Body positive was once a controversial term but has now become a philosophy that everyone wants to sign onto. Body positivity in its infancy was heavily linked with the HAES (Health At Every Size) movement, but now is being used to sell everything from green juice to clothing.

If you are curvy or plus-size, the body positive movement used to be exclusively your movement. It was easy to find your people that way: they were posting on Instagram about their latest trendy outfit or great lingerie find. As body positivity has increased in its popularity, it has become more difficult to use that phrase to find content that is specifically for curvy people. That content is still there, of course, but it’s diffused into a handful of other places and requires more work to search out.

If you miss the gold old days of Instagram or just want to check out what the plus-size community is chatting about, here are some great places to start on Instagram right now:

#whatfatgirlsACTUALLYwear

Want to see what plus-size women are wearing right now? If so, check out this hashtag and the associated Instagram account. It’s full of plus-size women posting their favorite outfits and tagging where they are from, so you can find the latest and greatest pieces to add to your own closet. If you feel like you’re in a fashion or lingerie rut, this is a great place to get inspired.

#effyourbeautystandards

This tag was started by the plus-size model Tess Holliday but has expanded to become a catch-all tag for everything fashionable and worth discussing for plus-size clothing fans. Check it out to see what people are wearing on a regular basis and to find new shopping discoveries.

@fatgirlsclubpodcast

This Instagram account features great fashion, but most notably it’s the home for my current favorite podcast. The podcast takes on a wide range of subjects, from dating while fat to fashion and politics. The hosts are funny, empathetic and always honest.

Related: What Is A #PerfectFigure?

@nicolettemason

While many of these hashtags represent what ordinary plus-size women are wearing, Nicolette Mason’s account is a great way to see what the aspirational side of the industry looks like. Mason’s access to fashion designers through her work at Marie Claire means that she constantly showcases high fashion pieces and the latest designer size expansions.

@fairyboobmother

If you want to check out the latest lingerie releases, this is the account to follow. Linzi Reardon works hard to showcase the latest seasonal styles from lots of companies, so you can see what that bra you have your eye on actually looks like on you.

It can be hard to find places on Instagram that seem friendly to plus-size fashion fans, but all of these places should help you feel right at home. There’s lots of evidence that looking at a diverse set of body types helps us all be more tolerant, so these are great accounts to check out whether you are plus-size or not. Do you struggle to find inspiring content on Instagram? If so, make sure to share this post with your friends!

Related: 5 Tips For Feeling Your Best In Lingerie

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

I never really understood the reality of environmental damage until I moved to New Orleans. When you live here for years, it’s easy to see the environment slowly bite back as we abuse it more. In the city, we see it in the form of increased street flooding during regular rainstorms, while outside the levee system our wetlands are visibly disappearing. As a result, I’ve become passionate about sustainability.

We talk a lot about food sustainability, but little about how the fashion industry affects the planet. In reality, the fashion industry is the source of a staggering amount of damage worldwide. It pollutes water systems, wastes water and creates byproducts that end up in landfills for more than half a century afterward.

Today we’re going to cover some fast facts about fashion and the environment along with some things that you can do to help the planet in small ways.

1.  Creating fabric for the fashion industry uses up a ton of drinkable water.

Drinkable water is a dwindling resource and fabric production uses a lot of it. Even natural fabrics require lots of water to grow which results in the water used becoming polluted and undrinkable.

2.  Fabric production creates water pollution and pesticide run-off.

When we think of pollution we think of things like fabric dyes, but pesticide run-off from plants like cotton have a huge impact on our eco-systems. Many plants that become natural fabrics can’t be grown in large yields without these chemicals, making pollution profitable.

3.  Many fabrics and chemicals used to make clothing do not degrade over time.

We all know plastic bags are bad, but what about the plastic in our clothing? Many synthetic fibers and pieces used in garment construction do not degrade over time, which means they end up in landfills and in our water.

4.  The fast fashion cycle that dominates the industry means that clothing is designed to be worn very little and then thrown away.

