A Handy Checklist Twenty-Five Things For Your Next Trip

Visiting different places around the world can be a great source of pleasure, but getting there can be a source of stress, especially if you’re worried about what you might have forgotten to pack!

Here is a checklist we’ve put together of important things to remember for your next trip:

1. Enough underwear for everyday, unless you’ll have laundry facilities
2. Swimwear – check that it still fits, and that it’s weathered the summer
3. Special occasion bras for evening events
4. Everyday bras
5. Forever New powder – you can use this for both swimwear and lingerie
6. Shapewear for special outfits
7. Hosiery for special outfits – choose the right weight for the climate
8. Sunscreen – it will be more expensive to buy it there (just remember to pack it in your suitcase because of liquid restrictions)
9. Sun hat
10. Beach bag – there are handy mesh bags that fold up nice and small
11. Insulated travel mug to keep your drinks cool while you’re poolside
12. Flip flops
13. After-sun lotion
14. Nail polish in the same colour you’re wearing, for touch-ups
15. E-reader – tip: download your books in case there’s no Wi-Fi
16. E-reader screen for reading in the sun
17. Comfortable running/walking shoes
18. Workout wear so you can enjoy the buffet and still feel good in your bathing suit
19. Extra cell phone coverage for your destination country, or walkie-talkies to stay in touch
20. Valid passport (worth checking before you get to the airport!)
21. Money in the currency where you’re traveling (hint: consider opening a $USD account if you travel often)
22. Small bills for tipping
23. Canada-themed gifts for resort or hotel staff
24. Sleepwear – choose the right weight for your location
25. Coverups or wraps – tip: looks for versatile items that work both in daytime and evening

What would you add to this list? What are your must-haves for travel? What’s the worst thing you’ve ever forgotten to pack?

Brabary is committed to promoting a sense of “I’m worth it” to women of all ages by providing excellent service and quality products. We look forward to seeing you in the perfect fitting bra.

Register for Stress-Free Gifts This Holiday Season

Gift certificates have become a popular alternative for gifts in all seasons, but on Christmas Day, it’s nice to have something to unwrap. More and more women are taking advantage of gift registries – they’re not just for brides anymore!

There are online gift registries, and check your favourite stores to see if they have a registry program. You may think it will take out the element of surprise, but not if you go to different stores and pick out a variety of things.

By registering for gifts you’re taking the stress away for the gift giver. For yourself, you make sure to avoid the stress of taking things back if they weren’t the right size or style for you. Plus, some things like hosiery can’t be taken back so you would be left with something you can’t use.

Everyone wants to stretch their dollars further, and no one wants to see their money wasted. Pre-registering for gifts you really want help the gift giver choose something that fits their budget, and ensures their money will be well spent.

So enjoy a fun day of shopping, try things on and get expert help to find the perfect fit and register for your favourites. The gift giver can feel confident in their choice, and just enjoy making you happy. You can take pleasure in the beautiful items you’ve selected, and everyone can focus on enjoying the holidays stress-free.

Have you ever registered for gifts? How did it work for you? Have you ever shopped for someone else using a gift registry, and how was that different from doing it on your own?

You don't need to go to Toronto to experience the selection of a world-class boutique – it’s now available right here in Barrie at Brabary. Come in and register today!

How to Prepare for the Holiday Season

Although the holiday season is certainly very exciting, for many people it is also fraught with stress. However, if you put in a little bit of preparation ahead of time, you will be able to cruise through the holiday season as peacefully as possible.

Wardrobe

One of the most stressful aspects of the holiday season is determining what you should wear for holiday parties. To avoid a major meltdown right before you have to get out the door, try on your prospective holiday outfits well in advance of the party season. Everyone’s body changes from year to year, so you may not be able to just re-accessorize an old dress.

Once you have your clothing squared away, plan the outfits completely including shoes and accessories. This ensures that you will head to each party feeling your very best.

Food and drink

During the holidays, there may be many impromptu gatherings. To avoid the stress of having to feed guests or attend a drop-in on the fly, we recommend the following preparations:

• Have hors d’oeuvres in the freezer
• Keep a running list of healthy and delicious meals that you can make quickly
• Maintain a well-stocked bar
• Keep a set of hostess gifts made and ready to give – we recommend a pair of Hanky Panky underwear wrapped around a bottle of wine for something fun and different

Shopping

The best way to avoid spending more money than you would like during the holiday season is with a detailed list and comprehensive budget. Allow extra time to place special orders for undergarments and other specialty gifts.

