FAQ on Intimate Apparel
When it comes to intimate apparel, there are a multitude of questions both men and women have. People with these questions may feel embarrased to ask others because of the privacy of intimate wear or the embarrasment of not knowing. If a person finds asking such questions outside of their comfort zone, the Internet is a great place to go for answers.
Bras
How do I tell my correct bra cup size?
- To get band size, measure above your chest and around under the armpits. Make sure to stay even around the back of your body or the measurements will be inaccurate.
- If this number is an even number, it is the size of the band you need. If it is an odd number, purchase a bra with a band one inch larger.
- To get cup size, measure around the largest part of your chest.
- Take this number and subtract the first number you got. The resulting number signifies the cup size. One inch equals an A cup, two inches a B cup, and so forth.
Can I wash my bras in the washing machine?
- Yes, you can, but it is best to protect the delicate fabric of intimates from snagging and stretching by washing them in a delicate care wash bag. Remember to always wash delicates in cold water in the gentle wash.
What are some common bra styles?
- Demi cup: demi cup bras have low cut cups which help enhance cleavage. Most push-up bras are this style.
- Full cup: full cup bras completely cover the breast. These bras support full chests and minimizing full cup bras are available also.
- Sports bra: sports bras are made to protect breasts during activity, being made to reduce bounce and keep breasts dry by wicking away perspiration.
- Strapless bra: strapless bras have a rubber or silicone strip around the band to help keep the bra up since there aren't any straps.
- Padded bra: padded bras enhance the bust with pads to make it appear bigger. Pads may be made of foam, water, gel or air.
Panties
What common styles of panties are there?
- Bikini: bikini panties have full coverage in both the front and back. Some have a band of cloth on the sides and others just have ribbons or strings on the sides to keep the front and back together.
- Thong: thong panties have full coverage for the front of the body but none in the back. The back part is a strip of fabric, which rests between the butt cheeks.
- G-String: G-string underwear is like thong underwear, but doesn't cover as much in the front.
- Boy short: boy short panties cover everything in the front and back, but let a little butt cheek peek out of the bottom.