Face to Face with Panache

Yesterday was a fab day, Mr Butterfly and I got to tour the Panache headquarters. Panache was not only willing to meet with us but really enthusiastic, which was such a great surprise. So many of the big brands are disinterested in us because we're independent and Canadian, but Panache were really interested to find out what's going on with busty Canadian women.

We were met by Panache Product Manager, Claire Heathcote who is obviously as passionate and obsessed with bra health as we are. She gave us a tour of the headquarters where we met the fabulous designers (all women!) of every Panache bra. We then met the sample designers who constantly create mockups (by hand) of the new designs; man are they talented and fast! Panache uses real women as opposed to just mannequins or CGI models to test new styles. They have a test group of 100 women (all different sizes and shapes) to ensure that they put every bra through their paces. Every single person we met was so keen to talk about their products and customer needs.

One of the most exciting things was getting a sneak peak of the 2012 Fall/Winter Collection - all I can say is you won't be disappointed!

We have been asking you to tell us what questions you have for Panache and we were able to ask them all so check out what Panache had to say:

Will Panache start doing 26 bands?
"The next collection we are designing is Spring 2013 and this will be the first trial of 26 bands in select styles in Cleo and maybe Superbra. We know that there is a huge need for 26 bands and we want to get the support absolutely right."

Tango is still Panache's best-selling bra

Can you make narrower set straps for petite women?
"We have several new strap designs, widths and materials coming out in the Autumn 2012 and Spring 2013. These have been coupled with shorter wires so that the bras are shallower under the armpit for petite women. Tango, Ariza and Andora will all have the shorter wires in GG+ sizes."

Why don't the underwear across the brands (Cleo, Superbra and Masquerade) all fit the same?
"The underwear for all brands is being standardized so that you know if you're a large in a Superbra thong, you're also that size in a Cleo thong. This standardization will be complete in the next year."

I really love that Panache is listening to their customers and I personally felt that my questions about the specific needs of Canadians were really taken to heart. My next stop is speaking to the North American Panache team about getting more competitions and deals for Canadian women, I'll keep you posted! I am really excited about expanding our Panache collection and working with such a thoughtful and passionate company. xx

12 Must-Read Boobilicious Blogs

Over the past year something wonderful has begun to grow on the Internet. Busty women all over the world have started to share their experiences about life with big boobs and shopping for bras. I think this is such a great thing for us big busted girls. Not only can you pick up great tips and reviews, these blogs also create a community where you can talk with other women experiencing all the ups and downs of being a D+ cup size. You don't have to feel like you're the only one struggling with gaping tops, boob spillage and riding bands. Here are my Top 12 Big Bra Bloggers:

http://www.investinyourchest.co.uk/ 
Invest In Your Chest blogger Cheryl puts bras through their paces and specializes in 28 backs and sports bra reviews. She models her bras fantastically and was kind enough to interview me back in October so I have extra love for her!

http://fullerfigurefullerbust.wordpress.com/
Fuller Figure Fuller Bust is run by the inimitable Georgina who was a runner up in the 2011 Curvy Kate Star in a Bra competition. Her no-nonsense attitude to curves, bras and generally being awesome makes for a compelling read. The Gorgeous Georgina also models her own bras and seriously rocks them!!

 

http://sophiajenner.wordpress.com/

Sophia Jenner write fabulously indepth product reviews. She specializes in small backs, large cups, is a tireless Breast Cancer Research supporter and an absolutely gorgeous model of her lingerie loves!

http://www.thinandcurvy.com/
Thin and Curvy is a US blog specializing in the trials and triumphs of being, well, thin and curvy! Brittney reviews bras, clothes and styles for slender women with great boobs!

http://cupsandmeasures.wordpress.com/
Cups and Measures is a Canadian blog reviewing bras of all sizes but specializing in bigger sizes. It's so great having another Canadian bra blogger (at this point I have to give a special shout-out to Swimwear and Lingerie blogger Maggie, a fellow Cannuck, who blogs tirelessly about the Lingerie Industry).

