I am an amazing bra

I am a dashing anti microbial garment all lined with silver. If you get smelly when you sweat, I take the stink out and move the sweat out.  If you have a cut or scrape, I help heal you.  If you are hot, I cool you down, if you are cold, I warm you up.  I do so many amazing things but no one ever sees me. I mean, okay, I know I’m an UNDERgarment (which is exactly where I need to be to get the job done) but why can’t my wearer tell how awesome I am? 

Sincerely, all-sparkled-up-with-no-where-to-go

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Dear all-sparkled-up-with-no-where-to-go,

You have a secret weapon that few know about...it's just going to take a little time (and hints) for your wearer to become obsessed with your anti-microbial properties.

What can you tell her to speed up the process? Here are a couple pointers:

1.  I’ve been around for a grand 1,000 years doing my job, keeping things clean and balanced

2. My knitted silver thread is often seen in socks to keep runners dry, if it helps sweaty feet, it's damn well going to help sweaty breasts.

3. My soft cups are wire-free, with a three-cup sling that keeps giving you the shape you want, winter, spring, summer or fall.

How many UNDERgarments can do that??

Bring on the bling!

Love, Eli

Dear Eli, It's Game Day!

I am super stressed out. I am a debutante and my coming out party is THE CURVExpo show! I want to be liked, held, pulled, and ordered...over and over and over again. But I have no idea how to make that happen!

At the CURVExpo, brands are showing the best of the best, how will I match up?

This is what I've got going for me:

1. I am part of a newly designed collection that screams old Hollywood glamour

2. I can give the wearer firm support, while showing off my lovely pin tucks

3. Full coverage is my middle name...the wearer will feel sexy without letting it all hang out

Can you help me get the attention of the best buyers in town?

Desperately-seeking-to-make-a-lasting-impression

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Dear Desperately-seeking-to-make-a-lasting-impression,

Not quite sure where I can help, you've got all the necessary tools to make your own cinderella story happen! 

The only real tip I can give you is SHOW OFF. Show off your European embroidery, half cup sling and high power back. Flaunt your satin pin tucks in that lovely antique white...and don't forget to share with the world that you are built to support the full figure woman from sizes 34 - 46 E/DD, F, G, H, I, J, K. Wow.

If that doesn't win them over, it's not called CURVExpo.

Best of luck!

Eli

Fitting your Elila Bra

Breathe in. Finding the right bra is possible.

The Elila Step by Step Guide to lookin’ good in your curves.

How to measure

Step 1 Pick your most comfortable bra. Make sure it’s not padded. After all, we are looking for the real you.

Step 2 Adjust straps and confirm that the fullest part of your bust is approximately halfway between your elbow and shoulder.

Now it’s simple, there are just 2 things to pay attention to, ladies…

Step 3

A.           The Band part 1: Wrap a tape measure under your armpits and around your chest just above your bust. Relax your shoulders, stand up straight, breath out and look at the measurement. If it’s an odd number round up to the nearest even number (39” should become a 40”).

B.            The Band part 2: Wrap the tape measure around your bottom band keeping the tape measure parallel with the ground and under your bust.  Relax, breath out and look at the measurement. If the number is odd add 5” if it is even add 4”. (35 +5 = 40, 36 +4 = 40)

The top band and bottom band should be close when it comes to getting the band measurement, if they are different, try both band sizes to see which is more comfortable.

Step 4 The Cup: Wrap the tape measure you’ve become oh-so-fond-of around your back so it comes around the fullest part of your bust, be sure the tape measure is at the same height both at the front and the back i.e. parallel to the ground. Got a number? Ok, here comes the math:

Step 4 (number) – Step 3 (number) = number on our chart to determine your cup size.

Example: If your band measures 40 and the cup measures 48 then 48-40= 8” Therefore your size is a 40H.

So now that you’ve got the right bra for the right curves, let’s try it on.

Step 1: When trying on a bra always lean forward and place your breasts fully into the cups. Fasten the bra on the middle hook and stand up straight.

Step 2:  Adjust straps by slipping them off your shoulders so the strap isn’t under stress and adjust accordingly, then place the straps back on your shoulders.

Step 3: Adjust each bust into the cup and give it a little shake to find the best position. Your bust should feel secure without feeling restricted and your nipple should be placed in the middle of the cup.

Comfortable? Ok, breathe out.

Reminder, it’s helpful to order the band size/cup size you measure and one band size smaller /one cup size bigger to see what fits best. If you are a 40H try a 38I.

Cup

1”

2”

3”

4”

5”

6”

7”

8”

9”

10”

11”

12”

13”

14”

Elila

A

B

C

D

E/DD

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

Dear Eli: Are sports bras really just meant to squish down your breasts?

