5 Top Bra Styles Dominating the Market

Bra Styles

A brassiere is an integral component of most women’s daily wardrobe, an undergarment that serves multiple functions. Besides propriety and modesty, this piece also provides support and elevation. For those blessed with an abundance of curvature, it can even provide relief from uncomfortable weight and movement. They also prevent unwanted shifting during exercise and laborious tasks. In the modern age, there is a growing number of the female population who support bralessness. This trend is especially popular among the younger generations, with many millennials refusing to don bras and pushing back against social conventions and workplace dress codes that require them to do so. Despite this, the market for these garments remains a large one, with many retailers like Lulalu carrying them. The worth of the global lingerie industry was reported as approximately $38.19 billion in 2017. It is projected to continue growing. This foundational wear comes in many different styles. Here are five of the most in-demand ones.

1. Padded Bras

These have foam inserts that create an appearance of greater chest volume. They may also be used by individuals with uneven breast sizes to make a smoother, more even look. They are great for shaping and reinforcing.

2. Sports Bras

Comfort and functionality are the ruling factors of today. As may be inferred from their name, the primary use for these is as exercise gear. They tightly bind the chest area to prevent pain and discomfort caused by jiggling during running, jumping and other physical activities. Many people wear them by themselves. Sports bras have become increasingly popular for everyday usage as well due to how comfy they are. Their shipments alone, excluding other forms of bras, are predicted to reach a value of $38.4 billion by 2026 worldwide.

3. Bralettes

This type is known for being completely free of structure: There is no padding, no underwire and no lining. Like the sports bra it is favored for the high level of comfort it supplies, but it is also considered fashionable. Bralettes are commonly made of flimsier, prettier materials like lace, microfiber and mesh and may come with decorative additions like embroidery or delicate straps. The lightweight piece of clothing is occasionally worn as outerwear or preteen undershirts. 

4. Push-up Bras

Push-up bras push cleavage up to enhance their visibility and flatter the silhouette. Many have underwired half or demi cups. Their padding is angled, and they are often paired with low neck outfits. They are also seamless, making them virtually invisible and eliminating worries about lines showing through tops. Their ability to be worn with just about anything increases their popularity. 

5. Balcony Bras

Uplift is the biggest advantage of this style. These have wider straps than regular bras that lift from the bottom of the cup. They also have less coverage. They are excellent for granting fuller shape to lower set and drooping breasts. 

Bras come in more styles than listed here, well over 20 and are also available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Finding the right shape for an individual body can be a difficult task, so it may take many test trials to find the best fit.

Top 4 Concealed Carry Options for Women

Your concealed carry license gives you the freedom to bring your firearm with you anywhere and everywhere you go. But how you carry your handgun is up to you! There are many options for women for concealed carry accessories and apparel, from bags to holsters to specialized clothing. If you are looking for some new concealment gear, consider these ideas.

Purses

Carrying your firearm in a purse or bag gives you quick and easy access whenever you may need it. Keeping your handgun inside of a purse can be a great option for those who already use a bag to carry their things. To do so safely, be sure to purchase a purse specially made for concealed carrying. These often have holsters already built in for easier access.

Jackets and Vests

Concealed Carry Options for Women

Concealment jackets and vests allow you to carry your firearms comfortably without sacrificing fashion. They also help you keep your handguns close and can help protect against theft. Those looking to purchase a concealment vest or jacket can choose from tactical and casual options, depending on their unique lifestyle and needs.

Shorts and Leggings

For women who wish to carry while wearing dresses or skirts, concealment shorts and leggings provide an ideal solution. These items are made with comfortable compression material that safely holds your firearm close to your thigh while providing shaping and support. These shorts and leggings include pockets on the inner thigh to prevent your handgun from showing through clothes.

Shirts and Sports Bras

Concealed carry shirts include a holster on the side so you can carry your firearm against your ribcage. These shirts can be worn as undershirts or under outerwear, such as cardigans and jackets. Sports bras also serve as comfortable and functional options for women who wish to carry during athletic training. These items are useful for those who want a quick draw when needed.

It is important for women to have practical options to concealed carry safely. Consider trying out one or more of the options presented in this guide.

Worldwide Wedding Ring Traditions

The wedding ring is a tradition that is almost universal across cultures worldwide. However, it does not have strictly the same meaning across all cultures. Over time, the wedding ring has taken on different symbolic meanings in different areas of the globe. As you look for wedding rings Williamsburg VA, you may be surprised to learn what some of the traditions mean, how old some are, and how recently others have emerged.

