That is why I have put together five tips on how to find the best sports bra for plus-size women.
The first step to finding the most comfortable sports bra is to know your size. You would be surprised how many women do not know their actual bra size. As a result, they end up wearing a bra that is either too small or too large. You must take three measurements to find your proper bra size: under, around, and over the bust. Once you have these measurements, you can use a sports bra size calculator to find your size. Follow the videos below to learn how to measure yourself for a sports bra:
When it comes to a sports bra, support is key. You want a bra that will keep your breasts separated and in place, no matter what type of activity you are doing. For example, with Bloombras, you can adjust the stapes AND size of each cup, so you can create just the right amount of support you need and feel comfy.
While underwire bras can provide extra support, they are not always the most comfortable option. If you are looking for a comfortable sports bra, avoid underwire styles. Instead, opt for a sports bra that has encapsulated cups. These bras will support your breasts without the use of wire.
Another essential factor to consider when choosing a sports bra is the width of the straps. You want to avoid straps that are too thin as they can dig into your skin. Instead, opt for a sports bra with wide straps. These straps will distribute the weight of your breasts more evenly and will not dig into your skin.
If you are looking for an extra supportive sports bra, look for a style with a front closure. These bras typically have a band around your back and a closure in the front. This bra will provide maximum support and keep your breasts in place.
You want to choose a breathable material that will wick away sweat. These bras are designed to keep you cool and dry during your workout.
If you are doing a low-impact activity, such as walking or yoga, you can get away with a less supportive sports bra. However, you will need a more supportive sports bra if you are doing high-impact activities like running or jumping.
The best way to find a comfortable sports bra is to try it on. Make sure to try the sports bra with the clothing you will wear while working out. For example, if you are going to be wearing a tank top, make sure to try on the sports bra with a tank top. This will help you to ensure that the bra fits properly and is comfortable.
If you are having trouble finding a comfortable sports bra, ask for help. Many stores have trained staff to help you find the right sports bra style.
Now that you know how to find the best sports bra for plus-size women, it is time to start shopping. Remember to remember these tips when shopping for your new sports bra.
]]>Size inclusivity has become an increasingly important topic in the fashion industry in recent years. As society has become more diverse and body positivity movements have gained traction, consumers have begun to demand more options when it comes to clothing that fits their bodies. In 2023, size inclusivity continues to be a hot topic, with more and more brands embracing a wider range of sizes and styles.
One of the key drivers of this shift has been the rise of social media. As consumers have gained more power to influence trends and demand change, they have used platforms like Instagram and TikTok to call out brands that don't offer inclusive sizing. Many brands have responded to this pressure by expanding their size ranges and featuring more diverse models in their campaigns.
Another factor driving the size inclusivity movement is the recognition that consumers come in all shapes and sizes. By catering to a wider range of body types, brands can tap into a larger market and appeal to customers who have been underserved in the past. This can be particularly important for brands that target younger consumers, who are increasingly looking for more diverse representation in the media they consume.
In 2023, many brands are making size inclusivity a central part of their marketing and product development strategies. This includes expanding size ranges, featuring diverse models in their advertising, and creating clothing that is designed to flatter a wider range of body types. Some brands are even launching dedicated lines that focus specifically on plus-size fashion or other niche markets.
However, there is still SO MUCH work to be done when it comes to size inclusivity in the fashion industry. Many brands still only offer limited size ranges or fail to offer inclusive options in certain categories, such as swimwear or activewear. Additionally, some brands have been accused of using tokenism or performative inclusivity, rather than making real changes to their products and practices.
Overall, the trend toward size inclusivity in the fashion industry is a positive development for consumers and for the industry as a whole. By embracing a wider range of body types, brands can create a more inclusive and diverse culture, and appeal to a broader audience. As we move further into 2023 and beyond, it's likely that size inclusivity will continue to be a key trend in the fashion industry.
]]>By Luisa Colon
Knowing how often—and maybe even whether—to wash certain things can be tricky. When it comes to washing your face, some experts say once a day is fine. Once a month is the magic number for cleaning out your washing machine (yes, washing machines need to be washed, too!). Fruits and vegetables? Yes, definitely wash before eating—except for pre-washed greens. Meat and poultry? Do not wash before cooking!
Then there are the things we know we should be washing regularly, yet don't—like underwear. Yes, underwear. Recent research showed that one in four men don't wash their underwear after every wearing. But what about bras? Bras can get annoyingly misshapen if they're washed too often, or incorrectly. So what if you skip washing your bra for say… a month? What would happen? Read on to find out.
READ THIS NEXT: What Happens If You Don't Wash Your Hair for a Week, According to Doctors.
If you're wondering whether your clothes can really get all that dirty in general, the answer is yes. "Different kinds of microbes will survive in clothing for different amounts of time, and it's difficult to know if people or surfaces you come into contact with are infected with harmful microbes," cautions Healthline.
The site warns that these can include Staphylococcus, and also notes that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic-resistant infection, has been found on public transportation. So, yes. Clothes can carry potentially dangerous germs and bacteria, and it's important to wash them.
Since your bra doesn't usually come into contact with surfaces other than your own skin, you might think it's safe from Staphylococcus and other microbes. But in fact, your body doesn't need to be on a city bus to collect bacteria; it produces its own.
"Millions (if not billions) of different types of bacteria can be found all over the world, including in your body," the Cleveland Clinic explains, adding that people have an estimated ten times more bacterial cells than they have human cells. (Your belly button alone contains approximately 67 types of bacteria!)
"When you don't wash your bra for a month [or more]… sweat, oil, and dead skin cells can build up and get trapped under your breasts," says Cami Raymond, the Senior Design Director for shapewear company Ruby Ribbon.
You're probably aware that if you wear a blouse to work, perspiration will accumulate, and you'll need to wash it. This happens to your bra as well, even if it's less obvious. The accumulated sweat and dead skin cells can cause "scents, residue, and dinginess," dermatologist Anna H. Chacon, MD, says. "These nasty things assemble more and more without your knowledge the longer you don't wash your bra, [and] can also cause itchy skin issues like irritation or rash," she tells Best Life.
"Though it's probably 'safe' to wear a bra for a month without washing (although might be gross/smelly!), there is a small risk of bacteria and yeast accumulating and rubbing against skin, particularly in skin folds like underneath the breasts and the armpits," warns dermatologist Leah Ansell, MD. "This could lead to intertrigo—which is inflammation of the skin folds—usually due bacteria, inflammation and/or yeast (or a combo of all three)."
Raymond says all this accumulated ickiness isn't good for your bra, either—but cautions that improper washing can also take a toll on its fabric, wires, and closures. Finding that sweet spot where your bra stays clean, and also remains in good condition for as long as possible, is the trick.
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"Machine washing [your bras] can cause the fibers to disintegrate, leading to wear and tear," advises Elyse Kaye, founder and CEO of Bloom Bras. "Often a good rinse in the sink can solve that." Kaye also notes that bras should be air dried, rather than tossed in the dryer.
"I suggest a machine wash with a mild detergent in cold water, and then line [dry] or lay flat to dry," Raymond says. "Putting [bras] in a mesh laundry bag also protects the product during washing, to avoid losing their shape or cups being moved around."
Raymond suggests washing your bra after two to three wears, while Chacon advises "washing bras at least once a week to help keep them clean and protect your skin."
https://bestlifeonline.com/what-happens-dont-wash-bra-news/
]]>March is a significant month for women all over the world as it is recognized as International Women's Month. This month-long celebration is an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of women to society and reflect on the progress made towards gender equality. It is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women and the strides made towards gender equity while recognizing the challenges that remain.
The theme for International Women's Month 2023 is "Empower Women, Empower Humanity: Building Back Better after the COVID-19 Pandemic". The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women, particularly women of color and those in low-income communities. Women have been on the front lines of the pandemic response as essential workers, caregivers, and health care providers. They have also faced increased domestic violence and economic insecurity. We, at Bloom Bras, have made it our mission to support these women (pun intended) because they are truly the unrecognized heroes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for a more gender-equitable world, and this year's theme underscores the importance of empowering women to build back better. Empowering women means creating an environment where women have equal access to opportunities and resources, allowing them to fulfill their potential and contribute to society's development.
To empower women, we must address the systemic barriers that prevent them from achieving their goals. These barriers can include discrimination, unequal pay, and limited access to education, healthcare, and political participation. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to create policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and empower women.
International Women's Month is an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made towards gender equality while acknowledging the work that remains. We must continue to strive for a world where all women have the opportunity to thrive and achieve their potential. Empowering women is not just the right thing to do; it is essential for building a more just, equal, and sustainable world.
One of the best ways you can help is to hire women, buy from female-founded companies and demand that your employers do the same. International Women's Month serves as a reminder to continue advocating for gender equality and empowering women to reach their full potential. Together, we can build a world where women are valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive.
]]>Alex: That’s Elyse Kaye, CEO of Bloom Bras and Head of Product Innovation and Development at Aha Product Solutions.
The innovation behind Bloom Bras came from NASA, shipping and packaging experts, and a celebrity course it designer. The company was named BuzzFeed's Top Female-Led Companies to Watch in 2018 with features in Huffington Post, Thrive Global, NY Post, Women's Health, Elite Daily and dozens more. With Aha Product Solutions, Elyse helps get her clients’ products out on the shelf by assisting with messaging, design, functionality and pricing.
On today’s episode, Elyse and I discuss the challenges posed by so many factories refusing to work with startups, ways to reduce unnecessary packaging, and how e-commerce is allowing smaller companies to take bigger risks than ever before.
So sit back and learn about creating partnerships with your manufacturer. Hope you enjoy this episode.
I’m your host Alex Kent, Director of Sales at Stord, and THIS…is Supply Chain Therapy.
Alex: All right. I'm here today with Elyse Kaye, CEO, bloom bras, and head of product innovation and development at aha product solution. Elyse, thanks so much for, uh, joining and, and coming on the podcast. First off. How's everything going today?
Elyse: Everything is fantastic. It's a beautiful day here in the bay area and, uh, no complaints whatsoever.
Alex: That's awesome. Well, good stuff. Let's let's go ahead and dive right in, um, you know, 60 seconds or less. tell our listeners. What, what B bras is.
Elyse: Absolutely. So I found a blue bras out of frustration after years of not being able to find a sports bra that worked for me. Um, when I actually did a deep dive, I learned the statistics at 70% of women in the us are now a decou or above one in, uh, three women complain about not exercising. Of, um, being uncomfortable and none of the major brands were actually going after this market.
So I said, it's not really a design flaw. It's an engineering challenge. I brought in people from NASA and shipping and packaging experts and a woman who did all the Corry work for Oprah and Katie Perry and, um, all of the ballerinas and opera singers. And I said, this is what I want. Can you help me bring my vision to life?