I am a rockin' sports bra with an M frame construction, made from microfiber, with lightly padded adjustable shoulder straps, and designed with silver yarn to wick away moisture...and yet, I am always the last one out of the drawer.

Why oh why? My wearer's New Year resolution was to be more active and here I am ready to take on the challenge!

What can I share with my wearer to help her notice me? How can I convince her that she can be comfortable AND supported EVEN during light/medium sport? I just want to contribute to her feeling fit...that's all.

Sincerely,

Sports Queen

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Dear Sports Queen,

First and foremost, let me congratulate you on being one of the best built sports bras in the market for full-figure women! Now, let's figure out how to get you out and about more often.

1. When you talk "M" frame, the wearer won't understand. Explain to her that the this shape is meant to reduce bounce and add control to the top of the cup and side panels...which provides more support. She'll dig the support during her light jogs.

2. The silver yarn is awesome. Tell her that besides wicking away moisture, it fights odor (no one wants to be stinky) and maintains body temperature, so her breasts won't be sweltering one moment and frozen the next.

3. Remind her that you are a classically-designed piece and actually go to 46H! You're not just trying to squeeze in her breasts into a Small, Medium, or Large size. You are MADE for her.

Stay active and feminine! I am sure these tips will quickly help her come around.

Keep us posted!

Sincerely,

Eli

Dear Eli, I was born to be a nursing bra

...but my new mommy is nervous and not quite sure she's going to use me or not. She's also having an internal debate between breastfeeding and bottlefeeding which I know is keeping her up at nght.

Oh, but I can help her so! She doesn't realize her nursing life with me will be easy, comfortable and (ahem) supportive. I am made of super soft cotton and happy to breathe throughout every wear.

How can I help her understand that breastfeeding is super and that I can help her get through the toughest first few weeks?

Sincerely, All-about-breastfeeding

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Dear All-about-breastfeeding,

We are so on the same page with breastfeeding...I'm a big fan. The benefits of breastfeeding have been recognized the world over: from child's growth, to antibodies, to the very basic financial savings. But, alas, not all women choose to breastfeed.

For those of our wearers who do choose (or are on the brink), the best thing we can do is provide them with comfort and ease. G-d knows, everything else is new and demanding!

Have her feel you, allow her to snap you up & down as many times as she wants, and show her that you are there to give her support throughout her sleepless nights, sore nipples, and new phase of their life. They'll probably keep you on as long as they can!

Best of luck,

Eli

Dear Eli, I love being used but...

...need to be taken home the right way!

My wearer is a big fan of me. She wears me to work, out and about, and lately, even to the gym. Hurray! However, after she washes me and gets me dry, she just throws me back into the drawer. Ugh! It takes HOURS for me to unmangle myself. Love the nice hand massage and the wash but then don't love being disposed.

How can I tell her I love going out but need to be put away the right way so that I'm ready to rock 'n roll next time?

Sincerely,

Busy Bee

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Dear Busy Bee,

I'm thrilled that your problem is going out too much and not too little!

However, yes, it is rather frustrating to be thrown back into the drawer without a little care. I know your shape can suffer. A great tip to share with your wearer is "3 Steps to Wearin' & Carin'."

For Wearin': Slip on your straps, buckle you up, and adjust where needed.

For Carin': fold your cups, tuck your straps, and lay you flat.

One, two, three...on & off.

Good luck!

Eli

Dear Eli, I'm 95% there.

My wearer loves me. She trusts the support I give her, she feels firm, not jiggly, and her back pains are gone. But, she's not diggin' my side stays. Usually they are super helpful. They help out on the support front, they help give shape and keep the garment from pulling around.  She says I'm poking her and as soon as we get home she throws me on the floor. I'm a lover not a fighter. How do I repair our relationship??

Sincerely, Lover

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Dear Lover,

I love simple solutions! She can simply take out your side stays.  They don't work for everyone and all she needs is a pair of scissors, a sewing needle and a thread. I've outlined a quick how-to below which you can share with your wearer.

1. Cut a couple of threads from the top elastic where the bone is kept.  

2.  Lift the elastic and push the bone out. 

3. Once the bone is out, use a needle and thread to mend the stitches. 

Voila! You are now 100%!

She's going to enjoy you oh-so-much-more.

Sincerely, Eli

Dear Eli, I'm parched!

I feel dehydrated, hot, and bit feverish. I'm about to topple over. Oh! I'm achy...Why oh why does my wearer stick me in the damn dryer?? It even takes longer than washing me by hand (with yummy smelling body wash) but she insists on dumping me in with her sweatpants. She is literally beating me up, and doesn't realize that if she keep it up I won't be able to support her anymore. I know I seem tough and sturdy but that only works if you follow my care instructions.

Please help!

