Chemicals found in food and beauty products may be a well known issue but did you know that what you’re wearing can also impact your health?
A new report by The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found up to 22 times the safe limit of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), according to standards set in California, in sports bras made by 8 companies including Athleta, Victoria’s Secret PINK, and Nike.
BPA is a well-studied endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can lead to negative health effects in the normal way the body functions including reproduction, metabolism and growth and development. BPA exposure has been linked to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, asthma, and cancer. “Even low levels of exposure [to BPA] during pregnancy have been associated with a variety of health problems in offspring,” said Dr. Jimena Díaz Leiva, science director with CEH.
“Studies have shown that BPA can be absorbed through skin and end up in the bloodstream after handling receipt paper for seconds or a few minutes at a time. Sports bras and athletic shirts are worn for hours at a time, and you are meant to sweat in them, so it is concerning to be finding such high levels of BPA in our clothing.” said Kaya Allan Sugerman, Illegal Toxic Threats Program Director at CEH.
In addition to sweat, absorption of these chemicals can be greatly accelerated with sports bras because they are worn on one of a woman’s most porous areas of her body.
Unlike food, you may be surprised to know there is no federal regulation (apart from minor requirements around phthalates, flame retardants, and lead for children) that oversees chemicals used in clothing made outside of the country. (which accounts for 97% of US purchases).
At Vibrant, we’ve set a much higher standard for our products. Everything we do starts with what’s best for a woman’s body. From comfort to clean- our products are free from compromise. Our patented EveryWear Bra™ is Certified Clean™ and gives the perfect support for light intensity exercise.
Look for brands that prioritize clean materials and transparency in their practices. They often outline what they’re doing in sustainability practices and keep an eye out for clothing with OEKO-TEX® and GOTS Certified labels.
Keep away from any clothing with keywords like “stain-resistant” “waterproof” and “shrink-proof”
A lot of these may contain PFAS that are linked to numerous health concerns including liver damage, immune disorders, cancer and hormone disruption.
• POPSUGAR: High Levels of BPA Were Found in Sports Bras
• CNN: High levels of toxic chemical found in sports bras, watchdog warns
• THE STREET: Nike, Athleta, And Pink Given Warnings About Their Sports Bras
• GREENMATTERS: Testing Finds Concerning Levels of BPA in Sports Bras
• PR NEWSWIRE: New Testing Shows High Levels of BPA in Sports Bras and Athletic Shirts
• CBS: High levels of toxic chemical BPA found in sports bras, watchdog warns
• Fast Company: Report: Some sports bras and athletic wear may contain high levels of a toxic chemical
• Daily Beast: Sports Bras Contain High Levels of Toxic Chemical, Study Shows
• Audacity: High levels of a toxic chemical discovered in sports bras
• KABC: High Levels Of Toxic Chemicals Found In Sports Bras
• KXAN: Study shows BPA toxins in sports bras, athletic shirts
As a certified B Corporation, we are committed to creating products that put women’s health, wellness and comfort first. The approval process is extremely rigorous and can be quite lengthy. To receive B Corp status, a company must navigate a detailed forensic process across several categories including: community, workers, environment and customers.
As a certified B Corporation, we are committed to creating products that put women’s health, wellness and comfort first. The approval process is extremely rigorous and can be quite lengthy. To receive B Corp status, a company must navigate a detailed forensic process across several categories including: community, workers, environment and customers.
We have found that many people who are passionate about Vibrant have been impacted in some way by breast cancer. Whether it be a personal scare, a diagnosis, or a loved one’s experience, breast cancer has touched the lives of millions of people in the United States. Did you know that 1:8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer? That is why we are committed to educating, advocating and partnering with incredible organizations that focus on breast cancer prevention like Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, whose mission is to eliminate our exposure to toxic chemicals and prevent breast cancer.
We have found that many people who are passionate about Vibrant have been impacted in some way by breast cancer. Whether it be a personal scare, a diagnosis, or a loved one’s experience, breast cancer has touched the lives of millions of people in the United States. Did you know that 1:8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer? That is why we are committed to educating, advocating and partnering with incredible organizations that focus on breast cancer prevention like Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, whose mission is to eliminate our exposure to toxic chemicals and prevent breast cancer.
We follow BSCI’s Code of Conduct that ensures workers throughout our supply chain are treated ethically and their rights are respected. Achieving this certification means that our workers receive fair wages and decent working hours with safe, healthy, discrimination-free work conditions. There is absolutely no forced labor or child labor. It also means that we are dedicated to being environmentally conscious with ethical business behavior at the forefront of everything we do.
We follow BSCI’s Code of Conduct that ensures workers throughout our supply chain are treated ethically and their rights are respected. Achieving this certification means that our workers receive fair wages and decent working hours with safe, healthy, discrimination-free work conditions. There is absolutely no forced labor or child labor. It also means that we are dedicated to being environmentally conscious with ethical business behavior at the forefront of everything we do.
Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, we are humbly committed to our customers and the greater good by giving a minimum of 2% of annual revenue to recognized charitable organizations. As we continue to grow, our B Corp certification will help our company to continue to pursue our goals of sustainability when it comes to reducing emissions and using more environmentally friendly materials. We are committed to lowering our carbon footprint and our impact on the Earth to help protect the future for generations to come.
Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, we are humbly committed to our customers and the greater good by giving a minimum of 2% of annual revenue to recognized charitable organizations. As we continue to grow, our B Corp certification will help our company to continue to pursue our goals of sustainability when it comes to reducing emissions and using more environmentally friendly materials. We are committed to lowering our carbon footprint and our impact on the Earth to help protect the future for generations to come.
Our small but mighty female-based team is focused on creating products that put a woman’s Body First™. We accomplish this through creating revolutionary First Layer products that are outrageously comfortable, incredibly supportive, and free from harmful substances. As a Certified Clean™ company through our STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification, every part of our products (down to the thread) has been tested and deemed harmless for human health.
Our small but mighty female-based team is focused on creating products that put a woman’s Body First™. We accomplish this through creating revolutionary First Layer products that are outrageously comfortable, incredibly supportive, and free from harmful substances. As a Certified Clean™ company through our STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification, every part of our products (down to the thread) has been tested and deemed harmless for human health.
Yes, all of these features are made possible by science and may use things that could be bad for human health, like compounds that can cause cancer. But we aren't often told how bad it is for our health, the environment, and the community as a whole. That’s why we’re introducing you to OEKO-TEX®, for the uninitiated. Or, as we call it, Certified Clean.
If you are reading this, you are eco-minded or, at least, eco-curious. So, it is quite likely that you are familiar with the OEKO-TEX® label since it is often seen on items such as clothes, bedding, and towels.