So we're now the most body inclusive line on the market. We ranged in size from a 28 seed of a 56 L and we are entering our sixth year of business.
Alex: How hard is it finding a manufacturing partner just to build the prototype or, you know, produce all of the product that, that your customers are wanting?
Elyse: I wouldn't say impossible, but it was very difficult. So I got about 50 plus nos. Uh, so originally wanted to manufacture in the us and, Got a lot of no's. Uh, and I was pretty hell bent on a sustainable approach. So we can talk about that afterwards. But sustainability and manufacturing and especially in apparel is a really big passion point for me.
And so after all of these no's and a crazy story where I got a yes, and then we got all the way to end of the line and pulled the trigger on production and the factory disappeared with my money and my, my patterns and everything. I ended up building, um, or helped to build, uh, a sustainable factory in Sri Lanka.
Um, so a joint venture with a group that was doing building a factory that used solar wind water and local, um, labor. And I needed somebody who could create a technical product and somebody who is willing to work with me on the evolution of design, but also. That I felt really good with, um, as far as that our values aligned.
And so, um, with my network and with, um, you know, with BS kind of leading the charge, we were able to, to escalate the building of that factory.
Alex: So besides the one factory that took your money and, and went off. Right. What, what other mistakes or lessons did you learn along the way that, you know, you weren't expecting.
Elyse: Well, I think the biggest, and I wouldn't call it a mistake, but I think one of the biggest, um, learnings was that there were not a lot of factories that would, um, even though again, I have in my world, I have an excellent, uh, reputation and a, a pretty extensive network in manufac. Um, a lot of them don't wanna work with startups and I, and having gone through it now, I, I actually, I get it, um, you know, from minimum orders to, uh, fluctuation in pricing.
And then obviously what's happened in the last couple of years with the, uh, shifting landscape in retail, but also escalating shipping costs. Escalating. costs for materials, escalating cost of labor, but decreasing costs of what consumers actually wanna pay. there's a lot of challenges that companies like mine have been facing.
And so I think more and more factories are looking for, these unicorns and more and more, uh, startup brands are looking for vendors that will work.
On that piece are the manufacturing partners not willing to work with startups because there's a risk there that, you know, Hey, we're gonna invest in this capital and, and start producing this product and it may never take off it. It's kind of like, they're looking for a lottery ticket.
Alex: That's like, oh, we're gonna get in. And then we're gonna be set. Right.
Elyse: exactly. And I think, you know,there's some of that element and then there's also the element of. inconsistencies. So I'll, I'll give a different example. Right? So, if you're working with, let's just say Nike, right? So Nike will book out their, their manufacturing for years in advance. So they'll say we're gonna order a hundred thousand pairs of sneakers that fit this, this mold. We might just change the colors. Um, here's, here's our forecast on sizing. Here's what we're willing to pay for it. And, and here's the terms that we're going to, to work with with a startup brand. most startup brands, even the best DTC brands are not great at forecasting. Um, and they're not great at necessarily saying here's our vision for the next 10 years. Um, here's how we're gonna achieve that. And so I think there's a lot of risks with working with startups. That being said, you're seeing now, and this is, this is, what's been so exciting for me.
I advise, uh, dozens and dozens of startups, uh, in this space. And in other consumer product, About supply chain diversification. And now you are seeing a lot of that come back to the us, and you're seeing much more, much, much, much more, um, emphasis put on smaller runs, local runs. And even if that means it's at a higher price, higher cost, um, the consumers are willing to pay that, which is, uh, a shift in behavior that, that I'm really excited.
Alex: Yeah, I think, you know, touching on that a little bit, just the supplier. Diversification. How do you coach other brands on that? And you, I mean, how do you, you look at their, their manufacturing network, their supply network now, and you're like, Hey, this may be a problem. I mean, we've all seen it the past three years.
Right. You know, Hey, this facility is shutting down because of a COVID outbreak or I, I remember the ice storm in Texas, right. There were warehouses that shut down because Hey. there's no power, right? I mean, there it's so important and you just can't as a, as a business and as someone that's producing products, you can't just stop.
Right.
Elyse: Right. Well, and I think that's where this, opportunity right now and a disconnect on, on the way that business used to be versus the way that business is today. So you're seeing more and more folks I think, look and say, well, if I've got. 32 components that go into my product.
And, uh, the majority of them are coming from overseas. I can't rely that this supply chain is going to be, consistent. And so if that means paying higher prices for some of those C. And buying them locally or, um, bringing product over that that's being stored here or different methods of, I would say manufacturing that, um, that are automated in the us that they can utilize instead of using overseas labor.
It's again, even if there is a cost associated with it, the reliability and the time and the speed. And then again, the sustainability piece of it, I think, are becoming bigger factors in decision making than, um, than they had been previously.
100 hundred percent agree with you there it's um, you know, I, how many times have we seen or, or seen on the news? A a, you know, oh, we're out of. This certain component of this other product that goes into it. I'll just give you a quick example. So with one of my clients who, um, you know, they they've been doing. Amazing business, especially during the pandemic. It's a glass baby bottle company. And, uh, two years ago we were paying somewhere around 3,500 to $3,800 for a container.
There was a time last year where the quote was coming in at 44,000. And instead of it being two weeks,going to. Uh, 24 weeks. So those type of things have made it so that it's, unfortunately we don't have the opportunity anymore to, uh, to not make these changes.
Alex: Right.you talk about inventory planning, but just product availability, right? And then you, you are coming downstream. We're kind of starting upstream in the supply chain right now, talking about manufacturing, all the different components. And then you talk about downstream. How much space do we need in our warehouse?
How many employees do we need to fulfill orders? You know, you start going all the way down. And, um, I think talking about the, the upstream supply chain and, and just, you know, where it starts, there's, there's way more issues there that, that aren't talked about today, for sure.
Elyse: Yes. I agree. Completely.
Alex: All right. Well, let's get into our next segment, uh, all about challenges. So you've mentioned on other podcasts, that the idea of supply chain fulfillment logistic. There's a ton of fires put out. Right? So what are the, the main issues that you and, and the customers that you advise on? What are they dealing with each day?
What are some of those fires that pop up?
Elyse: Obviously with supply chain, that's a huge topic that we're talking about, which is what are alternative methods. Is there a way. In automation, is there a way to, um, reduce the number of factories that you're working with so that you become more important to one particular factory versus, um, you know, multiple factories?
Are there things that you can reduce, like for instance, with packaging, if you have six components to your package, can you bring that down? Um, same thing with, with, um, a lot of the direct to consumer brands. Can you,Instead of having 400 products on your site, can you bring it down so that you don't run, run that risk?
Um, there's been huge challenges in changing algorithms. So whereas it might have been a certain, um, customer acquisition cost a year ago, those numbers have skyrocketed. And so, um, so I know a lot of the companies that I'm working with right now, That's a big discussion point that we're always having, which is how do we, uh, how do we deal with that?
What are more creative ways that we can start to market to a, a more specific target versus being broad? there's a lot of companies I know right now that are trying to produce the reliance on Amazon because Amazon keeps. Upping the anti on costs. And I think right now, something like 72% of products sold on Amazon are coming directly from China.
And I think everybody knows that that's a big risk right now.
Alex: Right. And Amazon just, I think it was last week, we're recording this in August, but they just announced their own peak surcharges. Right. Which is kind of one of the first times I think we're seeing that, from Amazon, but, um, definitely. We probably could have predicted that
Elyse: Business owner, there's the peak surcharges, but also some of the other big challenges that they're throwing out there with escalating costs with escalating competition and with them actually knocking off and doing their own private label as, as a big strategy.
Alex: Yeah, that's right. We, we hear that a lot from, from founders. So what are three individual challenges that, that you are facing that brands that you're advising are facing in regards to supply chain? And, and how are you addressing those individually?
Elyse: Well, so, so supply chain is one of the big challenges. So one, one of the areas that I'm advising quite a bit on is ways to look at alternatives, whether that be reducing. Um, the number of factories so that you become more relevant, um, to a, a particular factory, reducing the number of skews, if there's a way to, uh, bring some of the manufacturing back locally.
So for instance, if you're buying packaging from China and there's multiple components, but you could buy those same components or reduce the number of components and you could buy them locally. It's not that much of a difference, uh, in pricing when you add in shipping and.
Frankly on reliance of getting the actual product, um, to you, uh, in a timely manner, second thing, and this is a little above and beyond supply chain, but when you look at your customers and you look at companies like for instance, Amazon, or, or, um, advertising on Facebook, those, those costs is skyrocketed skyrocketed, and we're seeing higher customer acquisition costs and, and lower.
Um, return on investments or are there ways to look at, um, your marketing plans to be more relevant today and to reduce those costs? And then the third area is, is really with, diversification of SKUs and, and products. Is there a way to reduce that so that you, um, can be much more. I would say thoughtful with your product lines as well as, targeting of customers.
So those are probably three areas that I, I get askedto advise on most. And then I will just say like on a personal level right now, um, you know, we're coming out of a, a pretty wacky time. And so consumer behaviors that we talked about earlier have shifted. And so there's a lot more pressure and opportunity on sustainability.
And so I think that that gives us as brand owners and as supply chain folks and as consumers, uh, a way to rethink ways that we've done things traditionally in the past.
Alex: I kind of wanna key in, on one thing there, when, when you're talking about a product catalog and and, you know, looking at the sustainability. factors. Say you're advising a, a founder or, you know, a, a newer DTC brand. and they're like, we want to expand our product catalog. We wanna expand the number of skews that we're offering.
And, you know, you spoke about it earlier. And, and how do you reduce that skew count kind of reverse of that when someone's like, I want to add more products. How do you advise them to, to go about that?
Elyse: So I don't ever say don't add new products. I think new products is the only way that a brand in a company can actually grow, but I think it's being more thoughtful. So I'll give you an example of a company that I recently, uh, was advising. So when I came in there were, they had about 850 SKUs. And, um, you know, the, the rule of thumb is you're 80, 20, right?
So 80% it's coming from 20%. In this case, it was like 80% was coming from. 5%. And so we actually did the deep dive and said, do you need these products? The answer was resounding. No, but then when we looked at the products that we're doing really well, um, in this case it was a pet company. So we said, okay, so these are the products that are doing well.
How do we build on that? How do we make maybe a product. A hero product. How do we build a story around that? Or how do we take that product and then remarket it to different, pet parents. And, uh, and how do we take something like this and maybe, make it so that there's products that could be bundled together.
