IN FORM®

By Marcy Montgomery Jones
Cupid Intimates

Any well-dressed lady knows how difficult using the restroom can be when outfitted for a big event.  Not only must extra time and attention be paid to touching up hair and make-up, extra care must be taken to make sure everything is tucked in or lying correctly.  Special outfits are often more delicate and intricate than a typical day’s ready-to-wear.  And chances are that underneath that fabulous dress are layers building the foundation of a flawless look.  Unfortunately, when it comes to thinking about “bathroom ease,” nothing complicates matters more than negotiating the complexities of shapewear. (more…)

By Marcy Montgomery Jones
Cupid Intimates

It’s been said that wearing a poorly-fitting bra can do more damage than wearing no bra at all.  Here are a just few examples of the ways in which your bra may cause discomfort and injury when it’s not sized properly for your body.

1.  Bra straps that are too tight can, when worn over the course of many years, cause permanent indentations in the tops of your shoulders.  If nerves become impinged, numbness may also result.  When bra straps are too tight, they’re bearing too much weight.  When fitted properly, they should only be responsible for providing 10% of the breast support; 90% of the responsibility for holding your breasts at attention should be borne by your bra’s band.  If it’s loose, made of spongy fabric, or has been washed and worn so many times that its elastic fibers are breaking down, your band won’t do its job and will be your enemy, not your ally. (more…)

By Marcy Montgomery Jones
Cupid Intimates

Sewing shapewear (or girdles if you’re “old school”) requires patience and skill.  The high stretch and slickness of most of the fabrics, combined with the presence of multiple plies, makes attention to fabric handling very important.  As a designer of intimate apparel, I’ve learned some useful tricks over the years to make the process more successful.  These tips can also be used when making swimwear, dancewear, or panties since sewing these items creates similar challenges.  Here are seven tricks for sewing professional-looking garments. (more…)

By Marcy Montgomery Jones
Cupid Intimates

If your body’s shape lies somewhere outside the range of common sizes, you undoubtedly encounter trouble shopping.  We’ve already discussed problems and solutions for the tall woman, but what about those for the small one?  If you’re petite, you know the central problem is always length – inseams, sleeves, and torsos are just too long.  But small women are also often swallowed by garments designed for those with fuller hips and larger busts.  One solution is to take your outerwear to a tailor.  If she’s experienced and there’s ample fabric, adjustments can be made to give you the proper fit for your small frame.  But what do you do about your shapewear?  Here are some helpful hints to allow you to confidently choose shapewear that will work well with your smaller body. (more…)