In this post, we're going to give you the basics you should know about OEKO-TEX®, as well as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, and BSCI: what it is and why each is important to be educated on, as well as other terms, in your consumer product purchasing now and in the future.
The Basics of OEKO-TEX®
In short, OEKO-TEX® is made up of a collection of third-party certifications that indicate that a product has been examined for chemicals that have the potential to be detrimental to both people and the wider ecosystems in which we live. OEKO-TEX® is not a manufacturer of any items; rather, it is an organization that validates the products manufactured by other companies.
OEKO-TEX® is not a manufacturer of any items; rather, it is an organization that validates the products manufactured by other companies.
OEKO-TEX® was established in 1992 and has since grown to include 18 independent organizations that are represented in different parts of the globe as well as six distinct sets of standards that are used for various reasons.
Their overarching mission is to “create trust in textiles and leather and in their production: through increased product safety, improving sustainable production and a sustainable, transparent value-creation chain.”
Why choose OEKO-TEX®?
Certification from a third party are very significant for stopping greenwashing and are thus very important to consumers and the textile industry. Greenwashing is becoming an increasingly significant concern as sustainable living becomes more fashionable.
We, as conscientious customers and manufacturers, want businesses to demonstrate that they are putting their money where their mouth is rather than just jumping on the green bandwagon with their marketing lingo, which is quite simple for businesses to do. Having a body from the outside come in and verify their operations and goods in accordance with a certain set of standards may be helpful in making this occur.
We choose OEKO-TEX® because it goes above and beyond.
The substance limit values specified in the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 are, in many instances, more stringent than the criteria stipulated at the national and international levels. The criterion catalog expands with the introduction of new scientific information, and it is updated on a yearly basis.
In order to assist businesses in ensuring that their health and safety requirements are up to date and compliant, OEKO-TEX® provides a consolidated repository of knowledge on the safety of textiles, ranging from thread to fabric, notifications, and finishes.
It is difficult for many textile firms to secure the safety and longevity of their goods on their own since there are so many possible chemicals to consider in the context of a shifting global landscape of production and product development processes. Not only can the use of independent certification boost customer trust in a company's sustainability and safety claims, but it also gives firms and consumers access to knowledge that may not be otherwise readily accessible to each group separately.
What is the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100?
To attain OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, the fabric has been tested and certified to be free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be harmful to human health.
The whole of the clothing, including the seams, zippers, buttons, and coatings, was examined and evaluated for quality. Because your skin is porous, it is possible for dangerous chemicals that have been used in the manufacturing process of the garments you wear to be absorbed into your body if you are wearing those clothes.
Fast Facts:
Even though you should always wash new clothing before wearing them, the OEKO-TEX® certification is your assurance that the manufacturing process for your new garments did not include the use of any chemicals that may be dangerous.
What are the other OEKO-TEX® Standards?
OEKO-TEX® has a portfolio consisting of five different standards at all times. Textile and leather goods are put through rigorous safety inspections using standards known as "Standard 100" and "Leather Standard." STeP, or Sustainable Textile & Leather Production, is a certification system for socially responsible and environmentally-friendly production facilities. It is a certification system that is modular in nature. The MADE IN GREEN badge is a traceable product mark that assures the safety of consumers and enables the tracking of various types of textiles to STeP-certified facilities. And lastly, ECO PASSPORT is the regulatory body that oversees the industry's usage of chemicals and colors.
Organic vs. OEKO-TEX® Certified
However, fabric that is certified as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is not the same as organic.
In order for the textiles to be eligible for organic certification, such as cotton, wool, bamboo, hemp, flax, and other natural fibers must be cultivated and processed in accordance with stringent regulations regarding the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
In addition, the fabric must comply with the fiber production and processing requirements set out by organizations such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) in order to carry the organic label. These are different certification authorities, dealing with separate aspects of textiles.
However, just because a fabric is organic does not mean that it has been checked for the presence of dangerous compounds in the same way as an OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification would.
GOTS vs. OEKO-TEX® Certified
You may have also heard of another certification, GOTS. In contrast to OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, also known as the Global Organic Textile Standard, is only applicable to textiles that are composed of at least 70 percent organic materials (such as cotton, wool, silk, etc.). Additionally, having the GOTS emblem on your product indicates that all of the processors, producers and traders in your supply chain have been given certification. This comprises the pretreatment of the fiber, the spinning of the yarn, the wet processing, the sewing, the packaging, the labeling, and the distribution.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a textile processing standard for organic fibers that includes social and ecological criteria and is supported by independent certification of the whole of the textile supply chain. It does not provide criteria for the production of the organic fiber itself, which falls within the purview of official organic farming regulations such as the USDA NOP. In order to carry the GOTS site in the supply chain, it must be accredited, and the product must include organic fiber that is 70 percent of the total.
I’ve heard of BSCI, too, what does BSCI mean?
The BSCI, or the Business Social Compliance Initiative, Certified, means that a company meets or exceeds the benchmarks for social responsibility in business in our supply chain – not textile safety.
The principles of the BSCI are:
What does BSCI have to do with Vibrant?
We are proud of being awarded the BSCI certification, in addition to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 or Certified Clean, adhering to all of the above principles for social responsibility.
Vibrant believes that it should be a basic standard that shouldn’t be a second thought in the global supply chain, just like the safety of its textiles. These are the basics.
We believe in not just feeling good but doing good.
What does OEKO-TEX® have to do with Vibrant?
Vibrant’s Certified Clean promise is the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 promise.
Constructed with 100% OEKO-TEX® Certified Clean materials, our groundbreaking EveryWear Bra™ design has broken the mold in how women think about wire-less bras. It’s the underwire support without the tight, restrictive wires.
We source the most exceptional, European and global textiles and materials we could find after many years of research and quality testing to be safe as much as they are supple, soft and sturdy.
We are one of the breakthrough bra and underwear companies to achieve 100 percent OEKO-TEX® Certified Clean Certification status. This is a certification we take very, very seriously as it’s at the forefront of everything we do, to do what’s best for a woman’s health and wellness.
We believe what goes on your body goes in your body.
OEKO-TEX® Certified means that all of Vibrant’s products are proven free of harmful levels of substances such as heavy metals, toxic dyes, and carcinogens. It takes into account many regulated and non-regulated substances, which may be harmful to human health.
The OEKO-TEX® is the globally accepted standard that ensures that textiles are safe for people and the environment – and that’s something we believe in.
The standard applies to various levels of production, such as raw and finished fibers and foam. For a whole garment to be certified, all of its components need to have certification. In Vibrant’s case, everything we make is OEKO-TEX® Certified, or Certified Clean.
