In the world of lingerie, few garments carry as much historical weight as the brassiere - a piece that evolved from the restrictive corsets of the 19th century to the engineered marvels of today. Millie Major, senior design manager at Curvy Kate - a brand celebrated for championing fuller busts since its 2008 founding - recently shared with the Daily Mail the common missteps women make when selecting this intimate essential.
Major's first observation is one of physics and patience. Many women fasten their bras too tightly on the first hook, unaware that elastic - a material refined in the 1930s for lingerie - fatigues over time. She advises starting on the loosest setting, then tightening as the garment stretches, extending its lifespan.
She also notes that shoppers often neglect the cup test. Leaning forward during a fitting, a technique that mirrors the natural movement of the bust, ensures the breast tissue is fully contained. This simple motion can prevent the dreaded spillage that compromises both silhouette and support.
Yet the most pervasive error, Major asserts, is the assumption that sizing is universal. "Different stores or brands can differ slightly in design and fit," she explains. Variations in underwire strength - a feature popularized in the 1940s - cup coverage, and hook count all affect comfort. This variability echoes the larger history of lingerie as a bespoke art, not a one-size-fits-all commodity.
In March, Janine Dutton, the millionaire owner of Belle Lingerie - an online retailer known for its inclusive approach - added her voice, highlighting when a bra has truly reached its end. The lesson? Treat your wardrobe's foundation with the same care you'd give a couture gown.
Originally reported by Lenta.RU