Happy New You!

If going on a post-Christmas diet and taking more exercise is yet again one of your New Year resolutions, you will be interested to read how to improve your figure – instantly!

There may not be a quick fix to becoming healthier and fitter but there is a sure way to improve your figure in a matter of minutes.  It is a simple matter of underwear.

What you wear under you clothes can make or break an outfit.  We’ve all got bulges we’d rather forget but why draw attention to them by wearing ill-fitting underwear?  The new year is a great time to take a critical look at the contents of your lingerie drawer and weed out all the old comfy bras and tumble dryer-shrunk panties and head off to get yourself a brand new figure in the sales!

The Top Half
Amazingly, three quarters of women in the UK are not wearing the correct bra fitting and are unaware as to their accurate measurements. A professional bra fitting should be a must at least once a year, whatever your age, as the size of the breasts can change considerably due to weight loss/gain, pregnancy, and so on. You should think of buying a good, well-fitting bra as an investment with both present and future benefits.  Not only will it help prevent a drooping bust line in the future, but you will also immediately look noticeably slimmer and more in proportion - you might even find that waist you thought had gone forever!  

To make sure you have the right size, check that: 

• The back of your bra does not ride up, otherwise the under-band may be too big, and you could need a smaller size. 
• Your bra straps are not falling down or digging into your shoulders. If they are, adjust them or use wider straps or try shoulder savers. 
• Your flesh does not bulge over the top of your bra. If it does but feels fine everywhere else, the cup size is too small. 
• Your finger can pass under the band in front. Your bra should be comfortable but not tight, otherwise you need a larger band size. 
• The middle of your bra lies as flat as possible against your breastbone for a comfortable fit.
• Small Bust - try a balcony style bra, which can give you an enhanced neckline, excellent uplift, and a lovely, curvy shape. Half-cup styles also flatter a smaller bust; padding at the sides and under the bust give maximum lift. Avoid bras that have square-cut bust lines; they'll flatten you even more. 
• Large Bust – go for wider shoulder and back straps for firm support. Full cups give a better appearance and underwired bras provide better support. Smooth, plain styles, without too much lace, help to make your bust appear smaller.​ ​

The Bottom Half​
There is no excuse for visible panty lines (VPL); with so much choice available, every body shape should be able to find a cut and fit that’s right for you.  ​​

To make sure you are keeping those bums and tums under control:

• Buy bigger size panties than you think you will need.  This will eliminate VPL by ensuring the elastic doesn’t cut in.  Also pants are notorious for shrinking in the wash.
• Don’t be reluctant to try a tummy control panty.  You will need to make sure the fit is good and that your flesh does not roll up over the top when you sit down.  
• There are some fabulous all-in-ones around now – they will give you a pain-free (and cheaper) instant tummy tuck.  Try Bravissimo, Debenhams, House of Fraser.  You’ll be amazed at how svelte you’ll look.