The OEKO-TEX® Certification is based on tests on the release of any harmful substances from the material, which has to meet a scientifically-founded criteria catalog with more than 100 individual parameters. The closer the material comes into contact with the skin, the higher the requirements need to be met in tests.
One may pick and choose among the available OEKO-TEX® standards since the organization maintains a portfolio of them. Because textile certification uses a modular system, consumers can confidently choose the Standard 100 Certification/Certified Clean Certification to ensure the safety of their garments.
Where can I learn more?
Follow OEKO-TEX on Instagram and Facebook and turn on notifications or bookmark the OEKO-TEX Label Check tool.
Watch this documentary, Film: RiverBlue, about the future of water and the harmful effects of fast fashion and the substances used in the industry.
To check out more about these chemicals and their harm, we call out the five most commonly used chemicals in the production of traditional intimates and clothing on our site. The list can be found at:
https://vibrantbodycompany.com/pages/certifiedclean.
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Everything Vibrant Body Company does starts with what's best for women's health, well-being and her comfort.
Spring clean, summer fresh. What an ideal time to clear out your underwear drawer and make room for new lingerie! It’s also a good time to take stock of your current undie and bra situation – do you love these bras and wear them? Might you need new underwear?
First and foremost, you must edit what you already own in order to create wearable underwear and bra wardrobe (since let's face it, no one likes having to worry about what to wear in the morning).
There is no need to wait any longer than six months to have a new bra fitted. Bra fits are a huge part of if you wear them or not. Your bra size may be determined by a bra fitter - online or in person. A bra that fits well and increases your self-esteem, all in an environment free of stress and criticism so that you can feel and look your best.
But before you plan your next shopping trip or place that online order, do yourself a favor and clean out your undie and bra drawer first. Say it with us … Summer re-fresh!
First, Set aside 30 minutes. Turn on your favorite music. Loud. No interruptions.
Keep everything that fits well and that you wear. You may always replace items or add unique pieces to your keep pile (like your wedding lingerie or a beloved lingerie set that you don't wear very frequently). Basically, everything that makes you feel good or joyful belongs in this pile.
Do you have any bras that have seen better days? Yep, we all do. With a needle and thread, you may be able to repair your bras. Sewing straps back on is simpler than repairing a hole in a delicate lace band, although both can usually be repaired. You may also take in the band of a beloved bra if the cups fit great but the band has stretched out and feels unsupportive on the tightest hook if you know how to sew (or know someone who can).
What can’t be fixed: Misshapen cups, protruding wires, a shredded center panel, a torn band, and stains and discoloration that won't wash away are all symptoms that it's time to retire a bra and replace it. Done and done.
Are you stumped as to what to do with bras that you've only worn once or twice (or never) and no longer fit? It's time to donate them if they're in good or new condition. Bra contributions are accepted by many women's shelters, as well as groups such as Thee Bra Recyclers, Free The Girls, or Uplift Project, who are committed to giving new lingerie to women in great need.
Don't just throw these donations in a box in your trunk, execute this plan same-day or same-week, if possible!
Throw away any old old underwear (you know the ones), bras that can't be mended, has nasty chemicals you find in its materials list, or anything else that has seen better days in the throwaway bin. It's never easy to part with a favorite bra, but if it's not helping you, why keep it? That type of negativity has no place in your life.
After purging your undergarments, take stock of what's left. List what you have and what's lacking. How many bras you need when starting a lingerie collection depends on your lifestyle.
Always exercise? Don't wear the same sports bra two days in a row. Many T-shirts? For a clean appearance beneath clothes, choose seamless contour bras or a tank. Ready for a gorgeous lingerie set? Buy one bra and two undies to get more wear so you always have a matching set.
Shopping for new underwear is the enjoyable part! We suggest clean alternatives to previous bras that may have lost their shape, such as our EveryWear Bra™.
Also, critical is an expert bra fitting as a good starting point for determining your ideal bra fit as breast size changes throughout a woman’s life. "What is my breast shape?" "Which styles work best for me?" "What are my sister sizes?" and "How do I care for my new bras?" are all good things to ask your bra fitter.
Rome was not built in a day and neither will your bra and underwear wardrobe. Give yourself a season to accomplish all of these tasks. Schedule them in your calendar so they will be accomplished. You’ll be thankful later when you have fresh sets ready for you to armor your body under next season’s clothes and beyond.
We break down the 5 most common and (some surprising!) reasons for changes in breast size throughout your life to keep your eye out for.
]]>Usually you won’t notice that your most-loved bra doesn’t fit until you notice that the shirt or dress you wear it under just doesn’t look as great. The bra could definitely be the culprit – and one that no longer fits.
Breasts may shrink or increase for many causes, not only augmentation surgery, and some may surprise you. Here are some of the most common reasons for changes in breast size:
As you begin feeding your new baby, are you looking a little busty? Your breasts may seem fuller when milk is produced and blood flow increases to the area. However, after you begin the process of weaning, your breasts are likely to return to their pre-pregnancy size. Breasts may recover to their pre-pregnancy size after this shift, or they might be somewhat bigger or smaller than they were at the start of your pregnancy. Fun fact: Breastfeeding may cause one breast to enlarge relative to the other, as the breast producing more milk does. If you're worried about uneven breasts, a padded bra may assist.
Still unsure what's causing the size change? Ask your doc!
It's a fact that your bra size will fluctuate throughout the course of your life due to a variety of variables. You may not notice little changes, which is why it is critical to get an expert fitting at least once a year to ensure you are wearing the right size.
Click here to book a bra fitting with one of our expert bra designers or take a fit quiz: https://vibrantbodycompany.com/pages/fit-finder.
]]>Of course, there is no foolproof method to avoid health issues but there are a number of things you can do to lower your risk, such as eating healthier meals and wearing the appropriate undergarments.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation suggests that women of all ages undertake breast self-exams once a month for a very good reason: Learning how they feel might help you be more sensitive to any changes. While self-exams cannot prevent breast cancer, they may help you notice any abnormalities as soon as possible, allowing you to get treatment as soon as feasible. Keep in mind that not all lumps, bumps, and other changes indicate that you have breast cancer. However, if you notice anything unusual about the way they appear or feel, you should absolutely notify your doctor. Also, conduct your monthly examinations a week or two after your period finishes, since this is when they are least likely to be sensitive or swollen.
It's crucial to understand their density as well as how they seem and feel. Dense breast tissue has less fat and more glandular tissue. What is the significance of this? Because if you have thick breast tissue, you may need to be more cautious when it comes to monitoring your breast health. In fact, a research study discovered that mammography missed 60% of breast cancers discovered using ultrasonography in women with thick breast tissue. If you're unsure about your breast density, contact your doctor for assistance. If you do have thick breasts, your doctor may advise you on what form of monitoring is best for you in order to reduce your health concerns
There are several reasons to exercise regularly, one of which is to lower your risk of breast cancer. This is most likely due to the fact that fat cells release estrogen, which has been related to the development of breast cancer (among other cancers). When you exercise, your fat cells shrink, resulting in reduced estrogen production.