http://braslessinbrasil.blogspot.com/
Braless in Brasil is simply a joy to read. Blogger June is an American living in Brasil and searching for the perfect bra as she continues to improve her fitness. Her product reviews and fearless honesty are compelling!

http://www.thefullfiguredchest.com/
The Full Figured Chest is written by the wonderful Holly Jackson (who also writes for Butterfly Collection once a month!) Holly is a full busted lady who reviews bras, brands, designers and boutiques. She is funny, warm and passionate - a great read!

http://www.stackdd.com/
StackDD is a US blog written by the gorgeous Sarah who is on the search for fabulous D+ bras. She has amazing product reviews and style tips. Sarah did a phenomenal review of our Skype fittings this week too!

 

http://www.bra-none.com/

Bra-none is a big busted dream because the lovely Sia reviews where you can find the best big bras online and what to buy once you're there! 

http://brasihate.blogspot.com/

This is a pretty new blog to me but from the few reviews I've read I love the style! Focused on bra reviews this is a brutally honest but fair commentary on big bras. Definitely worth checking out.

 

http://curveissa.wordpress.com/

Curveissa is a new blog that has already got my attention big time! Tina writes about finding bras and clothes that are great for a professional woman. This is a particularly important subject because finding tailored clothing for big boobs is tough.

http://undercoverlingerista.blogspot.com/

Undercover Lingerista is the home of wonderful bra reviews from the genuinely lovely Kitty. She is a champion of 28 backs and reviewer of busty sleepwear and fashion.

 

I feel so fortunate to be part of this Big Bust Brigade, a fabulous bunch of ladies working to make life, fashion and bras better for women everywhere! xx

Guest Post: Big Boobs, Meet White Shirt

Butterfly Collection customers know that when they're in the right bra their clothes look 10 times better. However, there are still some fashion frustrations for the big busted woman, namely the button down shirt. In my personal search for the classic and supremely versatile white shirt I found Darlene at Campbell and Kate and asked her to share with us her vision and solution to make big boobs and the white shirt friends again. Not only is she writing her story for us, she's also offering you all 15% off her timeless white shirt design with the code WHITESHIRTBUTTERFLY (offer ends Nov 15th 2011). Thank you Darlene!!

The Lure of the White Shirt

Does this scenario sound familiar? You’re browsing the racks of a cute little boutique and find a gorgeous white shirt that would fill a giant hole in your closet. You imagine all the looks you could create with it; tucked into a pencil skirt, over jeans, under a cute jacket - heaven! 

Before you know it you’re in the dressing room sliding it on. It fits over your shoulders perfectly, you start buttoning up and find it fits your waist perfectly too, not too tight, not too loose. Your hopes climb. Then you reach the button at your chest and it fastens but just barely. Instead of filling a gap in your closet, the shirt literally creates one.  

The Busty Girl's Makeshift Solutions

Traditionally you had three options when the inevitable button gaping happened:

1) Return it to the rack and focus on knits and bottoms instead
2) Resort to using yet another safety pin
3) Ask the sales assistant for a larger size

Until recently, these were the only options available to us but as more stores like Butterfly Collection focus on fit for full-busted women our options are increasing. My company, Campbell & Kate, creates clothing to wear over great fitting full bust bras and specializes in the classic white shirt.  

The Answer to Boobs meet Buttons

I began this venture because I was the woman browsing the boutique racks a few too many futile times. The Campbell & Kate Signature Shirt includes everything I wanted: 

• No straining at the bust
• A waistline visible from the front and back
• Shoulder seams within a half inch of the shoulders and not halfway down the arms
• Buttons all the way up to the collar stay
• High quality fabric
• Menswear-level tailoring

It took a long time to develop the Signature Shirt, and there were times I wondered if I should leave the job to custom shirt-makers. Thanks to the Kate in “Campbell & Kate” I kept going and when I finally tried on my own Signature Shirt in size 14L I felt everything I’d wanted to feel in those boutique dressing rooms!

