When To Use A Bra Extender

Bra accessories are one of the easiest ways to tailor bra fit to your body. The most popular bra accessory we sell is bra extenders. This useful bra accessory is used to make your bra band longer. There are a few times when a longer band is helpful:

1) A brand new bra can be very tight but after a few wash and washes the elastic relaxes. An extender can be used in the early weeks to make the bra more comfortable while it breaks in. This way you don't lose the longevity of a band's elasticity and you don't have to suffer an excessively tight band while the fabric relaxes.

2) If your ribcage measures an odd number, 33 for example, then you might find that the band size up (34 in this example) is too loose or stretches out too quickly and the band size down (32 in this example) is too tight. The bra extender allows you to turn a 32 band into a 33 or 34. The extender can then be removed when the band stretches and you don't lose any life of the bra.

3) Lots of women experience weight fluctuation and bra extenders are an easy way to maintain a comfortable band fit without having to buy bras in a bigger band size.

4) Many pregnant women find that their cup size doesn't alter in early pregnancy but that their band starts to feel tight. This is due to the increase in fluids and sensitivity around the upper abdomen. Rather than buy new bras that will fit for a matter of weeks you can use a bra extender to give you more breathing room in early pregnancy.

5) Some of our customers have told us that they use their bra extenders on days when they have pain flare ups. From arthritis to fibromyalgia, there are conditions that can cause increased pain. On those days the bra extender allows for a looser fit while still retaining some support. The extender can then be removed for better support on days of lesser or no pain.

It's important to remember that your band is the most important foundation of good support. It needs to be snug so that it can support the weight of your breasts. Don't forget to remove the extender from your bra as the band loosens and you can use the bra's own hooks. Bra extenders are a great way to have more size flexibility without compromising on fit. Let us know why you use your extenders xx

How to Tailor Your Bra fit with Accessories

In an ideal world bras would fit us perfectly from the first time we put them on. In reality many of us need to tailor our bra fit by using accessories or by making minor alterations so that we get a fit that's right for our bodies. Bras fit so close to your body and have to do such a specific job that there's less room for error which is why it's a good idea to know which accessories are out there to help you get the best fit.

You can find bra extenders that are 1 hook to 10 hooks deep

Bra Extenders
These are easily the most popular and convenient accessory we sell. A bra extender gives you more band length by hooking some extra fabric to your band at the hook and eye fastening (extenders are readily available in 1, 2, 3 and 4 rows of hooks to suit different bras). Having a little more band length is particularly useful when you're breaking in a bra.

Shown here in a contrasting colour for effect, you can buy extenders that closely match your bra tone

Rather than buying a 34 band that fits but could quickly stretch out on your 33 ribcage, using a bra extender on a 32 band gives you the wiggle room of a 34. Once the band has stretched a little (new bras stretch in the first 3 weeks) then you can remove the extender and wear your 32 band in total comfort. This isn't just comfortable it also prolongs the length of time you can wear a bra before it stretches out completely.

An adjustable strap holder like this is looped through your straps to give you more security.

Bra Strap Holders
This accessory holds your straps together so that they don't slip off your shoulders. The most common cause of straps falling off your shoulders is your band being too big. However, some women have such narrow or sloping shoulders that they find most conventional styles to have straps set too far apart.

Stretchy bra strap holders move with you so that you have a more flexible fit.

Bra strap holders come in lots of different styles from plastic discs that make your bra into a racer back to the elastic ones we carry that stretch with you as you move so you don't feel constricted.

Straps Pads give you some extra cushioning between your shoulders and your straps

Bra Strap Pads
If you're a regular reader then you should know by now that if your straps dig into your shoulders then you should check that your band isn't too big. When your band is too big it stops doing the work to support your breasts and the weight gets transferred to your straps which begin to dig into your shoulders.

For women with very heavy breasts or sensitive shoulders (trapped nerves for example) strap pads are great.

Having said that, some women have extremely heavy breasts and no matter how fitted your band is a lot of weight still rests on your straps. Other women have sensitive nerves in their necks and shoulders and find that some extra cushioning makes them much more comfortable. Bra strap pads attach to your straps and sit underneath them to give you some extra comfort.

Related Article: Top 3 bra alterations for tailoring your bra fit

There are lots of other bra accessories out there like pads and cookies to slip into one cup to even out cup size and bra liners that sit between you and your bra band to stop the irritation of sweat. If you have an issue that you find happens with every bra you try on then it's worth contacting our support team to see if there an accessory or style suggestion that could transform your fit xx

Solutions for Uneven Boobs, Disguising Nipples and Hard to Find Band Sizes

As women we are bombarded with images of perfectly symmetrical boobs that defy gravity and sit in their oh-so-cute bras like bouncy boiled eggs. In reality MOST women have one breast larger than the other and struggle to figure out which bra to wear. Add to that nipples with a mind of their own that pop up to take a look around whenever they feel like it and a bra band that never quite fits right and you've got yourself some real life boobs! Today we're looking at the solutions for these common problems.