The best part? You don't even have to do HIIT workouts or spin classes to get the benefits. Just taking a few steps every day could make a difference. A study by the American Cancer Society found that women who sat for six hours or more every day (when they weren't working) were 10 percent more likely to get invasive breast cancer than women who sat for less than three hours a day. Not only that, but a 2013 study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention found that just walking for an hour a day can lower your risk of getting breast cancer. And the more active a woman was, the less likely she was to get breast cancer. Moderate physical activity, like brisk walking, cut the risk by 14%, while "vigorous" physical activity, like jogging, cycling, and aerobics, cut the risk by a huge 25%.
The truth is that wearing a bra is a highly personal decision. Some ladies like wearing them to bed, while others do not. Some people are OK going braless throughout the day, while others would never consider it. Breast size is usually a big factor in these selections. However, regardless of your breast size, you should always exercise in a supportive sports bra.
Daily movement, as well as physical exercise, especially medium to high impact, exposes your breasts to movement and consequently possible strain. If you don't wear a bra to limit that movement, you risk damaging the Cooper's ligaments, which keep your breasts looking lifted and retain their form and structure. So, use a well-fitting bra with adequate support for a better appearance over time but also discomfort or pain during and after a day on the go.
Whatever your plans for the day, don't forget to apply sunscreen on your chest, even if you're just going for a stroll in a v-neck or cami. More than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, according to research conducted by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Use of SPF 15 or higher on a daily basis reduces risk of squamous cell carcinoma (the second most prevalent kind of skin cancer) by 40% and melanoma by 50%, respectively
You have probably, by this point, been aware of the excitement around antioxidants and the cancer-fighting capabilities that they possess. These compounds, which include vitamins C, E, and A in addition to lycopene and beta-carotene, have the potential to shield your cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals (which can lead to cancer). There are a lot of fruits and vegetables that contain these vitamins, but certain of them have a particularly high concentration of antioxidants.
Tomatoes and guava, for example, are both rich in lycopene, while broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are similarly strong in antioxidants. Furthermore, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, these vegetables may lessen breast cancer risk by reducing "bad" estrogen production while concurrently increasing "good" estrogen levels. Carotenoid beta-carotene is present in carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash, and studies reveal that women who eat foods high in carotenoid had a 19 percent decreased risk of breast cancer, according to the Institute of Medicine.
Cancer and other health issues may not be preventable, but this does not imply you are completely helpless. Wearing the right bra, eating the right foods, and getting enough of exercise may go a long way toward lowering your chance of having any number of health problems. If you follow these five tips, you'll be doing your best to keep your breasts safe.
]]>Did you know that a bra that is properly cared for will likely last 3x longer (!) than a bra that is washed and dried without the same care? It's time to step up your laundering prowess, ladies.
Find out lingerie's four expert-kept secrets on how to best wash and care for your favorite bra.
Your best, favorite foundational bras are the groundwork of your outfits. We rely on their staying power and structural integrity when we need it most. But, due to our own folly, those mainstays might not last or hold up if they are mistakenly ruined weeks or years later because you simply didn’t know better. <le sigh>
But, we do know better. So, here are the top 4 best-kept secrets on how to best wash and care for your bra:
Simply hand wash in lukewarm to cold water, always.
For highly technical fabrics, hot water can shrink materials and fabrics like cotton and ruin rayon, silk, and satin. It’s best to stick with lukewarm or cool water instead for this reason also.
Lastly, don’t let your bras soak for too long – 10-15 minutes is ample time to sit in soapy water. And don’t forget to rinse them and pat them dry. Never wring them out. Twisting the fabric could bend the cups and do more harm than good.
No, your favorite bra isn’t tired – but it does need its beauty rest to be its best for you for all of its days. That’s right. Here’s one of the best pieces of advice you need to know about: If you tend to wear the same bra a lot (we all have our favorites), always allow it to rest a day between wears. By following this rule, the day you let it sit will enable the bra elastic enough time to shoot back into the band, prolonging the life of the band and your favorite bra.
Instead, switch between different bras so that you don’t wear the same piece too often. We like wearing old ones in the back of the drawer we forgot about while letting our favorite bras rest so that we can clean out our drawer, too. After your wear, once a week, decide to keep, donate or toss.
For the newly initiated, add cool to lukewarm water to your sink or basin and then submerge your bra with a small amount of mild detergent or lingerie wash. Give ‘em a swish swish! After 10-15 minutes, rinse and drain. And, yes, lay to dry.
For the desperate to use the washer, it is... manageable. Grab a lingerie bag. Then, hook the band of each bra so it doesn't tangle and twist in the machine. Finally, turn on the *gentle* cycle, always using cold water. Use a detergent designed for delicates, for the best result. No sweat!
Never, ever do we put bras in the dryer. Sure, it may take longer than you’re used to but it will mean that you don’t put pressure on the fabric at all. It’s a small price to pay for the lingerie lasting.
Even on low heat, the dryer can do irreversible damage to delicate and sturdy lingerie alike. It can distort or wrinkle cups, and stretch out elastic bands and straps in eye closures.
Remove from the dryer and start by using your fingers to tenderly press out the excess water-- never wring or squeeze -- and let your bras air dry by laying them flat on a towel or drying rack. You’ll want the bras flat with the cups facing up. This way, the bras will dry on their own without any extra tension.
If you’re a hang-dry die-hard, you might want to try this lay flat technique instead every so often. That’s because hanging them by the straps causes tension, leading to stretched-out straps over time. And no one wants that!
Every 2-3 wears is a good rule of thumb. We believe that washing your bra on a routine basis is essential. This doesn’t, however, mean washing the same bra, again and again, all the time. When you always reach for the same bra or two that you like in your drawer, this can become a problem. Then two bras you like turn into zero bras you like because you washed them on heavy rotation.
The key here is to invest in a solid variety of great-fitting bras that you love so that you can rotate your first layer on a daily basis. Buying duplicates of your favorite bra is also a secret trick we use!
So, are you guilty of any of these bad habits, too? Don’t worry – we all are offenders. Take the advice here, however, and turn your hard-knock life around by truly looking after your beloved bras with care, thought, and patience.
Once you get into the habit of treating your intimates well, you, too, will notice what a huge difference it ends up making in the lifespan of your go-to bra favorites.
And there you have it – a quick guide to #lingeriecare.
