Andrew Christian Buttock Lifting Undergear

Today we feature these amazing boxer briefs by Andrew Christian which lift the buttocks with the help of the lifting support hidden in the back seems. No straps, no padding, or other embarrassing stuff any more

Babydolls

Overview

Sheer, stretch mesh chemise with ruffled leopard print trim.

Description

A matching G string completes the set. The cups are lightly padded and underwired. The suspenders are adjustable and detachable.


Colour: Red and leopard print

Size: 34B, 34C, 34D, 34DD, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36DD, 38B, 38C, 38D, 38DD

Material: 91% Polyamide, 9% Elastane

Bra Sets

Overview

Bra with ruffled mesh trim and matching suspender briefs.

Description

The bra is lightly padded and underwired. The briefs have suspenders attached, which are adjustable and detachable.


Colour: Pink and black

Size: 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34DD, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36DD, 38C, 38D, 38DD

Material: 91% Polyamide, 9% Elastane

String Thongs

The key difference between the traditional thong and the string thong is almost explained in the name. A thong is identifiable from a string thong by the stretch of fabric that connects the front of the garment – known as the pounch – and the back of the garment strings that go between the buttocks. On a string thong, this strip of material is exactly as the name suggests – a string, where the thong in itself has a much wider strip of fabric. Most people were aware of the G-string thong, the most common type of string thong, before the thong itself. The two are, in basic form, the same, with a few identifiable differences.

G-String thongs are also very rarely tied – they are complete garments which are put on and removed in their entirety. Conventional thongs are sometimes tied at the hips, particularly on bikini bottoms whereas a slight difference in design makes this difficult for the G-string thong. With the G-string thong, it would be very uncomfortable to secure it in place with a tie due to the narrowness of the connecting strip of fabric and the cut of the strings against the body.

However, this is not the entire story. Even within the category of string thongs, there are many different styles available. Although the aforementioned G-string cannot be tied at the hips, the slightly modified – and lesser known – V-string does manage this possibility with a few design modifications. This is due to a V-shape, created by extra strings, that sits at the top of the buttocks and provides a little more support. This small difference aside, the V-string and G-string thongs are the same.

Even less well known is the C-string, which is a thong completely without support around the waist or sides. For this reason, it is known as ‘invisible’, as it completely reduces all visible ‘panty’ lines. The C-string consists of a uniquely designed structure that allows the garment to fully support itself without ties at the waist or sides – the only truly visible part of the C-string is when viewing it from the front. This style is becoming increasingly popular with swimwear manufacturer’s, where even the thin strips of hip and waist material of conventional thongs can create tanlines, where a C-string shows none. However, for many women it is simply not a secure enough garment for everyday use.

String thongs have the unfortunate association with the sex industry, particularly strippers, due to how revealing they are. Although the G-string has been well known in modern culture for many years, it was only with the introduction of the thong – and the wider strip of connecting fabric between the legs – that thongs went mainstream.

There is also the problem of menstruation, as any woman needed to use a sanitary product would have no place for it just with the thin string of a string thong. This is also a problem for the thong itself, but sanitary manufacturer’s have now begun to introduce pantyliners which are small enough to sit neatly inside of the fabric. However, no matter how inventive the manufacturer’s of sanity products get, it is unlikely they will find something that works while still fitting within the string section. But for any other time of the month, string thongs are a good choice providing you find them comfortable and buy one that is a good fit.

Silk Stockings

There is nothing quite so effortlessly timeless as silk stockings when it comes to lingerie. Just the description conjures images of luxury, sensuality and the body beautiful – and what UK woman doesn’t want a little of that in her life?

Silk itself is regarded as one of the most luxurious items a woman can own and is an incredibly popular choice when it comes to high-end lingerie. Although the stocking has it’s basis in nylon material, silk stockings have been in production since the second World War, and demand for them is not likely to stop any time soon.

Perhaps the most instantly recognisable of silk stockings are those that come up to mid-thigh and are secured in place by a suspender belt. When made of silk, these stockings are glamorous and sensual to the extreme. A woman dressed only in silk stockings, a garter belt, a bra and a pair of killer high heels is just timeless in its elegance and, of course, it’ sexuality.

If you’ve never owned a pair of silk stockings, I strongly recommend you try them and see what all the fuss is about. There is a very good reason the concept is a byword for elegance, glamour and sexual appeal.

Another of the more well known type of silk stockings are those referred to as ‘hold ups’. Rather than needing an accompanying suspender belt, these are satin stockings that hold their place on the leg by themselves, usually using elastic or silicone. These are used to a varying degree of success, and you may need to try several different sizes and brands before you find a pair that fit your legs correctly and do indeed ‘hold up’. They are, however, infinitely more suitable for day-to-day life than stockings and a suspender belt, and are usually more comfortable than tights (which are basically stockings with underwear attached).

It is true that silk stockings are not the most practical of garments and are perhaps not ideal for wearing to the office, but for a night out or a special occasion, they are a supreme choice. Firstly, the feel of the material against your bare legs is incredibly thrilling. It just brings to mind images of extreme luxury and indulgence, so allow yourself to have a small ‘I’m worth it’ moment. During the World Wars, due to rationing the supply for nylon stockings was at an all time low. Women were so desperate to achieve the look a variety of ways of creating the false impressive of stockings were devised, the most popular being women simply drawing a line down the bag of their legs to create the impression of a seam being there and thus indicating the presence of stockings – and that was just nylons! There is a little guilty pleasure in not only wearing stockings so frivolously, but them being silk no less, that most high-end of materials.

Christmas Stockings

One of the most established holiday traditions in Western society, the Christmas stocking is synonymous with the anticipation of the big day. Anyone who takes a moment to picture the scene conjured up in their mind by the phrase “Christmas stocking” will almost inevitably picture a roaring fire in an old brick hearth , with tinsel and holly taking prominent positions as the “halls” are “decked” in preparation for the 25th of December. There are few things more Christmassy than that, when it coes down to it.

But where does the idea come from? Do you know the full story? Until recently I didn’t, and it’s a shame because the story is a lovely one. A poor man had three daughters, but despaired of ever seeing them marry because in those days the bride’s father was expected to pay a dowry to his daughter’s fiancé. Unable to raise a dowry, the old man believed they would remain single and feared for his daughters’ happiness (which goes to show how old the story is – many women these days would give anything to be single again).