Solutions for Uneven Breast Sizes
Most women have one breast larger than the other. For some it's almost imperceptible and for others the difference is a whole cup size or more. Nursing mothers know precisely how much difference two boobs can muster in a single day which is why nursing bras are super stretchy to accommodate the different cup sizes you experience on a daily basis. We're bringing in a line of amazing nursing bras that can be adjusted over 3 cup sizes to deal with this daily fluctuation. For everyone else, there are a few things you can do to support your smaller breast.

1) You must ALWAYS fit your bra to your largest breast. This is because you can add support to a small breast in a big cup but you can't undo the spillage of a large breast in a small cup.

2) Shorten your strap on the side of your smallest breast. This will close down some of the gaping between your breast and the cup. This works best with non-molded bras.

3) You can use foams cups inside your bra to even out your appearance. These are different from gel inserts that add cup sizes for smaller breasts because they are thinner and can be stacked to give you complete control over the extra padding you need.

Porcelain Viva is a great example of a lightweight bra that gives you modesty coverage.

Solutions for Over-Eager Nipples
Some women's nipples can be seen through their clothing regardless of the temperature or time of day. This is understandably not the look that you want all the time. You mustn't let you nipples trap you in a cycle of wearing thick, padded bras, there are other solutions.

1) Every woman should enjoy the diversity of lingerie so don't banish yourself from a fine lace bra for the fear of nipple distraction. You can solve the issue from within the bra with nipple petals. If like me your skin doesn't react well to adhesives then reusable silicone petals are ideal. You place one over each nipple then put on your bra. At the end of the day you can wash them, let them air dry then wear them again.

2) Busty women worry that wearing a molded bra will add too much bulk but materials have come a long way in the last few years to be lighter and more comfortable. A lightweight molded bra will give you the modesty you're after without the bulk.

Solutions for Women with In-Between Band Sizes
Band sizes come in even numbers, 30, 32, 34 etc. If your ribcage measures an odd number you can find that bras are either too tight or too loose. This problem is easily solved and can actually save you money!

1) Buy the band size smaller than your ribcage then invest in a pack of bra extenders (these are reusable and last ages). The bra extender links onto your bra closure and give you some extra band size. As your bra naturally stretches over time you will no longer need your bra extender. This method will extend the life of your bra too which saves you money.

Once you know which accessories you need to keep your breasts supported and comfortable it can free you up to enjoy a much wider range of bras. If you have a specific bra problem you would like help with you can email support@butterflycollection.ca and one of our fit specialists will get back to you xx

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

How to keep your breasts cool in hot weather

I love the warm weather, especially having any excuse to wear sleeveless dresses with ruffles and bows! I have learned though that the heat can play havoc with my boobs unless I have them well prepared. It's no good looking fantastic in your summer outfit and having hot, uncomfortable, clammy boobs. The first thing to do is protect your delicate breast skin from the sun. I love the Morning Glow moisturizer from Clean and Clear because it has an SPF15 and a light shimmer. A light moisturizer will actually help your boobs breath and expel heat so you don't get sweaty.

The SPF is really important and will protect against prematurely wrinkly skin caused by over exposure to the sun. The Clean and Clear range also keeps any pesky pimples away so your decolletage remains spotless!

Wearing anything cotton will help to keep your body cool because the fabric is breathable and actually pulls moisture away from the skin allowing it to evaporate naturally before you get sweaty - clever! A bra with a high cotton content is a good idea for anyone who overheats easily or gets skin irritations. A high cotton content bra will keep your girls cool in the hottest weather.

Trapped moisture anywhere near your boobs is a bad idea so a trusty deodorant is essential. I have very sensitive skin so there are only a few brands that I can use. One Canadian brand that I LOVE is Rocky Mountain Soap Company. They have a geranium deodorant that is effective but gentle. Their range is a little more expensive but so worth it.

My last tip is for the long-haired ladies out there. As the temperature rises your body gets oilier to compensate for the rapid drying of your skin. Oily hair resting against your cleavage can cause irritations and pimples so besides keeping your hair away from your chest it's a good idea to keep your hair oil free. I love the dry shampoo from Klorane. It's the perfect way to keep your hair oil free without having to wash it every day (which can actually make it more oily as your skin overcompensates for the drying effect of shampoo). A great touch-up for your hair after the beach or the gym and a great help on in-between washes days.

I hope these cool boob tips help you feel at your booby best this summer xx