In the short time since then, clean beauty has become the norm, and not just for high-end brands. Clean products are starting to show up in drug store aisles, too, with affordable options at stores like Target, making clean, accessible everywhere.
More recently makeup has come around to skincare benefits, raising the bar for clean cosmetics by blending the two.
Skincare is designed to penetrate the dermis, or the upper layer. That’s why it works, not just sitting on your skin but absorbing into it. Many skincare products even use penetration enhancers for more effective absorption.
But our skin doesn’t just take in the product’s benefits. It soaks up the harmful chemicals, too, many molecularly scaled to enter the lymphatic system and bloodstream. The smaller the molecules, the deeper it goes. Potentially harmful toxins common in skincare have been linked to organ and reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and cancer.
And that’s just what we know so far.
Clean beauty is good branding because women made it so.
Companies are scrambling to brand themselves “clean'' because consumers demand better practices. Whether or not those same companies are actually removing harmful chemicals from their products is less clear. That’s why educating ourselves about ingredients is essential.
Common chemicals in non-clean skincare, some banned or restricted in the E.U. and other countries, are still widely used in the United States and around the world.
Clean beauty hasn’t been around long, but it’s made a huge impact, putting pressure on major brands to keep up with higher standards for safe, clean, chemical-free products. It seems that the rise in clean beauty is account of consumers getting fed up with increasingly sensitive skin from synthetics in products. It’s easier than ever to access clean beauty and to educate ourselves about which ingredients to avoid and which ones to seek out.
But we’re still waiting for brand language regulation to catch up.
Until it does, companies can call themselves clean without it meaning much.
The best way to know what your skin is taking in is to check for ingredients yourself, something companies are required to include at length on labels. Another is to find companies that you can trust regarding clean ingredients and other aspects of materials.
As we start to recognize common ingredients in products, the same names are suddenly everywhere, including chemical imprints on clothing labels. It doesn’t take much research to learn how many harmful chemicals there are in the fabrics we wear, and our skin absorbs whatever chemicals it’s exposed to, even the ones in our clothes.
There are around 8000 synthetic chemicals are common in clothing production including…
Chlorine bleach used to whiten fibers and treat denim;
Formaldehyde which is applied to make fabric wrinkle-free; and
Volatile organic compounds used in the fabric printing.
And that’s just to name three. Most of the chemicals on the list are carcinogenic and can lead to serious health issues like respiratory disease and hormone disruption.
According to a 2020 survey conducted by Vibrant Body Company, 60 percent of consumers were not aware that the United States has significantly fewer textile regulations than countries with comparable economies. The US allows approximately 1000 harmful chemicals into the production of clothing, especially intimate wear!
How can you shop differently? Clean clothing doesn’t come from the laundry room, but from companies using organic fabrics untreated by pesticides, metals, toxic dyes, and other harmful chemicals. Find them.
As we learn more about the impacts of synthetics on our skin, hypoallergenic fabrics made without chemicals causing skin irritation and allergic reaction are becoming more fashionable, too. High-end labels like Gucci are designing lines of sustainable, ethically-sourced, chemical-free clothing, and while their prices aren’t accessible, they’re paving the way for the mainstream.
The impact of a movement from conventional to clean clothing could be profound.
Outer layers are most visible, but that doesn’t mean they matter most. Clean fashion is about prioritizing the first layers first, the fabric that touches our skin where it’s most vulnerable.
Like clean skincare companies before them, clean clothing brands are fast becoming customer favorites, and consumer demand will reshape fashion the same way it did beauty.
It all starts with the First Layer, but it won’t stop there.
]]>If it’s on us, it’s in us. Clean clothing is the next wave of clean living, a lifestyle choice that goes beyond what we eat to what we let touch us.
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We are rethinking what we come up close and personal with, and nothing gets closer than our First Layer. The more we realize our market power, the clearer we get about how to use it. Both the female categories of feminine hygiene and bras are huge businesses with a lot of alternatives, and demand for clean solutions is increasing as women understand more about their bodies and what they will and will not accept.
It’s also a sign that old taboos about periods are finally falling away. #Periodtok on Tiktok is a great example of how far we’ve come from the embarrassment past generations suffered for living with female reproductive parts.
Chemicals pass through the skin in a process called dermal absorption. Our pores interact with the environment, breathing in whatever we expose to. First Layers, bras, and underwear, come the closest, covering our skin’s most porous areas. Which is to say, most vulnerable.
We trade stories and share facts. Like the get-your-attention class-action lawsuit that took on an airline giant for mandating uniforms treated with chemicals and heavy metals that caused flight attendants hair loss, skin rashes, nose bleeds, and other severe symptoms.
Information is power, and the more we know, the less we settle for bad options. If it's on us, it's in us.
Clean clothing is the next wave of clean living, a lifestyle choice that goes beyond what we eat to what we let touch us. And once we start looking at what’s touching our skin, we can’t look away.
Did you know that there are over 1,000 chemicals banned in Canada and Europe that are still legal in the United States where the clothing industry is still significantly less regulated? It's true and less people know about that fact than we'd like so be the advocate for your friends and family.
It is clear that consumers are taking significant steps toward cleaner living with the products we buy and the brands we support. The global women’s health market is projected to be a 4.7 billion dollar industry by 2027. We’re waking up to our power, raising the standard for companies to keep consumers safe or lose us all together.
As we change our personal practices, we shift the market with our demand, and the whole world begins to change with us. When we get together, we’re that powerful.
We want to be safe, but we’re not settling for safety alone. We want to be comfortable, too. We want to feel good in our First Layers. We want bras that we forget we’re wearing, not bras we can’t wait to take off.
Underwire bras provide support and lift to those with larger breasts, however the underwire and the foam that surrounds it are chemically treated and have been related to breast cancer in certain studies. Underwires can also cause back and neck pain, skin irritation, and general all-over discomfort.
Constrictive bras aren’t just painful, they restrict the lymphatic system causing a buildup. The lymphatic system is how our body detoxifies, and when it gets restricted, it can’t do its job. Smaller cup sizes have a lot of options for style and fit, but for women with bigger breasts, finding a comfortable First Layer that looks good isn’t easy. So, we’re done settling for bad options. We’re asking for more.
We want companies that listen when we ask them to create beautiful, long-lasting, comfortable, clean undergarments. We know enough now not to settle for less. We know enough now not to settle at all.
That's why Vibrant is leading the clean industry in the United States to transform the standard of undergarments. Vibrant listened in creating a First Layer -- our bras and undies -- that support and protect women's most vulnerable parts using updated design technology for the modern woman who values health and putting her best foot forward.