I’ve been wearing my Signature Shirt for a year now, and I still smile when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. It’s crisp and smart, and it fills a giant gap in my wardrobe. 

About the Author

Darlene is a founder of Campbell & Kate, a New York-based clothing company that ships iconic white shirts across the globe to women who wear a bra cup size D-H and dress size 4-14 (soon to be 2-16). The classic white shirt is the first of the line to launch with other colors to follow.

5 Things You May Not Know About Bras & Boobs

1. Have at least 3 everyday bras

My Mum’s tried and tested phrase is “one to wear, one to wash and one to air” and it turns out she’s right. The elastic in your bra is what keeps your girls comfortable and perky (check out fellow Canadian, Maggie's article about the story of elastic at Swimwear Lingerie). The elastic heats up as you wear your bra and the heat stretches out the elastic. It takes over 24 hours for the elastic in your bra to return to its shortest form (and therefore most supportive). The elastic will eventually stretch to the point where it can’t bounce back which is why bras don’t live forever. 

 

Make-Shift Lingerie Detergent

You probably know that hand washing your lingerie will make it last longer (this is because you avoid the heat of your washer and dryer which eats the elastic). If you run out of lingerie detergent a great alternative is baby shampoo – strange but true! Try Johnsons & Johnsons Baby Shampoo for under $6!

Raise your Endorphins with Something Special

When you like the way you look or feel it raises your endorphin levels (the happy chemicals released by the brain). You should have at least one lingerie set that makes you feel totally gorgeous. Try wearing it on an average day and see if you feel the extra thrill that comes from a layer of luxury!

Take Off Your Bra!

This is a case of use it or lose it! The ligaments in your boobs can get lazy if they are constantly supported by your bra. At the other end of the spectrum if you don’t support them they stretch out prematurely. NOT wearing a bra for at least 7 hours a day gives these ligaments a bit of a workout so they don’t become dormant meaning your boobs stay away from your knees for longer! For the best boob health, try not wearing a bra for a couple of hours before you go to bed. 

Stretch it out and Build it up

One of the few things you can do to retain the shape of your bust is to keep the muscles in your chest supple and strong. This doesn’t mean you have to become a gym-junkie overnight. Stretching is one of the best and easiest ways to keep your upper body strong. Stretch your arms over your head, behind your back and in-front of you every day holding each pose for 60 seconds and this will help to you’re your chest muscles active. 

I hope a few of these tips help you get the most out of your lingerie. If you have a great tip for making your bras live longer or keeping the girls happy then tell us about it in the comments! xx

Why are Women Afraid to Break the D-Cup Barrier?

Ask a big busted woman wearing a comfortable, correctly fitting bra if she cares about her cup size and she'll probably laugh. When you have a bust that needs daily support being in the right size bra is essential. So why are so many women afraid to feel the joy of a correctly fitting bra simply because that bra has a cup size over a D?

The fear of being a D+ cup size stems from a lack of education around bras. We've been brought up to believe that A-D are the regulation bust sizes - anything above that is excessive, unnecessary and probably pornographic. This dogma is so ingrained in society that it's almost impossible to find D+ bras on the high street (Victoria's Secret, La Senza etc all stop at a DD). What does that say to you when you're a busty teenager trying to shop for your 30G boobs? "You're a freak, you don't fit in, you need to conform."

In an effort to keep the status quo but accommodate some of these unforeseen big busted gals, bra manufacturers began making DD then DDD bras. Now I don't know who thought having a bra size called triple D was easier than saying F cup but that guy was smoking something funky. Why was it such a problem to use the rest of the alphabet? The introduction of DD and DDD sizes came in the 1950s when boobs were still something to keep under lock and key. I can only assume that to call these oversized bazoomas E and F would have caused men to spontaneously combust so it was just safer to stay in the D-zone. Women have been brain-washed into thinking that big boobs are for wanton women and that stigma stays with us today.

