Ask the Mouse your lingerie questions...

[Endless_Night]

Like GrrlFriday I tend to "button gap" in fitted shirts. Clearly I need to be sized.

I also have a brand question. Like most women, I'm not perfectly symmetrical. The difference is minimal, but it drives me crazy to have even a slight gap in my cup. As a result I prefer balcony (I think?) styles. Since the cut is lower it eliminates any potential gapping. Do you have any brands you suggest for that particular style?

Love the Lise Charmel! Particularly the Romantique Desir and the Jetee de Fleur collections. Yum.

There is a lingerie specialty store 15 minutes from my house that looks like it carries the brand. Hmmm. I dropped in there once before when bra shopping and had a very moderate experience. I'm doubtful about revisiting. Still, there are other stores closer to downtown.

 

[CutieMouse]

Like GrrlFriday I tend to "button gap" in fitted shirts. Clearly I need to be sized.

I also have a brand question. Like most women, I'm not perfectly symmetrical. The difference is minimal, but it drives me crazy to have even a slight gap in my cup. As a result I prefer balcony (I think?) styles. Since the cut is lower it eliminates any potential gapping. Do you have any brands you suggest for that particular style?

Love the Lise Charmel! Particularly the Romantique Desir and the Jetee de Fleur collections. Yum.

There is a lingerie specialty store 15 minutes from my house that looks like it carries the brand. Hmmm. I dropped in there once before when bra shopping and had a very moderate experience. I'm doubtful about revisiting. Still, there are other stores closer to downtown.

I have yet to meet a woman without some sort of size difference. i've always dealt with it by putting them in lace - a demi or balcony with a vertical seam usually does the trick. (Plus always make sure you lean forward and pull the breast tissue to the front, then stand up and adjust again.) If that doesn't work with your figure, you might try a "3-part cup" (Chantelle Rive Gauche has a demi and a 3 part cup; great fit) - the seams help the bra "wrap" the breast, creating a more balanced structure.

Oh, and if you're planning on buying Lise Charmel, you will drop bank. Just warning ya. (The ePure line tends to run around $125-$160 per bra; the fashion lines are more in the $225+ range. Panties are usually $95-$150+.)

 

[LWulf]

Hmm... I'll try one last time asking this.

First I asked a lady from here, then I was talking to a bunch of strippers in a forum. I've heard it referred to as "butt floss" since it became en vogue which connotes a degree of discomfort.

Thongs.

Does it chafe when you first start wearing it or no?

The lady here said yes, the strippers gave me the horse's laugh ("hell no"). Is this one of those "some do and some don't" or is it just possible when you don't know what size to buy and bought a pair too small or is it just the awkwardness for the uninitiated?

I rather imagine it would be similar to a wedgie.

"Stripper wear" is typically more heavy duty in one matter of respect, or so a stripper GF told me long ago. I never asked about comfort. Perhaps since they wear it daily and while doing all forms of articulations of their bodies, chafing would be a bad issue with a "cheap" pair so they buy better brands?

It's part of a story...

 

[CutieMouse]

Hmm... I'll try one last time asking this.

First I asked a lady from here, then I was talking to a bunch of strippers in a forum. I've heard it referred to as "butt floss" since it became en vogue which connotes a degree of discomfort.

Thongs.

Does it chafe when you first start wearing it or no?

The lady here said yes, the strippers gave me the horse's laugh ("hell no"). Is this one of those "some do and some don't" or is it just possible when you don't know what size to buy and bought a pair too small or is it just the awkwardness for the uninitiated?

I rather imagine it would be similar to a wedgie.

"Stripper wear" is typically more heavy duty in one matter of respect, or so a stripper GF told me long ago. I never asked about comfort. Perhaps since they wear it daily and while doing all forms of articulations of their bodies, chafing would be a bad issue with a "cheap" pair so they buy better brands?

It's part of a story...

Not to my knowledge, but bottoms (thongs, g-strings, tangas, bikinis, boyshorts girlshorts, etc) tend to be a very personal some do/some don't kind of thing.

For example, years ago I was told by multiple people that THE thong to own was a Hanky Panky. It was supposed to be the most comfortable thong on the planet, and felt like you weren't wearing anything at all.

So I bought one to try.

HATED the damn thing. Most uncomfortable piece of lace I've ever worn. I'll wear HP boyshorts or retro briefs, and I do own a retro thong by them, but it's the last thing I grab when I need a basic black bottom. I've also never met anyone with as strong of an aversion to them, as myself.