What does cleaner living have to do with my lifestyle? Turns out... a lot. Clean eating begins with foods that are as natural, organic, untreated, and unprocessed as possible, but it’s also about so much more. Our bodies weren’t designed to live in environments saturated with nasty chemicals. And living cleaner has expanded into clean skincare, clean household products, clean clothing, and a cleaner, more natural way of being all around. A return to where we started. A new beginning.
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Let's rewind. The clean food movement we all know so well in the early 2000s after decades of diet culture left consumers hungry, tired, and ready to try another way. Eating clean was about food before it became about lifestyle.
The core principle of clean food is simple.
Deprivation doesn’t feel good to our bodies, but neither do heavily processed refined foods. If we can eat the way we were designed to, we can feel the way we were born to. We want to feel good in our skin. We want our bodies energized to live their full purpose and potential, and when we’re not living that way, we can feel it.
Clean eating begins with foods that are as natural, organic, untreated, and unprocessed as possible, but it’s also about so much more. Studies show consumers want to feel better in their bodies - so what can we do about it?
Learn more and make wise choices based on the facts. We love diving into topics such as the connection between gut health, chemicals and immunity; metabolic health’s impact on weight management; eating to improve mental health, and personalized nutrition. Explore on your own, it's an adventure.
We have more energy and better mental clarity. We feel good.
If we’re constantly tired, cloudy, sluggish, flying high to crash and burn, wishing we had the energy to do more but having a hard time finding it, we have that feeling that cleaning up our lifestyle is going to help.
Clean food retailers like Whole Foods are popular with consumers who can afford them, but for many Americans, the brands are out of reach. Mainstream grocers with lower prices are hustling to catch up, but they’re not there yet.
While natural food brands have become widely mainstream, there’s still a big disparity in cost. Consumers want to live clean, and the better access they get to affordable options, the healthier choices they make.
Socioeconomics aside, clean eating has gotten lost in translation with brands that misrepresent its message. The clean movement has a reputation for elitism, for making false medical claims, causing disordered eating, promoting wild diet trends like juice cleanses and long term fasting, and the growth explosion in the industry, too, means almost everything has by now been called a superfood.
Clean eating isn’t that complicated, though, and it isn’t controversial. At its core, the movement is about eating intuitively, nourishing our bodies so we can live our lives with energy, feeling good in our skin.
The clean lifestyle is an extension of that idea promoting feel-good bodies that are well cared for so they can best support us in the lives we want to live.
Our bodies weren’t designed to live in environments saturated with nasty chemicals. The world wasn’t meant to be something we have to detox from. This planet is our natural environment, and it’s time we got back to where we started, living in a world that nurtures our bodies instead of harming them.
We have to get clear about how we want to feel, and we have to make choices that support our vision. We have to set new standards for companies to meet so the products we buy align with the kind of world we want to live in. The clean food movement is proof that consumers want to feel better, and that means more than what we eat.
It’s how we live.
It’s the standard we set for every product we buy.
We can’t wait for companies to catch up. We have to get them there by buying differently, by demanding better.
Because clean living isn’t aspirational, it’s essential.
As we come together around the principles of clean living, we become a consumer market impossible to ignore. Clean food expands into clean skincare, clean household products, clean clothing, and a cleaner, more natural way of being all around. A return to where we started. A new beginning.
Clean living is about honoring our bodies, and treating them with the respect they deserve for carrying us through this world. When we begin to see ourselves this way, everything around us starts to change.
Vibrant Body believes the first layer is an ideal place to start making better choices for what we let into our bodies through the fabric we let closest to our skin, a feel-good choice we can live in.
It’s evolution and expansion into the lives we’ve longed to live with the full joy of clear purpose. A pure state of being. If we didn’t know it was possible, we wouldn’t reach for it.
Clean living is the freedom to make the right choices for our bodies and for our world.
Join us.
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What is a Semi-Demi Bra? A semi-demi cup is a bra that covers a little more than half of your breast and is designed to give you support and lift. The word "demi" translates to half in French, and as such, the cups on this bra only cover about ¾ to half of your breasts. Also, most semi-demi cups are designed with a slight inward tilt to push the breasts towards the center for more cleavage. The shoulder straps on this style are set farther apart on the shoulder. That's why most push-up bras are also demi bras.
Who Should Opt for a Semi-Demi? Mostly any woman would be a great candidate to wear a Semi-Demi bra since the half cup shape works for most breast shapes.
If your breasts are fuller at the bottom than at the top, the demi bra will fit well. But it's basically a personal preference on how supported you want to feel and how much cleavage and skin you'd like to show while wearing it.
Don't assume the size is the same for a semi-demi as your other bras. You'll likely size up since there is less bra to go around than a full-coverage bra. Bra sizes are often not fluid between different types of bras.
How and When Should I Wear a Semi-Demi Bra? A semi-demi bra is perfect to wear under a going top, tank dress, any v-neck or scoop neck that shows off your feminine neckline and décolletage.
Because semi-demi bras provide you with more support and security than a bralette or strapless bra, you can wear them for a full day or night out and feel comfortable, lifted, and supported. That's the magic of this innovative design- it's built for endurance and, beautiful design & comfort. The semi-demi cups feel empowering as your feminine shape is emphasized. You'll feel like a supported seductive goddess.
When shouldn't you wear one? When you want to wear a top or dress that shows off your shoulders, like a boatneck shirt. Keep that beauty in the drawer; it's not her time to shine. Semi-demis and looser summer tanks or camis may not mix well either, as the strap may appear when the top is tugged on when you throw a purse over your shoulder or lean over in conversation.
What is a Full-Coverage Bra? A full-coverage or full-cup bra is part of your First Layer that provides comfortable coverage and support for all bra sizes. It is most preferred by women with larger breast sizes. Their most common distinguishing feature is a design that wholly contains a woman's breast tissue and prevents spillage around the top, side, and back. It does this with slightly wider straps on the shoulders and wider fabric around the sides. The features combine to give the wearer a confident, smooth all-day appearance.
With the correct size and fit, full coverage can transform the appearance of your breast shape.
Who Should Opt for a Full-Coverage Bra? All women will enjoy the benefits that this style provides. Those who gravitate towards this style tend to be women with greater breast tissue.
Unsurprisingly, moms with toddlers love this style because your breasts are secured and won't fall out when grabbing little ones (and their toys!) off the floor. Others who gravitate to this style are women who may spill out of bras with lesser coverage, mothers who have breastfed or found that they've lost firmness, and petite women who wear small band sizes and large breasts.
When Should I Wear A Full-Coverage Bra? This style is an all-star of the bra drawer. The full-coverage bra can play a variety of roles. From professional attire to t-shirts and under anything while pregnant or nursing. Full coverage bras are perfect for work, school or evenings – anytime you want a little more coverage. Especially if you prefer modest garments, this is your choice, as you can keep all eyes on you and not your cleavage.