Get home safely

The most important thing to plan this holiday season is making sure you get home safely. Canadian Designated Drivers is a wonderful organisation that will drive you and your car home from any party or event. For more information about this vital service, check out their website.

The holiday season can be stressful, but it does not have to be. If you plan ahead and resist the urge to overbook yourself, you will be able to enjoy a stress-free holiday season.

Are Your Undergarments Ready for the Holidays?

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes a whole lineup of festive parties as well as many occasions to don evening wear. Everyone wants to look – and feel – their best during the holiday party season, and wearing the right foundation can help achieve that goal. With proper undergarments, your posture improves, your figure looks more toned and tightened and you carry yourself with confidence.

Bras and slimmers

Two of the most important foundation garments for the holiday season are the bra and the slimmer. We have a previous post that will help as you search for your perfect bra, and here are some other points to remember:

• Do not wear light coloured undergarments under dark dresses and outfits. If a photograph is taken of you, the light colour will show through.
•  If you are large busted, you can still wear a strapless bra! In fact, many strapless bras now come in up to H-cup sizes. These bras are comfortable and will stay up all night.
• Do not try to wear an all-in-one slimmer. Instead, wear a well-fitting bra with an additional slimmer garment. You do not want to run the risk that your slimmer will draw your breasts downward. (For more tips on finding the perfect shapewear for any special occasion, check out this post.)

Hosiery

Hosiery is another great way to make a statement this holiday season. A festive pair of hosiery is a wonderful way to get yourself in the party mood. You can try a pair of fishnets for a more daring look, or a pair with a contrasting back seam for a timeless style that will lengthen the look of your legs. For an even more festive look, consider a pair with rhinestone embellishments.

The holiday season has many opportunities to get dressed up and celebrate with friends and family. In the right foundation garments, including bras, slimmers and hosiery, you will look and feel your best.

If you would like additional information on finding the perfect bra for special occasions, check out this post: “Special Bras for Special Occasions.”

Hosiery Inventory

As the weather becomes cooler, it’s time for an inventory check on your hosiery. You want to ensure that you have all the essentials for the season, and also see how your collection is holding up to wear and tear.

Socks for every season

Socks are a crucial wardrobe item. Warmer weight socks are especially necessary in the winter, even for casual shoes. Many women prefer the comfort of wool, which can be just as sleek as cotton, depending on weight. Silk or nylon can add variety for different occasions. Winter sports may also require special socks. Just be sure your sock choices do not cause any negative skin reactions, and check the label if you have any fabric allergies.

Damaged hosiery

As winter approaches, look over your hose and socks so you can replace any damaged ones. Inspect your hose for holes, pulls and tears – these can make a negative impression and make you look sloppy. That’s why we recommend that you always do a 360-degree turn in the mirror before you leave the house.

Check for socks with loose elastic, or hosiery that’s lost its sheen or gotten too thin. To protect your hosiery from drawer damage, store it in a netted bag to reduce the chance of catching.

Dress up the basics

Is this fall kicking off a new career or school year for you? You might want some new socks, pantyhose, leggings or other varieties. You can’t go wrong with two pairs of good, everyday black tights and two pairs of fancier ones. It is also a good idea to keep two pairs of solid-coloured tights in your favourite shade. Consider your closet’s colour palette as well. Are your outfits more neutral, or do they tend to be brighter?

Fashion hosiery can dress up a simpler outfit. Fancy knee-socks or nylons will do the same for heels or penny loafers, showing a flash of style when you cross your legs.

Flattering your shape

Every body type can benefit from confidence-boosting patterns. Geometric patterns are slimming for larger legs, while floral or box-like patterns can help fill out thinner or longer legs. Shorter legs benefit from vertical lines.

This fall is an excellent time to inventory your hosiery. Once you’ve covered the basics, consider a few of these unique items to dress up your collection.

Brabary is committed to promoting a sense of “I’m worth it” to women of all ages by providing excellent service and quality products. We look forward to seeing you in the perfect fitting bra and hosiery.