And by doing that, our profitability rose 450% in a. And obviously with skew reduction, that meant that we had less reliance on certain factories. And it also meant for us cuz they did there's a retail component. for this particular client of mine, we actually were able to not just protect the space we had, but to grow the space, which in this day and age is really important.
Alex: Yeah, absolutely. And, and I, I. talking about the consumer shift to, to go back to the previous question, you know, the, the shift in consumer expectation And and retail coming back, I'll, I'll call it coming back. Retail is never gone. We, we thought it was dying a little bit, but eventually we all knew it would come back.
And I mean, when you're talking about a, a brand portfolio in their portfolio of product, Are you recommending that they have a, a split or is it different based off of brand, you know, saying, Hey, let's aim to do this much of sales in retail this much direct consumer, or is it just, Hey, let's build great products and, and see what hits first.
Elyse: So I think you have to be strategic in that. There's a lot more risk in, in working with retail and, and put a lot more reward. Right? So obviously you get volume. So if you're working with a big retailer and they let's just say, you know, that, that you've got X amount of shelf space that they're allowing, um, you have to make sure that that shelf space is constantly turning.
So in a lot of cases, it's less about the actual product. It's gonna be more about the turns per product. when we're pulling together, it's called the, it's called the planogram. When you're pulling together a planogram, um, you know, you might have something where you're like, this would be really cool to try.
Like this sounds like it'd be amazing to try. I usually advise, don't try it at retail, try it, try it on, you know, a different platform, because if it fails, you run the risk of losing that space and losing that slot. If you've got, you know, if you've, if you're a brand like Proctor and gamble, who's had that, you know, or Coca-Cola that they have, they have a little bit more leeway to try something and to advertise it.
But if you're not going to put the marketing behind a product, It's a lot easier to take the risk on a, I would say a smaller platform that being said, as we see from the rise of direct to consumer and we see more and more, uh, purchasing power online, I think it's taking those type of products and letting those drive consumers.
uh, you know, from a level of excitement. And again, an example that I might give there is you may have something that is gonna get a lot of press, you know, and, and going to be able to draw in maybe some celebrity or some influencers talking about that. You don't care if they buy that product necessarily as long as they're buying other products.
And so you wanna make sure that you've got enough products that they're going to sell and that you're not going to be a one and done. Uh, if you look at what's been happening in the world of direct to consumer companies that have raised a lot of money. And I, wanna say that this is different, but you know, you look.
At some of the big ones. I, I won't name names right now, uh, that had these insane valuations or had IPOs or opened up tons and tons of retail locations that are right now tanking and, you know, and at risk of not being around in three years from now, a lot of those brands. Um, you know, they, they grew too fast and they didn't, they didn't remain relevant.
I think one of the things that we're learning right, is that consumers are fickle. so if you don't have the next thing for them, you most likely are not going to be relevant in the next few years.
Alex: I mean, I feel like we're already venting Elyse, but let's dive into to my favorite segment listeners know, this, moving on to the venting couch. We have all had traumatic experiences when it comes to logistics. Elyse has been, uh, teasing me. I I would say with some of the stories that she's prepared to tell, but it doesn't have to be that way.
So Elyse, the moment of truth. What's the craziest story from your career that you want to share and vent about with the listeners today?
Elyse: Oh, well, I got so many, um, you know, I I'll give, can I give.
Alex: Yes
Elyse: one, that's
Alex: mean, we can be here all
Elyse: and a alright, I'm that? Doesn't, I'm good with that. Um, I'm gonna give one that, um, that I like to tell, because it was for a very big brand. That's still a client of mine today, and they, wanted to go into a new license category and that's an area that I specialize in.
And so they approached me and they said, you know, we wanna be in this category. And, um, all the research shows that it's gonna be really great for us. And so we said, absolutely. So did this whole, um, big ethnographic research went into people's homes to see how they were interacting with a specific product, turned out there was all these like fears and, uh, opportunities.
So we designed this beautiful product. That won every award under the sun. Um, we had, uh, exclusives being fought over from target Amazon, uh, apple and best buy. So, you know, we, we put this product out there and it tanked tanked I mean, as in, we did not recover our tooling costs yet alone. Um, and the reason was we didn't tell people what it was.
We thought that the. And we thought that the, uh, that, because we hit all these great consumer things and we won all these awards that we were gonna put it out there and that everybody was gonna buy it. And it turned out to be one of the biggest failures, but also learning experiences of my career. The second one, which is the blue bras story was, I worked with, this factory that, I was very excited about.
We did all of the development together. so I paid them for the first portion for 50% of the product, um, gave them the POS and three days before the product was supposed to leave their factory and, and come to me here in the us. Um, I get a call from the CEO of this very large factory.
And I mean, I had been, you know, we had been having. S weekly or biweekly calls. And she said, I think there's a disconnect here. you seem to be thinking that you're getting product and we're not making this product. And I said, excuse, excuse me. What do you mean? I mean, like you're not making it today or you're not gonna make the shipment in three days.
And she said, no, no, no. She said the PM on this should have told you months ago, we don't want. Um, you know, your quantities are too low and it's too difficult of a product to make. And I said, well, you've got my money, you've got my patterns, you've got everything. And she said, yep, sorry about that.
And so my three options were to scream and shout and to threaten, to sue this factory that's offshore. Right? So that's not gonna work. My second option. Would've been to say, you know, I'm throwing in the towel. Um, I gave it my all at this point, whatever. Less than 10 grand that I've got, um, invested in it.
And, and it's been a lot of fun or the third option, which is the option that I ended up taking, was getting on a plane, starting to meet with other factory, owners, um, going out and, and pounding the pavement. And eventually, like I said, um, connecting with these two folks that were building a factory, which put us back over a.
Um, and was a much bigger investment. but it was something that I believed in and I believed in the brand. And so my venting couch was that either of those two first options, would've been a lot easier, but this was the thing that I wanted to do more than anything in the world. And if, if, uh, you know, if somebody's going into the entrepreneurial world and doesn't have that fire in their belly, I would suggest that they don't go this.
Alex: That's right. And even then it, it probably puts more fire because they're like, you think you're going and they're producing your product. And then they're like, oh, well, no, this isn't gonna work out for us. So, I mean, that's just firing you up even more Right. Were you, were you taking like pre-orders at that time, expecting that shipment to arrive? How.
Elyse: I was,
Alex: does that work with the customers? How do you like, Hey, by the way, this is gonna
Elyse: it was uh,
Alex: 12 months.
Elyse: it was actually with my, you know, with my community. Um, I was very honest with them the entire time and every, you know, I, I was constantly updating, um, I was constantly saying, listen, if you don't want this, that's okay or I can refund your money and I can, I can, I'm happy to, um, recontact you when we do have it.And I will tell you, 98% of people just said, get me the product when you, when it comes in. You know, we love, we love the story. We like watching the journey unfold and you know, it's, it's a high ticket item at, at 79 99, but it's not a super high ticket. And so I think a lot of folks in that space were just happy that somebody was listening to them and communicating
Alex: Well, that's an awesome story and, and definitely, you know, fired up, fires up the entrepreneurial spirit, for sure. So thanks for, uh, sharing that on the vending couch. Moving on, let's talk into the future. We've touched on sustainability.
You know, I think it's more important in the eyes of the consumer. It's more important in the eyes of the brands now. Um, and you know, how can we be more sustainable, right. And, and how can we have our products? Not. you know, continue to stand out and continue to sell, but making it better. Right. And, and more sustainable.
So on that note, what, what predictions do you have for the next two years in, in supply chain and, you know, direct to consumer retail and around the sustainability aspect.
Elyse: So I think, you know, one of the things that leads us off is that I don't think we're going to see these, um, these disruptions in supply chain. I don't think we're seeing them go away. I think that they're gonna actually get worse. Um, especially just looking at some of the political climate and, um, and tensions as well as increasing labor costs and, and shipping costs, even though a lot of that has come down from where we were a year ago.
We're not going to see it come back to where it once lived. Uh, and so I think that that's going to drive a lot of,Institutional brands are now investing. Uh, building huge manufacturing facilities here and, and in north America, you're seeing a lot more, folks look at things like local manufacturing, um, reduction of, uh, redundancies reduction of waste.
Um, automation in manufacturing is a really big thing. And, you know, I, I struggle with the whole sustainability in. consumer products, because if you think about like, I'll, I'll give you an example. hemp as a material was a really big thing at one point, but if you look at it, it takes more chemicals to make that hemp usable than it does, um, saving, you know, the, the, uh, whatever sustainability or whatever material, Reduction you might have had, um, so hemp to me is greenwashing hemp.
Anytime people talk about that as a sustainable material, my, I wanna raise my hand and say, you haven't looked into that material, but you see it. Right. You see it left and right. And so it's really getting down to the root, you know, it's the same thing with our consumer behaviors as a direct to consumer.
Company owner. I, I struggle with the word sustainability. Um, because if you think about like, for instance, right. If you're buying a product on Amazon, for instance, um, and you're buying, let's just say, and I'm not gonna say that I'm not, I'm not, there's no judgment here, but let's just say that you buy, oh, I don't know three shirts because you're like, one of these will look good, not return.
The other ones, what people aren't understanding is that that product had to. From a, a, a factory to a DC, to a second DC with Amazon to your house, then you try 'em on and then you ship it back, goes DC, DC, and then it goes back to the company. Well, most companies right now don't wanna take it back. So it goes to a landfill.
So now that, you know, 1999, sure. Um, actually cost the environment a lot more. And so I'm really passionate about changing consumer behavior. So that we start buying higher quality products and that we, um, be much more you know, cognizant about even how we're manufacturing. So that's why I was saying earlier, if we can do smaller batches in local and start to reduce some of our reliance on large shipping from overseas, it's just gonna be better for every.
Alex: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, let's be honest. I return products all the time. Like, and do I think about it? No, but now I'm gonna start. and
Elyse: One mind changed.
Alex: yeah. It's Hey, I'm I'm gonna order two shirt sizes and one's gonna fit and one's not, and I'm gonna return the other one. Right. Um, but if you, like you said, and especially in apparel, I. let's, let's be honest. Apparel returns are, are hard enough as it is. Cuz you have to, I mean, we didn't talk about what happens in the FC. If that product doesn't go to landfill, but you've gotta steam it, you've gotta inspect it. You've gotta repackage it. You've gotta reprice it and put a new tag on it. If the tag's taken off, there's a lot of work that goes into that.
And apparel returns. I I'd love to learn more from, from your perspective.
Elyse: Yeah, well, so the fashion industry right now is the number two contributor to, um, to the environmental, uh, essentially dismay. Um, so, you know, fashion is, is the killer right behind essentially shipping. And so, uh, so much of that comes down to us, our behaviors, um, our demanding of, you know, free returns and free shipping and all of that.
