Gabriella Sandham Blog

  1. How to choose the right t-shirt bra for you

    How to choose the right t-shirt bra for you

    Gabriella blog

    January is a time for new fitness regimes, new habits and new bras. Just like all of our other clothes, our bras need to be replaced (or recycled), especially those ever-so reliable t-shirt bras. T-shirt bras are an absolute necessity for every woman’s lingerie collection, no matter your size, as they provide an amazing shape and don’t leave wrinkles or lines beneath your clothing. A good t-shirt bra bought from designer lingerie brands can even get you up to 4 years of wear (when you treat them right!) So choosing the right bra can be a great investment. But how do you know which t-shirt bra is right for you?

    If you’re a smaller cup, between an A - D size, then some great options for you include the moulded foam cup bras such as Chantelle, Marie Jo or Lejaby. These are especially great for women who’ve had children. For ladies bigger than a D, you can choose some non-foam cups such as Prima Donna Satin (a personal favourite of mine!) This non-foam cup provides a seamless and underwired fit for those bigger busted ladies, like myself. They’re great for an immediate uplift, full support and a minimised bust. 

    The best way to make sure your bra is right for you is to try it on. Once you’ve got the bra on, there are some signs to look out for that’ll tell you if it’s the right fit. Firstly, make sure that the under-band sits nice and flat on your torso, the central band the central band should separate the bust and also sit flat in the centre of your bust. Secondly, your bust should be encased in the cups, with no spillage over the top. And finally, make sure that the sliders at the back are adjustable to half way up the shoulders. You also make sure you feel comfortable. A t-shirt bra is something you’ll be wearing daily, so you want to make sure you feel good in it. Move around the changing room to see how it feels, pop your own t-shirt or vest on to see how it looks when you move about. Your shape should be improved and so should your posture. (Note: always do due diligence when choosing your t-shirt bra, it’s always worth trying on a few different styles to see which is the best fit.)

    Once you’ve found the right bra for you, it’s always handy to buy them in a selection of colours; such as black, white and nude, so that you can fit them with your desired outfits. And finally, once you’ve got your new bras back home, it’s recommended that you give them a slight wash either by hand or within a delicate lingerie bag. I always wash mine on a 30c cycle and then lie them flat to dry out so that they stand the test of time. (Top tip: to stop the cups from sagging as they dry, you can pop a pair of rolled up socks into the cups!)

    If you’re still unsure about knowing which bra is the best fit for you, drop by our store. You can book in with our bra fitting consultant who’s always available to offer any help, do a fitting or advise you on your new lingerie. Or if you’ve got a quick question, then give us a quick call, we’re always happy to help!

  2. Charity benefits for all

    Charity benefits for all

    Lingerie Recycling

    All of us change shape and size multiple times during our lifetimes, whether that’s by losing or gaining weight or lifestyle changes such as pregnancy or the menopause. This particularly applies to our bust size that can also fluctuate from month to month!

    Fit for you

    This means it’s important to always wear well-fitting bras and the best way to ensure this is to arrange regular bra fittings, preferably three times a year. Our changes also mean that our existing bras are sometimes no longer needed. At Gabriella Sandham, we accept your donations of gently worn bras and new pants and pass these on to the charity – Smalls for All – which provides them to women and girls in need in Africa and the UK, including refugees. Each time you donate these garments to us, we offer you a 10% discount on any purchases you make when bringing in your donation.

    Africa aid

    Centres helped include one for young people in foster care near Durban, S Africa, for whom donations of bras and pants are included in the care packages provided. In West Africa, one charity works with people in need due to ill health, disability or financial hardship. Smalls for All provides bras as well as new pants that have been donated. The donation of pants is particularly important as many girls cannot attend school during their periods and therefore benefit from the charity’s provision of sustainable hygiene kits. In Tanzania, these kits have been donated to HIV/Aids widows and orphans.

    Rewards for you

    So please bear this in mind the next time you are disposing of a gently used bra or are buying yourself a pack of pants and pop an extra pack in your shopping bag. Then bring them in to us and benefit from our discount offer.

    Thank you on behalf of Smalls for All.

    Gabriella Sandham Supports Smalls For All, To Lean More Do Contact Us

    0207 223 5558

    [email protected]

  3. Swimsuits vs bikinis–which will you choose?

    Swimsuits vs bikinis–which will you choose?

    Since the bikini was popularised in the 1950s, it’s been a favourite item of swimwear particularly amongst the beautiful beach babes. But how popular has the bikini been in 2022?

