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Women have become hooked on bras since 1914 when Mary Phelps-Jacob patented the bra. She stitched two silk handkerchiefs together and added pink ribbon. Today, millions of women reach into their dresser drawers everyday for a bra. Women purchase on average 5 bras annually. They shop for bras every four to six months with younger women buying bras more frequently. The statistics may be even higher. One third of women reports buying more bras than a year ago. Shows like Oprah created a buzz in the bra industry. She brought attention to bras, fitting, and the need for quality bras.
The most popular colors are white, nude, and black; however, brighter colors are on the rise. The most important feature is comfort. The trends are comfortable, underwired bras and bras with molded cups. The styles women wear most often are the following:
- Underwire 75% Own 57% Wear
- Seamless 68% Own 35% Wear
- Sports 56% Own 8% Wear
- Full Figure 46% Own 33% Wear
- Strapless 37% Own 1% Wear
- Push-up 30% Own 8% Wear
- Padded 29% Own 12% Wear
Women also are concerned with tones and textures: micro-fiber, easy-care fabrics, and attractive fabrics (lace embroidery, quilted satin, see-through fabrics, and cotton ottoman). Micro-fiber is great for the comfort and sports bras. Easy-care is great for the wash. Although it is best to hand wash, women still insist on placing those bras in the washing machine. Attractive fabrics are great for that special someone.
New bras are continually being invented everyday. They have push-up bras, t-shirt bras, demi-cup bras, plunge bras, balcony bras, augmentation bras, sports bras, plus size bras, and the list goes on. Styling and features have become more important than brand loyalty. Designing a bra is a very complicated process. There are over 40 components in a bra and it takes around 30 steps to make a quality bra. It is one of the most highly-engineered clothing items. Women want a good quality bra that is comfortable and supportive. Women also want bras that fit their lifestyle and their wardrobe.
Bra sales account for over half of the women's intimate apparel business. Consumers spend around $16 billion a year on bras. Within the past couple of years, the average bra size went up from a 34B to a 36C. Bigger sizes have led to an increase in sales, an increase in styles for the plus size woman. Traditionally, larger bra sizes were in very limited colors and styles. They have increased due to high demand. Women are shopping and demanding more.
The bra market continues to rise, even during these tougher times. Sales of bras have been up by 8% within the last 2 years. Fashion trends, celebrity talk shows have peeked interest in bras. Women desire fashion, comfort, and various styles. Bras are flying off the racks at an increasing rate. Women are hooked on bras.
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Source by Susan Gilbert
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