Go Shopping! Secrets to a Flawless Fitting Bra

NEW YORK, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Oprah Winfrey has started a bra
revolution sure to send women everywhere out shopping for
better-fitting bras this weekend! Here's what every woman needs to
know to get the right fit.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051118/NYF087 )

As Oprah revealed, 8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra.
To find out if you are one of them, answer the following questions. If
you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, you're wearing the
wrong bra!

1. Do your bra straps dig into or slip off your shoulders?

2. Does your underwire poke into your breast tissue?

3. Does your bra ride up in the back?

4. Do your breasts sag under your clothing?

5. Do you feel like taking off your bra before the day is over?

6. Do the buttons on your blouse gap at the bustline?

7. Do your breasts spill out of your bra's cups?

8. Have you recently gained or lost more than 10 lbs?

How to Find the Right Size Bra

Pattie Ficorilli, Maidenform's top bra fitting expert, says, "A bra
that fits properly should be so comfortable, you shouldn't even feel
like you have one on." She offers these simple steps to ensure the
perfect fit for maximum comfort throughout the day.

1. Band Measurement - Most women measure their ribcage under their breasts

to get their band measurement. To double check the measurement, wrap a

tape measure snugly around your back, under your arms and across the

top of your chest. "This is another technique to assess your band

size," says Ficorilli. "Keep in mind your ribcage expands and

contracts when you breathe so by taking both measurements you'll get

the best indication of your band size for a more comfortable fit."

2. Cup Measurement - With your bra on, wrap a measuring tape around your

back and across the fullest part of your bust and take a gentle

measurement. To get your cup size, subtract your band measurement from

this measurement. If the difference is

1 inch = A cup 4 inches = D cup

2 inches = B cup 5 inches = DD cup

3 inches = C cup 6 inches = DDD cup

Example: Cup measurement = 39

Band measurement = 36

3 inch difference = size 36C

For an even faster way to figure-out your correct bra size, log-on to
www.maidenform.com for a quick guide that will calculate your perfect
bra size.

3. Go Shopping!

Every woman wants a perfect fitting, comfortable and attractive new
bra! To experience a personal one-on-one bra fitting consultation, log
onto www.maidenform.com to find a fit event nearest you. Once you have
confirmed your size, try these options:

* Need a lift? A push up bra not only gives a cleavage boost, but also

provides a confidence boost! Try Maidenform's Feeling Sexy(TM) lace

push up for some extra oomph.

* Every woman needs a comfortable, every day "t-shirt" bra to give them

smooth lines and great shape. Go for the Maidenform Dream(R) Bra, which

was custom fit on real women -- from size 32A to 40DD -- to ensure the

most personalized, figure-flattering fit. The Dream Bra also minimizes

unsightly "back bulge" because the elastic is encased in soft fabric and

lies flat against the skin so it doesn't compress the flesh.

* Women with large chests know they need extra lift and support, but they

still want a sexy bra. An option to try is a beautifully embroidered

Lilyette Minimizer(R) bra that offers comfortable support and fantastic

shaping.

"The key to looking great is to start with the right bra," adds
Ficorilli. "When women look and feel their best they exude confidence
and are irresistible!"

Flawless Fit is More than Band and Cup Measurements

Ms. Ficorilli also suggests that women adjust their shoulder straps
snugly. "The straps are key -- even if the bra band and cups fit
properly the straps will slide off your shoulders if they are not
adjusted correctly," she says.

And then there is the hook. Another little known secret is that a bra
that fits well should be fastened on the middle hook. If adjusted
properly, that dreaded "back bulge" will be minimized because the bra
will be even in front and back. When a woman wears a band size that is
too large, the bra rides up, accentuating back bulge. The same goes
for wearing a band size that is too tight.

Maidenform and Lilyette bras are available at retailers nationwide.

About Maidenform Brands, Inc.

Maidenform Brands, Inc., is a global intimate apparel company with a
portfolio of established and well-known brands, top-selling products
and an iconic heritage. Maidenform designs, sources and markets an
extensive range of intimate apparel products, including bras, panties
and shapewear. During the company's 83-year history, Maidenform
believes it has built strong equity for its brands and established a
platform for growth through a combination of innovative,
first-to-market designs and creative advertising campaigns focused on
increasing brand awareness with generations of women. Maidenform sells
its products under some of the most recognized brands in the intimate
apparel industry, including Maidenform(R), Flexees(R), Lilyette(R),
Self Expressions(R), Sweet Nothings(R), Bodymates(TM), Rendezvous(R)
and Subtract(R). Maidenform products are currently distributed in 48
foreign countries and territories. SOURCE Maidenform Brands, Inc.

-0- 11/18/2005

/CONTACT: Martin Higgins, MartinH@MBooth.com, or Lindsay Burns,
LindsayB@MBooth.com, both of M Booth & Associates, +1-212-481-7000;
Norah Alberto, Maidenform Inc., +1-201-243-2095,
NAlberto@Maidenform.com /

/Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051118/NYF087

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/Web site: http://www.maidenform.com /