    According to The Guardian newspaper, sales of one-pieces are currently overtaking the bikini and one brand reports sales currently show a 60%/40% split. Social media has also noted a rise in popularity of the swimsuit, with ‘saves’ on Pinterest up by 132%, year-on-year.

    One for all

    No one really knows why sales of the one-piece have overtaken the bikini but there appears there are some who have tired of being snapped and displayed on social media wearing overtly sexy swimwear. There also a theory that, as exercise has become increasingly important in people’s lives, the one-piece lends itself more to a streamlined swimming experience.

    There are always those who prefer to wear slimming rather than sexy beachwear and would naturally choose a one-piece to provide a little more cover. Plus, there’s the flexibility of knowing that your swimsuit can double up as a top worn with trousers or a long skirt to easily take you from beach to bar.

    The bottom line

    Bikinis are popular with those who like to mix and match different designs to express their individuality. Swapping tops and bottoms mean you can create different looks on different days. Plus, buying each piece separately mean those with a more pear-shaped body or fuller bust size can more easily choose individual pieces in the best sizes to fit your shape.

    Many brands are designing more retro-style bikinis with high-waisted briefs and long-line tops, which really flatter the curvy female shape.

    Selling points

    From a retailer’s point of view, the one-piece is an easier sell, because with separates you may sell out of a particular design of bikini top, which means you then need to reduce the price of the matching bottoms.

    Whichever is your preference, the good news is that increasing numbers of brands are producing their ranges from recycled material meaning that, whichever style you prefer, you can treat yourself knowing you are having less impact on our planet!

    Buy Swimsuits and Bikinis. From size C - H, from some of your favourite brands, Seafolly, Jets, Miraclesuit, Prima Donna, Marie Jo & more on Gabriella Sandham Lingerie & Swimwear online or shop located in Battersea SW11 5QH

    https://www.gabriellasandham.com/

    https://www.gabriellasandham.com/swimwear/womens-swimwear

  4. OUR STORY

    OUR STORY

    Looking for luxury Lingerie and Swimwear:

    Gabriella Sandham is a luxury lingerie and swimwear shop in South West London, which caters for discerning customers who love beautiful Lingerie and Swimwear. The shop opened in 2006 and, in the intervening years, has developed a comprehensive website, making it the best online shop in the whole area.

    Global brands:

    From the beginning, Gabriella Sandham Lingerie and Swimwear Boutique has focussed on selling gorgeous lingerie and swimwear. Knowing that Parisian and Belgian fashion houses understand the female form, Gabriella Sandham chose lingerie from designer brands such as Prima Donna, Marie Jo, Chantelle, Empreinte, Andres Sarda and more. Scouring the globe for the world’s best beach and swimwear, Gabriella Sandham found that countries like Australia, with its outdoor lifestyle, knew how to produce the perfect swimwear so the shop ensures a full range of products from ‘down under’ and elsewhere are always in stock.

    Stocking lingerie and swimwear soon led to an expansion of the shop’s range of nightwear and loungewear, so Gabriella Sandham now stocks everything from intimate silk and satin negligées to cosy pyjamas that you’ll never want to remove.

    In the early days, before the online business took off, Gabriella Sandham was a warm and welcoming boutique, which offered a personalised service to its local clientele. Now the website http://www.gabriellasandham.com attracts customers from around the world who receive just the same personal service. With its aim of being the ‘best online lingerie and swimwear shop near me’, customers from all over London and beyond know that Gabriella Sandham is just a click away.

    Special attention:

    Luxury doesn’t always come at a high price, however. Gabriella Sandham makes sure to offer all Lingerie & Swimwear at an affordable price and often has special offers and great deals, which are promoted on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages as well as on the website.

    With years of experience in identifying the latest fashion trends and recognising quality, Gabriella Sandham goes to designer houses across France, Belgium and Spain to curate its lingerie shelves and web pages. Lingerie brands such as Prima Donna, Marie Jo, Andrés Sardà and Chantelle are always favourites so that customers are guaranteed to find exquisite items of underwear for every occasion.

    Now that we are becoming more aware of the benefits of exercise, there’s also a growing demand for sportswear and customers of the shop and the website know they’ll find the perfect supportive sports bras, shorts and leggings.

    There are also the times when we want to look our absolute best and Gabriella Sandham stocks a complete range of shapewear to suit every budget and occasion. And when the occasion calls for an outfit that requires minimal underwear, Gabriella Sandham is the best place to find ‘barely there’ support garments. Combine this with a vast selection of the world’s most exclusive hosiery, and Gabriella Sandham makes sure every special occasion is guaranteed to be extra special.

