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.