blogleaves

Softly does it

Female police officers have been told not to wear underwired bras on duty, The Daily Telegraph reported last week - if they get shot, there's a risk of the bullet pushing underwiring into the body, apparently.

Even those of us who are not police officers like to wear a soft cup bra from time to time - and, no, they are not all maternity or sports bras or even Triumph's beloved Doreen. Above, three of the more glamorous examples: left to right, Calvin Klein, Made by Niki and, just in, vintage style from Princesse Tam-Tam.

Panache, Freya and Lepel in The Mirror

Larger cup size bras continued to hit the headlines this week and The Mirror weighed in today with a guide to the best bras for DD+. Included in its selection was this trio of figleaves.com bras. Left to right: Panache, £25; Freya, £28; Lepel, £18.

Figleaves in the Daily Mail

Bras are in the news again this week thanks to a certain high street store causing controversy with its DD+ bras costing £2 more than those in smaller sizes. The Daily Mail entered the fray, showcasing a selection of bras including this satin pintuck number, £24, from our own Figleaves collection. There are lots more in our DD+ range, of course - with hundreds of styles from brands including Freya, Fantasie, Midnight Grace, Elixir de Lingerie by Lejaby and many more, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Introducing Minileaves

We've been busy introducing our own ranges this year at figleaves.com, and now your little 'uns can stop throwing all their toys out of the pram because this latest collection is just for them. From super-cute swimwear to cool summer pjs, plus stripey hooded towels for drying off after a day at the beach, Minileaves is packed with summer - and summer holiday - essentials for fashion-conscious tots aged 18-24 months to 7-8 years. And the best bit? We're introducing the collection with a 10 per cent discount - so there's no excuse not to treat your tearaways.

Above: girls' one-piece £13.50 with discount; boys' pj set £13.50 with discount.

Huit in Red

Red magazine tested swimwear on the beaches of Sydney this month - and Huit's hot pink bandeau bikini garnered rave reviews. "With the straps off, this is a perfect sunbathing suit," said Red's tester. "And the top makes a great bra under a sundress." Oh, and did we mention that it gives a great cleavage, too?

Even better, this set is currently reduced by 25 per cent, making the top £39 and the briefs £23.25.

Sheer tights are sheer glamour

Anne Hathaway outshone the competition (Demi Moore, Kate Hudson, Rachel Weisz) at the Cartier 100th anniversary party last week thanks to her ultra-short mini-dress. The mini is clearly having a moment, but what to wear with it? We'll be taking style tips from Ms Hathaway this summer and stepping out in sheer black tights under our mini-dresses for evening: chic, flattering, does away with the need to grapple with the fake tan, and, if you choose a control top pair, they'll double up as body-shapers too.

image: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage for Cartier North America

How often do you wash your bras?

Eek - some disturbing news today. A survey has found that women spend an average of £2,700 on bras in their lifetime, but only get around to washing them six times a year. The average British woman is in good company, it seems - Vivienne Westwood has admitted to not washing her own bras, reports the Daily Telegraph. But much as we hate to disagree with a fashion legend, six times a year is just not often enough. Check out our bra care tips for the official figleaves.com view on lingerie laundry; in the meantime, here's a quick poll.

poll by twiigs.com