Support Solutions, with Marianne

This just in from Carrie in Orlando:

Dear Marianne…

I just bought a backless dress and I’m not sure what bra to wear under it. Here’s a pic I found online of a dress that has the same style…

I mean I don’t want a bra to show, but I definitely need to be wearing a bra! I’ve tried those stick-on backless bras and don’t really like them… any other options?

Thx in advance! -C

Yes Carrie you do have other options! A lot of bra designers today make convertible bras that go backless. They come with a little elastic band that has a ‘hook’ on one end and an ‘eye’ on the other. Just follow the following 4 quick steps to go backless:

1) Convert the bra’s straps to a halter styling (using just one strap from the top of one cup, around the back of your neck, to the top of the other cup) then unhook the back of the bra

2) Attach the ‘eye’ end of the elastic band into the ‘hook’ end of the bra back

3) Run the band down across your lower back, then around front across your tummy, then back up around your back

4) Attach the ‘hook’ end of the band into the ‘eye’ end of the bra back

Now, not all convertible bra bands are created equal. Some are narrow, some are wide. Some bands are plastic, some are soft elastic.

The convertible bra you buy should have a wide band that’s made of a soft stretchy elastic, like Va Bien Style 1502. If the band is too thin, it will cut into your tummy and cause an unsightly bulge if you are wearing a tight fitting top. Plus it will be uncomfortable! Plastic bands cause this problem too.

Good luck and enjoy your new dress!

Marianne

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Hi Ladies

I got this email in the other day from Dana in New Jersey about finding the right strapless bra…

hi marianne

i have always had a hard time with strapless bras. is there actually one out there that does not droop or slide down?

what do i look for in a strapless?

Well Dana let’s start with the features that a good strapless bra must have. First off, it needs to have a silicone lined back - this stops the bra from sliding down. It also helps if the backs are double-lined with strong stretchy fabric to keep the bra on nice and snug.

Next, you need supportive cups, especially if you are full busted. This is very very important. If the cups are flimsy and you can easilly bend the cup downwards over the underwire, then the bra will not only droop but slide down as well. This should be your test when checking out strapless bras in the store!

Finally, depending on the brand it’s a good rule of thumb with strapless bras to size down in the band and up in the cup. This will make sure that the bra fits nice and tight. You see, bra sizing often ‘cross-grades’ - this means that a 34B may share the same cup as a 32C - so don’t be afraid of trying on a bigger letter size in this case!

I personally recommend the Va Bien Style 1506 to you. It’s called The Perfect Strapless because it hits those important points like silicone lining, a double-layered back, and very supportive bra cups.

The cups are patented with a technology called ultra-Lift, which seals three thin stays (called “Magic Fingers”) between layers of foam inside the cups. If you ever check out a bra or body briefer with ultra-Lift, just give it the test I recommended and try to push the cup over the underwire - you won’t be able to do it! Because of this technology the Girls won’t break over the bra’s frame, and you’ll be Droop-Proof.

All the best,

Marianne

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Hi Ladies,

I received this email from Tennille recently - she’s a bride to be…

Hi there,

I found this gown on The Knot.

 Let me know what shapewear you think is best. Also please remember I am a plus size. Thanks again for all of your help!

That’s a beautiful gown you selected!  The most important function of your shapewear here is to get an hourglass figure.  You will want something that has strong boning inside to keep you sucked in.

Also, the gown is strapless so the best solution for you is a well-made bustier.  It helps with bustiers to have more than one row of hook & eyes so that you can adjust how tight you want it to be.  In Va Bien, I would suggest that you check out Style 523.  It covers all the points that I just mentioned, and it’s very pretty!

Best of luck to you!

Marianne

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Bra sliding down?  Underwire cutting you?  Wardrobe-malfunction-phobia?

All women have a case to solve!

This is the place to solve your innerwear issues by consulting Fit Expert Marianne Gimble.

Marianne on national TV

Marianne co-founded Va Bien - a top name in the world of Intimate Apparel.  She has appeared on TV shows such as EXTRA and Sonoran Living, and holds 30 years of experience in the industry.  She is all about supporting women, so let her help you feel more compfortable in a bra, body briefer, or whatever foundation you need for that new dress!

You can either post a comment to ask a question, or you can email your questions to mg@vabienlingerie.com.

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