I don't wear thongs. Period. It doesn't matter who they're by, I just hate the feel on my body. It isn't a chaffing issue; just... blech.

 

[Loverskitten]

And to further prove the point that it's a personal preference thing, I only wear thongs (or nothing sometimes)
No chafing lol.
I do have styles of thongs I prefer, low rise, with fabric through the back. There are some with just a piece of elastic up the back, I don't like those.

 

[LWulf]

Not to my knowledge, but bottoms (thongs, g-strings, tangas, bikinis, boyshorts girlshorts, etc) tend to be a very personal some do/some don't kind of thing.

For example, years ago I was told by multiple people that THE thong to own was a Hanky Panky. It was supposed to be the most comfortable thong on the planet, and felt like you weren't wearing anything at all.

So I bought one to try.

HATED the damn thing. Most uncomfortable piece of lace I've ever worn. I'll wear HP boyshorts or retro briefs, and I do own a retro thong by them, but it's the last thing I grab when I need a basic black bottom. I've also never met anyone with as strong of an aversion to them, as myself.

I don't wear thongs. Period. It doesn't matter who they're by, I just hate the feel on my body. It isn't a chaffing issue; just... blech.

Hmm. Thanks for the input. So, an unequivocal maybe? Have you decided to run for office yet?

Seriously, thanks for taking the time to respond. Perhaps the "discomfort" that was implied to me (by the used term "butt floss") was the same reaction of "bleck." Who knows...

And to further prove the point that it's a personal preference thing, I only wear thongs (or nothing sometimes)
No chafing lol.
I do have styles of thongs I prefer, low rise, with fabric through the back. There are some with just a piece of elastic up the back, I don't like those.

I used to know a local girl/bikini model that wore something like that. Her name was Angel Boris and each Sunday she would come to the local bar and wear a one piece bikini in the bikini contest, with a "fishing line back". When she turned around, she looked butt naked. Later on Angel became a centerfold, proving J. Geils' lyrics.

 

[Endless_Night]

Probably a silly question, but should sports bras only be worn once a week as well?

Oh, and if you're planning on buying Lise Charmel, you will drop bank. Just warning ya. (The ePure line tends to run around $125-$160 per bra; the fashion lines are more in the $225+ range. Panties are usually $95-$150+.)

After looking at your link I Firefoxed Lise Charmel to get an idea on cost. Pricey, but I can live with $200 for a good (and pretty!) bra. It's the $100+ panties that are giving me fits.

 

[Endless_Night]

A Mouse question or anyone else with an answer...

I'm starting to need some new bras, but I'm not sure good places to shop here in Australia. We do HAVE Victoria's Secrets (where I roughly know my size), but I know that it's even MORE expensive. Suggestions on shops? I don't have any special boob needs that need to be catered to...just normal smaller boobs

I'm not sure if Mouse saw this so I'll toss in a suggestion. There are a few online places that carry several of the brands she's mentioned throughout the thread.

Good luck!

 

[bhndblueyes88]

I'm not sure if Mouse saw this so I'll toss in a suggestion. There are a few online places that carry several of the brands she's mentioned throughout the thread.

Good luck!

I'm always REALLY hesitant to buy clothes online. I'm pretty easy to fit bra-wise, but in general I like to try clothes on before I buy them. Considering how much wear and tear I put my clothes through, I want them to last and be comfortable!!

 

[CutieMouse]

Probably a silly question, but should sports bras only be worn once a week as well?



After looking at your link I Firefoxed Lise Charmel to get an idea on cost. Pricey, but I can live with $200 for a good (and pretty!) bra. It's the $100+ panties that are giving me fits.

Depending on how gross it gets, I'll wear my sports bra twice between washings.

And the only down side to wearing $150 panties, is it impacts your desire to wear anything cheaper.

 

[CutieMouse]

I'm always REALLY hesitant to buy clothes online. I'm pretty easy to fit bra-wise, but in general I like to try clothes on before I buy them. Considering how much wear and tear I put my clothes through, I want them to last and be comfortable!!

I wish I knew something to suggest, but I am a landlocked American; Texan to boot. I have no clue where to suggest you shop.

 

[bhndblueyes88]

I wish I knew something to suggest, but I am a landlocked American; Texan to boot. I have no clue where to suggest you shop.

That's fine ^_^ Just didn't know if youd heard something through your lacy grapevine

 

[Ahlam]

Thank you for this thread, Cutie Mouse. It is very informative and helpful.

