Tina's Closet in Lisle, IL

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long are my bras suppose to last?

Bra Fairy Manufactures give a bra 3 months. Lingerie fabrics are made with spandex, Lycra® which will continuously stretch the more you wear the garments. The under-garments are made with comfort in mind, however now we do not receive the extended life of the garments because of the giving stretch which moves with you. Example: Your body temperature is close to 98.6. Try getting into a tub of water with the temperature of the water being 98.6. This is what you are doing to your bras each day that you wear them. Your body heat itself puts wear and tear on the fabric. Many manufactures of better quality put "Hand wash warm, air dry or lay flat to dry" labels into their bras. They already know what can happen so you get a warning tag. This warning tag helps you received…

Extended life of wear for your bucks

Underwires may bend and escape the channeling from the agitator in the washing machines. Many women ask me if it is OK to wash their bras in a front-loading machine, which have no agitator. My answer is…

"If metal (from the hooks and eyes on the bra) bang against the drum of your washing machine, then the answer is NO!"

Check the labels on your bras. Some of them may say 15% Lycra® spandex with polyester or nylon which sounds durable and some may say 18% some may say 13%. Do not let this confuse you. It is actually the combination of fabric content and the quality of the fabric. I am referring to SALES! I am sure you heard the following scenario's, listed below, at least once in your life.

"If it sounds to good to be true it probably is"

In my experience, not only in selling the bras but also in wearing them, I found that I could get 3 months wear out of a $28.00 and I could get 2 years out of a $50.00 bra.

"You get what you pay for"

How many bras should I own?

3 bras should do to get your started. My rule of thumb is one to wear, one to wash and one to spare. You may have to purchase different styles to compliment specific necklines, like for instance strapless, demi cups, etc. If you do laundry once a week and are going through menopause then you will want 7. You do the math. Here are a few tips to keep in mind, while you are shopping.

Get started with 3 bras and go from there. If you find more then 3 and could use them go for it. Always try on your clothing, over the bra, to approve of the look and shape it provides.

How can I afford quality, expensive bras?

If you hand wash your bras, they will last longer. Many women feel they do not have time to hand wash their bras. I hear this a lot. But some of these same women have time to go to lunch with a girlfriend or they own 25 pairs of shoes. Just remember you can kick your shoes off but the bra has to stay on. Some of these women get their nails done and hair cut once a month. Some of these same women complain about shoulder and back aches. Did you know that your posture is better when you have a good fitting bra? I have seen this happen to thousands of women in the past 30 years. To me, the bra is the most remarkable invention, if it is used properly.