I think changing consumer behavior is going to take a lot longer, but if we can do it one person at a time, that's fantastic. I also think we need to be demanding that of our manufacturers and of our brands. Right? There's some, there's some very, very, very telling documentaries out right now.
The pick on like H&M and Zara fast fashion. And so I think it's raised the awareness of just what a deadly business this is, cause it truly is. Um, and you know, for people and for the environment, I mean, we don't have to go into, uh, some what happens at some of the manufacturing facilities.
So, you know, I think the more that we can start to raise awareness to. Those who have building power.
So the brands and the manufacturers and the buying power, which is you and I, the more we're gonna find change. And we see it a lot with frankly, with the, you know, the up and coming the younger generations, where they are a little bit more demanding on a sustainable footprint and understanding where the product is coming from.
Alex: But there was a, um, this is funny because I was listening to this podcast last week. , it was just a short, you know, 15 minute podcast, but it was around a group of young women that had, um, been purchasing on a very prominent, uh, apparel brand site. We won't name the name, but had realized and, and had started talking to their friends about all of the different packaging that they got, you know, they order one thing and it's coming.
You know, one poly bag and sure. They're loading all these poly bags into a box and shipping it and they call it, I don't know, some dump or something like you order a bunch of products, try it on and then ship it. But they started making clothes out of the packaging because it was just so much and they just kept ordering and it's just not sustainable and and you know, they are on this mission. I forget the name of the group, but they're on this mission to help reduce the packaging that a lot of these apparel brands are using. And, um, if I find it, I'll send it to you after this,
Elyse: Please do please do I, I, you know, it's, it's interesting. We, when we ship to Europe, we, we can't use polybag. So we actually, only use poly bags for products that are going to the us because in the us we've been trained that if it doesn't come in a poly bag, it's a used product. so again, it comes down to consumer.
Alex: You know, consumer behavior and knowledge and, and more and more people like the folks that you're talking about, um, raising their hand and saying this isn't right,Interesting topic. We can go on and on, but we do have to wrap up, uh, here with the least. So let's wrap up with some quick hitters, favorite hobby outside of, of building brands, scaling brands
Travel travel, favorite place.
Elyse: Ooh. It's between, uh, South Africa and New Zealand.
Alex: I have neither not been to either one. um, but maybe
Elyse: on your list.
Alex: last thing you bought online.
Elyse: Hmm. I have to think about that. Oh, my running. My running shoes.
Alex: All right. How are they? How are those working out?
Elyse: They're great. I love them.
Alex: I find when I buy shoes online, well, now I've got it down, but because I only buy really one brand of shoes,
Elyse: Yep. Me too.
Alex: I also buy two. So that's, that's the sizing thing after this conversation. I'm not gonna do that. anymore, but
Elyse: Thank you.
Alex: alright. Um, let's see here. Best concert of all time.
Elyse: Oh, gosh, prince.
Alex: Oh. That's no more words to be said, there. and lastly, If folks wanna reach out to you, what's the best way to, to get in touch and learn more about everything you're doing, not only bloom bras, but aha. Product solutions and, and everything else you're working on.
Elyse: Yeah. I mean, B bras or aha product solutions. Um, are any, any email that is sent to either of those location? Will, um, get to me same thing with social media.
And I encourage everybody to follow us blue bras on social media, because that's the way that we grow the brand. Um, and I answer pretty much anybody who ever reaches out cuz I think that's the way that, you know, that's the way that I've been able to build, um, to where I am right now in my career.
Alex: That's awesome. Well, Elyse, thank you so much for coming on supply chain therapy. Really appreciate your time We could go on and on. Maybe we'll do this again. And, uh, you know, set, set up some more time to dive in deeper, but I really appreciate it. And, and thanks for coming on.
Elyse: Thanks for having me.
]]>We want to talk about the transition of your breasts during the process. Mother nature is a funny lady. There is no "firm" answer. For some, they go back to the original cup size (although not often the same shape). For others, they remain larger. And to quote one of our team members, they disappeared into deflated balloons.
So you have made the decision you are done breastfeeding. Weaning gradually allows time both for milk production to reduce and stop, and for a baby to adjust to other ways of feeding and comfort. This can be a few days, weeks, months or even an off-and-on process.
Milk or supplements are a main source of nutrition and energy for that first year. Our bodies and our boobs are incredible aren’t they? They provide this because women are magnificent creatures.
Studies have shown if you are trying to wean, changing up your daily routines is distracting so your child is less likely to ask to nurse. This is a good thing. Mothers may be told they need to wean their baby from the breast for a variety of reasons. If you are not fully ready or if you have a fussy child, temporary weaning is always an option. You can maintain your milk production by expressing your milk and then discarding it often referred to as a pump and dump. If you have a few weeks, cutting out one daily feed no more often than every two or three days allows your milk production to decrease slowly with little or no fullness and discomfort. The rate at which feeds can be dropped without discomfort varies from mother to mother. It also can reduce big hormonal spikes.
Breastfeeding is a bonding experience for some. Use this an an excuse for some extra TLC for both of you. Gradually decreasing also flowing prevents your breasts becoming overly full and engorged, which could lead to a blocked duct, mastitis or even a breast abscess. It also makes it more comfortable to hold, carry and cuddle your baby if you need to distract him from nursing. If your breasts become firm, hard, shiny or lumpy, no stress. This is normal.
In addition, the breasts may feel sore, tender, or swollen due to the increased blood flow and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. These changes can start as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy and may continue throughout the pregnancy.
After giving birth, the breasts will begin to produce milk in order to feed the baby. This process is known as lactation. The amount of milk produced will depend on several factors, including the baby's age and how often they feed. The breasts may feel full, heavy, and tender during this time.
Applying a warm compress or taking a hot shower or bath are great ways to relive discomfort. Ice packs can provide relief from swelling. The Bloom Bra has a handy little pocket designed for an ice pack:)
Once you have stopped producing milk comes the real unknown. How are my breasts going to react? Your boobs may continue to produce small amounts of milk for some time. Sometimes the sudden hormonal changes following an abrupt end to breastfeeding may bring on or worsen depression. We are not doctors but we can tell you that you are not alone. Your body is going through some wacky times.
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1= 28C, 28D, 28DD, 28DDD, 28E, 28F, 28G, 28H, 30C, 30D, 30DD, 30E, 30DDD, 30F, 30DDDD, 30EE, 30G, 30GG, 30H
2= 30I, 30J, 30K, 32C, 32D, 32DD, 32E, 32DDD, 32EE, 32F, 32G, 32DDDD, 32GG, 32FF, 32H, 32I, 34C, 34D
3= 32J, 32K, 32L, 34DD, 34E, 34EE, 34DDD, 34F, 34DDDD, 34G, 34GG, 34H, 34I,36C, 36D, 36DD, 36E, 36DDD, 36F, 36G, 36GG, 36I
4=34J, 34K, 34L, 36J, 36K, 36L, 38C, 38D, 38DD, 38E, 38EE, 38F, 38DDD, 38G, 38DDDD, 38GG
5=38H, 38I, 38J, 38K, 38L, 40C, 40D, 40DD, 40E, 40DDD, 40EE, 40F, 40G, 40DDDD
6= 40H, 40i, 40J, 40K, 40L, 42C, 42D, 42DD, 42E,
7= 42F, 42DDD, 42DDDD, 42EE, 42G, 42H, 42I, 42J, 44C, 44D, 44DD, 44E, 44DDD, 44F
8= 44G, 44H, 44I, 44J, 44K, 46C, 46D, 46DD, 46E, 46F, 48C, 48D, 48DD, 48E, 50C, 50D
9= 50DD, 50E, 50DDD, 50F, 50G, 50DDDD, 50FF, 50H, 50I, 50J, 50k, 50L, 52C, 52D, 52E, 52DD, 52DDD, 52F, 52G, 52GG, 52H
10 = 52I, 52J, 52K, 52L 54DD, 54E, 54EE, 54DDD, 54F, 54G, 54GG, 54H, 54I, 54J, 54K, 54L, 56DD, 56E, 56EE, 56DDD, 56F, 56G, 56GG, 56H, 56I, 56J, 56K, 56L
]]>
There is a reason Bloom Bras customers come back for multiple bras after their first purchase! Simply pull a cincher to adjust the size of each cup and then tuck it away. It's totally flat and invisible. This is the only sports bra on the market that offers this unique, pattented feature. You don't have to worry about your boobs bouncing around or looking saggy in this sports bra! And you don't have to spend ages trying to find a perfect fit or use removable pads that shift around looking lumpy. Is this the ideal sports bra for everyone? As much as I wanted to say YES, it might not be for everyone. This is a high-tech bra, and it can be pricey for some. If you have small boobs and you want extreme lifting or padding effects, you might want to look for a high-coverage padded bra instead.
Suppose you didn't join our Bloom Bras family yet (you totally should!). Here is another excellent way to adjust a bra cup for a perfect fit. Removable pads! This means you can take them out if you need more room or leave them in if you want more support. The main disadvantage is that the padding can shift around, which can be annoying. It is usually less supportive and unsuitable for women with larger breasts. And if one of your breasts is much bigger than another, it can be tricky to find a pair of pads that fit both breasts perfectly.
What happens when you combine a sports bra and a corset? You get a sports bra that supports your girls while accommodating any boob size fluctuation. With the Corset front sports bra, you can alter the cup size by adjusting the compression levels. However, if you have big boobs, you might not get enough lift and containment. Also, the uniboob problem is still there!
Of course, there are plenty of DIY solutions for altering a bra size, which includes cutting, sewing, stuffing...you name it. But none of these options would be effective in sports bras with more advanced design features. That is why finding a perfect sports bra size for each stage of your life is essential. If you want a quality sports bra with adjustable cups that will keep your boobs comfy and supported, try Bloom Bras!
]]>In a hurry? Here are the top picks for the best sports bra for a large bust.
This bra is designed by NASA engineers for all types of activities. Whether you enjoy yoga or HIIT, your girls are lifted up and secured. No more pain and discomfort from chafing or bouncing! The straps are adjustable, so you can get the perfect fit, and the material is breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you comfortable during your workout.
From customer review: "I am wearing the size 9 and I've never felt a bra with construction like this before. The engineering helps distribute the weight across the entire back, not just digging into the shoulders, and the design keeps the "ubderboob" fully dry and protected."
(Get 10% OFF with code "SECRET10")
Sources: https://www.barenecessities.com/
This simple sports bra is designed for low-impact activities and has a compression fit that holds the breast tissue down. Though you can't wear this sports bra without the right top, this bra is an excellent option for plus-size girls who want a little extra support and comfort.
From customer review: The bra gives as much support as the wired bras I am used to, and is extremely comfortable. Looks good under shirts and T-Shirts.