    Now that holidays are back on the agenda, swimwear has become a year-round purchase and Gabriella Sandham is your first choice for the best swimwear available. Innovative brands such as Australia’s Seafolly and Jets have one pieces, bikinis and cover ups that are designed to ensure you’re the belle of the beach!

    World class Swimwear :

    Not only that, but these brands help make Gabriella Sandham’s commitment to sustainability even easier. Many of the garments produced by Seafolly and Jets are made from recycled materials enabling you to look amazing and do your bit for the planet.

  5. The Winner Of Our Spring 2022 Swimwear Competition.

    The Winner Of Our Spring 2022 Swimwear Competition.

    Thanks for all the entries submitted as always they were great. The winner for this year Seafolly Swimwear Competition is Ms G Jackson from Woburn. Please find enclosed her articles, it does puts a smile on your face.

    Our post-Covid holiday

    One year later than planned, we were off to Cornwall to celebrate my husband’s “big” birthday. Judging by the amount of booze given priority boarding in the car, what celebrations they would be. Seven days of fun, togetherness and Cornish weather!

    The boys enjoyed their mackerel fishing trip, even if the rain and choppy seas meant the fish went AWOL. The mackerel we barbequed later, bought at the fishmongers, tasted just as sweet.

    It mattered not that the girls’ “boat trip” across the estuary lasted barely long enough to park our bottoms, so strong were the prevailing winds. It gave us more time to party at the other side.

    If Covid taught us anything, it’s that life is too short to wait for the wind and rain to stop. Our long- awaited holiday reminded us just how wonderful “normal” life is. The pile of empty wine bottles bore testimony to this.

  6. Bra & Pants Recycling for Charity

    Bra & Pants Recycling for Charity

    Smalls beginnings, big impact

    At Gabriella Sandham we’re very keen on protecting the environment and sustainability and have recently chosen to partner with a charity that helps to reduce waste. Smalls for All collects and distributes underwear to help adults and children in Africa and the UK.

    Donating pants and bras may seem a small thing but it can have a life-changing impact. Donations are sent to orphanages, slums, refugee camps, schools and hospitals in Africa and some people can also earn an income by selling the underwear to others. The charity’s donations are also well received by school uniform banks and charities supporting homeless people in the UK too.

    You’d be surprised how often you have underwear to give away – children grow quickly, fashions change and our bust sizes can fluctuate so easily. So if you have any new or washed gently used bras you wish to donate, or any new children’s or men’s pants, simply drop them into us and we will send them on. The shop is open for donations between 10.30am and 6pm Mon-Sat. If you’re not local, you can package your undies and send them to us at Gabriella Sandham Lingerie & Swimwear , 161 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QH and we will send them on.

    Should you wish to make a purchase on the day of your donation 10% discount is applied to your bill

    0207 223 5558

  7. Underwear Care

    Underwear Care

    When you’ve treated yourself to some delicious lingerie it makes sense to spend time treating it with the respect it deserves. So here are some tips.

    Ever since women have worn underwear designed especially for their shape, they have taken great care to hand wash and line dry their undergarments. Bras and Basque were expensive for middle- and working-class women to buy so they needed them to last. Although we now have the convenience of washing machines, it still makes sense to handwash our bras and knickers for the best results. If you do use a washing machine, make sure you choose a delicate wash cycle and perfume-free washing detergent. Do up the hook and eyes and better still, place into a delicate bag. If you don’t have one of these, simply use a pillowcase. Regardless, also check the label before washing.

    It is recommended that you should not wear a bra for more than three days in a row as this can cause the fibres to stretch and lose shape. Washing helps to keep the bra fitting well.

    When storing your bras, we recommend you store them in a drawer where it’s possible to lay them flat as folding them in half can damage the cups. This is especially important if the bra has underwiring or moulding as twisting the cups into each other can mean the bra loses its shape. Lay several bras on top of each other, with cups carefully aligned or pop a pair of socks or knickers inside each cup. Unpadded silk or lace bras should be folded inside out to prevent snagging.

    Should you require any additional information on caring for your lingerie, don't hesitate to contact on 0207 223 5558 or email us: [email protected].

  8. My February Gift To You

    My February Gift To You

    One of the things that's kept me going through these times is you, my  lovely customers. I have been so touched by your loyalty and warmth, the kind messages and the catch-ups we've had when the shop was open.

