measure ur size (=

How to Choose a Corset

2008-01-26T05:20:00.000-08:00

There are so many different corsets and corset-style tops around today, It can be difficult to differentiate and tell which are good value for money. This how-to should help you to know what to look for in a corset and hopefully stop you from getting ripped off.

Steps

Decide that you want a real corset, not just a bodice, you will need to look at the boning. All good quality modern corsets are made with steel boning of some kind, which serves the purpose of holding the fabric taut and stopping it from going into folds at your waist and bunching at the back where it laces up. The boning in tops and bodices is usually just thin plastic, so don't make the mistake of imagining you will be able to wear a normal boned top as a corset. To test if the boning is good enough, bend it quite sharply and it should spring back. If it kinks, it's a sure sign that it will dig in to your waist and be very uncomfortable.

It doesn't matter if the boning around the corset is slightly more flexible, as long as the bones at the front and back are fairly rigid.
Realize that an important feature to look for is the fabric. Even if you won't be "tight lacing", you still need a strong fabric like coutil, drill, heavyweight canvas etc. Corsets usually have a fashion fabric and a lining, so you might not be able to see the strong layer but you will be able to feel that it is quite tough. Take it in both hands and yank the fabric - It should feel very sturdy with no give whatsoever. If the fabric is thin enough to scrunch in your hand, it won't be sturdy enough. Incidentally, if the shop assistant thinks you're damaging it - it probably won't be strong enough!
Know that asteel busk is the usual fastening for the front of a corset, and with a very few exceptions it's really the only type of fastener which is strong enough. Normal wire hooks & eyes will not last long, and likewise zips are best avoided. A busk looks like a piece of fairly solid steel boning with loops and studs (a bit like hooks & eyes) attached. If a corset doesn't have a busk, it will need to have some other kind of solid boning down the front.
Know that laces down the back of the corset are usually flat cotton ones, like shoelaces.
Some types of ribbon can be used, but they have to be really strong. Eyelets should be very well attached, otherwise they might pop off. Check that they have washers on the back, rather than just gripping into the fabric. There should also be solid boning either side of the eyelets to distribute the tension.
Realize that style and fit of a corset can be the biggest issue especially if you are an unusual shape. Corsets are always sized by waist measurement, not dress size. The number on the label will be something like "22" "24" "26" etc, which is the actual measurement in inches of the waistline of the corset. You will need one about 4 inches smaller than your own waist, so you can lace in a bit and have a gap in the laces. Corsets are designed to give a curvy figure to an average-shaped person, so if you are already quite curvy, you might need to get a "tight lacing" corset which has bigger hips, or even better yet, get one made-to-measure.

Tips

When buying a corset online, ask what the bust and hip measurements are, so you know if it will suit your figure.
Buy the best you can afford, even if you have no intention of waist training.
If you are an unusual shape, or if you want to start serious waist training, you will probably need to get a corset made-to-measure
Look at how curvy a corset is. You will need one which is curvier than you already are.

Warnings

Corsets are expensive. However, you're not paying for some designer label to line their pockets, you're paying for the actual hours that are put into making it - it's a lot like haute couture fashion.
The most oft-repeated advice with corsets is that you get what you pay for! Most corsets are at least £100, so if it's only 20 quid it won't last 10 minutes.
Don't buy a (so called) corset from a high street chain store, they're only designed to last for about 3 christmas parties.

How to Choose the Right Swimsuit

2008-01-25T04:04:00.000-08:00

As summer approaches, the annual search for the perfect swimsuit has already begun for most women. While this search may often seem equally depressing and futile, it is possible to find the perfect swimsuit for your body shape, armed with the right information.

Steps

Throw out all of your old, ill-fitting swimsuits and start fresh with a renewed vision of your body.

Look in the mirror and honestly decide what particular body shape you have. There is no shape that you should be ashamed of, and knowing your particular body shape will greatly facilitate your swimsuit search.

Hit the stores with your shape in mind and look for the following types of swimsuits:

a) Short torso: If your body is short in proportion to your legs, you will want a swimsuit that gives the impression of litheness. Try a bikini with a halter-top to emphasize the bust and shoulders. Pair this top with bikini bottoms that sit low on the hips.

b) Long torso: To give the impression of long legs, try a one-piece swimsuit or bikini with high-cut legs. High-cut legs shorten the torso and lengthen the legs.

c) Pear shape: A pear shape has often been the plague of women, but it no longer needs to be so. To flatter a pear shape, try pairing an eye-catching bikini or tankini top with subdued bottoms in a dark color. This type of swimsuit will draw attention toward your more appealing characteristics.

d) Large bust: Thankfully for women of all bust sizes, swimsuit designers are now offering one-piece swimsuits and bikini tops with bra-style support. For a large bust, look for a straight across cut at the top of your swimsuit with wide set straps to minimize your bust. Also, be sure to try a bikini top with a hidden underwire for extra support.

e) Small bust: To add curves and subtle cleavage to a small bust, look for a bikini top with triangle-shaped cups and a tie-front. These features will add shape and the appearance of size to your small bust.

f) Plus size: In general, you will want to look for swimsuits in darker colors in a plus size, as these colors will have an overall minimizing effect. However, you do not have to rely solely upon black swimsuits. Deep reds and blues will have the same effect and are a bit more appropriate for summer fun. To accentuate curves, look for a fitted swimsuit with a defined waist and a high percentage of Lycra/spandex. A high-cut leg will also slim your legs and hips.

