Friday, August 19, 2016

Tips on How to Wear a Backless Dress

Styling a Backless Dress

In recent years many women have come to adore backless dresses. They display a confident and daring attitude. But how do you style a backless the correct way? Although backless and low back dresses make a perfect fashion statement, there are many issues to solve in order to style them the correct way.

The biggest challenge with backless fashion lies in breast support and coverage. It seems almost impossible to have adequate support without any part of a bra sticking into view especially for women with big chests. The secret to this challenge in my own opinion lies in using the mirror to configure what looks best on you.

You can try any of the following:

Adhesive Bra
Invisible Band Bra
Bras with Sticky Wings
Dresses With Built-In Support – eliminates the hassle of sticky bras

If none of the above options seems to work for you, try bras which are Pullover, Front-Closing or Side Closing. In order to work best with backless clothing, such bras should preferably have a fancy back. Bras with a thin band and no visible closure will also work fine with open back and low back dresses.

Low Plunge Backless Seamless Molded Longline Bra

Though you cannot wear a normal bra with a backless dress, showing part of your bra is not bad if it is intentional rather than accidental. See also: How to Wear a Backless Dress with a Normal Bra. If the outline of your nipples is showing, make sure it’s by the right audience, in the right venue.

What to Wear Under a Backless Dress

What you wear underneath your backless dress is determined to a great extent by the style of your gown. Most backless dresses, including bridal gowns, are made to be figure-hugging. Choosing the correct undergarments can be very tricky.

The best choice of inner-wear for a backless dress is probably a Backless Body Shaper that reaches to below or above the breasts and goes down to the thighs. Backless shaping briefs guarantee that no seams will be visible. If the material of the dress is very thin, you must choose the right color Spanx to avoid color-bleeding. Toned/nude underwear is a good choice.

When wearing panties with a backless dress, your correct size is vital. If the panties are too small, they’ll show bulges. If they are too big, they won’t hold up, and there is also the risk of creases showing. A better choice is:

Invisible Hipster Briefs
Low Waist Seamless Panties
High Waist Seamless Control Panties – great for holding the tummy if they are compatible with your dress

What Jewelry to Wear With a Backless Dress

The choice of jewelry for your backless dress depends on whether the gown is for bridal, prom, party or you are wearing for a night out. Despite this, an open back dress requires little jewelry for a fabulous look. You should let the focus to stay on the dress.

Earrings are a good match for an open back dress. Other accessories that go well with this style are wrist and upper-arm accessories. By day, use neutral colors that don’t clash with the dress. At night, you can use sparkly jewelry. You can also wear a thin belt if the style of your dress allows.

Backdrop Necklace

A Backdrop Necklace is perhaps the most popular accessory for backless clothing. Though you should keep neckwear to a minimum with backless clothes, a back chain seems to break the monotony of the bareback. Most Front to Back Necklaces are thick at the neck with a long thin back chain. Other neckwear accessories that you can wear are:

Choker Necklace
Backdrop Head Chain
Bra Strap Halter Necklace – ideal for strapless bridal gowns
Shoulder Necklace – offers too much shoulder coverage and hence popular with brides

Hairstyles for a Backless Dresses

A backless dress is a statement in itself. It doesn’t require a sophisticated hairdo. For a good outcome, opt for a simple hairstyle. If you have a short hair, try wearing it straight rather than curly.

It is ironic to wear a backless dress with hair that covers the whole of your back. To avoid such an irony, use a hair accessory to hike up your hair. If you must wear your hair down, it is better if it is in strands rather than hanging loose. The fewer the strands, the better will be the look.

Some ladies opt for a hairstyle that seems to obscure their open back but reveals the back as they turn. This creates a peek-a-boo effect. Though this may be a good fashion style, you should take care to ensure that at least a small part of your back is showing when you look to the side. Otherwise, the style may look awkward.