Anyway, one evening the daughters washed their clothes and went to bed. While the family slept, a young man named Nicholas visited the house and looked in the window, where he saw the daughters’ stockings hanging by the fire. At this, Nicholas reached into his money pouch and drew out three small bags of gold. He threw one nag into each stocking, and when the daughters awoke in the morning and went to get dressed, they found enough money in their stockings to allow them to marry. You see, Nicholas was the young man who would go on to become Saint Nicholas, who we know better these days as Santa Claus.

As a result of this story, children have taken to hanging stockings close to the fire, and into these stickings go small presents (generally not enough to pull together a dowry though). In many places you can buy special small bags of chocolate “coins” wrapped in gold foil as a “stocking filler”, as a nod to the old story. Of course, the world being what it is, “stocking fillers” these days tend to be more in the order of CDs and jewellery, but hey – at least they’re still shiny and mostly circular. But there’s no reason it has to be that way . why not use your imagination this Christmas and give someone a truly thoughtful stocking filler?

Sexy Stockings

The word “stocking” describes a close-fitting elastic garment - much like a sock but longer and (usually) made of thinner fabric. The word comes from “stock”, which in times past used to be the word used to describe the lower part of the body. You learn something new every day, and perhaps this can be our new thing for today.

Anyway, that’s where the word comes from, but as we all know language is constantly updating itself and, in the present day, stockings tend to be a shorter form of what we know as “tights”. Combined with suspenders, stockings are famously thought of as a rather racy form of underwear. Their shortness exposes a few inches more flesh while importantly still keeping a bit hidden – giving them an aspect of titillation in comparison to the longer, more demure tights. Held up by suspenders, a pair of stockings are likely to have an effect on a man (or, indeed, a woman) that is hard to match.

Because there is an element of intricacy to a set of stockings and suspenders, they send out the message that an effort has been made – although technically this is an item of underwear, it is worn largely for the purpose of being seen, which gives out the suggestion of liberation and barely suppressed intent. And because it’s just a suggestion, nothing is overtly said or promised, leaving everything to the imagination. The imagination, as we all know, is a very powerful thing, and when you want to make an impression you can confidently expect it to do a lot of the work for you.

The other thing about stockings is that they’re not straightforward. To hold them up, they mostly need to be clipped to a suspender belt and if they can be clipped on, they can also be clipped off – in some ways it is as though the garment is being worn as much for the joy of taking it off. Again, this is left unsaid, the imagination is allowed to do the work and there’s a kind of cheeky exhibitionism to it all. Knowing that you are being looked at, being desired and admired, can be more thrilling than any physical touch.

Finally, while a set of stockings is well-known as an erotic stimulation, there’s a bit more to them than that. As they tend to be made of sheer fabric – often lace – there is a touch of class to wearing stockings which doesn’t need to have anything to do with being seen. No-one else absolutely has to know that you are wearing them. Just having such a classy item in close proximity to your body can be a real boost to your confidence, giving you that extra ten per cent that can make you feel like the most important person in the room. Either way, if you’re wearing a good pair of stockings, you’re the one in control.

Bodystockings

The bodystocking is a prime example of how a very functional idea can become something entirely different when put into mass production and sold to an inventive general public.

A bodystocking is an all-in-one garment that is skin tight. It tends to have long legs and traditionally had sleeves, but this now varies. It is usually made from a sheer fabric and is often crotchless, originally for ease of use but this is generally different now. It was originally intended to be an extra layer in cold weather, a fully functioning garment that was designed to the keep the wearer warm and little else.

However, the bodystocking has had something of a reinvention and is now seen as a primarily erotic item of lingerie – and it’s easy to see why. The close, snug fit is perfect for showing off curves and the crotchless aspect is particularly… useful… in this department! It has strong links with the S&M scene, where it tends to not be made from sheer fabric but from PVC or similar, and there are even groups of people with a specific fetish for bodystockings.

So we have one garment which has two very different uses, but there is no reason why both cannot be applicable to the average UK woman. You don’t need to be a fan of sado-masochism to enjoy the extremely sexual effect of a body stocking. Plenty of lingerie designers have recognised it’s sexual advantages and continue to make bodystockings from the traditional sheer material, but these are designed for style rather than function. They tend to be adorned with lace, ribbons or sequins and would be immensely impractical during cold weather, but guaranteed to provide a little heat in the bedroom. Yet bear in mind these items are intended for seduction only and finding them comfortable enough to wear in everyday life is rather unlikely – but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider one. The difference of how it feels on your skin can give you a new level of confidence. And, of course, you can dabble with other fabrics without completely going down the S&M route and bear in mind the aforementioned fetish applies to both the wearer and the audience, so you just might get a thrill you hadn’t expected!

Then there is the more functional and almost dull side of the bodystocking, which is still applicable. Plenty of retailers in the UK sell bodystockings designed for warmth, some even offer thermal versions. There is no doubt that an all-in-one garment which covers the entire upper body and right down the legs is going to keep you warm. Yet as with the sensual bodystocking, it isn’t particularly productive for everyday wear, where people may find it restrictive and also quite difficult to disguise underneath clothes. A bodystocking is really worth careful consideration for cold-weather activities such as skiing or even as an item of nightwear if you live in a particularly cold area.

In essence, the bodystocking’s various uses are as different as night and day – but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a lot of fun with both.

Women’s Hosiery

Hosiery is a term used to describe garment coverings for the legs and feet. Women’s hosiery has been in circulation for hundreds of years, with the most popular items now being ‘tights’ or ’stockings’. Hosiery tends to be talked about in terms of thickness, with ‘denier’ being the accepted scale – anything up to 15 denier is quite sheer, around 40 denier are quite dense while anything around 100 denier will be virtually opaque.
The original – and some would argue, the best – form of women’s hosiery are ’stockings’. These are sheer, thin items which go over the foot entirely and reach up the leg. They are then secured into place by a traditional garter and suspender belt system, or in some cases are ‘hold ups’, which are self-supporting at the thigh using silicone and elastic to keep the stocking on the leg.

Stockings are, historically, one of the few garments of clothing that is considered both functional and fanciful. A rare thing indeed, stockings do have a functional use in covering the legs and creating a sophisticated look, while they also play a part as fun or sexy items, too. And even better, the same pair of stockings, made from any material, can play both roles depending on what they are worn with. When it comes to versatility, stockings and hold ups have it all.

