Chantelle bras

I read an article last year in Domino about finding the proper bra. It emphasized a supportive band v. supportive shoulder straps. I decided to have a fitting done at a lingerie boutique (not at Victoria’s Secret) and discovered that I was a cup size larger and a band size smaller than I had previously believed myself to be.  I bought a Chantelle T-shirt bra, and tried on their Chantilly lace bras as well.

Things to love: Great support! The boning in the band of the T-shirt bra and the seaming in the cup of the lace bra both give great support–which is crucial to having a good “base” upon which to layer your clothing. My roommate wears them as well, because her physical therapist recommended them! If you’re a C cup or larger, I think you’ll be surprised at how much support your body hasn’t been getting once you try on one of these. It’s like a mini body makeover–you look taller and leaner and your back feels better. Both bras are very attractive and comfortable to wear–even the lace.  And really, what woman doesn’t need black lacy undergarments?

Less than perfect: They’re not cheap. If you wash them weekly and rotate them daily, you can get away with only having a few bras and they will last, but the initial investment might be a barrier. I suggest waiting for sales at figleaves.com. Also, if you’re between cup sizes in the lace bra, go up a size–otherwise you’re likely to experience a little pinching. (Ouch) The T-shirt bra is not invisible under T-shirts, unfortunately. I’ve noticed that the rims of the cup do show under fitted tees.

Final Analysis: Owning a Chantelle bra has made me realize just how little support I was getting in my other bras. For an A or B cup, this isn’t really as much of an issue, so I’d say save your money and find something that looks and feels good, but don’t spend $80 on it. For those of you who don’t have the luxury, go get fitted at a proper lingerie store (and try on some of the Chantelle bras to double check your size) and wait for the sales to hit figleaves.com. While this isn’t my perfect bra, it’s world’s better than 75% of what I had in my lingerie drawer before (other than my Biofit, which I’ll blog about another day). If nothing else wins you over, know that it is so satisfying to have such lovely undergarments. It’s like having an empowering secret with you all day.

Posted by: Catie

Aerie

Oh. my. gosh.  I’m in love.  I’ve found my underwear Mecca.  Girls, read on. 

The Seattle area just got its first store of American Eagle’s underwear line Aerie.  Although American Eagle is primarily designed for high school and college students, I’m roughly the average size of this age group, which makes shopping for business attire and undergarments particularly difficult.  Even the smallest sizes of most clothing companies do not fit me as they were intended, and hardly anyone carries a 32B in any sort of fashionable bra.

If you’re in the same boat as me, Look No Further!  This store is a dream come true for smallish girls everywhere who wear unusual sizes.  With at least 6 different bra lines, each in various colors, textures, and designs, you’ll never have to “settle for whatever you can find” again! All bras come in sizes 32AA through 36D, which means that you lucky girls who are 32C’s are also in luck. Also, when you try them on, they give you a little caddy full of every line in your size, so you get to try on all 6 lines without having to go through the racks.  Awesome!  Added bonus: all priced between $24-$34.  I’m sold.  Alas, I was not there to buy bras, but panties, so I didn’t buy any bras today.  However, I know exactly where I’m going in a few months when I need new ones!

I went in to buy panties, and they have roughly the same deal as Victoria’s Secret, 5 for $25 for all cotton.  There are tables and tables of options, also with at least 9 different cuts.  I’m normally a thong girl due to the pooky butt, but this store has expanded my options.  My classic favorite: the Boybrief – unlike any other boy brief out there.  Thick, soft binding is comfy, doesn’t cut you at the cheek, and somehow doesn’t show through jeans.  My new favorite: the Boyshortie – hits down the leg and stays down, also without cutting.  Because these hit lower and don’t have a thick hem, they’re perfect for dress slacks when you don’t want to wear the thong – something I’ve been seeking forever.  I also bought: the Lowkini – due to the low waistline, the leg edge comes up at a lower angle, which keeps it from riding like a normal bikini.  This one will need a test drive before I commit to buying more than one.

Last but not least:  I went in on Promo Day.  For trying on a bra, I got a $5 off anything coupon.  They have a 6-month “A Club” card that gives you a free gift any one Thursday of the month for 6 months - even if you don’t buy anything.  Today, I got a really pretty candle in a tin.  And the day you sign up for the A Club, you get 20% off of your purchase in addition to any other discounts.  Also, they have a points reward system like a grocery store where you earn points for every purchase, and you get a reward coupon mailed to you every 4 months.  The coupon entitles you to anywhere from 10%-40% off of your total purchase for one visit.  Perfect!  I can totally budget new panties each season.

All in all, I made out with 5 pairs of panties and a candle for $17 after tax.  Not bad.  My advice: go in and try on bras on a Thursday and get yourself some new panties and a reward.

Posted by: Lynnette