How to Cover a Backless Dress

If you have a backless dress but intend to wear it in a non-backless style, try a cardigan or blazer over it. For hot weather, cover your dress under a Mesh Cardigan, white shirt, or Lace Top. In the climate is cold, you can layer under or over the dress. When wearing your gown in this fashion, you can use any type of bra as it will not be visible.

If you love sweaters, it is okay to use a sweater to cover your backless dress. But you should be aware that a sweater might create the impression that you are wearing a skirt rather than a dress. So, you must be comfortable with that.

Permanently altering a backless dress to a non-backless gown is not easy. You require the services of a well-experienced seamstress. Nevertheless, finding a piece of cloth that is a perfect match for your dress is almost impossible. Some tailors use a contrasting piece or opaque lace.

If you opt to wear a backless dress, you must show confidence and contentment. Otherwise, it may seem as if you wore it by force, or regret wearing it. If you think you will feel embarrassed in the dress, don’t wear it.

Despite what many conservative stylists may believe, backless dresses are stylish rather than vulgar. They are sexy and make a fashion statement without being too offensive to anyone. I hope these tips will help you in wearing your backless dress. In case you have anything to add, use the comment section.

You May Also Like:

How to Wear a Backless Dress with Large Breasts

Get help on various methods of wearing a backless dress with a large bust. Also discover adhesive bras that work with big breasts

How to Wear a Backless Dress without a Bra

Want to wear a backless dress but hate adhesive bras? Discover different ways of wearing a backless dress without a bra and still get the support and coverage you need

How to Wear a Backless Dress with a Normal Bra

Learn how you can get away with wearing a backless dress with a normal bra, especially if you have a big bust

How to Make a Backless Bra

How can you make your own backless bra from a regular bra? Discover two methods that you can use to easily turn your old ordinary bra into a backless bra at a fraction of the cost of an adhesive bra

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Fiqh of financially supporting one’s parents and other relatives:

It is necessary (wajib) upon an individual that he supports his parents and grandparents, if they are poor, and provided that he is capable of doing so.

Allah Most High says:

“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.” (Surah al-Isra, V. 23)

Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “The most pure (of earnings) is what a man consumes from his own earnings, and his child is from his earnings.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, no. 1382, Sunan Abu Dawud & Sunan Ibn Majah, no. 2137)

It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya:

“A wealthy son will be obligated to spend on his poor parents, whether they are Muslims or otherwise, and whether they are capable of earning themselves or otherwise.” (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 1/564)

Imam al-Mawsili (Allah have mercy on him) states in his renowned al-Ikhtiyar:

“The Nafaqah (financial support) of the parents and grandparents is on the male and female children, for Allah Most High says: “say not to them a word of contempt” (Surah al-Isra). Thus, Allah Most High forbade the child from harming the parents even to this extent, and to not spend on them when they are in need is more harmful than this…..And Allah Most High says: “We have enjoined on man kindness to parents” (al-Ankabut, V. 8), and it is not from kindness to leave them in need despite having the capability to remove their need. And Allah Most High says regarding non-Muslim parents: “And bear them company in this life with consideration” (Luqman, V. 15), and it is inconsiderate to leave one’s parents hungry despite having the means to feed them….” (al-Ikhtiyar li Ta’lil al-Mukhtar, 2/231-232)

In light of the above, it becomes clear that it is the responsibility of the children to financially support their parents provided two conditions are met:

1) One is financially in a position to do so. Imam al-Haskafi (Allah have mercy on him) elaborates on this by stating:

“And it (m: financial support) is necessary (wajib) on the child who is wealthy, even if he is young, wealthy to the extent that Sadaqa al-Fitr becomes Wajib on him.” (See: Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar, 3/621)

2) One’s parents are poor, even if they are capable of earning themselves. Imam al-Haskafi (Allah have mercy on him) explains:

“One will be responsible for financially supporting one’s parents if they are poor, even if they are capable of earning…” (ibid, 3/623)