Source: https://athleta.gap.com/
Athleta's Advance Bra is perfect for high-impact activities like running, training, and HIIT. While customers complain that it's difficult to put on and off, the sleek fabric that molds to your body and keeps your boobs separated can justify the struggle.
From customer review: It's true that it's a beast to get on, but it's WORTH IT! I thought Enell bras were the only thing that would work for me, and these ones from Athleta are better fitting and better looking. I do running and HIIT and these keep everything in place. Love.
Source: https://knix.com/
The Knix Catalyst Sports Bra is an excellent option for women looking for a sweat-wicking sports bra for a large bust. This bra will keep you feeling dry and comfortable during your workout. Though it can be challenging to put on, this bra will give you the confidence and coverage you need.
From customer review: I have had the Catalyst Sports Bra for over a month now. I play Women's Soccer which involves a lot of running and jumping and have worn this bra a number of times. I find it supportive, keeping everything in place. Some of my games are played outside in very hot weather and the bra handles the sweat well. It also washes well and maintains its support for the next wear.
Source: https://www.nike.com
The Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh sports bra is perfect for low-impact workouts like walking or Pilates. The wide, comfy straps provide support without constricting, and the racerback design ensures that your straps stay in place. The smooth, lightweight fabric is made from at least 50% recycled polyester fibers, making it environmentally friendly and moisture-wicking to keep you comfortable and dry during your light gym workout.
From customer review: “Medium support for a big girl, it will get you through. It is made very well. For a light gym or workout day or just everyday bra day if you wear sports bra.”
Every woman is unique, and so are the requirements for the sports bra. We prepared a few questions to help you select the best sports bra for your girls.
For high-impact activities, such as running or kickboxing, you'll need a sports bra that offers maximum support. Look for a style with a sturdy band, wide straps, and cups that encapsulate each breast. You can choose a sports bra with less support if you're doing a low-impact activity, such as yoga or walking.
For a push-up effect, look for a sports bra with encapsulation. These have two separate cups for each breast, rather than one large cup, and often have padding to help support and lift the breasts. And if you want to make your bust look smaller, opt for a compression-style sports bra to flatten the breasts against the chest rather than trying to support them from underneath.
We believe every woman should feel confident and supported in her own skin, no matter her boob size. That's why we created Bloom Bra - the most size-inclusive sports bra on the market. Designed by NASA engineers for comfort, adjustability, and breathability, it offers natural lift without underwire or squishing the breasts. Get a 10% discount on your order with code: SECRET10.
]]>A women may choose not to wear a sports bra while exercising. We see it all of the time. For women who have bigger breasts, not wearing a sports bra is unimaginable - even painful to think about.
A February 2020 study published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found that exercise-induced breast pain is about five times more common in athletes with medium to large breasts than those with small breasts. The researchers also found that the likelihood of experiencing this pain increases for every one-year increase in age. A sports bra’s mission is to give support to women while doing any kind of physical activity. Working out without a proper sports bra can cause pain because your tissue can tear apart. Consequently, this can cause sagging over time. The bra shouldn't be low-support. A study published in August 2015 in Human Movement Science examined the running posture of 10 female participants with a cup size of 32DD or 34D. The women completed two separate 5K treadmill runs in one while wearing a low-support bra and the other while wearing a high-support bra.
Researchers found that the bra that provided more support helped the women's bodies, including their torso, pelvis and upper arms, move in a more preferable shape for running.
Oh and then there is the mental pain. It is much harder to concentrate on the exercise when you are constantly pulling and shifting and lifting. Because a healthy lifestyle takes some time to adapt into your daily life proper gear is essential for every woman. Lifting from underneath versus squishing or pulling the girls down is much healthier. And underwire chairs and causes a different set of challenges.
Not wearing a sports bra can lead to stretch marks. Working out without a sports bra over a period can result in sagging of breasts. A sports bra should give your breasts the much-needed support in case of any tissue damage.
Elyse Kaye brought together the minds from NASA, the shipping industry and a celebrity corsetry makers to address this as an engineering challenge. The Bloom Bra features patented lifting straps and cinching cups allowing the bra to customize to your body and exercise type. It has been designed without underwire, both for comfort and to address health concerns. Working like a shelf to lift the breasts rather than squashing them, the Bloom Bra distributes weight throughout the back and sides rather than putting pressure over the shoulders and across the ribs, allowing for natural movement of the breast, uninterrupted circulation of the body’s essential systems and comfort. State-of-the-art compression materials and cooling, moisture-wicking power mesh combined with a reinforced front zipper to “lift, not squish”.
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The term "uniboob" refers to the situation in which breasts are pushed together so tightly they appear as one. Women with smaller breasts may get away with it, but the rest of us can't. And it's not just about aesthetics—uniboob can actually be painful.
Your sports bra size and style are the two main culprits of uniboob. If your sports bra is too small, it will compress your breasts too much and cause them to appear as one or spill over the top. If your sports bra doesn't have separation like traditional bras, your girls will likely be pushed together, giving you uniboob. And if you are like me - proud owners of large breasts, uniboob is practically inevitable if you wear a traditional compression sports bra. That's why finding a sports bra that fits well and keeps your girls encapsulated is essential.
Uniboob can actually be harmful to your health. No matter how big or small your breasts are, it is a fact that uniboob can create this dreaded look. But the problem is not limited to appearance. The fact about the uniboob is it can cause chaffing and irritation. If the breasts are pushed together, sweat becomes an issue. Also, yeast infections & rashes are a problem.
The most crucial part of buying a sports bra is finding the right size. But don't worry, we have a fit guide for you. Watch the video below or read more here. Measure twice, act one.
One of the best ways to avoid uniboob for large breasts is to choose a sports bra with separate cups. This will help to keep your girls from being pushed too close together. Check out this article to find the best sports bras for large breasts.
And if you are looking for a premium sports bra that keeps your boobs supported and gives a wow effect, you must try Bloombras. The patented cup adjustment technology helps to keep your boobs secured while creating just the right amount of cleavage while working out.
Our patented bras are adjustable for our ever-changing bodies and are always comfortable to wear. It is not a design flaw but an engineering challenge, so we brought together top minds from NASA, shipping and packaging experts, and a celebrity corset designer who worked with Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry, and other curvy women to bring the vision to life.
See what real women have to say about Bloombras.
70% of women in the US are above a D cup. According to Plunkett Research, about 68% of women are a size 14 dress or over which is a 44 band [1].
While there is a push for inclusivity and diversity in the market, truly serving women of all sizes requires investing in more SKUs and sports bra designs that are engineered for differing weight distribution.
Brands have caught on that curvy women are an opportunity, but they haven’t raised the bar on design and quality. So we've assembled these 5 tips to help curvy women navigate this challenge. By knowing what to watch out for, you can find the right bra design and size for your body.
Bra shopping can be difficult for people with larger breasts for a number of reasons. One reason is that it can be hard to find bras that fit properly. Bras that are too small in the band or cups can be uncomfortable and may not provide enough support, while bras that are too large may be too loose and may not offer the desired level of support. In addition, larger cup sizes may be more difficult to find in stores, as many brands do not offer a wide range of sizes for larger busts.
Another reason bra shopping can be difficult for people with larger breasts is that it can be hard to find bras that are both comfortable and stylish. Bras that offer more support may not always be the most attractive or fashionable, and it can be challenging to find bras that are both functional and fashionable.
Overall, bra shopping can be a frustrating experience for people with larger breasts, as it can be difficult to find bras that fit well, offer the necessary level of support, and are stylish and comfortable.
Most companies use inexpensive materials designed for smaller busts that do not need much support. In these instances, they can get away with simple cost-saving designs that essentially involve sewing a few pieces of fabric together.
Companies will then take that design and scale the cup up or down (this is called grading) for basic size combinations for that design. These simple designs simply do not scale for larger breasts, which require more support from the bottom. This can come from wire and molded cups, but for those looking for a wire-free solution, it requires a unique material and design to achieve lift and comfort.
In any case, different design and construction is required for larger breasts vs. smaller. Another way to think about this- a different mechanism would be used to carry a 3 pound weight versus a 12 pound.
With most sports bras, close to 90% of the weight falls onto the band in the front. Straps can dig in leaving horrible red marks and indentations in shoulders. This discomfort is one of the most common complaints about bras and sports bras. So when we designed the Bloom Bra, we brought together the celebrity corset maker of Oprah Winfrey, experts from the shipping and packaging industry, and female minds from NASA.
We believed that women didn’t need to live with this discomfort, and we could engineer a better bra design. The Bloom Bra’s patent-pending, adjustable straps and lifting shelf pull all of the weight into a point at the nape of the neck and then distributes it across a mesh panel in the back.
If the product is not specifically engineered for curvy women and large breasts, or if customer reviews don’t specifically attest to a comfortable fit in sizes near yours, be wary of purchasing.
The lack of a comfortable, supportive bra is too often a reason why women aren’t as active as they’d like to be. At Bloom Bras, we believe nothing should stand between you and your fitness goals.
We designed the Bloom Bra with 36 unique parts to serve the needs of women 28C - 56L. For example, there is a front hook and zipper to remove all the frustration of pulling bras on over your head. And when we learned that underwire can cut into lymph nodes and block healthy circulation, we opted for soft, strong, state-of-the-art materials to create better support without any underwire at all.
When a bra has over 36 parts to its construction, it is more expensive to make than the standard sports bra that has on average 6-8 components. So unlike fashion, where it’s easy to find inexpensive alternatives to luxury brands, when it comes to finding a good sports bra, you will get what you pay for.
Our customers frequently report that investing in a Bloom Bra pays huge dividends for their health on everything from better posture to less back and shoulder pain.
Many women are surprised to find out there is no standardization across the industry [2], so a 44DD in one brand will not necessarily translate to another.
To make things more complicated, companies like Victoria's Secret are famous for vanity sizing [3]. They prey on the general American desire to have a smaller waist and a larger cup. This has trained entire generations to believe they are a different bra size than what an unbiased fitting would show.
The takeaway from these sizing issues is that women will likely need to try on multiple sizes to find “the one” and they’ll need to be prepared to return those that don’t fit when shopping online.
At Bloom Bras, we offer free returns and exchanges so that women can rest assured that our customer care team is committed to helping them find the perfect fit.
Wherever you buy your bras, be sure they have a flexible customer-friendly return policy that will allow you to easily return any bras that aren’t right for you.
To combat the lack of standardization and vanity sizing, the best thing you can do is to size yourself at home. Once you know your size, you’ll be able to order online with far more accuracy than basing off of past purchases. Here's how to do it:
The Bloom Bras Sizing Calculator can also do this calculation for you. Just click "Find My Size" to get started. We offer free advice, exchanges and returns, so just send us an email or a message on social media for help.