Fashion pieces are so accessible these days that many are designed to be thrown out after only four wears. The emphasis is on trends rather than on quality pieces that stand the test of time, which puts more pressure on the environment.

All of this sounds pretty dire, right?

Related: The Best Places To Donate Your Old Bras

So what can we do?

1.  Search out fashion and lingerie pieces made from organic fabric when possible.

Organic fabrics are grown without harsh pesticides, although they still use a lot of water. When possible, opt for chemical-free fabrics that are grown sustainably.

2.  Buy quality pieces that will stand the test of time and commit to wearing them until they are worn out.

This is the best thing you can do for the planet and future generations. Buy quality clothing and take care of it: it’s that simple. If something gets a tiny tear it in, have it mended rather than throwing it out!

3.  Look for pieces made out of recycled fabrics.

Many fashion and lingerie lines are now experimenting with recycled fabrics, so look for new releases that are using this sort of fabric. The best way to lessen your impact on the planet is to go through less new fabric overall.

4.  Commit to hand washing lingerie whenever possible.

I know we’re all tempted to toss our bras in the washer — I’m guilty of it as well! However, hand washing really does extend the lifetime of your lingerie considerably. Buy a nice lingerie soap or even some baby shampoo and make an effort to hand wash your lingerie and gently air dry it.

We owe it to ourselves to try to limit our impact on the world around us! Also, buying quality clothing and lingerie is easier on the planet and on your wallet. In the long run, you’ll save money and help make the world around you a better place. Did you like these easy tips? If so, make sure to share this article with a friend!

Related: Bra Care 101: How To Wash Bras

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Whenever I talk to my friends about going to get fitted for a bra once a year or so, I feel like they always have a bunch of excuses. Everyone always seems to be focused on the someday rather than the now: “I’ll do it after I manage to get pregnant” or “I’ll do it once I lose that last 20 pounds”.

So many women are taught to think of their current bodies as steps along the way to the perfect one they envision in their head, so they’re less likely to take care of their temporary clothing and lingerie needs in the now. I think many women struggle with the idea that they are “worth” the investment of a quality bra that fits, which is both frustrating and saddening.

If you are looking for the extra push to do something nice for yourself, here are 5 reasons why getting fitted for a quality bra may change your life substantially.

You deserve a bra that fits you now, not later.

In a world full of fashionable lingerie options, it’s easy to forget that the point of a bra is support and comfort. Even if you’re not in love with your current body or see yourself looking different a year from now, you deserve a basic level of support and comfort. After all, you work hard! You deserve comfort now and not in a year or two.

Romina Unlined Wire Bra & Hipster in Quartz Pink | Matilda Contour Plunge Padded Bra & Bikini in Bisque

A bra that doesn’t fit can cause actual pain.

A few months ago, I started getting annoying neck and shoulder pains. I tried changing my pillows and training myself to sleep on my back and a whole host of other “solutions” that were suggested online. One day, I realized that I had been living in my favorite t-shirt bra which…really didn’t fit well anymore. I got fitted for a new one and a few days later my pain was gone.

A bra that doesn’t fit well can cause pain in a variety of ways, from lack of support to wires that dig in and annoy you. If you’re experiencing any of these issues in your current bra, it is time to ditch it in favor of something that feels great on. Once again, you deserve to feel comfortable now!

Related: How To Solve Bra Pain

Carole Unlined Wire Bra & Hipster in Desert Flower

Finding the right size isn’t as scary as it seems.

If you’re lucky enough to have a good local boutique, getting fitted for a new bra can be as easy as making an appointment and driving over to the store. If you live somewhere without a lingerie boutique, it can feel like too much work to size yourself and learn how bra sizing actually works. Luckily, there are lots of great bra calculators out there on the Internet to help you and even Facebook groups and sub-Reddits devoted to this subject!

Even if you’re out of range of a boutique, you still have lots of resources to help you out. Once you have a good guess at your real size, find a great online boutique to order from with an easy returns policy so you can find the perfect bra for you.