Hosiery Choices for Fall

As we progress further into fall, it is time to think about the best hosiery choices for the season. With changing weather, many women believe they need to sacrifice form for function in their hosiery. This is simply not the case. Warmth and comfort can come with elegance. Here are some of the options you have to choose from when planning your fall outfits:

• Denier. Denier is the measure of thickness and weight, affecting the hosiery’s style, warmth and appearance. Summer weight is 8 denier, while winter hosiery can go beyond 100 denier. For fall we recommend a denier of 20, still sheer but with a nice weight for cooler evenings.

• Fabric type. There are many options for fabric this fall and winter, from classic nylon to cozy wool or cotton, or the elegance of silk or cashmere. Additionally, many hosiery lines also have very fashionable leggings this fall. 

• Rise. Low-rise Vita Bassa hosiery is an optimum choice for women who wear lower rise pants or skirts, perfect for women sensitive to fabrics like wool who need a full hose rather a trouser sock. Other rise options include stockings or stay-ups – distinct from stockings because they do not require garter belts to keep them in place.

• Shapewear. For a smoother appearance, many hosiery options this fall have shapewear incorporated into the hose themselves. These are an excellent choice for women who want a sleeker look under dresses. Many hosiery varieties also include gussets, so you can skip the underwear.

Colour. Black and grey are the in-season colours this fall, but there are also a number of browns and Bordeaux styles.

As always, it is important to care for your hosiery. Remove your jewelry and wear gloves to avoid tearing your hosiery on fingernails. Forever New Fabric Care Wash is available to safely clean lingerie, hosiery, silks, wool knits and other delicates, allowing your fine fall garments to look great all season long.

You don't need to go to Toronto to experience the selection of a world-class boutique – it’s now available right here in Barrie at Brabary.

Choosing and Caring for Your Sleep Wardrobe

When it comes to getting a great night’s sleep, one of the most important factors is the clothing you wear to bed. There are many options from which to choose, and we have done our best to cover a few of the most popular options here. Read on to discover our thoughts on the perfect sleep wardrobe.

The right fabric for a great night’s sleep

Pyjamas come in almost every fibre. One of the most popular choices is flannel. Usually made out of 100% cotton, flannel can be purchased at many different price points based on the fibre quality. Other great options for sleepwear include:

• Silk (feels very soft and comfortable against the skin)
• Microfibre (excellent for wicking moisture away from the skin)
• Cotton (soft on delicate skin)

Whichever fabric you choose for your pyjamas, be sure to avoid polyester and other synthetic fibres. They can hinder the body’s process of expelling toxins, something that happens predominantly during restorative sleep. Additionally, pay attention to the quality of the seaming. Many women find cheap seams to be bulky and irritating on the skin.

Loose-fitting night clothes will promote optimal circulation. No one wants to wake up in the middle of the night feeling constrained.

Skip the foundations or try a sleep bra

Generally speaking, you should avoid wearing undergarments to bed in order to encourage air flow over the body. If you cannot imagine sleeping without them, stick to natural fibres only. Additionally, women who need a little extra support at night may enjoy a sleep bra. Made of microfibre and elastic, this stretchy and supportive garment keeps breasts in place without being too confining.

Care for your sleepwear

Just as it is crucial to wash your bras and swimwear regularly, your sleepwear and bedding needs the same care and attention. Especially when you consider that the average person produces about 1/2 a pint of perspiration each and every night (according to Melissa Maker of Clean My Space). Be sure to keep plenty of sheets, pillowcases and sleepwear on hand so that you can change and wash them frequently.

Ultimately, whatever you wear to bed should comfortable and should keep your temperature regulated appropriately – not too warm and not too cool. Happy sleeping!

Brabary is committed to promoting a sense of “I’m worth it” to women of all ages by providing excellent service and quality products. We look forward to seeing you in the perfect fitting sleepwear.

Getting a Good Night's Sleep

If the nightly news is to be trusted, we all need to be getting better sleep at night.

Unfortunately, the pressures of the modern world make it very difficult for many women to get the kind of sleep they need to function optimally. Here is a list of easy tips and tricks to help you sleep better tonight.