    That's why I've decided to give away one Andres Sarda Rock Plunge bra OR Prima Donna Deauville bra for FREE to say thank you

    For those who entered our competition the beginning of February, by writing in or emailing us about how you've coped during the last year, and how love has helped. Self-love, making up with a sibling, or tying the knot. Thank all for your article's, they are really good. Sadly we can only have one winner

    Gill from Milton Keynes is our winner! her piece is a great read, Please find enclosed her article:

    Love isn’t just about hugs and kisses. That’s fortunate, because in the past year, we have all been affected by the social distancing measures which have kept us apart from those we love. In our family, as in many others, milestone birthdays and anniversaries have been missed, weddings postponed and funerals made comfortless.

    Love is so much more than hugs and kisses. Love is imagination and thoughtfulness. Waking up to find our garden festooned with balloons, banners and messages of love, decorated covertly under the cover of darkness by our big “kids”, who wanted their dad to know that although he might be deprived of big bear hugs on his 60th birthday, they really loved him.

    Love is about being inventive. A “boot party” in the supermarket car park to celebrate our son’s 30th, just before lockdown. No restaurant celebrations allowed but we could meet outdoors. Parking adjacently with umbrellas up, we toasted his special day with fizz in plastic glasses while he opened his gifts. He said it had been one of his favourite birthdays.

    And Christmas in lockdown was the biggest test of our love. When we were most craving hugs and kisses, we had to make do with ‘Zoom’. We survived, forcing laughter and gaiety, promising each other the “biggest party ever” when good times return.

    And they will – we will hug and kiss again – but behind the show of affection, we know there is a more profound love which kept us going in these most difficult times.

  9. Testing Times

    Testing Times

    So many of you have been supporting my small business online during these challenging times and I’m supremely grateful. But it’s probably now been quite a while since you were professionally measured to ensure you’re wearing the correct size of bra. Over lockdown, some of us put weight on, while others took up exercise for the first time. Either way, your shape could well have changed.

    Bearing this in mind, I just wanted to reassure everyone that this is a good time to come back for a professional measuring and fitting. The shop is hygienically cleaned several times a day, as is our fitting room. Hand sanitiser is available and I wear protective equipment while I’m measuring and advising. Our PDQ machine is also hygienically cleaned after each use. Naturally, as with all retail outlets, customers are required to wear face masks to keep all of us safer.

    Once we’ve established your measurements and decided on the perfect bra shape for you, it’s time to make your selection from our gorgeous lingerie range. The £20 charge for the measuring and fitting service, will then be deducted from your purchase. So please make an appointment at your convenience and come and take a look at what you’ve been missing over these past months.

    We are also pleased to announce that we are offering keyworkers 20% off all purchases for who provide ID. Like all of you, we appreciate all that they do and will be offering this discount until 30.9.2021.

    Deliveries and returns

    Due to the increased demand in online purchases, we ask customers to allow at least 10 days for their items to be delivered should you chose our free delivery option.

    Suitable hygiene measures are always appropriate when trying garments on and we request that customers always wear knickers or tights before trying on lower garments. Returned items must be in their original condition with tags attached and must be unwashed, unworn and unaltered in anyway.

    Because of Covid-19 & increased changes for us all, we have extended our returns deadline to 21 days but please call us on 020 7223 5558 or email:  [email protected] beforehand.

  10. The Best T-Shirt Bra

    The Best T-Shirt Bra

    While it’s always divine to slip on some sexy and luxurious lingerie, there are times when nothing beats a T-shirt bra. Ideal for wearing under clingy garments, primarily – as the name suggests – T-shirts, the perfect example it's provides full coverage for the breasts, without seams and obvious decoration. Designed to offer practical support and coverage, simplistically a T-shirt bra gives the torso the equivalent of no VPL (visible panty line). Beyond giving a smooth contour beneath tight clothing, the T-shirt bra is also lined with foam or padding to help conceal the nipples when a slight chill may cause them to protrude through your outerwear.

    The development of the modern bra reflects the change in the role of women in society. Where women previously wore a restrictive corset, the concerns of doctors about the health implications of such a constricting garment, coupled with pressure from feminist groups such as the Rational Dress Society and the National Dress Reform Association, lead to the invention of the bra in the form we recognise today. As women became more active in the workplace as well as in society, the development of a garment that properly supported the bust and allowed women to move freely was vital. The T-shirt bra is a prime example of how far we have come in terms of being free to wear and do whatever we want but was only really developed in the past decade.

    We’ve come a long way since then and, at Gabriella Sandham, we stock a wide range of perfect T-shirt bras from stockists such as Prima Donna, Marie Jo, Simone Perele & More

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