During that time of the month, breasts can sometimes swell and alter your true size. If you are bra shopping, try to hold off until later when your size will be more accurate.. Nicole Blondell.

Labels: advice, measuring, reader tip, suggestions, tip of the month, tip of the week, tips

Dear Chloe,

I am a 38HH bra size, and no matter what brand of bras I purchase, I always need to make some sort of adjustment to it, be it trimming excess material from the band or making cuts and stitching up some alterations to make it looser on me.

I've been measured and re-measured, but as soon as I move brands, I end up with bras that are either too big or too small across my back.

The cups usually fit me without any problem and so do the shoulder straps but back sizes are not so reliable from brand to brand.

Can you recommend a permanent solution for me, aside from constantly being re-measured every time I purchase a new bra which isn't always possible, as I like ordering bargains online?

Yours faithfully,


Sandra Lee

Labels: bra size, dear chloe, help, letter, measuring, suggestions

Dear Chloe,

I'm a size 38F and I usually like to wear low cut tops and dresses. But I end up spilling out of everything I wear. Can you recommend a bra that would keep me fully supported all day and still be comfortable to wear?

Thanks,
Lisa

Labels: advice, big bras, bra, comfort, dear chloe, spillage, suggestions, tips

Remember that a properly fitted bra will improve your posture and can take pounds off your appearance. A really good bra boosts your confidence so you can flaunt your curves. You'll stand tall, with your shoulders back and down, tummy in, and boobs out! And don't forget to smile. Wendy Kennerley.

Labels: bra size, fitting, posture, reader tip, suggestions, tip of the month, tips

Instead of worrying about looking chic on the beach in designer bikinis, be brave and create your own distinctive style by mixing and matching different bikini bottoms with different bikini tops to be your very own designer. You could mix it up with different colours, patterns and styles, adding a funky sarong and with some super big sunglasses you are ready to hit the beach in style! (Your very own style!). Kathryn Edwards.

Labels: bikini, reader tip, suggestions, summer, swimwear, tips

Wearing and washing a bra can alter the strap lengths, through moving the straps, and through general wear and tear. For that reason it's important to always make time to check and adjust the straps as necessary each time you wear it to make sure you're getting the best shape and support. Angela Robinson.

Labels: reader tip, straps, suggestions, tips

Labels: bras, innovation, repair, suggestions, tips

Even though the temperatures dropped the sun can still damage your delicate cleavage area.

Use sun cream, it not only protects against future damage but also moisturises the skin well and reflects light, minimising the appearance of lined and saggy skin. Rachel Tassell.

Labels: reader tip, suggestions, summer, sun, tips

Your Bra can make a very secure place to hide precious items. Tack a little fabric pouch into the bra you usually wear when travelling, and pop your travel money in it! - Brita Bevis

(Brita's entry reminds me of the Youtube video doing the rounds of the girl called Winter Pierzina, who has demonstrated some very innovative use of her bra as a means for storing all her girly items).

And the August winner:

Summer clothes are prime culprits for showing more of your bra than you'd necessarily like. The best way round this is to match your bra colour to your skin tone, not your top. Or wear a bright contrasting bra, that you'll enjoy showing off! - Cindy George

Cindy also kindly commented: "I love the blog, particularly the bit about washing bras - I remember I was horrified when I first learned that some people wear them more than one without washing!

Labels: brastop, reader tip, suggestions, tips

Dear Chloe,

I am a recent convert to the REAL size bra (34FF) having struggled for years with 36-38D! But lately an embarrassing thing has happened, more than once. The underwire has tried to escape, creeping out over the top of my breasts and appearing while I sat in a restaurant. My friend was amazed, wondering what this thing was rising from my cleavage. I hastily heaved it back into place, but nothing will keep it there, so I have to throw the bra out. But it was expensive and is nearly new!

Why does this happen and how can I keep the wire in its place, out of sight?

Romey.

Labels: agony aunt, bras, dear chloe, help, questions, suggestions, tips, underwire

Labels: advice, bra care, bras, laundry, suggestions, tips

"Being a life-long curvy girl, I can attest to the fact that a poorly-fitting bra will create back pain. If your back is becoming painful, do not just blame it on gardening, lifting the baby, or working at the computer all day. If your bra is riding up in the back, then the weight of your breasts is not being supported by the band. The weight is being supported by your back (and neck). A proper fitting bra should eliminate all, or almost all, of that back pain!" From Chloie Parsons

Labels: back pain, big boobs, reader tip, readers, suggestions, tips

Labels: bras, solutions, suggestions, summer, tips

"Remember that some bras take a wear or two to 'settle' in. Don't write off a great bra because it didn't give you quite the right look the first time. I have a fantastic Freya bra that gave me a 'pointy' look the first time I wore it, but now it simply gives me fantastic lift and shape. It's my new favourite bra." from Kelly Dolson

Labels: fitting, new bras, readers, suggestions, tips

'I put a few drops of my favourite perfume in the water when I rinse my underwear to make sure it smells lovely when I take it out of the drawer!'

Labels: bra, competition, freya, suggestions

"Don't rely on measurements when trying to find your bra size. It depends on the style of the bra, and the shape of your breasts more than how many inches you are." from Harriet Lewis.

Labels: advice, bra, measuring, sizing, suggestions, tips, videos