There are other types of women’s hosiery in circulation, the next best probably being known as socks. These are usually woollen garments which cover the foot, and sometimes ankle, of the leg. Mainly used by women playing sports, the sock has nevertheless undergone something of a fashion revolution in recent years. A long sock is referred to as being knee-high and though generally associated with school girls, ever since popstar Britney Spears wore a pair in the video for ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ they have become popular among adults as a garment that is seen as particularly coquettish and fun. This trend spread to the fashion houses – a rare case of the public dictating the catwalk – and now knee-high socks are part of many high-fashion outfits.

There is also an alternative to traditional garter-belt stockings and hold ups, known as tights in the UK (or ‘pantyhose’ in America). Like stockings, tights are very thin woven material that covers the foot and legs, but unlike stockings they do not end at mid-thigh. They are instead designed to continue up and cover the pubic bone and waist entirely, rather like standard trousers do but at a much tighter fit made from a much thinner material. They are seen as less fussy than suspenders and more applicable for day to day wear, in which they are as popular as ever.

However, whatever form you choose, women’s hosiery can be a wonderful way of completing a look and giving it a final, defining edge. Go gossamer thin (below 15 denier) for a look of sleek leg perfection or almost opaque to give the hosiery a place in the outfit themselves, as a starring role and not just a compliment. Whichever way you go, you’re guaranteed to look and feel fabulous.

Leather Corsets

There are some items of clothing that say an awful lot about the person wearing them, both for good and bad. It’s hard not to associate long, floaty dresses with a hippy-esque, relaxed personality, and few people would see a long black trench cloak without medieval goths springing to mind. Yet there is no one item of clothing that conjures such imagination as the leather corset; it is a classic.

Wearing a leather corset is a statement of intent; a declaration of sorts. Wear a leather corset and you are going to get attention - you will inspire people to think of a minxy, sexually liberated woman who is confident in her body and not afraid to walk on the wild side. The association with domination is never going to go away, but even the most exclusive of designers are harnessing the associated powers of the leather corset and introducing them into collections.

The myth about corsets, in particular ones made of leather, is that they are tight and restrictive. Few people consider that the actual tightness of a corset is utterly dependent on the preference of the person wearing it; “tightlacing” (the practice of lacing a corset tightly so it trains the waist to conform to the shape) is an option, but not a necessity. In most cases, a corset is used to create effortless lines, emphasize femininity and, in the case of leather corsets, show a little flair.

Although the most natural place for a leather corset may be, to some, in a dungeon worn as lingerie, it doesn’t have to be. Leather corsets are becoming increasingly popular as outerwear, where the beauty of the shape they create can be fully appreciated. Leather corsets are even making an appearance in executive work-based designer shows; try wearing one over a chic, crisp white blouse with wide-leg, high-waisted trousers and a pair of killer heels to create a forceful, fashionable and businesslike look. One thing’s for sure - you won’t be forgotten.

Corsets date back hundreds of years and are one of the few things still worn today that the ladies at the court of Henry VIII wore. Think about it; women don’t go around dressed in long, sweeping dresses and headgear anymore, but the corset has survived. There has to be a reason for this. The introduction of the leather corset just continued a time-old trend by bringing it up to date and adding a little spice.

You can wear a leather corset as lingerie, to give a thrill to both yourself and a man in your life. It will have a devastatingly powerful effect and the influence and memory of it will last for a long time. You can then switch the same garment to day wear, dressed down with jeans or dressed up as part of a sexy but fashionable twist on what may otherwise be a dull outfit. The leather corset is versatile and effortless in both it’s look and the shape it creates on the feminine form; wear one with pride.

Vintage Corsets

When it comes to vintage corsets, two words are king: embellishments and lace. This is due to the very description as “vintage”, meaning designers are aiming to recreate an old-fashioned style look on a very modern piece of clothing. To achieve this, they use patternwork and lace, which is effective in bringing a bygone era to life in terms of corsets, but is perhaps an acquired taste.

Due to the very nature of vintage corserts and these adornments, they are predominantly outerwear and to be worn at night. They are simply too fussy to wear under clothes - where the embellishments will catch constantly on the top layer - and too delicate and specific to wear during the day. These restrictions, however, do not mean a good vintage corset does not have a place in a woman’s wardrobe.

With vintage corsets, you have two options - actual vintage or replica vintage. When it comes to actual vintage corsets - that is, those dating back 50 years or more - I would strongly suggest you avoid at all costs. Like any industry, corsetry has come on leaps and bounds as time has progressed and most women will find a true vintage corset extremely uncomfortable. This will mostly be due to the fact that it will be stiffened using whalebone or straight steel - not the most comfortable of materials to wear tied to your body!

No, if you want a vintage look but without the accompanying pain of a genuine article, go for a vintage replica. There are some amazing options out there. As well as the general adornments used, a vintage corset replica will vary slightly in style depending what time period it is meant to be from. For example, a traditional late Victorian corset, it should be made in a way that pushes the body forward and places an emphasis on the buttocks, as this was popular at the time. You should also look for a curved front. Straight fronts were not introduced until the Edwardian period, so if you’re looking for something in this style, a straight front is a necessity.

Perhaps, however, the most popular type of vintage corset is from the 1940s and 1950s, which places a greater emphasis on cinching in the waist rather than creating a smooth silhouette all the way down the torso and hips.

I have spoken about the different shapes, but most vintage corsets will be of a standard shape and simply call themselves vintage corsets due to the aforementioned lace and embellishments. In reality, these things did not exist on any corsets prior to the 1980s, as it was only then that corsets became outerwear. It is up to you if you wish to have a vintage corset which is correct in shape, but you will probably have to sacrifice the adornments for this. Mostly, a nicely decorated, old-fashioned looking corset will serve the purpose just fine without being precisely shape-correct. Considering how uncomfortable some of the historically correct shapes of corsets are, this is probably a sacrifice worth making!

Satin Corsets

The benefits of corsets are well documented, from their aid in correcting posture to the way that can flatter and promote the best of any type of figure. However, it would perhaps be fair to say they are not the most versatile of garments, either being so understated they can only be worn as underwear or so outlandish and dramatic you need to be attending a big event to justify wearing one.

