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This does not mean, however, that they have not tried other means to change their size. Since herbs and lotions are much cheaper alternatives, many
women have been trapped by the manufacturers of these products. The results were always disappointing and many suppliers were barred from
operating by the Federal Trade Commission. University of California at Santa Barbara's Sociology Department actually maintains an excellent
website for women including information on the pros and cons of potential solutions available. (Related link: Frequently asked questions about breasts)

We continue to be surprised, though, that despite availability of so much information, there are still so many women who are misled by advertisers.
Not only these women end up spending a small fortune, but they are shy of asking for refunds or complaining to the authorities because of the
embarrassment attached. How many women will pick up the phone to call FTC and give detailed information on what they bought and why they
bought and what the result was. We are very proud of the fact that we continue to provide a support forum for women who like themselves the way
they are and men who love such women. Our advice is still very simple: "Do nothing!" (Related article: So should you choose silicone implants?)

BIKINI BASICS : Flattery Tips

BIKINI BASICS : Flattery Tips

Swimsuit shopping can be one of the most painful experiences in a woman’s life. It can serve to remind a woman of every unused pound and every unneeded midnight snack. However, with the right information and the correct mindset, swimsuit shopping can also be an extremely flattering and rewarding experience. If this statement sounds almost too good to be true, you will want to read on to acquire some valuable tips for finding and purchasing a flattering swimsuit for you.

Color: A general rule for good swimsuit flattery is to use darker colors on areas you would like to slim and understate and lighter and brighter colors on areas you would like to highlight (this rule also applies to general fashion). While a black swimsuit will likely do the trick for slimming your body, you may be able to do even better by using swimsuit colors wisely. For example, if you would like to De-emphasize your hips, try pairing dark red, blue, or black bikini bottoms with a light-colored bikini top. The light color will draw attention and eyes toward your bust and away from your hips. Another good slimming trick is to look for a tankini in a generally bright color with darker insets on the sides. The insets will make your figure look thinner and more toned.

Prints: When looking at prints, pay attention to the color, size, and placement of the print. Prints on a darker background are more slimming. In addition, prints with allover swirls will stop the eye from focusing on any one area of the body.

Shine: In general, opaque, matte style fabrics will slim the body the most, while shiny fabrics will make the body seem larger. If you do like the idea of shine in a swimsuit but not the enlarging effects, look for a shiny bikini in a muted or otherwise dark color.

Details: Details on a bikini, such as bows, belts, ruching, embroidery, beading, and ties will all grab attention. Use them wisely on an area of the body you would like to draw attention to and gain the benefit of drawing attention away from less desirable characteristics.

Coverage: An oft-misunderstood rule of swimsuit coverage is the fact that less is often more. Looking for more coverage in a swimsuit is not always the best way to deal with figure flaws. Using huge amounts of fabric to cover a large derriere may actually draw unwanted attention to that very section of the body. For example, women with wide hips often assume that the skirted swimsuit is the best style option for them. However, the skirt quite often ends at the widest part of the hips or thighs, serving only to make the area appear larger. A much better bet is to choose bikini bottoms with high cut legs that will elongate the legs and slim the hips and thighs. As long as a swimsuit fits comfortably and highlights desirable characteristics, bare is almost always more beautiful.




BIKINI BASICS : Fitting Tips



Swimsuit sizing can often seem like one of life’s cruel little jokes. Manufacturers appear to have an inordinate amount of difficulty in deciding on the universal prototype of a size 6 (or any size for that matter). Thus, the size that may have fit and worked wonderfully in last year’s swimsuit may be causing you great disappointment in the next season’s swimsuit search. In addition, manufacturers are unwilling to come to agreement over whether swimsuits should be sized as dresses (0-16) or as shirts (S-XL). The result is a general hodgepodge of swimsuit sizing that plays havoc with swimsuit consumers’ time and emotional stability. In general, to get a good swimsuit fit, you should look for a swimsuit approximately one or two sizes larger than your dress size. When trying the suit on, be sure to lift your arms, bend, and sit down to ensure everything stays covered. Below are some general tips to finding a good swimsuit fit in all areas of the body:

Torso: If you are going with a classic bikini style (bare midriff and back), the body section of a swimsuit is not really applicable. However, if you think you may be interested in a tankini, make sure the torso portion of your swimsuit lies perfectly flat on the body. You will want a good, streamlined fit with the right percentage of Lycra content. Still, be wary of too tight tankini tops; they will tend to cause belly bulges in even the slimmest of women.