[1]https://www.racked.com/2018/6/5/17380662/size-numbers-average-woman-plus-market
[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/10/style/lingerie-are-8-out-of-10-women-really-wearing-the-wrong-bra-size-a-bra-myth-busted.html
[3]https://www.thelist.com/359537/the-truth-about-victorias-secrets-bra-sizes/
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We have heard of so many brands entering into the sports bra space. Personally, I say it is about time. ThirdLove which is another San Francisco company that focuses in on half cup sizes said “sports bra” has become the most-searched term on its website. Nike has tried multiple times to expand into larger sizes. Lululemon just invested the most amount of money in teh companies’ illustrious history to try to bring in new consumers. Have you been into an Athleta lately? The mannequins are designed to represent diversity. Even Victoria’s Secret has been investing more in the category and marketing debuting a line of sports bras and leggings called On Point (which I have a lot of opinions on).
“It’s a competitive market for sure, but there’s no company that’s saying sports bra for women, first,” Heidi Zak of ThirdLove said in an interview. Obviously she has not heard of Bloom Bras because that is the entire reason this company exists.
Citing data from market research firm NPD Group, fashion analyst Kristen Classi-Zummo, the sports bra category has been on fire, even during the pandemic, when overall apparel sales took a tumble. “Women want to be comfortable in their sports bras. We spent the majority of the past 20 months in them and do not want to go back. Our repeat purchases are through the roof.” Says Elyse Kaye of Bloom Bras
Year-to-date sales of sports bras in the United States have totaled $2.1 billion, up 53% compared from the same period in 2019, she said, citing NPD’s market research. On a year-over-year basis, sales of sports bras are up 48%.
“Comfort features are what’s driving the growth,” Zummo said. “And what a lot of brands are offering with sports bras is an elevated essential that’s not just for function and playing sport. They’re pretty and they’re comfortable.” Plus, for so many women, this is the only wire-free option that they have. That continues to be a huge driver as more and more folks get on the no underwire train.
Authenticity in marketing comes up frequently. “You can clearly see the airbrush lines in photography used in most of the brands giving women cleaner and more cleavage. They have altered the body shapes using the magic of technology but that is not what real women look like. I wish my breasts were symmetrical globes but as a 38DDD, that is actually offensive.” says Chelsea Wilson who worked in the marketing department of several lingerie brands.advertisement in The New York Times in which it issued an open letter slamming derogatory comments that members of Victoria’s Secret’s management team had made toward women.
“Direct-to-consumer brands are definitely having an impact,” she said. “We’re seeing a lot of these smaller brands really resonate with an array of different age groups. ... They focus on empowerment. They focus on diversity.” Elyse Kaye from Bloom Bras agrees with this statement. “It is our mission to empower women of all shapes, sizes and stages of life. We want to see how a product is going to look on our bodies before we invest. Most of the women who find Bloom Bras cannot walk into a store and just buy a bra. And sizing is the hardest part regardless of where the shopping takes place.”
The sports bra market all over the world is seeing huge growth but not from the players you would expect. There is more of a focus on healthy living but that means something different to all of us. The population has shifted and there is a rise in the conversation surrounding body inclusivity. The sports bra is the most difficult item to manufacture. The Bloom Bra, for instance, has 36 different pieces. It is about engineering for heavier breasts. The bras that slip over the head and the job bras that are two pieces of cloth sewn together are not designed for busty women.
The sports bra is not just for activity any more. Comfort, breathability and lack of wire-free are driving more and more women to wear a sports bra all day. The growing benefits of sports bras over traditional bras is forcing traditional bra brands to look at expansion. Yoga, zumba, Peloton, walking, Zoom boot camp all saw major increases with more and more people deciding to cut expensive, non-inclusive gym memberships and exercise from home. This trend is not going anywhere.
As the category expands, as do the ways we shop for support. For instance, companies like Bloom Bras focus on Encapsulation using a defined cup structure to encapsulate each breast. This eliminates the wire but still gives maximum support without uniboob. The wider racerback design works to improve posture and to reduce shoulder pressure. Plus, the digging that occurs in the traditional sports bra or regular bra is eliminated. Compression came from the multitude of breast cancer survivors and surgeons as a key feature that they wanted in a mastectomy bra. Keeping the breast tissue close to the body, this classic support method provides maximum support and minimizes unwanted movement. The front zip or back hook or slip over method is a decision that comes down to the end consumer’s preference. Same can be said for padding. For the DDD bra-wearer, padding is often not desired. However, nipple coverage is. A lightweight material is not going to cover. The ongoing search for a supportive non-wired bra that also provides great shaping from a 28C - 56L is a challenge. Mastectomy bras for non-elective breast reconstructive surgery drive a good portion of development and sales for companies like Bloom.
The activewear industry continues to evolve with investors pushing for increased margins coming off of the pandemic where companies saw a complete shift in business. Traditional retail which is where the volume is was hurt temporarily but mom and pops may never recover. Online businesses, however, skyrocketed. Companies who were already set up saw margins, customer loyalty and new consumer channels expand. Supply chain issues are now the bigger challenge. Brands that rely on production in places like China have seen spikes in material and labor costs with shipping halts disrupting right before the holiday season. Are these companies bracing and prepared? Only time will tell.
Bra shopping is already an uncomfortable experience but now we have to ask why larger sized bras are more expensive than their smaller bra size counterparts. The easiest way to answer that is they should not be. In reality, it is not really that much more in material consumption assuming the designs are the same. Labor is the exact same cost. Marketing should not need to change. Demand should technically even be higher for the larger sizes. So why do brands consistently claim this as the reason they do not expand into wider sizes? We broke down several excuses and took a deeper look into this unfortunate trend.
As a curvy woman, it can be tough to find a sports bra that fits well and is comfortable.Most sports bras are designed for women with smaller busts and don't take into account the needs of curvier women. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and even chafing during workouts. Bloom Bras are designed specifically for curvier women. Our bras are made from breathable fabric, have adjustable straps, and are wire-free so you can move freely. We also offer a wide range of sizes so you can find the perfect fit.
Plus-size, as it relates to bras in the United States, is a moving target. Statistically speaking, 70% of women are a D cup or above. The average dress size is a 14/16 which is the equivalent of a 44/46 bra band. Every major brand has announced a push towards inclusivity within the past five years but even with all of their resources, Lululemon (42DD), Nike (44DD), Altheta (42DD) do not reach the median. Those who launched extended size lines often put them only online or worse, they priced them higher in stores. Old Navy, for instance, charges more for their coveted extended women’s sizes, but does not follow the same pricing for men’s. Bra size price discrepancy is ever more prevalent, So then why are bras specifically in extended sizes costing consumers more? Marketing, inventory and for some brands that focus on it, design changes.
For some of the more simple designs that you find at a mass retailer like Walmart or Target, it can be two pieces of inexpensive fabric sewn together. But for a technical product like for instance a Bloom Bra, there are 36 components from strap adjusters to cup cinchers and a strong base layer to replace harmful underwire. Plus, mass merchants like KMart and VIctoria Secret are buying hundreds of thousands of a few sizes. That factory is making practically the same bra style for many of those retailers so they are recognizing economies of scale. When you get into the larger sizes, there are many more variables. Without that volume, economies of scale will not be met. The end product is driven by costs so not a ton of R & D or specialized materials are used as a result.
A pair of D-cup breasts can weigh up to 15 and 23 pounds. That is the size of a small child or dog. A 3 pound weight would be carried differently than a 12 pound weight. The breasts are no different. A good bra should pull the weight from the front up to the back. 90% of the weight falls onto the underwire in a bra and causes pressing and pulling. Plus, that weight is the cause of the red lines and the digging into the shoulders we, women face. Thicker straps and and heavier materials are used to bare the heaviness of the breast.
The comments on social media for fat shaming are enough to make anyone’s blood boil. It gives us such pleasure to watch the rise of body positivity sites and communities. Business Insider famously ousted Abercrombie & Fitch’s CEO Mike Jeffries “In every school there are the cool and popular kids, and then there are the not-so-cool kids,” he told the site. “Candidly, we go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely.” The athletic wear industry is predicted to hit almost $350 Billion this year. The plus size fashion industry is estimated to hit $14 billion. A Huffington Post article exposed ex-employees hiding larger sizes “this treatment of larger clothes and customers reflects the culture that Lululemon represents — one that falsely suggests skinniness is the paramount feature of health.” All of this brings us to the next point of marketing.
Brands like have been essentially printing money for years. They have been showing the same images of the aspirational Nike-esque models. Every few years, they make a change in the sports bra category to add a new feature or color. The advertising changes focus to a new demographic for a season. And yet, it is usually short-lived. If they start to cater to new markets, the brand will need to up to triple their inventory which drastically negatively affects the bottom line. In addition, they will need to change imagery to be more inclusive. Mannequins will need to be updated to showcase the new product line (see Nike’s plus size line from 2019). The messaging to get this additional target consumer into the store must be altered. It is not easy and goes against their tried and true strategy. This adds cost to the product which is passed along to, you guessed it, the consumer. Bras are more expensive than any other item in the athletic apparel area to begin with. Now add these additional costs and the final price becomes unreachable for the masses.
Often low cost bras do not focus on comfort which is extremely important especially for the well-endowed who are not often found without a bra on during the day who want something soft or durable. The hooks, wires, fasteners are likely to be plastic instead of metal without lining. Plus scaling is often off. Creating a pattern to fit a 34G, they’re taking the pattern created for, say, a 32B and just making it bigger. If you put those women next to each other, they will look and hold different. There are more variables when you add in girth. The budget needs to be higher for development for materials that will hold up the weight with a directive towards fit. Materials are softer, more luxurious, unique and will be built to last longer.
Athleticwear deemed “athleisure” has been growing exponentially with no sign of slowing down with one report estimating that the athleisure market alone will see an increase of $80 billion by 2024 according to Technavio. Julianne Ruckman, sports bra designer, told Outside. "We used to fit bras by cranking [the measuring tape] as tight as possible without breaking a rib." Innovation paired with demand has changed the game. More and more women have taken to wearing a sports bra to provide support all day - especially during pandemic times for comfort versus going bra-free entirely. "Our breasts are made up of ligaments and tissue. Over time, that movement of going up and down contributes to the stretching in that area," Jené Luciani Sena, author of "The Bra Book," told Real Simple. "Most women don't want to have saggy breasts; not only for aesthetic reasons, but a comfort reason. It can be painful!"