• Make sure that your mattress has adequate support and be sure to flip it regularly to prolong its life span.
• Wear something comfortable to bed every night. Everyone’s tastes are different; many women enjoy flannelette pyjamas – they feel like a hug, while others prefer technical fabrics that can wick away moisture while you slumber.
• Get into the habit of allowing yourself to relax entirely before bed. Limit your use of electronics in the hour before bedtime and try a yoga pose such as laying down with your feet against the wall. You may also want to practise a few deep breathing exercises: focus on your breaths while thinking “positive in, negative out.”
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach. The unnecessary pressure can cause your breast tissue to tear and stretch, a negative condition that is irreparable. Furthermore, according to Dr. Andrea Ryan of Anderson Chiropractic Group in Barrie, “By sleeping on your stomach, you force yourself to turn your neck and create undue postural stress on your nervous system. Sleeping on your back is optimal as it maintains the most neutral position for your body.”

Ultimately, getting better sleep at night comes down to practising a regular and healthy sleep routine. Commit to taking the time you need to unwind each night before bed: take a bath, light some candles, unplug from the world and get the best night’s sleep of your life.

Brabary is located at 12 Commerce Park Drive in the south end of Barrie, featuring specialty sizing bras, custom bras, fine lingerie, swimwear, wedding day trousseau, sports bras, hosiery, maternity bras and breast prosthesis offered in a broad range of quality brand names. We look forward to helping you.

Your Back to School Bra Wardrobe

Back to school shopping season is just around the corner and for many young ladies, that means scouring the sales to find the perfect outfit and accessories. What many people forget is that this is also the perfect time to reassess your bra wardrobe. Bras do wear out over time and back to school sales are a great opportunity to replace and replenish your lingerie selections.

Back to basics

When considering the bras you will need for the duration of the school year, it is important to think in terms of the basics. First and foremost, remember the importance of a quality sports bra for school athletics. During physical education, it is imperative that your breasts be properly supported. Every time you bounce during strenuous physical activity, you stretch your breast tissue. This damage is irreparable and can be avoided by wearing a quality sports bra.

In terms of regular bras, every school-aged young lady requires – at the very least – a beige bra and a black bra. A beige bra can be worn under lighter colours and the black bra under darker ones. Do not wear the beige bra under dark coloured clothing, as the fabric dye may discolour your bra.

Versatility

Beyond the basics, all young ladies should consider the versatility of their bra wardrobes. A convertible bra is a great way to go. These bras have straps that can be worn conventionally, as a halter or even as a criss-cross racer back style. Convertible bras are wonderful for your bra wardrobe because they can suit many different outfits.

When to replace

Before you begin your back to school shopping spree, assess what needs to be replaced in your bra wardrobe. Pay close attention to the condition of the elastic binding on all of your bras. Weak elastic means weak support and that can be uncomfortable and detrimental to your health. This is also a great time to check the condition of your panties.

The back to school shopping season is a great time to update your bra wardrobe. Be sure that you are purchasing a set of versatile basics that will see you through any situation this school year.

Tankinis are the Perfect Warm Weather Swimsuit

As we discussed back in April, tankinis are the perfect bathing suit for women who want to wear a two-piece bathing suit without exposing as much skin as a bikini. Though many people know that the tankini is a great option for older or fuller-figured women, tankinis really are the perfect warm weather swimsuit for women of all ages and body types.

Versatility

Tankinis are an inherently versatile swimwear option. Women can opt to purchase a more fitted tankini top for athletic use and vigorous beach sports or they can select less-fitted, figure-flattering options to conceal problem areas.

Tankini tops come in styles that flatter all bust sizes. Women desiring a sexier silhouette can opt to wear a tankini with a plunging neckline, while well-endowed women can find a tankini top with plenty of support.

Most importantly, all two-piece swimsuits are completely mix and match! Owning a tankini automatically doubles your swimwear wardrobe.

UV protection

Everyone knows that unnecessary UV exposure elevates one’s risk of skin cancer. Tankinis are a great way to protect yourself against harmful UV rays because less visible skin means less sun exposure. Furthermore, many companies have begun making fabrics that are enhanced with additional UV protection. Find a tankini made out of any of these sleek technical fabrics and you can spend all day in the sun without worry of unnecessary exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

The number one reason why you should try a tankini this summer

Tankinis are much, much easier to manage for restroom breaks. Since tankinis have standard bikini bottoms, there is no need to deal with the hassle of pulling up a wet one piece swimsuit after you visit the restroom.