However, don't think these can't be sexy if you wish. A full-coverage bra worn under a smart-fitting turtleneck will give your figure the most womanly shapeliness and allure.
T-shirts are my favorite to wear with them because they do what lower cut styles can't and provide a smooth style without a potential bra line. Also, sweaters, turtlenecks, looser fitting, high coverage tops, or dresses work great with this bra style.
So, What is the Difference between a Full-Coverage and Semi-Demi Bra?
The main difference lies in the coverage. What you should get lies in preference.
A full-coverage bra gives you a more covered look, and secure feel, and a demi bra shows off more skin. Ultimately, it's up to preference and what you are wearing them under to decide which is the right bra for you!
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There are three experiences I loathe in life. In no particular order, they are: waiting in line at the cell phone store, hearing the phrase “cool beans!” in general conversation, and getting fitted for a bra. For as long as I’ve had boobs, bra fittings were experiences I’d rather forget. When my workplace announced we were going back to the office, I knew I had to face the music. So I searched and realized I could be bra size fitted virtually. So this is my journey in finding a bra that fit great – and that I didn’t hate completely.
]]>There are three experiences I loathe in life. In no particular order, they are: waiting in line at the cell phone store, hearing the phrase “cool beans!” in general conversation, and getting fitted for a bra. For as long as I’ve had boobs, bra fittings were experiences I’d rather forget.
Let’s rewind. Before the start of the pandemic, I was already sick of wearing bras. They were too tight on my rib cage and incredibly uncomfortable, sometimes painful after a long day of work. I gave them up cold turkey. I still felt I needed support sometimes and so with the start of back to the office life in 2022, I decided to finally find a bra that fit me – and that I didn’t hate completely.
Instead of the usual poking and prodding at my local chain department or specialty intimates store, I opted for a virtual bra fitting.
Admittedly, I was skeptical about video. The idea of standing in my bedroom talking to a stranger in my undies at noon was not how I expected to spend my lunch break from work. But after meeting the expert at Vibrant Body Company online and reading the rules of the road beforehand, my doubts disappeared faster than you can say 36B.
My first surprise was how seamless the whole process is.
So on an overcast March day, I sat down in front of my laptop and planned to at some point in the next 15 minutes take off my sweater - just me in my bra, for the camera. And believe me, these are words I never thought I’d say.
But then Heidi came on the call.
I was so relieved. Heidi Lehmann, who is the bra expert I worked with through Vibrant Body Company, comes to the table with over thirty years of design and fitting expertise – and put me immediately at ease. Her accent is melodious and as thick as her authentic charm and passion for what she does.
She introduces herself and asks me about what brings me to the visit with her and any issues I’m having with my current bra and what styles I preferred. I explain some are too tight in the waistband and that I hate that feeling of being restricted.
What the fitting description doesn’t tell you is how much you’ll learn about your body in a virtual bra evaluation and fitting. Heidi, so skilled, knew the anatomy of the female body in incredible, medical detail and shared with me so much that I didn’t know before about breasts, my body, and their health.
My big takeaway was the fact that every woman’s breast tissue extends around the sides of their body, all the way to their back, and that it is filled with lymphatic tissue. The health implications of bras that restrict movement or are tight on your shoulders and neck are not just irritating but bad for your body!
What you don’t know really can hurt you – and your health. I was again relieved to have decided to make the appointment, I had no idea bras could have such an impact on a woman’s body.
Next, I stepped off camera and came back with my current Wacoal bra on to show her and start to do some measurements together. I felt completely at ease.
Heidi asked me to take two measurements with a soft tape measure (I had one on hand, there’s also a tape measure app), with her giving me feedback on how to position myself (and I needed the help!) for accuracy in the numbers. Then, we measured both cups in a diagonal direction, which was tricky but I got it with her watching me on her end to get it just right.
Due to the construction and design of their utility patented bra, which makes the fit measurements critical to finding “the one.” The one that feels weightless, the one worn when you know it’ll show you off the best, and the one that you forget to even take off when you get home at night.
I was given the recommendation of a Full Coverage bra. Could it be the one? Vibrant’s bra expert made sure I would do one thing for her before I hung up - to purge all those old underwire bras from my drawer.
“They are simply bad for us, our bodies and we have better options for a lifted supported appearance – one’s that aren’t archaic,” she left me with as one last bit of advice.
The whole session took about 15 minutes. It was quick, informative, without pokes or anxiousness, and left me excited about the bra that would soon be mine. The bra that she recommended, The Full Coverage EveryWear Bra™, in 34B, is truly “the one” I had been looking for and now I own it. And want to shout it from the rooftops!
So, I am here to officially report that virtual bra fittings are the real deal. And, in my humble opinion, it’s a foolproof choice for anyone who feels uncomfortable doing it in person or anyone at all for that matter to learn about their bra and what’s best for them. My prediction is they’ll become commonplace quickly – it is the future.
So there you have it, a virtual bra fitting that turned one of my most hated activities into a pretty educational and enjoyable one. Now, until we rid the world of cell phone stores and purging the phrase ‘cool beans’ from the lexicon, I’ll be content living in the best bra I ever owned and telling everyone I know to get virtually fitted, too.
Ps. For those interested in meeting with Heidi, a virtual (or in person!) fitting with the Vibrant expert can be booked here and is free of charge. You're welcome.
We’ve all heard that most women are wearing the wrong size bra. Well, it’s true.
Especially in post-pandemic life, we are re-evaluating the bras we once grabbed at first glance. You may find it feels or fits differently - perhaps changes in one’s body but perhaps because it is too old and has lost shape or has accidentally shrunk. Both your band and cup can fluctuate with your weight and be affected by things like hormones and exercise.
It’s estimated 80% of women in the US wear the wrong-sized bra; I personally have six different band and cup combinations in my lingerie drawer. Sometimes it’s clear when a bra doesn’t fit – the straps dig in painfully or you get that bulging ‘double boob’ overspill effect, for example. But it’s not always obvious. Below are five signs you might be wearing the wrong bra.
Experts agree that bra fit can cause neck and shoulder pain (Source). Some say it’s not related, but scientific journals report that people with large breasts are more likely to wear a bra that doesn’t provide enough support. This may lead to posture problems and a literal pain in your neck!
The way the straps are designed, that criss-cross or racerback style puts more pressure on a woman’s neck and shoulders. Those with larger breasts or a wider shoulder frame may want to avoid this style.
You might think shoulder indentions are par for the course when it comes to wearing a bra, but that's just isn't true. If your shoulders hurt, or you have lines long after taking off your bra, it's a sign you're relying on the straps for support, when you really want to get that from the band.
