One of the most essential intimate apparel items in a woman’s collection is the perfect strapless bra; however, I warn that there are proper and improper ways to effectively and stylishly wear a strapless bra this season.
Many women believe the strap must be hidden; however, this can not be further from the truth. In fact, new trends exist to both hide and flaunt the bra strap this summer. Summer fashions are revealing a lot of skin and it is important to be decisive in whether you show your bra straps or not. Beyond the traditional strapless bra, there are some trendy decorative straps that can really accentuate the dress or shirt and make a fashion statement.
Porphura offers a variety of jeweled straps that are interchanged with a bra’s removable straps. Recently, we had a client who was preparing for her son’s wedding in Florida. She was wearing a St. John dress and we added decorative straps featuring crystals and it really added to the way the dress appeared. The crystal straps were very attractive and gave the dress an entirely different look.
Regardless of style, at SW, we have five tips to ensure you select the right strapless bra for you and that properly showcase this season’s fashion:
• A Bra that Fits: A strapless bra, more than any other style, requires a perfect fit. Be 100 percent sure you are wearing the correct bra size as a strapless bra is not as forgiving as other types.
• Strapless with Support: Look for a strapless bra with good support. Silicone strips add to support element and keeps everything in place without irritating the skin. A great underwire can transform a strapless bra into a support system. Even with a backless dress, complete support can be provided by convertible bras that have a low back band that stays securely in place by a strap that goes around stomach. Optional and adjustable clear straps are available for additional support.
• Lift Up: If increased cleavage is desired, select a strapless bra with bump pads that are placed inside the cup. These pads lift the breast tissue up, giving illusion of more cleavage. This has a positive affect with certain styles of clothing.
• Dual Purpose: A strapless bra that can be worn as a normal bra, with criss-cross tops or as a halter provides the most flexibility without sacrificing support and fit. Many of today’s strapless bras also provide a plunge line that can be worn with shirts that are low cut. Le Mystere’s Sculptural strapless push-up bra center plunges deep and has straps you can add to convert bra into several other styles.
• Color Matters: Beige is the best color choice for a strapless bra. The deeper the color, the better it blends with your natural skin tone, hence blending in with your clothes. Marie Jo’s cognac color in its Aveno bra will be popular with SW’s clients this summer.
There are times though when a strapless bra will not work with the clothing item selected. In these instances, other summer bra trends include accessories and reusable bra items. Nubra, a reusable, stick-on silicon bra with front closure to create cleavage, is popular. Intimate apparel accessories including products to keep clothes in place using a double-sided tape, such as Flash Tape is another novelty. And, with women going in and out of air conditioning during the summer months, Sassynips, a compact, reusable cover for breast area, is something clients can not live without.
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About Sylene of Washington: For more than 30 years, Sylene of Washington (SW), a woman-owned lingerie and swimwear boutique in the Washington-DC area, has specialized in helping women, brides to be, and teens who appreciate a combination of personal attention and superior, luxurious selections. Intimate apparel, swimwear and accessory products are hand picked from domestic and international suppliers. SW’s owners, Cyla and Helen, are fitting experts and have grown up in the intimate apparel industry. SW’s staff helps clients make beautiful and perfect choices when it comes to a first bra, a wedding trousseau, honeymoon registry, swimsuits, nursing bras, or after breast surgery. There is no lingerie shopping experience like a Sylene of Washington experience. |