Marion Contour Padded Bra & Hipster in Pink Parfait

A good bra will help you feel more comfortable in your own body.

Lots of bra fitters will tell you that a well-fitted bra makes you look thinner, but that isn’t everyone’s goal. What is true is that a bra that fits will help you feel more comfortable in your own body. A great sports bra can help you forget about your breasts and give you the support you need to make it through a weekend half marathon. A wonderful t-shirt bra can give you a confidence boost during that big presentation at work. Going through life worrying about whether your bra makes you look bad or not isn’t worth it!

Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra & Hipster in Wild Pink

A bra that fits will make everything you wear look better on you.

A great bra will make everything look better – from a t-shirt with holes in it to a cocktail dress. It’s like getting a whole new wardrobe upgrade without the price of a whole new wardrobe. Conversely, once you get fitted it’s important to try new clothes with your best fitting bra underneath them. Once you get used to it, a well-fitted bra will make a huge difference in how your clothes feel and fit.

I hope after you read this that you’ll be ready to head off to a boutique and try getting fitted soon! While the process can feel intimidating if you haven’t done it before, it’s really worthwhile and can make you feel like a whole new person. If you know someone else who is still on the fence about getting fitted for a bra, make sure to share this article with them!

Related: How To Build A Lingerie Wardrobe You Love

Wendy | Matilda | Carole | Marion | Sandrine | Romina

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Romina Unlined Wire Bra & Hipster in Quartz Pink | Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra & Hipster in Wild Pink | Marion Contour Padded Bra & Hipster in Pink Parfait

Cheap bras are everywhere and they’re always really tempting. After all, a bra is just flimsy bits of fabric with some hooks and wires, right? Wrong. The bra you choose to buy effects all elements of the fashion industry and the planet, from the water that is used to process fabrics to the labor that is used to make and sell it.

A simple bra is part of a complicated fashion eco-system that influences the world as a whole. Your choices can make it better or worse!

To find out why a cheap bra may end costing you more in the long run, read on. 

All bras at every price point require hand labor.

Automation is coming for humans and our jobs sooner rather than later, but bras are one of the few items that are exempt from that. Every bra sold, from $20 to $200 requires lots of delicate hand-sewing and manipulation of difficult fabrics. The Rana Plaza collapse years ago shows us what much of that labor looks like. If your bra costs $20 retail, how much do you think the person who made it got paid? The answer is pretty simple: not much.

A bra can have up to 48 separate parts.

A bra is a big complicated puzzle that a human puts together. A bra can have up to 48 different parts, all of which have to be manufactured and ordered from different sources. Some brands even design and produce their own parts to improve fit, which is even more complicated. How much would you charge to put together a 48 piece puzzle?

Related: A Guide To The Different Parts Of A Bra And What They Do

Fabric production is bad for the environment.

I love fashion, but I also love having water to drink. While many aspects of fashion aren’t environmentally friendly, fabric production is the worst part. Do you know it can take up to 2,700 liters of water to make one basic cotton t-shirt? That’s three years of drinking water for one person! Pollution is also a huge side effect of fabric production, as are the pesticides, dyes, and chemicals that are used to make fabrics.

Cheap bras come in a comparatively small size range.

If you wear a DD cup or have a small or large band size, you probably won’t be able to find any cheap bras that actually fit you! Squeezing into a bra that is too small or too large can cause serious discomfort over time, so it’s better to treat yourself to a bra that actually fits if you can.

A quality bra is cheaper per wear than a budget one.

Buying a quality bra not only saves water and helps the planet, but it’s also easier on your bank account! If you buy a quality bra that fits and take care of it, it can last for ages. In the end, you’ll pay far less per wear then you would for the “bargain” bra you were tempted by.

Next time you find yourself staring at a rack of cheap bras, try searching for a local lingerie boutique instead! You’ll help boost your local economy and save money in the long run, all while helping the planet.

Did you learn anything from this article that you didn’t know before about how lingerie is made? If so, feel free to click the share button and let your friends know!

Related: How To Find A Local Lingerie Store You Will Love

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!