 

[graceanne]

So, I'm helping my mom and aunts go through my grandma's stuff (she died last year), and we found some what appears to be beautiful old lingerie (slips and pretty nighties) that were my grandma's. The only person in my family who'd be small enough to wear them (my grandma was only 5' tall and never weight over 120 lbs in her life - not even pregnant) would my my 12 year old (full grown at 4'11" and weighs 110 lbs) who wouldn't. I mean, I'm going to pull out one slip for her, as I think every woman should own a slip, and finding ones in her size is easier said than done, but I was wondering - how do I tell if any of this is worth any money? Or should we just donate it all to the goodwill?

 

[CutieMouse]

So, I'm helping my mom and aunts go through my grandma's stuff (she died last year), and we found some what appears to be beautiful old lingerie (slips and pretty nighties) that were my grandma's. The only person in my family who'd be small enough to wear them (my grandma was only 5' tall and never weight over 120 lbs in her life - not even pregnant) would my my 12 year old (full grown at 4'11" and weighs 110 lbs) who wouldn't. I mean, I'm going to pull out one slip for her, as I think every woman should own a slip, and finding ones in her size is easier said than done, but I was wondering - how do I tell if any of this is worth any money? Or should we just donate it all to the goodwill?

The vintage lingerie market really fell apart when the economy started to go south. It's one of those luxury things, so once luxury funds went bye bye, so did the market.

Most brick & mortar vintage shops won't accept vintage lingerie, so selling person to person isn't much of an option. You could try checking prices on eBay or Etsy, but unless there is something seriously rare, it might be better to donate everything and take the tax write off.

 

[Endless_Night]

So, in my quest to become less ignorant on the subject of lingerie, I have a brand question. What are you thoughts on La Perla? It seems to be quite expensive, up in the Lise Charmel fashion lines range.

The vintage lingerie market really fell apart when the economy started to go south. It's one of those luxury things, so once luxury funds went bye bye, so did the market.

Too bad. Vintage lingerie could be wickedly hot!

 

[CutieMouse]

So, in my quest to become less ignorant on the subject of lingerie, I have a brand question. What are you thoughts on La Perla? It seems to be quite expensive, up in the Lise Charmel fashion lines range.



Too bad. Vintage lingerie could be wickedly hot!

La Perla does GORGEOUS things with lace. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

Unfortunately, IMO, it doesn't size well. And on the bras the seam construction leaves a lot to be desired re: strength and lift. If you have what I like to call the "Italian model body" - small, firm bust [maybe up to a D, if you're a perfectly formed D], slender hips - La Perla is awesome. If your body is a bit more... lived in? IMO, not worth the money.

I've seen La Perla run $175-$300+ range for the bras; $150+ for the bottoms; chemises/ etc tend to hit the $600+ range.

In comparison, Lise Charmel (gotta admit I'm heavily biased, because I own several sets and they fit beautifully) has a stronger and more supportive construction, with equally stunning lace. And, it fits a much wider range of body types (B - F[ish], usually).

Lise Charmel basics tend to be in the $135-$175 range; their fashion pieces are usually around $225+ for the bra; $150+ for the bottom.

 

[MeekMe]

This thread makes me cry a little when I see these prices. Mister would murder me if I spent so much on a bra. @_@ I really, really want nicer lingerie.

What do you suggest for a set of boobs that get a size bigger a week or two out of the month? Should I invest in bigger bras for that time? Is it ok to stuff them into the size I regularly fit? I don't really know what the right thing to do in this case is.

~_~;

 

[CutieMouse]

This thread makes me cry a little when I see these prices. Mister would murder me if I spent so much on a bra. @_@ I really, really want nicer lingerie.

What do you suggest for a set of boobs that get a size bigger a week or two out of the month? Should I invest in bigger bras for that time? Is it ok to stuff them into the size I regularly fit? I don't really know what the right thing to do in this case is.

~_~;

I have a snobby attitude about lingerie. I consider it to be a complete waste of money, to spend less than $90-$100 on a bra. In my experience, lower price points than that, end up wearing out faster, and getting replaced more frequently.

The more you own, the longer they last, the lower the cost-per-wear. At retail price, I rarely wear anything that is less than $150, but I own so freaking much lingerie, that the daily "cost" ends up around .17, because I expect my lingerie to last 4-5 years (on average).

My best advice if your size fluctuates throughout the month, would be to focus on lace bras, instead of the foam molded type. The lace will stretch and "work" with the fluctuations in your size, more than the foam stye will.