It is this problem that a satin corset can solve. If you are interested in corsetry but unsure whether or not it is for you, investing in a satin corset as your first purchase would be a wise choice. With a satin corset, you can first adjust to the feeling of wearing a corset, while also having the truly versatile option of dressing it up or down.

On the other side, you can also wear a corset as outerwear, and it is perhaps the corset most appropriate for wearing during the day. The key to this is the shine of the material; this helps create the effect of it being an outer garment in itself. As the material is enough of a statement, few satin corsets are adorned with lace or other such material, as they would spoil the effect of the satin. This means a satin corset can easily pass for any normal top, just one with a little more structure. It is the easiest type of corset to wear with a simple pair of jeans; while not completely casual, it is definitely as casual as a corset is going to get, thanks to it’s simplicity of style and material.

That doesn’t mean you can’t dress a satin corset up. For a night-time outfit, the shiny material is also beneficial - where in daytime it can look understated and simple, at night it can be used as the starting point for a fantastic ensemble.

For daytime, keep accessories simple and other garments understated. At night, you can wear exciting pieces of jewellery to compliment the sheen of the material. You can also add brooches and pins to the corset itself, and wearing it with a skirt and a pair of high heels will create a dynamite outfit. In daytime, a satin corset looks soft and welcoming, where at night it can look exciting and fresh - which is versatility to the extreme, and all down to the satin itself. Add this to the usual benefits of wearing a corset, and a satin corset is an excellent investment that you can use again and again.

Firstly, you can wear a satin corset as underwear, either on it’s own or underneath an outfit. As well as being made from a soft, shiny material that moves easily underneath other layers, satin corsets are usually unadorned and structured practically and simply, so there is nothing to interfere with the flow of a dress. People new to wearing corsets often find that the feel of the satin against their skin is also quite cooling and allows for freedom of movement, within reason.

Underbust Corsets

One of the most common misconceptions about corsets is that they are too tight, too restrictive and just downright uncomfortable to wear. The truth is somewhat different, as no corset is pre-designed to a certain tightness - if you wish, you can wear them laced tight to create a tiny waist, but the best way to achieve the classic hour-glass look is if you wear them laced firmly, but so they are comfortable. After all, there’s no point in looking stunning if you feel tightly bound and your breathing is restricted.

However, even wearing corsets relatively loosely can be too much for some people. There is no doubt that they are designed to be worn close to the skin and some people do feel a pressure on their ability to breathe naturally even when a corset isn’t pulled tight. If you call into this category but still want to achieve the classic corset look of a nipped-in waist, an underbust corset is the perfect solution.

The underbust corset is exactly what it says on the tin; a laced corset, but instead of covering the breast it finishes just underneath the breasts. Most people who struggle with the claustrophobia of a traditional corset design find this style much more comfortable, as an underbust corset doesn’t apply any pressure to the top of the chest where most people breathe from. While allowing this freedom, it still creates a slim waist and the most prized of womanly shapes - the hourglass - by pulling in the waist in exactly the same way as a more conventional corset design.

There are other benefits to the underbust corset. The female form is a changeable thing, and no one woman is the same - for a woman with a large bust but slim waist, a conventional corset (or “overbust”) can be difficult to fit due to this discrepancy in size. With an underbust corset, this isn’t an issue, as you only need to fit the waist and hips, instead of both of these and the breasts as well.

An underbust corset is also good to wear underneath any type of clothes, including ones with a low neckline. It can be hidden, an unseen aid to the slimness and definition of a woman’s waistline, in a way that an overbust corset cannot. The underbust corset allows for a greater varity of choice, as it is suitable for use with tops, sweaters, sleeveless garments as well as dresses.

Some may assume that due to the relative ease of this garment it is not as effective as an overbust corset. While it may not achieve the same smooth clean line that skims from collarbone to waist, an underbust corset still neatens the waist and smooths the hips. It is also a popular choice of outerwear, usable as almost a particularly large, wide belt. It is also a highly sensual garment, as it pushes the breasts into a more prominent position, meaning it’s comfortable and eye catching - the perfect combination.

Boned Corsets

Admit it, the words “boned corset” strike a little bit of fear into your heart, don’t they? After all, we’ve all probably seen period dramas with girls being winched into corsets that look horrifically uncomfortable, and Keira Knightley’s character in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actually passed out due to the tightness of her corset. Most of us associate the most unpleasant aspects of corsetry with the boned corset and though its uncomfortable - literally - history is not an entire fabrication, it isn’t a true representative of this staple of a female wardrobe.

A boned corset simply means a corset stiffened with bone, known as ribs or stays. Although soft, or unboned, corsets are now widely available, to create a truly classic shape a boned corset is required. A range of different materials can be used to create the ribs, with history using whalebone and - at one time - straight steel. However, most modern corsets use the far more durable option of plastic for cheap and light corsets, with the more expensive ones using spring or spiral steel.

The advantage of boned corsets is that, unlike a soft corset, they not only suck the body in but also help form a shape. If you want a truly feminine definition to your silhouette, then a boned corset is always going to be your best option. They help make the most of what a woman already has, and if an aspect isn’t there in the first place, they can help create it.

There are dangers associated with wearing a boned corset, and to most people the idea of lacing a corset so tightly that it eventually results in a reduction of waist size (known as “tightlacing”) is a terrifying idea, though it is still in practice. However, if you wear a corset correctly - laced firmly but not overly so - then there are no health risks whatsoever. In fact, a properly laced and fitting boned corset is beneficial to health, as it helps correct posture.

So yes, while I admit a boned corset does sound terrifying, it really doesn’t need to be. The truth is that some garments - particularly long, sweeping evening dresses - will not hang correctly, and therefore not be showcased to their fully glory, without a corset. Very few women have a perfect hour glass figure, so why not create one?

There are so many types and styles of corsets available now, most of which can be worn both as outerwear and as undergarments. As well as being beautifully designed and tailored to be comfortable, the garments themselves are often intricate in pattern and detail and are truly beautiful items of clothing. In addition to the flawless shape a boned corset can create, this makes them a must-have for any woman’s wardrobe.

Just remember, although a boned corset is by design a restricting garment, it does not need to be uncomfortable. The word to aim for when lacing is “firm” but not “tight”. When wearing your corset, you should still be able to breathe easily, stand up and sit down without problems and it should not pinch. Get this right, and that Jessica Rabbit figure can be yours.