I'm afraid some women are not helping in quashing this man-made stereotype either (the letter system was introduced by a man). The number of times women have commented how fake my boobs are to her husband in not so hushed tonesnever fails to amaze me. I was particularly saddened the other day when I read on a forum a 19 year old asking for help finding bras in a G cup. The comments ranged from catty to down right offensive and I can only assume that those women lack a great deal of self-confidence so have to bring others down.

It's time for us to reclaim the rest of the alphabet and recognize that cup letters are proportional to our body size. I think the photo below from Brittany at Thin and Curvy, shows that your band size has everything to do with proportionality.

Being proud of your body and knowing how to dress it well starts with wearing the right bra size. It is quite literally the foundation of your style and confidence. If you know you are languishing in a giant-banded D cup bra simply because you have D+ fear I invite you to call us and let us help you find your real size 1-888-225-0474 or use our Bra Size Calculator to find your best starting point. Living your life in the right bra is a liberating experience. xx

The Easy Guide to Self Breast Exams

 

Continuing our tips on keeping your breasts healthy all year round we look at self breast exams. This simple, free, at-home technique has saved thousands of lives. Over 90% of women who detect their breast cancer early, survive so it's worth adding this 10 minute routine to your life. Teaching our daughters the importance of this exam will instill a healthy and potentially life-saving habit in them. If you need convincing watch this video.

You may have heard conflicting views on self exams and that stems from concerns that women don't know what they're feeling for so the first lump they feel frightens them and they get too scared to visit the doctor. This is why it's so important to KNOW YOUR BOOBS! By really exploring your breast tissue and asking your doctor for advice on what to look for you can learn which parts of your breasts are just bumpy and which bits need investigation.

The top 3 things to remember when doing a self breast exam are:

1. Do it at the same time every 2-3 months so your breasts are at the same point in your cycle. 1 week after your period ends is best because any water retention and swelling will have gone.
2. Lie down so that you're not working against gravity and you can work around the whole breast easily.
3. Know that boobs are bumpy! Becoming familiar with the architecture of your boobs will tell you that they're made up of lots of bumps. Knowing which bumps are you and which are new is what saves lives.

I think this video simplifies the process and explains what to do Click Here to View. Lisa Masterson from The Doctors also talks about her personal breast cancer story on The Talk:

Self breast exams are a great tool for early detection but there are other signs you can keep a look out for:
* Swelling, warmth, or redness in the breast
* Changes in size and shape of the breasts
* Puckering or retraction of the skin or nipple/new nipple inverstion
* Nipple discharge, especially bloody
* Itchy, scaly rash on the nipple
* Skin dimpling (like an orange peel)
* A lump under the arm/lymph node
* Pain associated with one spot, which doesn’t go away
* Sore, swollen, inflamed breast (a sign of rare inflammatory breast cancer)

Doing self breast exams should be a natural part of being a girl like needing rather than simply wanting shoes and buying chocolate in times of disaster. xx

5 Things You Can Do to Fight Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has grown year after year to become an international event raising millions of dollars and awareness. While this is a huge success there is a problem with the recurrence of BCAM - it raises the question "why haven't we found a cure yet?" Some women still believe that no matter what you do if you're diagnosed with cancer, that's the end. While it's important to look forward and raise money it's also vital to establish how far we've come in the fight against breast cancer so we recognize how important it is to continue the fight.

So why isn't there a Cure?
Renowned Canadian scientist Dr. Tak Mak explains that because there are so many different genetic and cell combinations that cause breast cancer there is no one treatment cures all therapy. "It's like a computer where there are, say, 20,000 pieces. In any one patient you can have 50 different pieces go wrong out of the 20,000 but it's a different piece every time." Mapping which parts go wrong is a huge part of finding cures. Breast Cancer used to be one big generic term, today doctors know how to identify types of cancer and which course of treatment is best for that particular strain. 