Chantelle Rive Gauche is the bra I'd usually suggest, when someone had issues with fluctuating sizes; the 3 part fuller cup tends to help.

 

[LWulf]

...My best advice...

You should write a book.

 

[Endless_Night]

i'm really attracted to the Lise Charmel line. (Naturally. ) What is the primary difference between the basic and the fashion pieces?

You should write a book.

Yes, please!

 

[Loverskitten]

The vintage lingerie market really fell apart when the economy started to go south. It's one of those luxury things, so once luxury funds went bye bye, so did the market.

Most brick & mortar vintage shops won't accept vintage lingerie, so selling person to person isn't much of an option. You could try checking prices on eBay or Etsy, but unless there is something seriously rare, it might be better to donate everything and take the tax write off.

I love vintage lingerie. I even 2 slips as a dress sometimes. I also converted a damaged 20's nightgown into a top. Maybe your daughter will love the stuff.

Also can't hurt to check labels through eBay. There are collectors of certain brands out there.

 

[CutieMouse]

i'm really attracted to the Lise Charmel line. (Naturally. ) What is the primary difference between the basic and the fashion pieces?

Sorry for the huge images, I grabbed the first ones I could find, and didn't expect them to be so freaking big.

ePure by Lise Charmel - Simple, basic, no (or few) frills, and some of the comfiest stuff you will ever wear. I think the bra below retails around $135.

Their fashion pieces, in comparison -the bra is designed, then sewn in tulle. After the basic framework is put together, the lace is embroidered in a "mirror" pattern (perfect match on both sides). Detail is added to the straps, decoration to the bridge (middle), 3 layers of memory foam cushioning are in the underwire casing, and then the underwire is installed by hand. The laces are usually proprietary (exclusive to LC), the bra will probably have 50-60+ pieces in the construction process, and take 2-ish+ hours to put together. The bra below probably retails around $235? $250?

 

[MeekMe]

I have a snobby attitude about lingerie. I consider it to be a complete waste of money, to spend less than $90-$100 on a bra. In my experience, lower price points than that, end up wearing out faster, and getting replaced more frequently.

The more you own, the longer they last, the lower the cost-per-wear. At retail price, I rarely wear anything that is less than $150, but I own so freaking much lingerie, that the daily "cost" ends up around .17, because I expect my lingerie to last 4-5 years (on average).

My best advice if your size fluctuates throughout the month, would be to focus on lace bras, instead of the foam molded type. The lace will stretch and "work" with the fluctuations in your size, more than the foam stye will.


Chantelle Rive Gauche is the bra I'd usually suggest, when someone had issues with fluctuating sizes; the 3 part fuller cup tends to help.

I do agree in the cost situation, I just don't have funds up front to spend like that.

With lace bras, do you ever hear complaints about the lace showing through under clothing? Like a big bumpy mess?

 

[CutieMouse]

I do agree in the cost situation, I just don't have funds up front to spend like that.

With lace bras, do you ever hear complaints about the lace showing through under clothing? Like a big bumpy mess?

I only wear lace, because my body type doesn't accommodate the foam style well. At all. (hoooooray for being small busted & nursing a million-and-three children! )

The reason I often suggest the Rive Gauche by Chantelle, is because it's a pretty smooth lace. The seams may show a bit, but as bras break in, the material softens up (flattens), and the seams diminish (flatten).

The blue fashion piece I used as a Lise Charmel example? I own a few of their bras, in similar styles (heavy embroidered lace), and wear them under t-shirts and modal knit tops all the time without any issues. They might have been a teensy bit "bumpy" at the very beginning, but they were broken in within a month or so.

I don't know your size, but there are plenty of seamless, non-foam contour bras out there, as well.

Trocadero

Andora 3D This one is a good option if you still want the foam, but need something that will "give" a bit when you're fuller. It's made from a spacer foam, so it's lighter weight, a bit stretchier, more breathable, etc. Awesome fit, and I think it goes up to an F (DDD in American sizing).

Inspiration (molded) is another good non-foam option. Smooth cup, no lines, and able to accommodate a bit of a size change, if things fluctuate.

If you worry about "flashing" in a thinner bra, there are nipple shields (Dimr's or Top Hats are two brands) you can use. Re-useable silicone pasties, that hide the nipple.

Oh, and the first link I offered was herroom.com - excellent site for online purchases, as far as I've heard. They have a really well designed site, I've never heard bad things about the customer service, and I think they do free shipping both ways if you aren't happy with a purchase. (And their sales are really good. )