The Tradition Is Prehistoric

Evidence suggests that the tradition of the wedding ring dates all the way back to the Neanderthals. Back then, the bride would wear bracelets around the wrists or ankles woven from rushes, twigs, or grass. It may have been regarded as a means of protection or a symbol of loyalty. 

The Hand Can Vary

In Western cultures, the wedding ring is typically worn on the left hand. In ancient times, it was believed that a vein ran from the third finger of the left hand to the heart, and that is how the wedding ring took on its romantic connotation. However, not everyone wears a wedding ring on the left hand. Some religious traditions wear the wedding ring on the right hand due to a superstitious belief that the left is bad or unlucky. There are also practical reasons to wear a wedding ring on the right hand. People who are left-handed may choose to wear their wedding ring on their nondominant hand to reduce the risk of loss or damage.

The Tradition of Wedding Rings for Men Is Relatively Recent

Until the 20th century, only women wore wedding rings. In Ancient Rome, it was a symbol that the wife was entitled to her husband’s money and property. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the wedding ring exchange became commonplace and men started wearing them too. This was due largely to World War II. Soldiers sent overseas to fight started wearing wedding rings as a way of keeping their spouses close even when they were far away.

Creative Gifts to Surprise Your Girlfriend With

If your girlfriend’s birthday is right around the corner, this is the perfect time to show her how much she means to you. Finding that perfect gift can be the difference between just another birthday and one that is truly unforgettable. Here are some creative birthday gift ideas for your girlfriend that deserve a special place on your shopping list.

Infinity Scarf

Every girl needs a versatile accessory that she can pair with any outfit. An infinity scarf is a trendy and flexible garment that can be worn in a variety of ways. Whether it’s the middle of summer or the peak of winter, your girlfriend can use her scarf to stay warm or simply to make a fashion statement. You can also choose from a wide selection of colors and designs to find the scarf that perfectly suits your girlfriend’s tastes.

Handmade Jewelry

With so many types of jewelry to choose from, it can be difficult to find that perfect necklace or pair of earrings for your girlfriend. However, a good way to stand out is to give her the gift of handmade jewelry. Choosing to buy handmade art helps you add a personal touch to the gift that you can’t find in standard jewelry. From bracelets to rings, there are plenty of forms of jewelry that you can browse for the birthday girl.

Throw Blanket

Who doesn’t want to cozy up on a cold winter night? With the comfort of a throw blanket, your girlfriend can watch TV, read a book or take a nap while staying perfectly warm. You can even choose to personalize this gift for the birthday girl by including her initials or picking out her favorite pattern.

You want to make your girlfriend’s special day a memorable one. With the help of these ideas, you can help her have a birthday she’ll never forget.

Gift Ideas for New Mothers

When celebrating the impending motherhood of a friend or family member, ensure your gift captures the importance of the moment and conveys your love and best wishes. Whether you have a little or a lot of money to spend on the present, consider a few ideas that she and her child will cherish for years to come.

Jewelry

Give the mother-to-be a piece of commemorative jewelry that she’ll not only wear immediately, but also pass down to her child one day. Consider Black Hills mothers rings or pendants that feature the baby’s birthstone – many designs also offer space to add gems to represent other children as well. Engraved necklaces or bracelets featuring the baby’s name, birth weight and birthday also make an ideal keepsake.

Journal

Present your loved one with a custom journal in which she can write her thoughts throughout the pregnancy and memories from her child’s early years. As a special touch, have her initials or the baby’s birthday printed on the cover. Include a selection of pens and adhesive photo corners that she can use to add pictures to the pages.

Signs

Design or purchase chalkboard signs for the mother-to-be and her child. Your loved one can hold the sign – complete with facts such as the number of weeks pregnant, current measurements and food cravings – in a picture each month as the pregnancy progresses. The version for the new baby can feature such information as height and weight, milestones and favorite foods, toys and songs.

Heirloom Container

Offer her a lacquered wood box, an engraved metal tin or a cloth-covered container with space for a photo on top. She’ll be able to use it to hold mementos from the baby’s first year such as the hospital bracelet, booties, photos and cards.

A thoughtful  baby shower gift will do more than show you’re thinking of the mother-to-be. It will also convey your well wishes for the future and become a treasured keepsake that will be passed down from generation to generation.