According to an online survey conducted by Barely There of more than 5,800 women, bras were ranked as the most difficult item to buy based on sizing, and 65 percent of women reported having difficulty finding their bra size when shopping. Barely There takes a bold approach by simplifying the system to just five easy to find sizes

“This new system will certainly simplify the lives and lingerie drawers of women everywhere,” says Tricia Bouras, director of marketing, Barely There. “With the ‘shape to fit’ technology of Smart Sizes, women can easily and quickly find the bra that fits, flatters and supports.”

Wanda Urbanska, a nationally known expert on simplicity and the author of the new book The Heart of Simple Living: 7 Paths to a Better Life, thinks American consumers are burdened by what she terms “over choice.” “In general we have so many options when shopping that it can be overwhelming,” says Urbanska. “Women often spend hours searching for a perfectly fitting bra. By simplifying the bra shopping process, Barely There makes it easier and less time consuming. What’s more valuable in life than time?”

Women across the country can participate in Barely There’s “Smart Sizes Revolution” through the brand’s Web site, www.barelythere.com, a clever viral video series that can be seen on Facebook and YouTube, and the national Barely There Smart Sizes Tour visiting more than 150 retail locations nationwide. Go to the Barely There Facebook page to find out when and where the tour will be coming to a store in your area.

Barely There has introduced Smart Sizes in its new CustomFlex Fit Collection launching at department stores in June. The collection will feature seven styles including underwire, wirefree and a new Bandini silhouette in a wide range of colors.  The Barely There Bandini comes packaged 2 for $24, the unlined bra styles retail for $24 and the foam bra styles sell for $30.

The new collection offers five sizes (XS-XL) but still covers the complete range of alpha numeric sizes from 32A to 42C known to women today. The sizing innovation comes from the fit flexibility of Smart Sizes that provides two traditional band sizes and two traditional cup sizes in one Smart Size.

According to Bouras, the design ingenuity behind Smart Sizes has been in the works for several years, with numerous patented technologies and processes for creating the “shape to fit” innovation.

“At the core of Smart Sizes are flexible frames that allow the bras to mold themselves to the shapes of the wearers,” says Bouras. “These frames are designed for wirefree bras as well as more complex underwire styles. With the flexible fit properties of Smart Sizes, women can find a bra that literally forms to their individual shape, providing a custom fit that also helps with unique challenges such as women who are between sizes or those who have unevenly sized breasts.”

And clearly confusion exists when it comes to wearing the correct size bra. According to the same online survey, half of the respondents report wearing 2 or more bra sizes on a regular basis, 72 percent of the women have at least 2 different bra sizes in their drawer, and 30 percent have 3 or more sizes. Nearly half (47 percent) reported frequently buying a bra to discover later it did not fit.

Here are some of the clips featuring National Underwear Day. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones that took notice!

The very funny comedian Chelsea Handler comments…

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…as do Regis and Kelly…

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…and the folks on the Insider.

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Island. Today’s event wouldn’t be possible without a number of other sponsors including Chantelle, Le Mystere, and Wacoal, all of which were represented at the CILA awards last night (but more about that later!).

Here in Times Square the festivities began at 11 am with a runway show featuring both male and female models. This show truly proves that men and men’s underwear are carving a niche in the intimate apparel industry. Brands such as Diesel, Ginch Gonch, and Report Collection are displaying the latest trends such as colorful patterns and playful designs in variety of cuts to match the needs of men. And the models aren’t so bad to look at either! In addition to their undergarments, the models are donning freshpair.com temporary tattoos on their arms and across their abs.

Only in New York will you not only find underwear being modeled, but also be able to get your own “fresh pair!” Just another block down, a consistent line has been snaking in and out of a Freshpair.com tent. Despite the heat, those waiting know it will be worth it. In the meantime, Freshpair representatives are bringing cold bottles of water out to the crowd.

I spoke to a few people waiting in line. Merrill, who lives close to the city, ventured into the city for a few hours. When asked how she found out about the event, she commented that she saw an ad in a magazine offering free underwear and was fascinated.

Friends Rebecca, Julie, Felicia, and Tiffany, from Long Island, happened to be passing through Times Square when they were approached about the event and decided to check it out.

Another gentleman, visiting from Washington with his son, saw people in underwear and decided to do some investigating.

Upon entering the tent, visitors are directed to one of three changing pods, graciously held by the handsome models, in which they can then change into a “fresh pair.” On the way out of the tent, the visitors are also the lucky recipients of 10% off their next purchase at freshpair.com as well as some samples from Anthony for Men and a copy of Shape magazine.

While talking with the crowd, I found a number commenting that they are not regular online lingerie purchasers. Hopefully today’s event will bring them to Freshpair.com not only for the site’s great customer service and wide selection, but also for their commitment to giving back to the community described in my interviews with Michael Kleinmann, President of Freshpair.com and Founder of National Underwear Day and Scott Millstein, Chief Operating Officer of Safe Horizon, who have recently established Freshpair, Freshstart, the charitable entity of Freshpair that provides basic necessities for victims of violence.

I also interviewed a number of industry insiders who commented on the trends in both women and men’s intimates.

Overall the day here has been lots of fun! Hopefully, I have been able to recreate the experience for you. More coverage will be available soon as I receive more up close and personal photos. In the meantime, check out the following video footage.

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Hope you enjoyed! For more information, continue to check TLP, the Freshpair site, and the sites of the other sponsors listed on the site. So, where ever in the world you are, celebrate today and go get yourself a fresh pair!

Enter the simple white cotton pantie. Low-waisted and simultaneously innocent yet saucy – not to mention well-fitting and perfect for the everyday. You can pile on the ribbons, latex and heels all you want, but sometimes nothing does the job better than a comfy and sexy pair of tightie-whiteys and a basic bra. Think of all the boys in the world that grew up sneaking peeks at the naughty sections of the Sears catalog. Were those women in maid’s uniforms? Nurse’s outfits? lace thongs? No? White panties and sensible bras you say? Yes, definitely.

My favourite is the Flawless Fit Hipster from Barelythere. They’re microfiber, seamless, tagless, and most importantly, they make your bum look small. They’re on sale at Bare Necessities.