Leg Openings and Waistbands: Make sure that the leg openings and the waistband of your bikini bottoms are not puckering or digging into your skin. Puckering will result in an uncomfortable and unflattering fit. If the bottoms are digging in anywhere, you will want to try a larger size or different style. If the bottoms are not offering enough coverage, a different style is the answer, not a different size. For most people, the most flattering leg opening falls an inch below the top of the hipbone. To get a good fit, start with this style of leg opening and experiment from there. Also, remember to check your butt in the mirror to be sure the bottoms are offering enough coverage.

Straps: Bikini straps should lie comfortably on your shoulders without digging in or falling down. If the straps are digging in, you will probably want to choose a larger top size. Conversely, if the straps are falling down, you may want to try a smaller size or different style. If you are trying on a style with tie straps, move around a bit in the dressing room to make sure the straps stay tied.

Bust: When trying on a bikini top, lift your arms to make sure the top offers enough coverage and does not creep up on you. Make sure that you can adjust the straps so you will feel comfortable and secure in your bikini top. If you are looking at a bikini with a built-in under wire, follow the same rules as when shopping for a bra. The under wire should completely cover the bottom half of the breast and not be sitting on any breast tissue. Your breasts should fill the cups of your bikini top completely without spilling over. For the best top sizing, look for manufacturers that offer bra sizing. If you cannot find such a manufacturer with a swimsuit style you like, look for a top with adjustable or tie straps at the back and neck.



BIKINI BASICS : Accessory Tips



A collection of cute, fun accessories can highlight and jazz up even the most banal of bikinis (although the term “banal bikini” seems somewhat oxymoronic). Once you have your new bikini or tankini, try changing your style a bit with some fun and necessary swimwear accessories. Below is a guide to shopping for and wearing two of the most common swimsuit accessories: the sarong and sunglasses.

Sarong: The sarong is a cover-up favorite among women all over the world. Sarong style looks great on women of all shapes and allows a little more coverage for shy bikini wearers. Its graceful beauty can lend any bikini or swimsuit an inherently feminine style (while serving the added benefit of covering figure flaws). Sarongs are very effective cover-ups for heavy hips, thighs, and legs. A sarong is also one of the most flexible swimsuit accessories in its ability to transfer from beach cover-up to sexy mini-skirt or halter dress.

The trick to wearing a sarong successfully is to get the right wrap. To tie a sarong, hold it horizontally around your hips. Gather approximately three inches of material in each hand and tie a simple square knot at your belly button. To adjust the placement of the sarong on your legs, fold the sarong to the desired length horizontally before tying it.

Sunglasses: Sunglasses serve the dual purpose of protecting the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) sun rays and of providing a guaranteed Audrey Hepburn/Jackie Onassis sexuality and style. There are quite a few items to consider when buying flattering sunglasses to accompany your bikini. It is important to think about the shape of your face, the color of the lenses, and the amount of UV protection you need. Of course, price is another important consideration. Here are some general tips to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect pair of sunglasses.
Update your sunglasses about every two years. This will refresh your wardrobe and accommodate any changes in your face from weight loss/gain.
When trying on sunglasses, check yourself out in a full-length mirror. It is important to match your sunglasses to the proportions of your body and not just your face.
If you have strong, high cheekbones, do not cover them with your sunglasses. You should always let this wonderfully attractive feature stand out.
When choosing frames for your sunglasses, keep in mind that frames that turn downward can age your appearance, while frames that turn upward will tend to lift your face.
If you are unsure about which shape of frames to buy, try oval frames; these frames flatter almost every face shape.
For the most part, the best frames for your sunglasses will be the opposite of the shape of your face. For example, if you have a long, oblong face shape, you will want to try oval or other horizontal frames to shorten the face and soften its angles.
Green-gray is the best and most popular color for sunglass lenses. Green-gray lenses filter light evenly and distort color very little, making them the best bet for bright, sunny days on the beach or at the pool.
Purple, pink, or blue lenses are great for making a fashion statement, but they tend to interfere with color perception. Save them for occasions when you do not need great vision.
Look for sunglasses that block at least 95% of UVB rays and 60% of UVA rays. Check the label on your sunglasses or ask your optometrist to find out how much protection the lenses offer.