The biggest issue is really if you are wearing an ill-fitting sports bra. "Not enough support, and the continuous compression of muscles in the neck like the upper traps, levator scapulae, and pectoral muscles can cause chronic postural overload," Emily Kiberd, a chiropractor, told Vogue. "This will place excess strain on the structures of the neck leading to tension headaches; muscle tightness; short, shallow breathing; anxiety; and nerve pain." According to website www.thelist.com A too-tight sports bra could also potentially lead to skin problems. Dr. Tutela told Real Simple, "Any tighter compressive garment that isn't taken off can lead to some irritation such as a rash, and even a fungal infection." So if you do not need the compression and support of a high-impact sports bra all day, try out a low-impact style or a bralette to get many of the same benefits without the discomfort.
The fact is that sports bras and traditional bras for curvy women should not be any more expensive than their quality counterparts. Brands who understand the needs and desires of modern women of today should be able to utilize spending power, marketing dollars and innovative resources to close the gap. And until they do, they should be willing to split the difference between the smaller and larger sizes as a way to show their consumers that they care. It is the only way that change will happen. Retailers also should be responsible for making sure that their loyal customers and underserved markets have equal opportunities for sizing at fair pricing. Material improvements, durable hardware and expert sewing should not be specifically for the larger breasted women. So the next time that you go into a store and see an expensive bra or sports bra, take a look at the construction and seam work knowing that was hand produced unlike t-shirts, pants, socks and other assorted items.
Read More: https://www.thelist.com/56486/signs-bra-doesnt-fit/?utm_campaign=clip
Bloom Bras has the mission to empower women of all shapes, sizes and stages of life to feel good while moving. We focus on inclusivity in our sizing and photography with bras ranging from a 28C - 56L all with the same costing.
]]>There's always that one embarrassing, recycled story that gets retold by Dad that we've grown tired of hearing, a line of questioning awaiting, oh and that pressure to feel a certain level of happy during these times. But we make a pact to start the new year fresh. I still find myself going back and forth on my belief in New Years resolutions. I definitely know that this coming year, I want to form new, healthier habits for myself. Are you with me?
The life I live as a full time student in college is as healthy as circumstances allows. Of course, as in every facet of life, there's always room for improvement. This holiday season, I'll definitely be in search of some deals to perhaps externally motivate me to implement these new habits. My love of fashion can really motivate me when I need an externality to do so. One thing that has been on my wish list for a while has been a new sports bra. Maybe some new athletic apparel couldn't hurt either. When I can represent myself through clothes, I feel a deeper connection to the acts of these new habits.
A great sports bra is truly the foundation for creating feelings of positivity and optimism going into this new year. This is in addition to having solid plans to form new, life improving habits. I'm so grateful to be interning here with Bloom Bras. It allows me insight into what goes into making a bra that offers support, without having to give up the sleek appearance.
Will I stop eating carbs? Realistically, no. Will I suddenly decide that cheesecake is not the best thing on this planet? Not probable. But can I commit to wearing things that support me and my body on this journey? I think I can manage. As my body changes throughout the year, I am seeking clothes that can change with me. I want to ensure I get full benefits out of these products (the most bang for my buck). The overall idea of the new year, personally, is to step out of my comfort zone and reach even higher than I did in 2018.
I often find that growth happens outside of where I normally stand. Things often become monotonous or stagnant there. As far as new habits, I feel I can commit to switching up my typical workout routine, possibly incorporating some new techniques I've been interested in. Even further than fitness, I'm going to challenge myself to go beyond in other areas of my life (professionally, academically,socially etc.) but I still definitely want to keep health in the spotlight. I'm undoubtedly striving to improve my morning habits, which something I've been contemplating for a long time. I'm aiming to do something more productive than the typical 5-more-minutes talk I have with myself every morning (and fail to adhere to).
In addition to adjusting how I start my days, I want to meditate more regularly nightly. I want to allow myself to let go of the day in order to attend to my personal, mental health. I know how detrimental sleep is to health and how little of it I already get being in college. Releasing the built up tensions will be essential to feeling my best and getting the best quality sleep I can.
All of these habits I'm working to form and implement will undeniably be challenging I assume, but overall, they're not unattainable! I am optimistic about these small, but key elements of change I'll be introducing in this new year. I feel that keeping goals attainable and taking the pressure element off of the results is a major key to the follow through. Keep it lighthearted, optimistic and thoroughly enjoy the process going into this new year!
]]>Exercising while breastfeeding does not impact your milks supply, so rest assured mama bear you are free to break a sweat to your hearts desire! Just a few tips to go along with that statement:
-Breastfeed your little one before working out to avoid engorged boobs during your sweat session.
- Most importantly make sure you are staying well hydrated before, during, and after your workout as instructed by experts from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG).
- Lastly do note that after your workout lactic acid levels in your breast milk may change causing a temporarily change in your milks flavor but not to worry it does not affect its nutritional benefits.
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What is Fungal Acne Anyway?
The truth is Fungal Acne is neither acne or fungus but it is when the yeast that is commonly found on the skin affects the hair follicles of your skin.
Commutation of yeast often occurs when there is a built up of moisture A.K.A sweat and we all know larger breasts can be quite the conduite of moisture.This is why you typically see acne in common areas where a buildup of sweat occurs in the body like the chest, back, shoulders, forehead, and hairline.
Different Appearance and Sensation
Fungal Acne can easily be mistaken for acne since it appears in a cluster of bumps like pimples all over the skin. The key difference in appearance is that does not come into a head like regular acne. Fungal Acne often looks like red or nude colored bumps that look deeply clogged. If your body acne feels itchy, it is most likely Fungal Acne. Mine itches just typing that.
How to Prevent Fungal Acne
The easiest way to prevent the growth of yeast in the skin to wear clothing that is breathable. It is especially important that you have a bra that allows your chest and back to breathe since these areas are more prone. The Bloom Bra is designed with breathable fabric and an awesome mesh back that keeps your back nice and dry during workouts. No more moisture+ No More Yeast= No Body Acne!
It is also recommended to remove clothing right after a workout or activity. As well as showering after workouts. Be sure to also wash your bras and exercise clothing too.
Click here to read our blog post on how to properly wash your Bloom Bra.
Say Goodbye to Boob Sweat
An ill fitting bra can contribute to tugging and are too tight around the area of your breast which causes not only discomfort but sweat build up. Take our size guide to find your best Signature Bloom Bra fit. Big boobs? No worries! Did you know that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra? Keep your skin healthy with our Signature Bloom Bra for your most intense workouts!
Remember to always consult with your dermatologist for any skin related concerns
]]>Let's ADD ON for 2021. I do not know about you but my feed has been filled with talk about loss - weight loss, ditching carbs, cutting out sugar. My feeling is that we all had enough loss in 2020 and I would rather focus on what we can add on. This year threw us all more than a few curveballs. Most of us shed a few tears, some refocused careers by choice, others by demand. Some days were extremely hard and others had amazing silver linings. I learned the benefit of Zoom backgrounds, the mute button, got a pandemic puppy and new found respect for the people who make memes. I had a chance to slow things down and refocus. I reconnected with my friends and family from all over the world without having to get on a plane. When a major retailer pulled out leaving us with years worth of inventory, we pivoted and donated to our essential workers. When America was hurting, we employed hundreds of people in LA to make masks. And, when I was at my personal lowest, I ready your incredible letters, emails and posts. So F-2020 and it's losses. My promise to myself and to our community is to ADD ON. ADD ON more diversity in our imagery. ADD ON more sizes and colors. ADD ON more ways that we can encourage each other to feel strong in our bodies whatever shape or size. Stay beautiful and fierce yall. Happy new years XOXOXOXOX Elyse
#Addon #rockyourcurves #staystrong #squadgoals #startsmall #curvyisbeautiful #F2020 #community #ditchtheloss #ilovememes #silverlinings #liftnotsquish #brandambassador #newyearnewyou #supportsmallbusiness #supporteachother #diversity #fitnesstrends #curves #NYE #resolutions
]]>Research shows that 4 out of 10 female horse riders experience breast pain while in the saddle, according to this study.
For female horse riders, breast pain, bra issues, and having large breasts may be important concerns which have yet to be considered,said Dr. Jenny Burbage, the lead author of the study and a member of the University of Portsmouths Research Group in Breast Health.
According to the Journal of Sports Sciences, breast pain was experienced most frequently during the sitting trot, and that 21 percent of participants with symptoms reported that breast pain affected their horse-riding performance.
A correctly fitting bra for exercise is essential, as an incorrect fit can contribute to upper body musculoskeletal problems, poor posture and deep bra furrows in the shoulder cause pain. It is particularly important for women with large breasts to wear a well-fitted and supportive bra, as insufficient support for large breasts can lead to upper body pain and poor posture, yet they are more likely to have an incorrect fit.
The 146th Kentucky Derby had been rescheduled for Sept. 5, 2020, due to the coronavirus. This is the first delay since World War II. We will still be celebrating with big hats, fascinators, mint julips and our Bloom Bras.
Just because we are home, does not mean that we can't have a wager. Check out the Derby site to see how you can make virtual bets.
We feel for our sisters of the stables who really do defy gravity. According to a Sport England report, 90% of horse riders are female. Finding the right sports bra which catches you on your way down is a challenge which is why we worked with to equestrians to make sure Bloom Bras would be the solution.
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Especially if you have big breasts. Victoria Shelton, Garment Technologist at Figleaves reported that if breasts are unsupported they could suffer damage to Cooper's ligament, the connective tissue in the breast that helps maintain structural integrity. Basically, not wearing a bra can affect your posture and the shape of your breasts, especially when you have big boobs.
All my girls out there with just about any cup size can understand this, whether you are a 36C or a 38FF, breasts can cause so much pain. Overtime our shoulders are permanently indented from that awful thin bra strap! No thank you. A supportive bra will give your back a much-needed break while also enhancing the natural appearance of your breasts and providing the necessary support. An uplifting front-zip sports bra can help prevent neck and back problems all while improving your posture.
The main purpose of a bra is to ensure that your breasts are well supported throughout the day. Even though it may be tempting to run around your house with your bra off (even while on that zoom call!), this can cause your skin to lose elasticity.
As a result, your breasts will stretch at a faster rate. Give your body a much needed break and wear a bra that is suitable for your body type. Gravity isn't going anywhere, but your boobs might.
Wearing a bra that is meant for your body type does wonders. Every woman's body is different and beautiful in a unique way, so let's provide our chests the support it deserves.
Comfortability means confidence, ladies! Just because you may be social distancing that does not mean you don't need to feel good about yourself! There are still so many things you can do outside while safely social distancing yourself from others, 6ft of course. Wearing a well-fitting bra may change not only how you look in clothes, but how you feel. With proper support and style, you will have a fit that will leave you empowered!