Vollers Corsets

Some names and concepts just go together. Kerry Katona and cheap Iceland food, Twickenham and English rugby union or even Diego Maradona and blatant cheating. My point is, when a certain name is mentioned, an association that runs so deep springs to mind – a case in point being Vollers, and corsets.

When it comes to corsets, Vollers are the best there is. Unlike many, they are not lingerie designers who have turned their hand to corsetry – Vollers are the corset experts, the specialists, this is what they do and what they always have done. Vollers Corsets are special, the foremost word in corset design and perhaps the last word, too.

Vollers Corsets, a designer lingerie company to shame all other designer lingerie companies, started in 1899. Usually a long and rich history is a good sign for a company, but in the case of Vollers it’s even more important – when they were formed, corsets were everyday wear for most women. If they didn’t know and understand their market, they wouldn’t have survived 100 days, never mind over 100 years. The company is the oldest of it’s kind and is amazingly still in the hands of the Vollers family, now being run by Ian and Corina Voller from their factory in Portsmouth, UK.

The truly wonderful thing is that, amongst the range of 50 or more corsets available, many date from original corset designs from the beginning of the company. If you want authenticity, Vollers Corsets have it. They offer both overbust and underbust styles as well as a unique – and surprisingly well-priced – made to measure service to ensure the correct fit.

Vollers Corsets are never going to be the cheapest way to buy corsets, but they are probably the right way. If you’re looking into a corset for the first time, their years of expertise and guidance will help you find the right fit, the right design and will also help you learn how to lace and wear a corset. Unlike many companies, they offer a direct phone line straight into their office in case people need guidance when buying – which isn’t surprising, as you don’t last as long as Vollers have as a company if you don’t provide wonderful aftersales support.

Within Vollers, whatever corset type you want is catered for. There is everything, including PVC, leather, satin, lace, specifically glamour and burlesque. They also offer specific bridal and prom ranges, while most of their corsets can be worn as an undergarment or as outerwear. With the introduction of a range of blouses and skirts, Vollers now provide the possibility of a full corset-inspired outfit.

When it comes to corsets, Vollers are the very best, the epitome of style and longevity. Every woman should, even just once, have the indulgent pleasure of absorbing a little of the Vollers history and wearing one of their stunning creations. It is a choice that will never be regretted.

You can buy the sexiest Vollers Corsets online at Miracle Fashion’s lingerie store.

Gothic Corset

What do the words “gothic corset” make you think of? For me, a gothic corset is taking corsetry to it’s most extreme and inventive level. Think Morticia Adams, think beautiful grand sweeping designs that conjur thoughts of darkness and fantasy, think adornments and explosive design. Yes, a gothic corset is one of the most eye-catching garments a woman can possess.

The typical gothic corset will be made of leather or, in extreme cases, PVC. It will do all the work of a normal corset, such as helping shape a figure, as well as being a showpiece in itself. The most common denominator in gothic corset design is the additions - anything from feathers, to glitter, to swaths of material can appear on a gothic corset, giving it that extra oomph.

Unlike most corsets, a gothic corset is not designed to be worn underneath clothes. Its place is not to aid an outfit, it is to be the outfit. As well as being a staple of any dominatrix, a gothic corset has a more sedate role in adding drama and vibrancy to an outfit - you don’t have to be fond of dungeons to wear one.

The most common feature of gothic corsets is front-lacing, though this is often a fallacy. The lacing at the front of a gothic corset, which is usually in a vibrant yet seductive shade such as red or deep violet, is usually merely for ornamental purposes only - as the actual securing of the garment is still at the back, creating a double effect. A bonus of the front lacing is that as it is usually in a different colour to the base material, it creates a streamline effect when viewed from the front, narrowing the figure of the wearer.

There is no doubt that a gothic corset is not something you should be contemplating wearing to college, work or a meeting with your boyfriend’s parents. Reserve it for special occasions, nights out and times when a little added drama, a little addition of minx, is needed. The true trick of a gothic corset in standard wear is to keep the rest of the outfit simple, letting the corset do the work and be the focus of your ensemble. A simple pair of tight black trousers works wonders, though if you really want to up the drama, go for a long sweeping skirt that moves when you move.

Wearing a gothic corset is going to attract attention, both for the physical effect it will have on your body and the drama and passion of the design. However, that is the point of the gothic corset’s existence, so wear it loud and proud, so long as the occasion befits. There are few other garments that have the heart-stopping effect of a truly masterful gothic corset, so glory in the drama and show a whole new, dynamic side to your character.

Corsets in London

Thanks to the internet, a vast array of corsets are now available to anyone who cares to search for them. However, if it is your first time purchasing a corset, it would always be better to visit a shop in person to make your corset purchase. Not only will you be able to browse the full range and try various items on to see which fits you best and gives the greatest overall effect, you’ll also have the benefit of the assistants in the shop who can advise you on comfort, fit and how to get the most after your corset. Considering the main criticism levelled at corsets is that they are uncomfortable and restrictive, specialist knowledge on your first purchase will prevent this as best is possible.

The place to go for corsets is London, the hub of fashion with a huge range of shops and boutiques designed to cater to every taste and body shape. Where you go depends on the type of corset you want.

When it comes to functional and shaping corsets, if you have a little money to spend then your first stop should be Rigby and Peller. This exclusive designer lingerie shop has three outlets in London city; Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Mayfair, all suitably upmarket locations for the company that provides the Royal family with their underwear. Rigby and Peller will be able to assist you in finding the perfect fit, providing you with a sculpting corset that will give dimensions to your shape that you hadn’t even realised possible. They are expensive, but for a first foray into corsetry and the building of a corset collection, a perfect first stop. Their corsets can also be worn as outerwear.

However, you may be looking for something a little more risqué, a stunning item of clothing which in itself alone makes an outfit and creates beauty. For this, you’ll need to look a little outside the box. Traditional lingerie stores such as Agent Provocateur and La Perla have boutiques across London – with main stores usually being based in Knightsbridge – and offer a huge range of corsets ideal for any such occasion.

Yet you may still desire something more, something with an even bigger wow factor, that truly showstopping corset that will not only define your figure but look sensational – and, of course, London provides.