BIKINI STYLES : Tankini

BIKINI STYLES : Tankini
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The tankini has only recently entered the swimsuit fashion scene. It was designed to combine the modest coverage of a one-piece swimsuit with the convenience of a bikini (a woman need only remove the bottoms to use the bathroom). A tankini swimsuit generally consists of a tank-style, tight-fitting top that ends anywhere from just below the waist to the top of the hips. This top is paired with traditional bikini bottoms.

The tankini is still quite young and has not yet developed a compelling history. The tankini can, however, already claim a few renovations on its traditional style, including the ruched tankini and the camikini. A ruched tankini contains elastic sewn into the sides of the tankini top that allows for adjustable top length and greater waist definition. This particular innovation is a great boon for women with long torsos. The camikini is quite similar to the tankini in its design. However, the camikini generally pairs a more structured, camisole-type top with bikini bottoms to provide more support for women with large breasts.

While the tankini offered great hope to women at its birth into the fashion world--due to its additional concealing coverage--it is not the magic swimsuit bullet it was at first perceived to be. If worn in the wrong manner, the tankini can accentuate undesirable characteristics, just as any other swimsuit. The tankini works best for slim women with long torsos, as the tankini top can break up the torso and lend it a shorter appearance. The tankini can also be flattering on women with fuller figures. For these women, however, it is important to ensure that the bikini top and bottoms meet. A tankini top that is too tight or ends too high on the body can result in unattractive belly bulges. To find an attractive tankini fit that will flatter your body, try pairing a light-colored, ruched tankini top with darker bikini bottoms.

BIKINI STYLES : Bandini


The bandini is a style of bikini that pairs a bandeau-style top with traditional bikini bottoms. A bandeau top is generally a strapless, tube-type top that remains in place with the aid of a high percentage of spandex in the fabric. The bandini is somewhat common in swimwear fashion, although other styles of bikinis, like the string bikini and halter bikini, are far more popular. There are also several one-piece swimsuits that come with bandeau-style tops.

The history of the bandini is closely linked to the history of the bikini, itself. While the bikini was marketed in the United States as early as 1947, it would not become greatly popular until the mid-1950s. Even then, the bikini would not become widely socially and morally acceptable until the turbulent decade of the 1960s. The bandini, interestingly enough, was one of the first bikini styles to be generally accepted in the 1950s. Strapless, bandeau-style tops had emerged on one-piece swimsuits just five years before, but the shocking and exciting nature of the bandeau top accompanied the very first popular bikini styles in the 1950s. The somewhat questionable breast support of the bandini, relying only upon the tightness and stretch of the fabric, greatly enhanced the overall allure of the swimsuit. Since the beginning of bikini popularity in the United States, the bandini has maintained a strong foothold in the bikini market.

The bandini has an overall minimizing effect on the breasts that makes it wonderfully supportive and flattering on some women and quite unflattering on other women. The bandini is best for women with large breasts, of course, as it can provide valuable, minimizing coverage. However, women with small breasts should not wear bandinis, as the bandeau top will serve only to flatten the appearance of the breasts to a greater degree. Whenever wearing a bandini, be aware that the strapless nature of the swimsuit can result in a rather unfortunate loss of coverage. Needless to say, the bandini may not be the best swimsuit choice for beach sports or serious swimming.

BIKINI STYLES : Monokini

The monokini is one of the most shocking and scandalous swimsuits to have entered the swimsuit market. While the monokini has a very specific historical definition, the term is now used to indicate any topless swimsuit. When fashion designer Rudi Gernreich first introduced the monokini in 1964, the swimsuit consisted of bikini style bottoms with thin straps over the shoulders to hold the swimsuit in place. The swimsuit provided no additional coverage and left the breasts entirely bare. Today, fashion designers continue to vary on the style of the original monokini, producing topless swimsuits for more adventurous women to wear in private swimming pools or topless bathing venues.

The monokini has a rather interesting history. It emerged in an era of American history when the country was on the turning point between the placid, conservative 1950s and the turbulent, explosive 1960s. Into this climate, European designer Gernreich presented his new swimsuit design in June of 1964 to mixed review from fashion critics, government officials, and church dignitaries. Gernreich’s monokini consisted of a black knit suit that extended from the midriff to the upper thigh, employing two thin black straps to hold it in place over the shoulders.

