Knicker Blogger - Bra Fitting

How Do Bra Extenders Work

help@knickerlocker.com — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 11:20:00 +0100

How do bra extenders work?

If any of you have used a bra extender before, then you know that they are a bit of a faff! However, they do provide a purpose when it comes to pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight gain and other physical changes to your body. Bras can be expensive to buy, especially if you buying new ones every time your body changes shape or size. Sometimes, you just need a little extra room around the back of the bra for comfort until things settle back down. This is where a bra extender comes in very handy.

A bra extender attaches to the back of your bra on the hooks and then attaches to the other side on the eyes. You can adjust the hook and eyes as necessary so you feel comfortable. They can attach to any bra you have and extend the bra to the desired width.

REMEMBER: Check your bra hook and eye width against the width of the bra extender before purchasing. Different bra sizes and brands vary with the underband width and so do the bra extenders.

What is a Bra Extender?

A bra extender is simply a row of hook and eyes that you attach to the back of you bra to add extra width. There are usually multiple hooks, so you can adjust the width accordingly to what feels most comfortable.

You can buy different size bra extenders depending on your bra. There are 1 hook, 2 hook, 3 hook and 4 hook. You just need to check how many hooks there are on your bra and also the width of the strap.

Magic Bodyfashion Bra Extenders

Magic Bodyfashion offer bra extenders with 2 hook and 3 hook and in one pack you get three colours. 1 x White, 1 x Black, 1 x Beige. Great for keeping in your lingerie drawer for any occasion. This pack of 3 is available for £10.

Magic Bodyfashion create an array of problem solving bra accessories for women who want functional and fashionable products. Their slogan is "For Women, By Women" so they understand the problems women face on a daily basis and product simple techniques to combat them.

Shop Bra Extenders Here >

The Anatomy of a Bra

help@knickerlocker.com — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Most of us know the basics of a bra, what they are used for and some of the terminology that you come across when bra fitting. But do you know all the other little details? We thought it may be interesting and useful for you to know all the different features and elements of a bra. Take a look below.

Straps - These shoulder straps connect the cups to the wings at the back. And are usually adjustable.
Adjusters - These adjust the length of the shoulder straps.
Apex - This is the part where the cups join with the straps.
Cups - The cups support the breasts. They can be padded/non-padded and wired/non-wired depending on the bra style.
Centre Front/Gore - This is the piece in between the cups that sits flat against the chest.
Cradle - This part helps position the cups and wires firmly against your chest.
Wings - The wings, when fastened up, are used to pull the underwires into position and secure the bra around the body.
Underband - This is the band that runs under the bottom of the bra. It should sit firmly agains the body, providing most of the support.
Sling - A sling is incorporated into some bra styles for extra support to the side of the breasts. It is popular in fuller cup sizes if the fabric is delicate.
Hook and Eye - This fastens the back of the bra up. Your bra should fit firmly on the loosest hook and eye. Your bra will stretch over time and with use, are designed to ensure you can tighten your bra by using the middle and tightest hooks to keep the back firm.

A bra will come in many different shapes and styles, but most of them will have all these elements to help with the shape and support of your breasts. Take a look at one of your bras and see if you can name all the features listed here.

Have a look at some of our other Fitting Locker pages and blog posts about bra fitting:

Lingerie Glossary

The History of Bra Fitting

Bra Styles Explained

Bra Size Chart

What is a Balcony Bra

help@knickerlocker.com — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:30:00 +0000

What is a Balcony Bra?

Balcony bras are supportive bras that are lower across the bust than a full cup bra. They create a horizontal neckline and still offer great support and shape for the fuller busts. Balcony bras generally have wider set shoulder straps and a perfect for wearing with square or round neck clothes.

Balcony bras are ideal for women who are shallower at the top of the breasts as balcony bras cut across the bust for minimal creasing. They usually have two seams across the cups for optimal uplift and stretch lace for a great fit.

Balcony bras work great for fuller busted women up to a K cup, especially if you want a lower sexier bra style. They are generally non-padded balcony bras with extra lining in the bottom of the cups to provide extra support and shape.

Different types of Balcony Bras

Padded Balcony Bra
Non-padded Balcony Bra
Push Up Balcony Bras
Moulded Balcony Bras

What are balcony bras good for?

Balcony bras are great for everyday wear for a natural and uplifting shape with a lower neckline. They suit all bra sizes from an A cup all the way up to a J cup, depending on the brand you wear. Balcony bras look great under any outfit, as well as round-neck and square-neck tops. They are extremely versatile to wear and are very popular with most women who wear a DD+cup.

Best lingerie brands for Balcony Bras

Depending on the bra size you wear, it can vary what lingerie brand will suit your shape best. If you wear below a DD cup, brands such as Wacoal lingerie and Pour Moi lingerie are perfect for pretty everyday balcony bras including popular padded balcony bras and push up balcony bras. If you wear a bra size from DD +, lingerie brands such as Freya lingerie and Curvy Kate lingerie create great fitting balcony bras up to a K cup. Balcony bras from a DD+ cup are less likely to have padding in them, but instead have extra lining at the bottom of the cups to support the breasts and give them uplift.

Freya Lingerie

Freya lingerie create fashionable and supportive balcony bras up to a K cup. The are one of the biggest UK lingerie brands that offer superb comfort, support and shape without compromising on style. They create moulded balcony bras for a seamless shape under t-shirts and non-padded balcony bras for the fuller busts.

Shop Freya Balcony Bras

Freya Erin Underwired Plunge Balcony Bra | Knicker Locker

Fantasie Lingerie

Fantasie lingerie is renowned for their side support full cup bras up to a JJ cup, but they do also have a wide range of beautiful balcony bras that offer the same great support and shape. Their elegant styles and high quality fabrics ensure unparalleled fit and comfort for all women who wear them. They even offer balcony bikini tops up to a HH cup that fit in the same way their bras do.

Shop Fantasie Balcony Bras

Fantasie Impression White Underwired Bra | Knicker Locker

Katherine Hamilton

Katherine Hamilton specialises in luxury fuller cup lingerie including non-padded balcony bras up to a HH cup. They use the finest fabrics and finishes, from soft Silk and French lace, to ensure high quality and luxury detail. Their lace balcony bras provide forward projection and a round silhouette without any padding.

Shop Katherine Hamilton Balcony Bras

Katherine Hamilton Nina Sheer Pink Bra | Knicker Locker

Pour Moi Lingerie

Pour Moi offer fashion-forward lingerie that is perfect for everyday wear without the need blow your budget. Their range of balcony bras include push up balcony bras and non-padded balcony bras up to a J cup, so there is something for everyone, no matter their size, style or budget.

Shop Pour Moi Balcony Bras

Pour Moi Amour Underwired Bra | Knicker Locker

Knicker Locker stock a wide range of balcony bras from a variety of popular lingerie brands up to a H cup, including plus size balcony bras and a balcony bra sale to get them at a fantastic price. It's important with every bra to make sure you are in the correct bra size for optimal support and comfort, no matter your size. Knicker Locker pride themselves in providing great Bra Fitting Guides to help you get the best bra fit for you.

Shop Balcony Bras online at Knicker Locker