link below.

’til next time,

Pat

Many undergarments are specially engineered, using very delicate fabrics. Tossing them into hot water with full agitation, and then into a hot dryer will damage them in a hurry. It’s very disappointing to find that your favourite bra is garbage after the first washing.

Always review the washing instructions for any garment that you buy. You will find them on the tag that is sewn into the collar or into a side seam. In the case of a bra, look at the back, near the hooks. The instructions are tiny print, but are there for your assistance.

Some garments can be washed with your regular laundry. Others require being turned inside-out first, but can still go into the regular wash. Still others, can go into regular loads, provided you wash with cold water. The label will tell you.

Many foundation garments require hand washing. Fabrics that contain elastic fibres will break down very quickly when exposed to heat and heavy agitation. You can extend the life of the garments by following the manufacture’s instructions.

Find a gentle soap for hand-washing and dedicate a basin or bucket for the job. Be sure to use cold water and allow all soap to mix before adding the garment. Most items require only a gentle soaking and a bit of a swish to release soil and perspiration. Rinse with cold water. Roll the item in a towel to remove extra moisture. Wringing could twist the garment out of shape, so please resist the temptation. Hang or lay flat to dry, according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Some garments can be added to the spin cycle of your washing machine to remove excess water. Do this carefully, to avoid damaging the item.

Once you get into a routine of washing your items, carefully, you will find that it is easy to do. Many items can be quickly washed in the bathroom sink and dried overnight.

It is worth the effort to follow the instructions. Your garments will last longer and will perform better.

’til next time,

Pat

We go to the department stores for the promised variety of stock and for the advertised sales. Most of us have household budgets to adhere to, so we like a bargain.

For many people, the department stores have exactly what is needed. If you wear a common size of bra and don’t have any special issues, you can generally find what you are looking for. You’ll find a wonderful selection of style, colour and price.

Be sure to try the bra on before you buy. Sometimes our bodies change. Be certain that the bra fits. Also remember that cheaper bras do not last as long. They are cheaper in price, because they are made with cheaper materials. Be ready to replace a cheap bra after three months.

Many women cannot find their size in the department stores. Common bra brands, such as Platex and Wonder Bra, are designed for the most popular sizes. Generally, you’ll find smaller cups with the 34 to 36 band and larger cups with 38 and larger bands. If you don’t fit those sizes, then you won’t find a bra in their lines. Read the boxes carefully to see if your size is made in that style. There is no point in trying on bra after bra, hoping that something will fit.

When trying on follow a few simple rules.

1. The band should have a snug, but comfortable fit. You should be able to put two fingers under the band, but no more.
2. Bands that ride up in the back are too large. Select a smaller band size.
3. The cup should be large enough to accommodate the breast tissue without pushing tissue out the top or sides.
4. Wrinkled cups are a sign that you should look for a smaller cup size.
5. Avoid trying on a bra shortly after heavy exercise. It will affect the fit.

Before heading to the department store, check the websites of the brands that are sold. These sites tell you the sizes that are available in each style. It can save a lot of wasted time if you know before going to the store whether or not they carry the size that you are looking for.

If you can’t find your size at the department store, then look for a good bra boutique in your area or look for a private bra fitter.

I’ll discuss bra boutiques in another post.

Always remember that it is worthwhile to have proper fitting foundation garments, such as your bra. It makes a big difference in the way that you look and feel.

’til next time

Pat

Support

Please remember that you must also choose a good bra to support your breast tissue during this important time. Your body is changing slowly and rapidly at the same time – or so it seems. You want to take care of yourself.

It’s difficult enough to find a bra most days, and breast-feeding adds a lot more frustration to the search. Many bras on the market don’t provide the support that you need and want.

Size

You may also find it difficult to find your size, especially if you require a smaller band size, such as 32 to go with DD+ cups.

Solving the bra nightmare is what I do best. I check for quality products that will do the job that is required of them. Nursing should be a wonderful time for both mother and baby. You don’t want it to be stressful, because there aren’t bras available in your size.

Of my current bra stock, I have found that the TAB bra is best for nursing. It wasn’t originally designed to be a specific nursing bra, but it works better than many on the market.

Ease of Use

The designer decided that the bra cups should open to make it easier to put the bra on. This feature makes it perfect for breast-feeding.

Comfort

The TAB  support system is a shelf that wraps around the body and lifts tissue from underneath. This design shifts the weight of the breast tissue, giving you relief from back pain and shoulder strain. The shelf also positions the nipple at a comfortable angle for baby.

Your Size

This bra also comes in a large selection of sizes. Need a 28JJ? No problem. This bra comes in that size. The band sizes range from 28 to 42 and the cup sizes range from A to II. The sizing is different compared to most bras on the market, so I advise a fitting before you buy.

Remember, that it is always wise to get professional advice when buying a bra. It’s the foundation of your wardrobe, and an ill-fitting bra can affect your health. Breast-feeding is a wonderful option. Keep yourself as healthy as you can by wearing a bra that fits.

I am always happy to answer fitting questions. info@PatHornsby.com

It’s incredible how different clothes look when worn over properly fitted foundation garments. I fit and sell bras and other garments that help you to build a look that you can be proud of.

Think about your current bra. How does it fit? Does it sag at the front and ride up at the back? Does it pinch in places and push breast tissue under your arms? These things show through your clothes, making you look and feel sloppy. Why spend hundreds of dollars on a nice dress, then plop it over a poorly-fitted bra?

The same theory applies to other undergarments. When dressing, consider what lumps and bumps you are getting from the layer closest to your skin. Panties should fit flat against the skin without ridged seams or wrinkles. These may not show under heavy jeans, but they will show under a slinkier garment. You may also find that thicker seams can pinch and be uncomfortable.

There are many smoothing garments on the market that are made to help with shaping. Again, be certain to inspect how the garment is fitting on you. A muffin-top above the waist will make you look and feel uncomfortable. Check out several styles and companies before you buy. Choose the one that fits your body best. Like a good bra, these garments are best purchased from a trained fitter who knows how the items fit on different body types. It’s worth taking the time to fit and purchase a quality product that will do a proper job.

Look in the mirror, the next time you get dressed. Are you happy with the look? Are there lumps and bumps that bother you? Check what you are wearing underneath before you decide to toss the outfit.

’til next time

Pat