The reaction to Gernreich’s bikini innovation was immediate. Fashion designers criticized the swimsuit, proclaiming that the sole use of bikini bottoms would foretell the eventual demise of the bikini style. Throughout the country, statesmen and church officials pronounced the swimsuit immoral and tasteless. Because the monokini was so obviously inappropriate for swimming or tanning, many people assumed it was meant to be more of a gag than a serious swimsuit design. However, despite the reaction of fashion critics and church officials, shoppers purchased the monokini in record numbers that summer. By the end of the season, Gernreich had sold 3000 swimsuits at $24 a pop (a tidy profit for such a miniscule amount of fabric). Still, despite the number of swimsuits purchased, very few monokinis were ever worn in public.

After the first summer season, Gernreich’s monokini fell quickly out of style in the United States. Still, his shocking experimentation with dermal exposure would herald a new era in swimsuit design. Designers would soon begin experimenting with strategic cutouts and mesh coverage to push the envelope farther on public exposure.

Because the monokini was designed as far more of a fashion statement than a flattering piece of swimwear, it is difficult to determine the most ideal body type for this type of swimsuit. While monokinis do still exist in the swimsuit market, they are not always easily accessible and most stores do not carry them.

The thong bikini is a swimsuit that consists of a typical bikini top (usually a string top) with thong bikini bottoms. The thong provides minimal coverage for the crotch but leaves the buttocks almost entirely bare, allowing only a thin strap of fabric between the butt cheeks. The thong bikini is currently a popular and extremely sexy style, and many women purchase a model of it each year.

The thong bikini began in the 1970s and was introduced to the American market by the maker of the monokini, Rudi Gernreich. The thong is supposed to have been inspired by the traditional garb of Amazonian tribes in Brazil. Like so many other swimsuit designs that have been inspired by the sexy style of Brazilian beaches, the thong quickly gained popularity after its introduction to the American market.

Having experienced only short-lived success with his topless monokini a decade earlier, Gernreich decided to experiment with a bottomless swimsuit style instead. Aptly recognizing the new American fascination with the upper thighs and buttocks, Gernreich sought to introduce a new swimsuit that would capitalize on this fascination. The original thong swimsuit was available in three models: a tank one-piece suit, a two-piece bikini, and a topless swimsuit with thong bottoms only. While the thong would prove to be popular at its introduction in the 1970s, its absolute minimalist style would actually result in a popular resurgence of the one-piece swimsuit throughout the 1980s.

The thong bikini is flattering and sexy on only a very small percentage of women. Because the bottoms offer very little fabric coverage, it is important to be toned in the butt and thighs before attempting to wear a thong bikini. While the thong bikini can be incredibly provocative and sexy on the right body, the majority of women will appear more attractive and toned in a swimsuit that offers a bit more coverage in the buttocks.

BIKINI STYLES : Halter Bikini

A halter bikini generally consists of any style of bikini bottoms (brief, string, boy shorts, etc.) paired with a halter-neck top. A halter neck implies a top that employs straps or strings that meet just at the nape of the neck (as opposed to straps that sit over the shoulder blades and join with the back support of a bikini top). The halter bikini is useful for a large number of swimsuit activities, as it provides a bit more coverage and is more likely to stay in place during extreme activity than other bikini styles. The halter bikini has been popular for several years among women of all ages. Still, it seems to have come into even greater popularity in the last couple of seasons.

The halter bikini became a fashionable bikini design just as the two-piece swimsuit was becoming a popular style of swimsuit in the United States. The halter neck had already been in style on one-piece swimsuits since the early 1940s; it was an easy transfer to popularity on the new bikini. However, the halter bikini was generally passed over for sexier, more revealing styles until volleyball star Gabrielle Reece showcased it in 1993. Due to Reece’s support of the style, the hugging, halter bikini became the latest rage in the sports bikini market. The halter bikini now comes in a wide variety of styles, including designs offering tie straps, extra breast coverage, minimal breast coverage, wide straps, and thin, string straps.

The halter bikini is a flattering style on a large number of women. The extra support it offers can be useful for both women with small breasts and women with large breasts. Such support also makes the halter bikini one of the best choices for beach sports. However, women with large breasts should note that the halter bikini will not have the same minimizing effect as the bandini.

Bikini styles - String Bikini

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Kimono: a Japanese symbol

Kimono: a Japanese symbol
Fewer Japanese women wear a kimono now; how long will it last?

Most traditional national dresses are beautiful. I personally think very few compete with the elegance and beauty of the kimono. When I lived in Japan I always enjoyed visiting the kimono departments in the large department stores such as Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi and others in Ginza. I also enjoyed the more traditional shops in Tokyo’s traditional tourist neighborhood Asakusa.

