No need to say that when it comes to exercise, some body parts are better left sedentary. Bouncing breasts can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, and for 56 percent of female exercisers, they can be downright painful, according to a Utah State University study of 59 women exercisers.

All that up-and-down motion–no matter what size you are–may also lead to saggy boobs down the road. Sports bras are specially designed to control movement during all types of activity–even the US Army is buying them for its female soldiers.

The feminine version of the athletic supporter has come a long way since the first one was constructed, ironically, from two jockstraps in 1977. But today some are so heavy on fashion–spaghetti straps and padded inserts for extra cleavage-that they’ve gone too light on support. “You want a sports bra that holds those little girls as close as possible to your chest,” says Audrey Kirkland, senior manager of bra design at Moving Comfort, a manufacturer of women’s athletic clothes.

Besides controlling bounce, sports bras should offer more comfort-no pinching, no rubbing-and keep you drier than regular bras when you sweat. Most are made with spandex (to stretch and move with you) and polyester, nylon, or a blend of both to keep you cooler and drier than cotton would.

To find the latest styles with the most support and comfort, Prevention editors of all sizes (A to DD) exercised for a minimum of 30 minutes, including 10 to 15 minutes of high-impact running or jumping, while wearing each bra… [source:www.prevention.com]

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Bra fashion history truly began with the first bra to be patented.  The first bra was patented in 1914 by Mary Phelps-Jacobs an American.  It is not thought to be the first bra ever, but it is the first patented record and that gives her the credit.

Mary Phelps-Jacobs patented her bra design under the patent name of Caresse Crosby.  Some suggest it was her French maid who provided the idea or the stitching help.  Two silk handkerchiefs were tied together, baby ribbon sewn on to make straps and a seam set in the centre front.

Phelps Jacobs couldn’t get much interest for her idea and sales were minimal, so for $1500 she sold the rights to Warners…and a few years later just change that fifteen hundred patent valuation for fifteen million dollars… Warners have been involved in bra production ever since. Within a year, breasts were measured in inches rather than being categorized small, medium or large. [source:www.fashion-era.com]

To read the full story go HERE

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It goes without saying that the term Lingerie doesn’t just imply underwear, bras, nightgowns or sleepwear. Nowadays Lingerie seems to have taken on a name of its own; sexy, seductive, romantic, lace, see thru, erotic, exotic and many other fun analogies. Lingerie now could imply corsets, bustiers, bodystockings, leather, gowns, robes, open bust bras, see thru bras, and even sexy Halloween costumes as lingerie. Today, for a woman to enter a hot nightclub wearing just a sexy camisole is definitely the trend for “Clubwear Lingerie” in 2006. One can walk into just about any store from Walmart to Chico’s and find Lingerie, not just in the “Lingerie” sections, but also in the Misses & Junior Wear sections of the stores. Yes, Lingerie is not just for the bedroom anymore. Sexy Lingerie is now worn to night clubs, restaurants & parties. Not just under ClubWear, but as Clubwear!

Lingerie used to be what was worn under your clothes, but oh how times have changed. Open Bust Bra? What’s that purpose? Well, certainly not to cover the breasts! Lingerie is now fun, sexy, romantic, seductive, hot, silk, satin, lace, cotton, erotic, exotic and yes, even comfortable (well, some of it anyway)!

Whatever your style or reason for wearing Lingerie, there is definitely something for everyone (and I do mean everyone, men included)! That’s right, now men’s Lingerie is hotter than ever. I actually bought my husband Lingerie for Valentine’s Day this year. Although the lip print cotton boxer shorts were far from “hot & sexy”, he loved them. So women, don’t forget your significant other when it comes to buying Lingerie, because there are many choices today when it comes to men’s lingerie. There are Leather G-Strings & Leather Harnesses (wow!) to silk boxers and briefs to elephant thongs and moo cow g-strings. Elephant Thongs? Yes, you heard right! Men’s Lingerie is far from the stone-age era and continues to become more popular every year. Maybe men are getting more in touch with their feminine side! One can only hope…

In short, Lingerie is no longer confined to an “undergarment” term. Lingerie is more sexy than ever with more choices than one can imagine. Whether it’s men’s lingerie or plus size lingerie; feel sexy, look sexy, be sexy with Lingerie!

Lingerie, Trends, 2006

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