Melting away

Dear Melting Away,

Oh poor you! Yes, it is awful to spin round and round without any fun lights or music...while becoming parched. Here are a couple tips to share with your wearer to avoid the dryer forever more.

1. I'm so easy to wash by hand! Just take me into the shower with you, sud me up with your own bath wash, and hang me to dry. Tada! I'll be dry and ready in a day.

2. The more I dry out, the less supportive I will be. I really want to last a good few months, but you won't like me anymore after a couple of spins. Help me, help you.

These are tried and tested...hope they work for you too!

Eli

Dear Eli, I've got to be me!

I am a sassy three-piece cup with amazing seams, but I'm ignored in the drawer every day, as my no-seam sis gets the ride of her life. I mean, come on! I hug & balance the body by giving support, shape and structure to the bust. Who doesn't want that?? I know we all want a little "less" some days, but if my wearer doesn't get the right support, her bust will simply droop and fall. Masks are great for Halloween, but really, every day? How can I show my wearer that my seams rock?

Desperately-wanting-to-come-out-of-the-drawer

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Dear Desperately-wanting-to-come-out-of-the-drawer,

You've got all the right stuff to make your wearer feel awesome every day. Here are a couple tips to woo her the right way:

1. Don't be shy, show her your seams! At first, she might not understand why they're all there, but she will be very very curious to see what that kind of structure helps her with.

2. Get her to walk around with you for 15 minutes. She'll notice the difference immediately. She will stand straighter (no back aches here) and her bust will look like it just got a boob job

3. Get her to wear a t-shirt over you...she'll be giddy with how she looks in the mirror.

I'm telling you, drawer for you no more...time for the ride of YOUR life!

Eli

Dear Eli, I'm on the rack and I want out!

I can hold a rack, I just don't want to be on the rack. I can't do anything from here...I can't support, I can't lift, I can't separate, I can't bring it! I'm a hot red 42H looking for a life partner to share my cups with.

I am built like a Corvette, with a structure to die for but no "wearer" to go. How can I shine the spotlight on me and get off this forsaken rack?

Sincerely,

Can't-wait-to-get-off-the-rack

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Dear Can't-wait-to-get-off-the-rack

Boo. We've all been through that...on the rack, waiting for that special someone to give us a lift and take us home. There is no best-kept secret for being chosen, but our best shot is during the fitting when we can remind our wearer:

1. A little color goes a long way. Red looks hotter under a white t-shirt than white. (So two points for you). Lace is another plus. All wearers want to feel sexy even if only a select few can see it. Heehee

2. Pretty is nothing without support. Check out my seams, my structure, my reinforced straps, my v-center front. I will give you all the loving you will ever need, just pick me up for love's sakes!

Just hang on tight (just not too tight) and your special someone will find you.

Sincerely,

Eli

Dear Eli, I'm a rollercoaster, help!

I am riding up and moving around but I'm not supposed to. She's only worn me a couple of times and she doesn't look too happy with me. Sniff. I really want to give her as much support as she needs (especially after she broke her heel coming home from work), but she just won't listen! I tried dropping my strap off her shoulder, inching up her back, uncovering part of her chest, but nothing, she can't pick up my hints, she just gets angry and takes me off. The floor is really not my favorite spot.

Any ideas?

Sincerely, Jiver

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Dear Jiver,

Just reading your note made me sea sick! Most women don't know what a bra should ACTUALLY be doing, and that's to stay still, supporting everything it can, including the chest and back. You seem to be giving all the right signals, but perhaps these tips will help her out a little more:

1. Adjust my straps so she can fit two fingers through

2. If I'm riding up, tighten me up

3. Lean forward and give me a shake to fit in your ladies the way they're supposed to

She'll feel so much better if she gets around to these. Check back in soon to let us know how the chat turned out!

Good luck,

Eli

Dear Eli, I am being over stretched and over used!

My wearer wants me all day, every day as tight as can be. I just don't think I'll last long in this relationship...I am maxed out and overstretched. She thinks that if she just keeps me nice and taught I will help hide some skin and give her more support. She just doesn't understand. I need a break before my wonderful elastic stretches out and before she complains that I can't help her. I know she will be angry at me and at herself and that would be devastating. How do I tell her I want to support her not hurt her but that I also need some rest? 

Desperately seeking answers,
Overstretched

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Dear Overstretched, you are not alone!

Most women are not quite sure how to work with us to get the most support. Here are a couple tips you can share with your wearer:

1. I am built strong enough to give you support. The different hooks are there because we know your chest changes a bit throughout the month (every month), and we want to give you several options to be at your most comfortable. Just make sure to get fitted first so that I am the right size for you.

2. Find a couple of my friends to help you out as well. We work better together (at least 3) so that one of us can always rest, one of us can get washed, and one of us can be worn.

Wanna try these out? Keep us informed and good luck!

Eli