The Japanese love to share their culture with the foreigners in Tokyo (or at least that was my impression). I attended one kimono demonstrations in a Tokyo church as a part of our efforts to learn about Japan.

The demonstration had the goal to show foreigners how to dress in a kimono. Let me tell you, it is not an easy task. The kimono, that literally means “clothing” in Japanese, is not one piece of cloth, but the combination of many; at least 12. Kimonos are made with the finest silk in beautiful textile designs. It is accompanied by other beautiful accessories such as the obi or Chirimen.

The kimono is expensive and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. This is a result of the manufacturing process of the silk and because it is tailor-made. The traditional kimono silk is dyed using the same hand techniques used in the times of the ninjas and samurais. The attention to detail gives kimonos the grace that characterizes them.


Back to my kimono experience. We had drum music in the background played by a Japanese man wearing traditional clothing (the equivalent of the kimono for men). While he played the music, a very nice and soft-spoken Japanese lady in her 50s demonstrated how each piece of the kimono is worn. As the model, the wife of an American expatriate, was being covered with layer after layer, she was describing how her degree of comfort was reduced. The kimono makes sure that everybody wearing it tries to stand up straight. The movement is severely restricted. Forget about jumping or crossing the legs. The kimono was designed for Japanese women who normally do not have a large chest. The kimono actually further flattens the figure and it looks better on women with a smaller chest. It is also a tight dress in every part of the body.

With this experience I thought it seems quiet normal that the kimono is only used on very special occasions such as weddings, funeral, special holidays and others. But the young Japanese do not even want to wear it on special occasions. Few young people these days are taking lessons on how to wear a kimono. The manufactures and retailers are alarmed, the tradition seems to be dying.


The kimono is beautiful, but it is not practical. With the westernization of Japan it is not easy to wear kimonos anymore. Only before the Second World War Japanese women wore kimono everyday. Now Japanese women need to take lessons to learn how to wear it. The young and modern Japanese have limited time and resources. It is more productive to take dance or English lessons than to learn how to wear a kimono that will be used only once or twice a year and costs as much as a car.

After my kimono encounter of the third kind, I continued admiring the kimonos in Tokyo and thinking how the beautiful traditional land of the rising sun is changing.

How is breast augmentation going to help?

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Bras and other lingerie items for young women

Bras and other lingerie items for young women


When and what lingerie to wear and when to go braless?

Outside school I do not wear a bra most of time. I wear tank tops and T-shirts and think it is really cool because I have a good body. My girlfriends think I'm really brave to do it and my mom doesn't like it with tight tops because it is so obvious. She thinks my 36C size is too big even though she is happy to do it with her 34B and she is 38 years old!! But think like Emma Thompson, who says, "I'm not a great fan of underwear, I think it's quite constraining."


I agree; it does grab attention of the guys but this is my body so if they are good why not flaunt them like women do with their hair, make-up, and clothes they choose to wear. I think it is so naïve when women say that guys will like us only for our bodies. Of course that is important to them but there is much more to us than just our bodies. In my opinion, boys might get attracted if we do something bold like that but that does not help us a lot if we want to conquer them in the long run.

This is the time and age to be bold - when we are firm and look really cool doing it. It's not as if we go crazy; actually I think it is better to maintain both some mystery and boldness!! That is exactly what Drew Barrymore did at the Golden Globes. (Related article: Story of a woman who found happiness even when she had a small chest)

I always notice other women and how they dress, particularly if they wear tight tops. I think they look nicer if they do not show their bra straps under a spaghetti top. My mom does not approve of me being sloppy and show straps like some of my girlfriends do. This fashion of virtually letting your bra and the straps showing drives our elders nuts but even I do not approve of it since many girls look so sloppy doing it. I would say that do what Kirsten Dunst does. Many "analysts" suspect that she does not wear a bra underneath her T-shirts, but she still looks pretty cool about it. Lindsay Lohan too has been spotted sans bra. So my advice to all those girls who want to wear tank tops and spaghetti straps is this – just leave your bra at home. Alternatively you can try using a low-cut bra rather than showing the straps. And if you wear a white blouse to school as I do, just do nothing but wear a black bra and notice the heads turning.

When it comes to giving a peek at your underwear to create some interest in others, I would say show your panties instead because you can do it without making it so obvious by wearing low-rise pants. I prefer low riders that show my panties only if I move at a certain angle or bend. A little bit of black panty or thong is attractive and complements my look.