The best place for this type of corset is undoubtedly Fairy Goth Mother, who are corset specialists with a worldwide reputation. They offer everything from structural, demure corsets to corsets designed to get blood racing and grab attention. Prices are high, but it cannot be stressed enough that a corset is an investment. For it to look and feel right, a little money does need to be spent. This is because corsetry is a specialist art, which is why corsets are not made by every high street store – there is a recognition that they require extra work and thinking. Fairy Goth Mother provide this is spades. The variety of corsets they offer is staggering and, unlike most, their sizes go up to a UK 24. They offer pre-booked appointments outside of standard shop opening hours as well as running a range of made-to-measure corsets. Their shop is called Fairy Goth Mother’s Lulu and Lush and is situated on the edge of the old Spitalfields Market, on Lamb Street. The nearest tube is Liverpool Street. A wise choice indeed, if you have a little money to spend and want to make the ideal corset purchase in London, Fairy Goth Mother is where you need to be.

Bra Size Guide

It has become quite difficult in recent years to pick up a woman’s magazine and read about how many women wear a poorly fitting bra. Even a character in Sex And The City was depicted as not knowing her bra size, a reflection on how even the most savvy of women can get this most basic of necessities incorrect. It is indeed true that at least 70% of UK women are wearing a badly fitting bra or one that is the wrong size entirely, so when you’re aware of this fact, what to do about it? It is easy to believe the answer is simple. Most magazine will tell you to go and fight the embarrassment and be correctly measured, usually quote places like Marks & Spencer and Debenhams as having bra-fitting services. However, unfortunately it isn’t that easy – an American study showed that even in these specialist areas of department stores, around 80% of women are still fitted incorrectly, and variations between one measurement and one taken in another place can vary up to three sizes
I truly wish the problem of bad bra sizes could be solved just by a quick appointment at a department store or by following one of the many myself-yourself guides on the internet or in magazines. Unfortunately, it just isn’t the case. The only way to ensure you are always wearing the correct bra size is to recognise what constitutes a correct and fully supporting fit. There are hundreds of bra manufacturers out there and even if you believe you know your size with a particular designer, unless you buy nothing but one type of style and shape from that designer, you can still go wrong. Treat every bra purchase as a new experience and repeat the same process; learning to recognise a good fit is what will ensure a good bra and therefore good support. An actual size is a guide and nothing more, so while it is worthwhile having an idea of your measurements, never view it as gospel.

There are many ways to recognise a good fitting bra. First, the underband; the band of material that runs underneath the breasts and crosses the back, usually with the clasp in the middle of it. This should always be perfectly horizontal and should not ride up, dip in the middle or create an arch. This is the foundation of your bra and while it should be firm it should not be restrictive or uncomfortable. Second, consider the underwire in each cup. It should lie flat against the sternum, not your actual breasts – any contact between the breast tissue and the underwire is an incorrect fit. Thirdly, cups should cover the entire area of the breast, even when wearing a low-cut style bra like a balconette bra there should be no bulging. The cup should be close to the breast; a baggy cup is just as problematic as one that is too tight. Lastly, the actual support of the bra should never come solely from the straps – if straps dig in, the bra is not fitting correctly. Having badly fitted straps or straps that are too tight can actually cause nerve damage if worn for a long period of time.

If you remember these four cardinal rules and check every bra to ensure you have these factors, you will be wearing good fitting bras. Finally, don’t forget that your bra size changes constantly – keep assessing a bra every time you wear it.

Sports Bras

You may have the impression that only proper athletes need to wear a sports bra, but in truth, any activity that involves walking faster than a steady walking pace means you will need a correctly fitting sports bra.

There is no doubt that the sports bra is not a particularly attractive garment to wear, but in truth that is not its purpose. Its purpose is to provide maximum support, restraint and comfort, not to be a fashion statement. When choosing a sports bra, you will first need to decide why you need it – do you want to encapsulate the breasts (provide support) or restrain the breasts? Restraint is particularly popular for women with larger breasts who wish to preserve modesty while exercising. All sports bras will have an element of these two purposes, but if you wish for one more than the other then study the bra’s design and small print to decide which is going to work best.

The sports bra itself basically consists of a tank top cut with the bottom half removed to create material that stretches across the sternum and breasts and ends at the midriff. Most sports bras are made from a stretchy material which helps both control and ease of movement, as well as being absorbent. You can also buy sports bras which are designed to take perspiration from the skin, which is particularly helpful when exercising vigorously.

Sports bras tend to come with four different levels of control, to be used depending on how vigorous the exercise undertaken is. As a general guide, a sports bra described as “light control” should be used for things such as walking, yoga, Pilates and even gardening – not stereotypically a ’sport’, but all that bending and lifting does require a little extra support than the standard bra gives.

The next level of sports bra is “medium control”; select this if you are going to be bike riding, hiking or power walking. Then it is “firm control”, which is ideal for activities such as tennis, football and the classic exercise activity of jogging. The final, anda strongest, level of control is “maximum control” - use this when running, working out intensely on gym equipment or horse riding (even if you only plan to ride at a walk).

A standard gym session, you may be thinking, can consist of many of these things, from yoga right up to using intense gym equipment. If this is the case, use the highest level of support for whatever you’ll be doing – so if you’ll be doing yoga (light control), cycling (medium control) and running (maximum control), select a maximum control bra.

If you are indulging in any exercise at all, a sports bra is a must-have purchase. Not only will it help maintain good posture, prevent pain and preserve the lift of your breasts when natural, it also helps preserve modesty. Sports bras may not be attractive or sexy, but using one when exercising will allow you to continue to be so in the rest of your life.

Maternity Bras

Every pregnant woman has a different experience of carrying a child. Some having horrific morning sickness while others never even feel slightly nauseous and some women have weird and wonderful cravings for oddities such as petrol and coal while others experience no cravings whatsoever – perhaps such variants are the glories of pregnancy. However, there is one thing that is certain in pregnancy, and that is weight gain.

When pregnant, women are actually encouraged to increase their calorie intake as there is some truth in “eating for two”. UK women on average gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy with the majority of the gain happening in the first six months of pregnancy and then around one pound a week increase until the birth. This weight gain means that your breast size will increase, in most cases rendering your pre-pregnancy bras useless, but considering women are expected to continue to gain weight during pregnancy there is no way of knowing how big you will get. Here in steps the maternity bra, which prevents the need for continually purchasing expensive new bras throughout pregnancy.