Check the swimsuits out. After you have chosen a few swimsuits to try on, try to view them in as natural light as possible. Dressing room lights are often harsh and very unflattering.

Buy what fits well. Overall, you should choose the swimsuit that you feel most comfortable to display around your family and friends. One of the best-kept secrets of sexiness is feeling comfortable within your own skin.

Tips

A lot of swimsuit stores offer helpful information for finding the right swimsuit fit for your body. Be sure to visit a few sites listed in external links

Always be honest with yourself about your swimsuit fit. If your skin is bulging anywhere, you may need to try a larger size. Bathing suit sizes tend to be very different, and more traditional than most clothing. According to traditional sizing, a girl who is 5'7" and 110 is a size 8.

Swimsuits tend to enlarge a bit when wet, so make sure that your swimsuit is not already too large when you buy it. You definitely don't want to lose it when you dive into a pool!

How to Measure Your Neck Size and Sleeve Length

2008-01-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Are you planning to buy a dress shirt for yourself or for a male friend? Here is how to measure one's neck size and sleeve length.

Steps

Measuring Neck Size

Wrap the measuring tape around the neck, beginning at the Adam's apple.
Come fully around the neck, leaving no dangling space in between the neck and the tape.
Note the measured number. This is the actual neck size. The dress shirt size will be half an inch bigger. For example, if you measure your neck to be exactly 15 inches around, then your dress shirt size will be 15½.
Your neck size should range between about 14 - 19 inches.

Measuring Sleeve Length

Have the man that you are measuring stand still, with his arms falling naturally to his sides.
Begin at the middle of the upper back, as shown in the picture to the right.
Measure the length from the middle of the upper back to the stitching located at the shoulder of the shirt. Remember this value.
Measure the length from the top stitching on the shoulder to the bottom of the wrist. Be careful not to measure too high above the wrist, or the dress shirt's sleeves will come out to be too short.
Add these two values together to determine your sleeve length. The value should range anywhere from about 32 - 37 inches.

Tips

The table above shows an approximation of sleeve lengths to dress shirt sizes. Your sleeve length may be longer or shorter, depending on your height and other factors, such as the natural length of your arms.
If you are at a retailer, have a salesperson measure your neck size and sleeve length for you!
When trying on a dress shirt, your collar should feel comfortable around your neck, and not tight. You should be able to fit two fingers [one overlapping the other] into the shirt with ease.

Warnings

When measuring sleeve length, be careful not to measure too high above or too far below the wrist, otherwise the sleeves will come out to be too short/too long. A good rule of thumb is to measure to the bottom of the small bump in your wrist.

Things You'll Need

measuring tape
a friend to help out

How to measure your ring size accurately

2008-01-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

How do I measure ring size?

This is perhaps the most commonly asked question while shopping for rings online. For this reason, we have an entire section dedicated to guiding you on how to measure your ring size. We feel it is important to state that when purchasing a wedding ring you should be 100% sure that the ring is the right one for you.

*The best way of doing this is to get your finger measured by your local jeweler.

Ring Sizer

In order to print the ring sizer above, be sure that your printer is set to 100%. In other words, make sure that you have not reduced the print size in 'Page Setup'. You can verify that the sizer has printed correctly by measuring it with a ruler; it should measure from left to right: 3 3/8 inches. Once you have printed the sizer, you need to cut it out and then use the following directions to find your ring size: 1. Wrap a piece of loose string around your finger. Be sure to allow for the size of your knuckle. 2. With a pen, mark the point on the string where the end meets. 3. Using the chart, place the end of the string on the left hand line next to the letter "A" and stretch the string along the sizer toward the numbers. 4. The pen mark on your string should line up with a number to indicate your ring size.

Below is a chart of ring sizes to help our international customers figure out how to measure ring sizes.

To determine your ring size, do the following:

Use a piece of string or dental floss and wrap it around the base of your finger.
Use a pen to mark the point on the string where the end meets.
Use a millimeter ruler to measure the string.
Choose the closest measurement to the chart above to find your ring size.

Tips for best results:

Allow enough room to accommodate your knuckle.
Bear in mind, different fingers on the same and the opposite hand may have different sizes. Therefore, measure the specific finger on which you are planning to wear the ring.