How do we know we're making progress?
1) Since 1999, the incidence of breast cancer in Canada has stabilized.
2) Female breast cancer mortality rate decreased from 21.8 per 100,000 in 2009 to 21.4 per 100,000 in 2010.
3) In 1986, the Canadian breast cancer mortality rate was 32 per 100,000. This rate has fallen by more than 30% and is currently the lowest it has been since 1950.
4) At present, the five-year relative survival rate for female breast cancer in Canada is 87% (84% for men) which means women diagnosed with breast cancer have an 87% likelihood of being alive 5 years after their diagnosis.

Source: Canadian Cancer Society /National Cancer Institute of Canada. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2010, Toronto, Canada, 2010

What are the reasons for higher survival rates?
1) Screening - One of the biggest advances in the fight against breast cancer is screening for early detection. Catching breast cancer early is the greatest weapon. If you are a healthy woman over 40 with no history of breast cancer in your family it is a great idea to have a mammogram every 1-2 years. You can visit www.car.ca (Canadian Association of Radiologists) Mammography Accreditation Program; to find a CAR-accredited site.

2) Research and Treatments - To develop effective treatments doctors have to be able to establish the cause and this is the time consuming part of developing a cure. It's not too long ago that all breast cancers were diagnosed and treated in the same way. Today there are distinct types of breast cancer with recognized sub-sects that can be identified and treated accordingly. Dr. Tak Mak, molecular biologist and director of The Campbell family for Breast Cancer Research at Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital, says "In the last 20 years we are developing drugs that are more targeted and that can kill fewer normal cells and more cancer cells." More targeted treatments have fewer unnecessary side-effects.

3) Education - Before the treatments and knowledge that we have now, being diagnosed with breast cancer was a foregone conclusion. People didn't talk about it and just faced the inevitable. Today we know that having the education to understand your body and live a healthy lifestyle are your greatest defenses against breast cancer. Here are 5 things you can do in the fight against this disease:

• Learn how to perform a self breast exam (I will be posting about this on Wednesday)
• Know your family history - find out about the breast history of your family members
• Eat well and exercise - include berries and dark green vegetables in your diet (I will be posting about cancer fighting alkaline foods next week)
• Get to know your doctor - a great doctor will help you understand your body, what changes to look out for, what changes you could make in other areas (blood pressure for example) that will improve your overall health and if and when you should be making a mammogram appointment
• Donate to Breast Cancer Research. Every dollar really does bring us a step closer to keeping our Moms, daughters, aunts, nieces and grandmothers safe.

I hope you feel inspired and optimistic that even though we don't have all the cures yet, the journey is saving lives every day. With love from two generations of survivors xx

Saudi Women Deserve Basic Bra Rights

I know that lots of women don't like the idea of going for a bra fitting for fear that it will be embarrassing or uncomfortable. In reality most bra fitters in North America are friendly women with a great deal of bra knowledge who can make you feel physically and emotionally better. Imagine if going to buy lingerie didn't include a fitting option, didn't include be able to try on a bra and didn't include being served by a woman. Imagine that and you've got buying bras in Saudi Arabia.

In Saudi women are not allowed to work in service jobs where they may come into contact with a man. One scholar explained the reasoning for this is "Women are entrusted to us, we should not involve them in matters far from their nature." How women's bodies are far from their nature is beyond me but it means that ALL lingerie stores have male assistants. Because you cannot expose your body to men there is no fitting service, no changing rooms and there is no returns policy so you just have to buy bras and hope that they're right for you.

In June 2011 Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud decreed that lingerie companies should be allowed to employ female sales people to serve women. Canadian brands La Senza and La Vie en Rose are both making the switch to female assistants, however, this is a complicated business. Plans include having a guard outside each store to ensure that no men enter (which of course means an end to Saudi men buying lingerie for their partners - or themselves for that matter) the stores will either need curtains across all windows to prevent men looking in or else have to be situated in a building with no windows.