If you pull and tug and readjust your bra throughout the day, our master bra designer Heidi Lehmann says there could be one of three problems going on. "A, the style could be wrong, B, the cups might be too small or too big, or C, the band is too big," she says. A proper bra fitting - virtual, on the app, or in person, will address all three issues.
Do you feel like you have more of your breasts outside of your bra than inside your bra? If you notice your cup runneth over, “try moving up a cup size,” says Lehmann. “Or choose a full-coverage bra that gives more coverage rather than a demi shape.” Both of these solutions will offer more support, less movement, and a smoother look under your clothes.
It’s usually clear when your bra is riding up your back… and it’s not cute. If your bra strap is squeezing the life out of your back, "you are wearing your straps are too tight," Lehmann says. “Remember, the band is where the actual support comes from, so it's important to choose the right size.” And tighter straps don’t always mean better. If your bra is squeezing your back, you might need to find a more supportive bra, especially one with a thicker band and/or straps.
Choose bras that give a wide range of motion, in high-quality fabrics and with healthful and thoughtful design for a woman’s body. Get a proper fitting prior to purchase, such as a virtual fitting or use a fit quiz.
Once you’ve found your perfect bra, keep it in great condition remembering a few easy takeaways. To keep it in its best shape and give it its longest life, always wash your bra in a cool wash so that it doesn’t shrink. Also, placing your bra in a bra bag or a pillowcase when washing can help the bra from getting damaged in the wash. And finally, no dryers - ever, ever, ever.
]]>You notice the term organic on a bra or nursing bra and you think, yes, that's what I want, it's got to be healthier, I'm going to choose that one. We know, we’ve done it too. Unfortunately, the term organic is often misused. There are some pretty strict regulations around the term "certified organic" and when misused, it's a clue you might be getting greenwashed.
It’s essential for consumers to understand what being organic really means as health-forward consumers, like us at Vibrant, who believe that what goes on your body is what goes in your body. Those shopping for clean bras and underwear are paying attention to what fabrics they choose to cover their bodies - and while they may see organic and believe this means it is toxin-free and sustainable, we have some issues to discuss.
Unfortunately, for non-FDA-regulated organic products, such as clothes, the term organic doesn’t equate to healthy, sustainable, or toxin-free. Regulation varies from country to country, with little effort to penalize false claims. Unlike the U.S. food industry, regulated by the Food & Drug Administration. there is a lack of enforcement and penalization in response to the high influx of organic garments that hit the market. Thus, it has become an easy go-to marketing tactic to entice health-conscious consumers - whether or not the cotton in the bra is truly organic.
With the industry hailing its sustainability commitments, those labels are both a means of value signaling and enticing to shoppers willing to pay more to feel better about their product choices.
But there is a big problem. Much of the “organic cotton” that makes it to store shelves may not actually be organic at all. (Source)
Given that hard truth, cotton is one of the most pesticide-dependent plants in the world. Once cotton is harvested, it is chemically processed for uniformity and typically soaked with specialty chemicals like fire-retardants (formaldehyde). These are chemicals that take a heavy toll on human health - from skin irritation to cancers. With such little government regulation, customers should bypass looking for organic materials and instead look for clean garments backed by toxin research, up-front transparency, and consumer education.
Cotton makes up 99% of all organic intimates offerings and has a dark side. It is NOT a feel-good, planet-friendly material to start with. While cotton represents nearly half the fibers used in the textile industry, the methods in which cotton is grown, harvested, and produced have some nasty truths that impact the environment.
For example, it takes over 2,500 gallons of water and an equivalent amount of energy to make just one pound's worth of cotton bras and undies in your underwear drawer. Most cotton production methods are simply environmentally destructive and unsustainable for generations to come for consumers and their families.
Organic cotton requires far more plants and much more land to produce than other fibers. That means vast fields otherwise forests, natural habitats that would have otherwise been untouched have been flattened for farming this specific, low-yielding crop.
After the fibers are processed, it is likely bleached and/or dyed using chemically invasive colorants. Aside from GOTS-certified garments, unnatural dyes may not be safe or toxin-free.
Europe has banned over 1,000 chemicals in products touching the skin, while the US, has banned 40. That means in the US toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, chlorine bleach, lead, heavy metals, and flame retardants can be found in materials used for workout clothes, jeans, baby clothes, and yes, bras and underwear.
There is reason to be concerned about toxic chemicals in bras and underwear as they lay on top of two of the most porous areas of a woman's body - your breasts and your groin. Heat, moisture, and sweat can create off-gassing of any chemicals in the fabrics, dyes, and foams, enabling the chemicals to then seep into the skin, like a nicotine or vitamin patch might do.
At Vibrant, everything we do is health-first, with no questionable ingredients. We test every foam used and every stitch that is handsewn into our bras. Through a decade of research on breast health, we have not only produced elevated luxury in its cleanest state but found a passion for educating consumers. Navigating the world of non-toxic, sustainable materials is hard enough. That’s why we’ve listed our list of Dirty Laundry ingredients on those to avoid and look out for in their own closets to swap out for clean alternatives.
Bottom line - Education is the key to all things, including your health. And it turns out, organic cotton is not your best bet in labeling when shopping for a clean, ethical bra as you might have thought.
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We’re with you – Bras can be just the worst. They certainly don’t have to be. They’re one of the first layers we put on in the morning and the first we take off at night — sometimes, as we walk in the door, as soon as we’re in the comfort of home. Women spend nearly half of their lives in a bra and an ill-fitting one can cause restricted lymphatic flow, skin damage, and even heartburn.
“Women’s frames are naturally built with more narrow shoulders than our male counterparts, so that is why our silky bra straps laying in this area are able to move more freely. It’s simply the natural slope of our bodies.” but she says at this time in our history, it’s simply no longer acceptable to expect this is the norm.
To get to the bottom of why these essential elements of our lives get so complicated, we have the assistance of our internationally-acclaimed bra designer and expert, Heidi Lehmann. Formally educated and trained in Germany, Heidi knows the ins and outs of bras and underwear.
Slipping straps are often an issue for women, especially those with narrow shoulder frames, which is a group of about 60 percent of women. But likely every woman has encountered this annoying issue to no avail. While straps are only supposed to support about 10 percent of your breast’s weight, they must provide enough critical support or the set will just fall off your shoulders. And as Heidi says this is a normal issue – it doesn’t need to be with some easy measures.
Simply put, “one must buy a bra that fits one’s frame,” she insists.
You will know it’s the correct bra for you if the strap sits in the ideal spot, next to the shoulder joint rotator cuff, working with your body's movement and warmth.
With your best bra, constructed to fit a woman’s curve and work with our natural movement, we think these tricks will take you to the next level in your first layer—slip-free and secure.
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