How to Measure Your Bra Size

2007-12-27T00:24:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, 80% of women wear the wrong size bra. The most common mistake is wearing a band size which is too big, and/or a cup size which is too small. Although the average bra size is often quoted as 36C, most people who wear this size should actually be wearing a 34D or 34DD bra. Cup sizes are relative to the band size, so a D cup, for example, is not the same size in every bra. A 32D is the same size as a 34C or 36B, but on a smaller frame. A 28F is actually 2 cup sizes smaller than a 38D. You may not think of yourself as being busty, but in moving to a smaller band size you will find that you need a bigger cup size.
Your bra size changes as your weight fluctuates throughout the seasons and the years. Sometimes you go for so long wearing a specific size that you don't realize it doesn't fit well anymore and you stop noticing the discomfort. If you're looking for a better fit, here's how to find your true bra size.

Steps

Wear your best supporting bra. The bra doesn't have to fit perfectly. The objective is to get your breasts to the position that the ideal bra would support, with the weight suspended comfortably. This step is optional, however, so if you can't find a bra with good support, continue with the measurements.
Measure your band size. Run a tape measure all the way around your body just underneath your breasts and take a measurement in inches. Make sure the tape measure is horizontal and fairly snug. Your arms should be down. Round to the nearest even number. This should be your band size. For instance, if you measured 31 inches, your band size should be 32. If you measured 34.5 inches, your band size should be 34.
Many bra fitting guides will tell you to add four or five inches to your underbust measurement, but this method was devised in the 1930s when bra design was in its infancy and does not work with modern bras.
Measure your bust size. Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust in inches (not too tightly or the measurement will be inaccurate). If you don't have a bra, or if the one you have is very poorly fitting, bend over so your back is parallel to the floor and measure around your chest, over your nipples. Round this measurement up to the nearest whole number.
Calculate your cup size. Subtract the band size measurement from the bust measurement and determine your cup size as follows: (The cup size calculation may be less accurate for larger cup sizes.)
- less than 1 inch = AA cup
- 1 inch = A cup
- 2 inches = B cup
- 3 inches = C cup
- 4 inches = D cup
- 5 inches = DD cup
- 6 inches = E cup (US DDD)
- 7 inches = F cup (US DDDD)
- 8 inches = FF cup
- 9 inches = G cup
Try on a bra with the band size and cup size you've arrived at in these steps. Because there can be wide variations in how bras are manufactured as well as differences between different styles of bras, this size should be starting point.
Check the band size. The correct band size is the smallest you can comfortably wear. It needs to be tight enough that the bra is still fairly supportive without weighing down on the straps.
You should be able to run your fingers around the inside of the band, but not much more.
It should fit on the biggest adjustment, but will probably be too tight if you try to fasten it on the smallest size. Bras are designed to fit like this to leave room for the bra to stretch after you've worn it a few times.
If the band is painfully tight, even on the biggest adjustment, then go up a band size (and down a cup size to compensate). For example, if a 32D is too tight, try a 34C.
If the band is loose enough for you to be able to comfortably fasten it on the tightest adjustment, try a smaller band (e.g. 32D -> 30DD).
Check the cup size. The correct cup size is the biggest you can completely fill out. You should fill out the cups, but not bulge out anywhere.
Check both the top of the bra and the sides for bulging.
Make sure the underwire encloses your whole breast and is flush against your rib cage.
If the cup size is too big, go down a size.
If it is too small, or even if it seems to fit, try on a bigger cup size as well to double check.

Tips

This measurement applies to the US and UK, but it can be translated into bra sizes for other countries using an international bra size calculator.
Cup sizes above D tend to vary much less reliably between manufacturers. Some brands go to the next letter of the alphabet for every added inch, while other brands may simply add on the same letter for every inch.
A well-fitted bra should provide support from the band, not the straps. You should be able to take off the straps and still feel supported by the bra.
Always try on a bra before you buy, and keep an open mind about your size.
It is possible to find out your bra size without a tape measure. If you already wear a bra which seems to fit well in the cup, but is roomy around the band, you can go down a band size and up a cup size until you get to a size you can only just fasten - this is the right size. (e.g. 36C -> 34D -> 32DD)
If you have uneven cup sizes, go with the bigger side. You can support the smaller breast by making that shoulder strap slightly shorter, or alternatively you can pad out the cup.

Warnings

As mentioned above, this is only to give you an approximate idea of what size to try on first. Women come in all shapes and sizes, and bra size can be affected by back proportions, breast shape, pectoral muscle mass, and so on. All of these factors can interact to affect your bra size in ways that are impossible to predict.
Ignore anyone who claims to be able to tell you your size with certainty from your measurements - especially if they tell you to add several inches to your underbust measurement. Just like dress sizes, bra sizing has changed over the years, and the old method does not work for modern bras.
If you have previously been told your size, but now find that a different size fits better, just wear the size that fits! The fit is more important than the number on the tape measure.
Don't be tempted to buy the wrong size because it's cheaper.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Bras to try on