These are the provisions set out by the labour minister for employing female staff:
-hired women must be Saudi
-security must be provided
-stores can be family section or women only
-appropriate dress in either traditional abaya or uniforms that conform to hijab
-employer must provide health coverage for female employee and all dependents
-separate toilets must be provided
-sectioning off female-only areas for department stores

The sheer scale of the logistics to allow women to sell women's apparel to women is mind-boggling, but at least it's movement in the right direction. A more direct and let's say in your face, defiance of laws that suppress women in Arab countries comes in the form of Arabian Magazine, Lilac, using the first ever bikini-clad front cover of an Arab magazine. On top of that the model is an Arab Israeli, Huda Naccache. Frontier pushing all round. 



Editor in Chief Yara Mashour has worked for over a decade to push the rights of women in Arab countries. While she knows that this issue may never see the light of day in many parts of the country, she sees it as a huge step forward in liberalizing Arab perceptions and says "it was about time someone did this." The social media response has been enormous and on the whole positive "I have been getting tons of Facebook requests from people who loved the cover" says Mashour.
 

While we have our own issues regarding size, availability and choice in North America, I don't think we can in all good conscience really complain about our rights when it comes to choosing our lingerie. This vital garment is an intensely personal choice and a human right for all women. xx

Why it's a Privilege to Be a Bra Fitter

I’m all about demystifying bras and sizing so that women can get back in touch with their boobs. Bra Fitting is a complex practice but I believe that you can and should have the tools you need to understand your fit. You don't need to know every nuance of bra fitting but your bra fitter should explain to you why your bras fit your body and breast shape.

Besides the mechanics of bra fitting I have a privileged position as a bra fitter because it is an emotionally responsible role that women rely on as part of their body confidence. Too many women are turned away by stores who don’t carry their size or shoved into an ill-fitting bra just to make a sale. This maltreatment is internalized as having a ‘wrong body’ which leads to many women feeling like their bust is an unsolvable problem.

This is so common it’s heartbreaking and I spend a considerable amount of my time speaking to women about the emotional journey they have been on in the quest for a bra that simply fit. The biggest reason so many busty women hate their bust (and quite often subsequently hate their figures) is because too few places offer a wide enough range of sizes and professional, empathetic fitting services. No woman’s body is wrong, she simply hasn’t found the bras and boutique that are right for her.

Remember that bust volume is relative to band size - big cup doesn't necessary mean HUGE boobs :)

Because Butterfly Collection specializes in D-K cup bras I meet ladies who have experienced being told they’re too big to fit. This can be CRUSHING for your self-esteem. It is the single biggest joy of my job when I get to fit a woman into her first correctly fitting bra. To see a woman look into the mirror and smile at herself is such a privilege.

Lucy is a supportive bra for small backs and larger cup letters

Every single fitting is a story in its own right because every woman’s experience is unique. There are similar themes for sure, but you need to be fitted in a way that is understanding of you, your life and your history. I am so honoured to be part of my clients' bra journeys and to hear their personal and varied storiess. I’m so thrilled that Butterfly Collection can give your boobs the support and shape you deserve, but I’m even more fulfilled that I get to be part of your improving posture, happiness, and confidence. Thank you for making my job as a bra fitter such a privilege. xx

Big Boobs and Periods.

If your breasts become fuller before and during your period, you need a bigger cup

You’ve been blessed with some fantastic boobs and most of the time you can keep them under control but then once a month they take on a life of their own! For lots of women the arrival of their period can take their boobs from big to huge. I’ve got some physical and emotional tips to get you through this tricky part of the month.

If you experience this kind of bulging you need to wear a bigger cup during your period

Some women don’t experience any breast changes before or during their period, but for those who do your swelling is caused by water retention. This water retention is a side-effect of your body releasing extra oestrogen and progesterone hormones. The milk glands and ducts enlarge which means there’s some extra space for your body to store water – so it does. Your bra size can change by a whole cup size during this time. Considering that the swelling can cause your boobs to feel painful, tender or lumpy it’s a good idea to have bigger bras available for your period days.

