Archive | February, 2010

Top 11 Olympic Underwear Stories

25 Feb

By Adam Welsch
Cupid Intimates

If you’re like most people from around the world, over the past couple of weeks you’ve been watching the XXI Winter Olympics being held in Vancouver, Canada.  During the Summer and Winter Games, the events themselves are the primary attractions of course, but there are always many other interesting features for fans to absorb.  There are the personal stories of the athletes themselves; the sights, sounds, and histories of the host venues; and the international political tensions that sometimes arise among the disparate group of competing nations.  But, let’s face it, all of that can get a bit tiresome.  There’s been another topic of conversation, throughout these and previous Olympic Games, which merits some attention as well.  And that topic is underwear. (more…)

Let’s WRAP About Intimates Made Responsibly

23 Feb

By Adam Welsch
Cupid Intimates

Periodically, the news media expose unethical labor practices being used in factories throughout the world.  Sometimes the problems involve child labor; other times, unsafe working conditions, unreasonably long hours or low pay, or even the physical abuse of workers.  Often, such stories are publicized because they involve world-renowned companies, celebrity owners, or well-known endorsers.  However, for every case connected to a famous brand or entertainer, there are likely a multitude of others involving companies and products of which most people have never heard.  And while such cases today, more often than not, occur in less-developed nations, we shouldn’t forget that unsafe factory conditions, as exemplified by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911, were common in the United States until the early part of the 20th century.  And unfortunately, sweatshops can still be found in America today. (more…)

5’10” & Beyond, A Tall Order for Shapewear

18 Feb

By Marcy Montgomery Jones
Cupid Intimates

I’m tall.  Not the kind of tall that limits me to two-inch heels.  Nope, the kind of tall that inspires people to ask, “Did you play basketball in college?”  It’s led to a plethora of fitting-related frustrations over the years including: the inability to find shoes at department stores; the requirement to buy 36”-inseam pants online because they’re unavailable at brick & mortar retailers; and the realization that the “tall” clothes sold at most places aren’t suitable for anyone who’s 5’10” or taller.  Can I get an “AMEN”? (more…)

Pregnancy and Bra Size: One Woman’s Story

16 Feb

By MaryJo Kosisher-Demski
Cupid Intimates

You’re late, you’re late, and it’s not for an important date.  Congrats – you’ve just been told you’re about to be a momma!  Now, you’re facing nine months of turbulent emotions, topsy-turvy hormones, odd cravings, baby names, strangers patting your expanding belly as if you’re the Buddha, and other crazy changes you just can’t fathom – such as breasts growing to an unbelievable size.

While I’ve yet to take the dive into motherhood myself, I have plenty of friends who are moms or moms-to-be.  And to my vexed amusement, for many of them, my connection to the intimate apparel industry has somehow morphed me into a cross between Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Jack Welch.  At the expense of TMI, they’ve offered great “real world” observations about lingerie and shapewear, including opinions about which products need to be improved upon for the masses. (more…)