]]>What is running really like with large breasts? Have you ever thought about how much your boobs weigh and how this can impact your workout? On average, a pair of breasts weigh 15 - 23 pounds. Imagine running with a Thanksgiving turkey and can of cranberry bouncing on your chest according to Discovery Magazine. The average breast size in America is a 34DD! So how do we deal with the frustrations of exercising with this issue?
1 in 3 women across the world feel that their large breasts are the biggest reason they refrain from working out. Should women with large breasts just stay far away from the treadmill and running? No! I wear 32GG and can not tell you the number of times I was to shy to go for a run in my neighborhood. Running with a large chest was the reason the original job bra was creates. It is physics that shows that 90% of the weight pulls to the front band of the bra. At Bloom Bras, we aspire to take the weight from the front and distribute it to the back.
Women who are busty will often tell stories of giving up running because of discomfort. I would always wear two sports bras at once or an underwire underneath. The vision would be to have someone running behind holding them up. That did not seem sustainable. Enter Bloom Bras which was designed for women by women with a focus on bigger breasts. Wearing the correct high impact supportive sports bra is key! Just because I am carrying around the equivalent of two bowling balls doesn't mean there is not solutions for runners of all shapes and sizes! Our breasts should be caught on the way down like a shock absorber. Finding the motivation to run can be difficult but it should not be because we have large breasts.
So how do we change this statistic and when should we act upon it?
As a modern woman and mother, I know that I want to endorse brands that not only believe in the happiness of their buyers but also the wellbeing of the community. We can work together in order to reduce less waste, by changing our ways and creating awareness of how much product is being dumped into our landfills. We need to support our local businesses that are passionate about these same values and it all starts by utilizing our local charity systems and recycling practices to give back to those who need it the most. This brings us to Bloom Bras. We enforce sustainable practices in the factories of Sri Lanka. The factory has been built on land that can sustain itself, employing skilled workers from neighboring villages, with housing provided for those who have to travel for work. We use fresh spring mountain water to power our factory, grow fruits, vegetables, and rice to feed our employees. Each of our bras is sourced from high quality materials that are soft and comfortable to best suit you. With every Bloom Bra purchase you are buying into a more sustainable future.
Post from Bloom Bras Facebook Page on Feb 12th 2020
Elyse Kaye, Founder of Bloom Bras stated in efforts to raise breast cancer awareness made this statement, We will be donating sports bras to those survivors who are trying to get back on their feet. We want to hear your shout outs, sponsor your teams and be a part of your incredible journey. Each one of us has been affected or will be with a woman (or man) in our lives. The ability to embrace these platforms and products by helping the greater good is everything a consumer can ask for. I will always stand for a better future not only for women's health but for the planet.
So go and Support your local reusable businesses today!
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This week many of us in the U.S. faced the reality that we will be isolated in our homes for the next few weeks, if not months. Amidst fears surrounding Covid-19 and the economy, a hashtag popped up regarding another concern - weight gain. #TheQuarantine15 has been circulating social media, making a comparison to the freshman fifteen one is often assumed to gain during their first year in college. As the media takes this idea and runs with it we see the promotion of weight loss products being pushed on all platforms. That only further speaks to the ever present diet culture that is still so prevalent in society. Despite the more pressing issues of the global pandemic, we can't seem to escape the fat phobia and body shaming. However, we are here to tell you that #TheQuarantine15 is not a thing and we aren't fearing it. Here's how:
Be present
This is a new way of life. We most likely have different schedules and perhaps we don't have access to the food we usually do. But that's okay. By living in the present moment, we will learn what works for us and adjust accordingly with time. As Founder of I Weigh, Jameela Jamil, said recently, I know now might be an unsettling moment as you may be eating different foods, maybe more food, and moving around less, and generally just feeling out of control in life. Know that it's all going to be ok Click here to read her full post.
Release expectations
For many of us our roles are changing. Perhaps you're working from home or you've now found yourself homeschooling your children. It can be tempting to set goals for yourself that may not be realistic at this time. Instead, give yourself the space to navigate these new situations. Unnecessary pressure to perform a certain way does not help you, especially during times like this.
Be kind to yourself and each other
You're amazing just the way you are. This can be a traumatic time and it's important to tap into your whole being - mind, body, and spirit. Take the time to appreciate what your body is capable of in the here and now. As diet culture continues to push their body shaming agenda, we must strive to love ourselves and each other now more than ever. We have a unique opportunity to join together and support each other as a community. Here are some positive resources and people we are loving right now:
Prevent Pain
Boobs hurt!!! They should not and do not have to. According to Sarah Butler, in her article 8 Things to Know About Running and Your Breasts, while working out your breasts and tissue go through lots of movements such as moving up and down, side to side. All of these motions can lead to tissue damage in one's breasts (Butler, 2017). Most of which is irreversible. At the end of this blog, we will include some exercise tips while working out to maintain healthy breasts.
Boob Sweat Is Real!
Materials are essential in reducing that unwanted boob sweat or as we like to say humiditities. A requirement of all Bloom Bras community members is to have a sense of humor as breasts are just funny. We love a good sweat but come on now. Bloom Bras fabric is designed to be lightweight and regulate sweat while increasing airflow to the skin in a comfortable fashion.
Minimize Movement and Provide Support
Different physical activities require different levels of control needed. Yoga, walking and light exercise may only need what is considered light control for our less-endowed ladies but even our less jumpy activities need heavy lifting. Bicycling, running and other intense workouts require maximum support but that does not mean a complex suit of armor.
Three Exercises to Maintain Healthy Breasts
Whether you are a 36DD or a 40DD, wall push-ups are good for a big chest!
WRITTEN BY TATUM BLOCH8 Things to Know About Running and Your Breasts
]]>Surgical bras that have a front closure to make it easier post surgery are hard to find. Our team spent years evaluating all of the post-surgery bras on the market. Whether it be after shoulder surgery or mastectomy or post op for nerve damage, patients should find a breathable, comfortable, and easy-to-use solution that will not cause damage.
Recovery after any major operation requires rest and rehabilitation. Your body is healing. Your doctor will give you the prescribed plan. Comfort, ease of use, breathability and wire-free are key factors in selecting a bra. Pain and discomfort in the area are bad enough but awful underwire or hooks just make it that much worse Sports bras are often recommended during this sensitive time. Front-zip sports bras with wide straps are going to be the best option in most cases. Those with adjustable cups are even better. Your body could take 6-12 months to truly settle in depending on your type of surgery, recovery plan, age, even race.
We love to hear your stories as we are are all in this together. Please send them in to hello@bloombras.com
]]>Now, if you put 10 women who are all 38DDD next to one another, they will look very different based on body type, how they hold, age, race and desired outcome. Our bodies change throughout the month 10% naturally. If you are a B cup, no big deal but an F cup can fluctuate a full cup size. Things like hormones, time of the month, normal weight gain and loss, stress and even temperature can cause this.The average dress size in the US is now a 14/16 which is the equivalent to a 44/46 band. 70% of women are a D cup or above. So, why do most brands stop at way less than the national average?
The short answer is that sizing is hard - especially if you are an online sports bra brand. When I was developing Bloom Bras, I was passionate about having the most body inclusive line on the market designed for comfort, adjustability, breathability and without underwire. After talking to thousands and thousands of women, here is our guide to selecting the right size for you.
From puberty to pregnancy to perimenopause to the party years, our breasts grow, shrink, sag, so your size changes.
The most accurate way to get to your size is to take a tape measure and use our fit calculator. We suggest measuring under the bust and then around the back, across the nipple. And, brands will tell you to add 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 6 inches to the band size to calculate. Other brands like Third Love and Jockey have challenged conventional sizing. Because Bloom Bras are adjustable and without molded cups and underwire, they too will fit very differently which is why we offer free advice, exchanges and returns.
And then there is vanity sizing which is what companies like Victoria's Secret is famous for. They prey on the American general desire to have a smaller waist and a larger cup. So if you are a 34B and they tell you you are a 32C, we are trained to buy more. This has trained entire generations to believe they are a different bra size. Bra shopping has started to move online throughout the past few years because of the negative experiences.
Please help us be a part of the solution and send over your suggestions. In the meantimes, contact us with any questions.
]]>Whatever kind of lifestyle you lead, back pain can strike you down at any time. It's an incredibly common problem and once you've suffered from it, it's important to have a strategy for managing the symptoms because back pain is something that unfortunately tends to recur.
There is some good news though, which is that back pain is usually benign.
It is believed that 60% of those who suffer from acute lower-back pain recover in six weeks and up to 80-90% recover within 12 weeks, says Dr John Etherington, medical director at Pure Sports Medicine.
Having a set of exercises to manage your back pain will help, and you can find four moves recommended by Etherington below. Before that, however, you should check if your back pain is something that needs to be seen by a medical expert.
Some features can indicate more serious causes of back pain and you should seek immediate professional help, says Etherington. These features include:
Numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks Difficulty passing urine Loss of bladder or bowel control Chest pain Back pain associated with a high temperature of 38C or above Back pain associated with unexplained weight loss A swelling or deformity in your back Pain which does not improve after resting or is worse at night Prolonged stiffness in the morning usually lasting longer than one hour after getting up Pain which started after a serious accident, such as after a car accident
You should also seek professional help if the pain does not start to improve within a few weeks, stops you doing your day-to-day activities including work and sport, is very severe or gets worse over time, or you're worried about the pain or are struggling to cope, adds Etherington.
Lie on your side with your hips and knees flexed, head supported and arms extended in front of you with your hands together, says Etherington.
Protract your shoulder blade by reaching forwards with your top hand, then retract back and slowly lift your arm and rotate your trunk to reach the ground on the opposite side. Look at your fingertips during the entire movement to make sure you are rotating your spine and not just your arm. Come back to the starting position and repeat. Your lower back, hips and legs should remain still during the exercise.
Make sure to wear a supportive sports bra while doing this exercise to provide an added layer of comfort and stability.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor, says Etherington. Place your arms out to the sides for stability. Slowly lower your legs to one side until you feel a gentle stretch. Return to the central position and repeat. Keep your knees together during the movement.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart, and your arms by your sides, says Etherington.
Push through your heels and squeeze your glutes to lift your buttocks until your thighs are in line with your torso. Do not extend with your lower back. Lower and repeat.
Wrap a mini resistance band around your legs just above your knees, says Etherington. Turn your feet out slightly to 10 and 2 o'clock. Bend your knees just deep enough to place them over your toes, straighten your back and bend at the hips slightly. Keeping your knees are in line with your feet, side-step slowly, maintaining the half-squat and the slight external rotation of the legs. Step in one direction, then the other so you work both sides.
Written by Nick Harris-Fry for Coach and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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