Wearing a bra with full coverage during your period will keep you more comfortable

You don’t need to buy lots of extras bras for the few days when your breasts swell but one or two “period-sized” bras can make your life so much more comfortable. Wired bras are totally fine during your period, as long as they’re the right size – wires from ill-fitting bras poking into soft breast tissue is always harmful so make sure you know your size.

Just three minutes of gentle stretching or exercising can lessen period pain.

There are lots of things you can do to lessen the impact of your period, but I have three top favourites.

1) Gentle exercise (like stretching or yoga) helps to work out the cramps and distract the mind from the pain.

2) Heat helps to sooth cramping so keep a magic bean heat bag on hand that you can sling in the microwave then lie across your tummy or back.

3) Your blood can get thicker during your period, so to make life easier pour yourself a glass of wine because alcohol thins the blood!

So grab yourself a comfortable correctly fitting bra and a glass of wine and get through your time of the month with a bit more ease! xx

How do you Support Full-Busted Teenage Daughters?

My Mum and I have a long history of BooB chats!

I am contacted almost every week by concerned Moms whose teenage daughters have larger than average breasts. Their concerns are “how do I keep up with her changing size” “where can I find affordable, supportive bras” and “how do I emotionally support her through these body changes and other people’s reaction to her”.

Firstly, you’re a great Mom for taking an interest in the breast welfare of your daughter. I've talked before about how instrumental my Mum's bra approach was to strengthening my self-esteem. Developing communication and awareness with your daughter about breast health, self-esteem and bras has a lifelong benefit so thank you to every Mom who gets in touch with us.

A teen's self-consciousness can prevent her going to a professional bra fitter. If you have a good relationship with your daughter you can help measure her at home or teach her how to measure herself by giving her a demonstration on yourself. If you’re seen to be comfortable with your boobs and know how to measure yourself, it will give your daughter confidence. Our Bra Size Calculator is also a good tool for young girls as it walks them through how to measure.

During her growth period your daughter should measure herself, or be measured, every 3 to 6 months. This may seem like a lot but the changes can be a whole cup size every three months and being in the wrong bra (spilling out of it) can be embarrassing for a young girl.

A bra like Lucy is supportive, affordable and age appropriate

Lots of Moms think that they need to get their daughters into sports or minimizer bras to disguise their size. I NEVER recommend minimizer bras as they are harmful to the breast tissue and give the wearer a spread-out look that makes you look much bigger than you are. I recommend that teenagers should have a good sports bra but day to day bigger busted teenagers should wear well fitting bras.

Cost is of course a factor when children are growing into young adults. If your daughter is up to a D cup you can find great sales at the Bay or Nordstroms (their fitters are by far better than other high street stores). If your daughter is over a D cup then online stores like ours offer money off coupons all year round, just email them and ask for their recent discounts. The expense is a huge consideration, but the emotional foundations you lay down for a young woman by ensuring she is in the right bra last a lifetime.

Despite their protests at not being understood, teenage girls are looking to their Moms to learn about body image. In one of the saddest reports I’ve read this year, children as young as six were criticising their bodies and wanting to be thinner. Teaching your daughter that her body is beautiful and something she should cherish and look after is the best defense against the onslaught of media and peer pressure.The sudden emergence of boobs is a weird thing (I went from braless to a 32C in 6 weeks!) but with communication and reassurance at home you can make it easier for your daughter to transition from girl to woman. xx

Some of my Favourite Big Boob Blogs

Since we started Butterfly Collection I have met some incredible people both in the flesh and online. I have learned so much about bra designs, fitting and brands from women across the globe. Here are some of this week's best blogs from some of these brilliant women!

Swimwear and Lingerie

Swimwear and Lingerie blog is one of the best resources for lingerie and swimwear information from hundreds of sources. The always informative and slightly cheeky writing always makes me smile. Check out this week's blog "Wear Lingerie in Your Size...Duh!"