Although it is still said that a woman will need at least three different sizes of maternity bras during a pregnancy, this is still a lot less than if a woman decided to stay with normal bras. The wonderful thing about maternity bras is that they are adjustable, so as a woman’s weight – and baby – grow, the bra can grow with her. During pregnancy, when the body is already going to be experiencing an increased weight at the front, wearing a good-fitting supportive bra is vital to prevent back pain and a maternity bra is a wise investment in this case.

There are many different ways maternity bras work, most being adjustable in both the underband – the strap underneath the breasts and across the back – and the cup size. As with most bras, they will also feature adjustable straps, which in maternity bras are usually wider than normal for extra comfort. As I mentioned, no one maternity bra is going to see a woman through an entire nine-month pregnancy, but a maternity bra will cut down the need for continual purchases.

It is also increasingly likely that, despite their practical function, you will be able to purchase maternity bras that are extremely attractive, with all the usual features and adornments of a standard bra. As manufacturer’s recognise that women still want to feel attractive as well as being practical, the options are increasing all the more. You can now even purchase Multi-Way maternity bras, allowing a variety of garments to be worn throughout pregnancy – such as halterneck tops or backless dresses – and still have the practicality and support of a maternity bra. If pregnant, a maternity bra or two is an extremely wise investment, and the choices in style are ever-changing, allowing a nod to both fashion and practicality.

Strapless Bras

It is easy to look at the way a conventional bra is designed and assume that the support comes predominantly from the shoulder straps. At first glances, bras do indeed look like the over-shoulder support is what holds the breasts up and anchors them in place, with the rest of the garment simply providing a foundation for the straps to build on. In actual fact, on a well fitting bra, a minimal amount of support should be provided by the shoulder straps – and due to this, strapless bras have become an increasingly popular item of lingerie.

A great amount of women’s fashion makes wearing a bra at best unsightly and at worst impossible. Garments such as halterneck tops, so-called “boob tubes” and a variety of necklines are cut in such a way that it is exceedingly difficult to wear a bra underneath and for it to remain out of sight. Of course, this is more vanity than anything, and it is certainly better to wear a bra – and thus be supported and comfortable – with the straps showing than wear no bra at all. However, a good strapless bra means you can go bare-shouldered and wear a bra at the same time – there is no need for compromise.

Perhaps more than any other type of bra, a strapless bra must be a good fit. A standard good fit of a bra includes a back strap that is always horizontal, cups that fit neatly around the breast without digging in or becoming baggy and ensuring the front of the bra sits on the sternum and not the breast. Added in to these usual considerations are those to consider specifically when purchasing a strapless bra; you must study the amount of support and ensure it will offer a good lift and keep your breasts in place. The best strapless bras are aided in this by silicone strips, so ensure these are comfortable on your skin and do not dig in.

A common misconception about strapless bras is that they can only hold and support what you already have, but it is perfectly possible to wear a strapless bra and achieve a boost to your cleavage. A good, solid underwire will help this and you can also purchase bras with “bump” pads that are placed inside the cup and help create an uplift – most strapless bras will come with these attached, but you can also buy them separately.

The final point I will make on strapless bras is to keep them simple and, wherever possible, close to your skin tone in colour. The very purpose of them means you will be showing a little more skin and just because a bra is strapless doesn’t mean it is utterly invisible, so understated colours are a good idea.

If you can bear all this is mind, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t be bare shouldered and supported at the same time.

Backless Bras

Fashion is an ever-changing world, and throughout history designers have pushed to make garments that are as dynamic and interesting as possible. As they continue to strive for more ways to create a stunning ensemble, along the way practicality has taken something of a hit.

Very few women actually have small enough breasts to be able to go braless – you do need to be almost completely flatchested before this is a viable option, and considering the average cup size in the UK is currently between a C and D, clearly very few women are actually able to consider going without their supportive bras. So does this mean, when it comes to backless dresses and tops – items which are certainly designed to create a stunning effect – a woman is stuck with the choice of being uncomfortably unsupported, or stuck with showing an unsightly bra strap? Of course not, as just as fashion for outerwear has advanced, so has lingerie – backless bras are now a staple of many women’s wardrobes.

In truth, to call a bra “backless” is something of a misnomer, as very few backless bras that are actually adequately supportive exist. This is for several reasons, the main one being that the back strap of a bra is actually what provides the majority of the support in a bra, and without it the object of lift and comfort is defeated somewhat.

What so-called backless bras do do, however, is move that necessary strap. The majority of bra back straps are designed to sit either on or just below the shoulder blades, depending on the style. Usually, these straps are at least an inch in width and in the majority of styles they also hold the clasps that secure the bra onto the body. If you want to wear a backless gown or top, the visibility of this strap is always going to completely destroy the effect of the garment and render wearing it futile. However, these backless garments do always come to an end toward the small of a back, leaving material to hide the strap under.

So lingerie designers simply shift the location of the strap to further down, securing it in place with a second strap across the stomach. This is the maximum amount of support you are going to be able to get if wearing a strapless bra, but it nevertheless is not truly “backless”.

If you really do want something completely without straps, there are plenty of options out there. The most popular types of true backless sexy bras are self-adhesive, usually anchoring themselves to the body via tape on the breasts, and provide lift and support through a complex system of specially structured cups. Wearing one of these truly backless bras is a personal decision, though they are generally not recommended for anyone over a D cup as they simply do not provide adequate support.

It is not a choice of backless or lower-strap bras alone, however. Many bras described as “backless” do actually have a back strap, but rather than an unsightly band of cotton, they featured two rows of encrusted diamante which is usually elasticated. These straps provide almost the same level of support as a conventional back strap, but are much more attractive and suitable for evening wear. For these, the clasp is usually moved to the front, so two seamless lines of diamante are all that is visible.

Backless bras – no matter which of the three options I’ve mentioned you may choose – are never going to be as fully supportive as a conventional bra complete with a back strap. However, for the occasional night out, they are perfectly adequate and allow you to showcase a part of your body rarely seen, without any unsightly material and clasps getting in the way.

Nursing Bra

Giving birth and having a baby is one of the most thrilling, exciting experiences of a woman’s entire life – but that doesn’t mean it’s a particularly practical experience as well. Firstly, there’s the huge amount of accessories seemingly required for a baby, meaning leaving the house is like planning a military operation. It’s also well known how exhausting a newborn can be, as a mother who has been through the intense physical experience of giving birth tries to deal with recovery and adjusting to life as a mother. However, there is something you can buy to ease the difficulties associated with a newborn child, and that is the nursing bra.