If you purchase a tankini that you love and care for it properly, it will last for years. Be sure to wash and dry your bathing suit after each and every wear. Oils in sunscreen and sweat can degrade the elastic over time, leaving your beautiful tankini baggy.

Tankinis are a great option for all women. Try out the perfect warm weather swimsuit this summer and see how great you feel!

Cooling Tips for Large-Busted Women

Summer is an uncomfortable season for many, but larger-busted women often have a particularly difficult time staying cool and dry. In the past, applying cornstarch or talcum powder to the undersides of your breasts was the only way to absorb moisture and keep your skin cool and dry. These days, the secret to staying sweat-free and comfortable during the summer months is as simple as finding a proper-fitting bra.

The best summer bra starts with the best fit

For larger-busted women, the most important job that your bra performs is keeping your breast tissue off of the skin of your torso. Choosing the correct band and cup sizes will ensure that your skin does not rub together, which is what causes uncomfortable sweating and chafing.

Though it seems counter-intuitive that a tightly-fitting band will keep you cooler during the summer, a snug and correctly fitting band is absolutely crucial for your comfort during these hot months. A tight band ensures that your breasts are lifted up and off of your torso, preventing chafing. Additionally, a snug band reduces strain on your neck and back.

Underwires are another tricky subject. Many larger-busted women struggle to find a good-fitting underwire bra so they end up wearing bras without underwire. Many department stores stop carrying underwire bras after the DD cup size (while specialty stores like Brabary will stock underwire bras in sizes AA all the way to M). Underwire bras lift and separate your breasts, preventing them from chafing or building up too much sweat.

Stay cool, be comfortable

Though summer will always be a hot and sweaty time, there is no reason to let it cause you unnecessary pain and suffering. The trick for larger-busted women is to make sure that your bra is properly fitted, with underwire. You can get added cooling benefits by choosing fabrics that are lightweight and breathable.

Brabary is located at 12 Commerce Park Drive in the south end of Barrie, featuring specialty sizing bras, custom bras, fine lingerie, swimwear, wedding day trousseau, sports bras, hosiery, maternity bras and breast prosthesis offered in a broad range of quality brand names. We look forward to helping you find the perfect fit.

Caring For Your Summer Fabrics

Summer is upon us and for most women that means dealing with less-than-preferable amounts of sweat. Sweating can wreak havoc on the delicate fabrics used to manufacture stockings, panties and bras.

Though sweating is an unavoidable part of summer life, there are ways to lessen the damage sweat can have on fabric, while also making sure to choose fabrics that will feel most comfortable.

How to select the perfect summer bra

When selecting the perfect bra to wear during the summer, your first priority should be your comfort in the heat. Lace bras are inherently cooler as they offer more airflow. You can also choose from a variety of lighter fabrics and seamless options, both of which will keep you cool while minimising the risk of chafing.

Stay away from moulded or padded cups that increase bulk and trap in heat. Additionally, many sports bras now feature moisture-wicking fabrics that work to keep you dry and comfortable during the hot summer months.

Whatever bra you choose, you must wash it regularly to keep it functioning optimally and looking great. You should actually be washing your bras after each wear, especially your sports bra. This not only removes sweat, oil and skin particles from the bra, but also rejuvenates the elasticity of the band.

Forever New^® is a great citrus-based cleaning agent that is convenient to use. Also, you can periodically rinse your bra with a water and vinegar solution to eliminate any oil or detergent build-up.

The right material, the right feel

Like sports bras, many panties are now made out of moisture-wicking, odour-reducing fabric to maximise your comfort during the summer months. The drier you are, the more comfortable you will be. Like your bras, underwear should be laundered after each and every wear to keep the garment functioning optimally.

Sweating can make summer very uncomfortable. Make sure that you are choosing the appropriate fabrics for your undergarments to ensure that you are as cool as possible. Then, take care to clean these items properly to extend their lifespan.

Brabary is committed to promoting a sense of “I’m worth it” to women of all ages by providing excellent service and quality products. We look forward to seeing helping you find the most comfortable garments for our beautiful Barrie summer.