Thin and Curvy

No this isn't an oxymoron, this describes a huge number of women. You can be slim and have fantastic boobs and hips!! Of course being these proportions comes with its own fashion frustrations and Thin and Curvy helps you to navigate those. Check out this week's blog "Is Banana Republic's Mad Men line Curve-Friendly?"

Invest in Your Chest

 

One of my go to blogs every single week, Invest in Your Chest is a combination of fashion advice, empowering advice for women and opinion pieces. I am a BIG fan of this week's blog which explores why so many women are being kept away from smaller bands, bigger cups (right up my alley!!)xx

Mammoir of a Busty Breastfeeding Mom

Elisabeth's book available at Amazon

This week we are incredibly fortunate to have the author of bOObs: a guide to your girls, as our guest blogger. Elisabeth writes Mammoirs about life as a busty woman that are empathetic, enlightening and entertaining for all women! 

When Christina Aguilera appeared on the Ellen Show shortly after the birth of her new baby, she didn’t hide her swollen, lactating breasts. Ms. Aguilera proudly rocked her bonus cleavage. I wish I’d felt the same way about my breasts when I first travelled down the nursing path. Well-endowed from puberty, I hoped my first pregnancy would place the emphasis on my growing belly -- not my chest. But where I carried my weight in my expectant condition couldn’t be ignored, or covered with ease.

Learn more at www.thebreastlife.com

In the early 1980s, my pre-baby 34DDs were a rare sight. It was difficult to find the pretty, feminine bras I longed to wear. Lingerie department saleswomen would direct me toward the back wall, where I found a selection of stiff, white, wired grandma bust supporters. Market demand for bigger bra sizes has since radically changed these options, for both regular and maternity wear. Although Victoria’s Secret doesn’t go past the DD mark , other manufacturers have stepped up to meet the fashion needs of a more busty demographic. The downside? Increased engineering support drives up production costs, which are passed on to the consumer. Women must spend more time and money to find the proper gear for ample breasts. Purchasing temporary nursing bras can stress out our clothing budgets.

Fitters claim that women wear up to six different bra sizes in their lifetime. My mammaries morphed that much over one nine month period. Experts also agree that a woman’s cups can double during pregnancy. That’s all good if you’re moving from an A or B to a C or D cup.  My girlfriends with smaller breasts were overjoyed at the prospect of their extra boobage. But it’s a whole other story when you start climbing up the alphabet cup toward a G, H, I, or beyond. I dove into bra cup denial when expecting my first child, praying that my belly would eclipse my ever-expanding bosom.

Lauren Nursing Bra from Royce

My bigger bust prevented me from taking advantage of all the perks offered to most expecting moms. The grocery clerk rarely asked if I needed help with my cart, because my chest made it less certain that I also carried a bun in the oven. Size also didn’t matter when it came to breast milk production. Carrying most of my extra weight up top didn't mean I was filled to the brim and wouldn't face supply issues. The transformation of my areolas was another big surprise. Similar to an over-inflated balloon, my nipples flattened out and disappeared into widening breast flesh. This led to challenges for my baby, as he had difficulty latching on to a level surface.  I would look down at his perfect, angelic face while he nursed, stunned that the circumference of my breast exceeded that of his newborn head. Larger breasts also required breastfeeding positions outside the typical babe-in-arms scene that appeared on most nursing guides.

Imagine my surprise when two subsequent pregnancies led to totally different breast experiences. No baby or boob growth was identical. Sometimes it was easy, and other days more difficult. I may as well have embraced and celebrated whatever happened to my chest – much like Christina Aguilera. Breastfeeding presented me with a whole new dimension to boob ownership, no matter how long I nursed or pumped. I will forever treasure the small window of time when my sweater puppies nourished and sustained a new life. That’s pretty amazing, whatever their size. 

Elisabeth Dale is founder of TheBreastLife.com and author of bOObs: A Guide to Your Girls, a humourous and informative book about breasts. Please visit TheBreastLife.com to read and share other breast perspectives or mammoirs, and learn more about supportive gear and garments that have earned The Breast Life Seal of Approval.