Women are constantly told that “breast is best”, and indeed it is, as hundreds of medical studies have shown. Yet once again the practicality issue raises its head; when you need to feed a baby numerous times a day, removing and then replacing a bra is nothing short of ridiculously time consuming as well as a physical exertion new mothers can do without. So in steps the nursing bra, allowing breastfeeding without actually removing a bra.

Unlike the traditional bra, the nursing bra is still a developing technology, despite having first been produced in the 1930s. At present there are several patents pending for new types of nursing bras that are seeking to explore ever more convenient ways of breastfeeding a child without needing to remove the bra. Current innovations available for removing a cup to free a breast for feeding include zips, clasps and standard buttons.

The most recent advances in nursing bra technology, however, deal with the fluctuation of size a nursing mother experiences in the first few months of nursing. After giving birth, breast size can increase and decrease rapidly and seemingly almost daily as the body shifts back into regular hormonal patterns and establishes a routine of producing milk. There are also more practical problems with size, in that breasts can fluctuate by an entire cup size depending on whether or not the mother has just fed a child or if she is full. This incredible change means that a nursing bra cannot only focus on the practicality of quick access to a breast, it must be able to change with a woman’s body, or the process of nursing would be ridiculously expensive as many different size bras would have to be purchased.

To tackle this problem, there are many adjustable nursing bras available to purchase, which continue to give support through a system of multi back straps and multi cup sizes, all of which are usable on the same basic bra frame. This is absolutely essential, as an ill-fitting bra can result in a compression of milk ducts in the breast, which can lead to the incredibly painful and difficult to treat infection of mastitis. It is also essential that during the feeding process, when the main cup of the bra is unzipped, the breast is still supported.

Knowing this, it’s easy to see why nursing bras are still constantly being updated and refreshed. After all, a new mother wants to concentrate on spending time and bonding with her baby, not worrying about the associated difficulties of breastfeeding. For this reason, nursing bras are an essential purchase.

Gel Bras

It is a common myth that men are exclusively, or even overwhelmingly interested in women with large breasts. There is little doubt that there are many men for whom the larger-breasted woman does hold a fascination, but it only takes a quick look at Hollywood to see that the ladies getting work their range from the waif-like to the Amazonian. So if you happen not to be in possession of bosom that obscures your feet when you look downwards, there is no reason to feel that you are less sexy or less of a woman. In fact, the smaller-breasted woman is very much a turn-on for a large range of people – and not because the smaller breasts mean that they choose to look elsewhere. Sometimes a flatter chest can be attractive in its own right.
This does not mean that you cannot dress to accentuate your breasts. It may mean that at times you can go without a bra – and much though this may sound like a “look on the bright side”-style scolding, please bear in mind that women with larger breasts certainly have their own crosses to bear when it comes to finding the right support and avoiding painful straps which dig into the shoulders. If, however, you want to flatter your assets with sexy lingerie, it is not about trying to make them look huge, but rather about enhancing them to make them more prominent. These are two very different things – you can have a cleavage even on a smaller chest. Indeed, there are many to whom this looks all the more alluring.

To enhance what you have been blessed with, it is a matter of finding the bra which provides the right amount of uplift while not squeezing you painfully. Some bras will pinch you in an entirely uncomfortable way by incorrectly seeking to push skywards something that really does not need or benefit from this approach. A popular choice for many women with smaller chests is the gel bra. This provides support and rounds out a figure without pinching you and leaving you gasping for breath, and enhances, without changing, a gamine figure which is a source of attraction to so many. Bear in mind the fact that no gel bra will make an A cup look like a double F – if this is what you desire or what you fear, be aware that it is impossible.

The smooth lines created by a good gel bra can make smaller breasts more prominent without turning the wearer into a pneumatic glamor model in training. Rather, they allow you to display your assets and they mean that you don’t have to labor under the misapprehension that small breasts mean you look like a boy (you don’t), that they make you less sexually attractive (this just isn’t true) or that you cannot wear sexy lingerie (you really can). After all, as has been mentioned, there are people out there for whom larger breasts do nothing. Well-accentuated small chests can be a real winner, if you find the right bra for them.

Invisible Bras

Lingerie is a major part of the daily routine for many women, whether it be for reasons of looking sexy or simple practicality. Whatever the reason, it is a major industry and something that is an expression of need above all else. However, the simple fact of where lingerie sits on the body makes it intimate, and to some extent a source of titillation and of desire. Much of the lingerie currently on the market is designed as much to flatter and emphasise the assets as it is to support or cover them. For this reason there is an element of competitive spirit between companies who seek to deliver the primary need (support and cover) while not ignoring the secondary need, the desire to look sexy.

There is some debate over whether invisible bras constitute sexy lingerie. In many cases, they are considered a matter of practicality – that is to say that a conventional bra can cause certain issues, such as the straps digging into a woman’s shoulders or the back strap being visible through a t-shirt. Some women are not terribly concerned about the latter issue – “So I wear a bra, is that really so interesting?”, - but the issue with straps is more of a practical matter. A bra-strap digging into your shoulders is more than uncomfortable, it can be painful and restrictive. There is another matter at hand, though, which makes invisible bras something in which many women are prepared to invest – it allows you to wear strapless dresses.

Fashion is a very demanding industry – some time ago strapless dresses just would not have happened because they made it impossible to wear a conventional bra. The invisible bra has happened because women want to wear strapless dresses. For many people, one of the sexiest parts a woman can show off is their shoulders. Although not a “taboo” part, the shoulder is close to the breasts and draws attention in that direction. It is also, for many women, something of an erogenous zone, and if you are to lay your hand on a woman’s shoulder you had best make sure that you are already well acquainted with her – it is considered to be something of an intimate gesture.

Strapless dresses expose the shoulder in a way that makes many men look twice. But of course, it’s not just the shoulders. If a dress is not supported by shoulder straps it will be supported in some measure by the bust. This is enough to draw admiring glances, and if you can get the right bra to enhance the shape of your bust it can turn a strapless dress into a deadly weapon. Invisible bras are sexy lingerie for one very simple reason – they raise the question of how exactly that dress is staying on, and how the woman is getting support. They draw attention directly to the breasts, and this is enough to make very many men stand in place, wondering whether a round of applause would be impertinent.