In a case where the poor father has more than one child, then all the children will be equally responsible to support their parents. It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya:

“If a poor person has two children, one being very wealthy and the other is the owner of the Nisab (m: which necessitates one to pay Sadaqa al-Fitr), then the responsibility of supporting the father will be equally shared by both of them.” (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 1/565)

As far as daughters are concerned, they also have an equal responsibility of supporting their parents, but this is when they earn, have their own money and are capable of doing so. (ibid, 1/564)

With regards to one’s mother, the responsibility of supporting her will be on her husband. However, if her husband (one’s father) is poor, then one will be supporting her by supporting the father. If she does not have a husband, then one will be obliged to support her, if she is poor. (Radd al-Muhtar, 3/623)

As far as the other relatives are concerned, we can divide them into two categories:

1) Male relatives, such as one’s brother, uncle, nephew, etc. The responsibility of financially supporting them is only in the situation where they are poor and not capable of earning themselves due to some disability or illness. Imam al-Mawsili (Allah have mercy on him) states in al-Ikhtiyar:

“The Nafaqah (financial support) of other relatives besides the parents and children is (also) necessary according to the amount of inheritance (mirath)….And this is only necessary when the relative is poor, disabled and not able to earn.” (al-Ikhtiyar li Ta’lil al-Mukhtar, 2/232)

2) Female relatives, such as one’s sisters, aunty, etc. The responsibility of supporting them is conditioned only with them being poor and in need. Disability is not a condition, for women are not obliged to work and earn money.

It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya:

“The Nafaqah of virgin female relatives is necessary even if they are healthy, provided they are in need of the Nafaqah.” (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 1/566)

However, if a woman is married, then she will be supported by her husband, hence the responsibility of supporting her will be lifted from her relatives. In al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, it is further stated:

“The husband will be solely responsible in supporting his wife, so much so that if a woman has a husband who is poor (m: and not capable of supporting her) but has a son, from a previous husband, who is wealthy or a wealthy father or a wealthy brother, her financial support will still remain on her husband, and not on her father, son and brother. However, her father, son or brother will be ordered to spend on her, and then recover it from the husband when he becomes well-off.” (ibid)

In conclusion, the son is responsible to support his parents if they are poor and in need, and that he is capable of doing so. He is responsible to support his male relatives if they are poor and disabled; and female relatives if they are in need. A woman will always be supported by her husband if she is married and not her brother, father, etc.

The husband’s first responsibility is to support his wife and children. The reason being is that the responsibility of supporting one’s wife is unconditional. One must provide for one’s wife regardless of whether she is in need or otherwise and regardless of whether one is capable or otherwise. The Nafaqah of the wife is not waived away by one being poor. Hence, his first responsibility will be supporting his wife.

However, if his parents are poor or his sisters are poor and unmarried, then he will be obliged to support them also.

In al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, it is stated that if a man has a father and son, and he is only capable of supporting one of them, then he will support his son first. (1/565)

It is also stated:

“If a man has a wife, children and poor parents, then he will be obliged to include his father in his daily providing, thus the father will be considered to be one of his family members (m: meaning those under his care).” (ibid)

At times, parents demand from their sons even if they (parents) are rich and wealthy themselves. In such a situation, the son will not be obliged to support them. At the same time, however, one will need to respect them and give them their rights of politeness, good treatment, etc. Also, it would be good to give them something occasionally even when one is not responsible of supporting them.

The man, who is obligated to support his wife, children and is also responsible to support his parents, etc, will have to balance things out in a proper manner. His primary concern will be his wife and children, but at the same time he must support his poor parents.

One should always keep the following statement of Salman (Allah be pleased with him) in mind:

“Give everyone who has a right their full rights.” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Salman spoke the truth,” when he heard this. (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

And Allah knows best

[Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam

Darul Iftaa

Leicester , UK

- Adapted from http://www.daruliftaa.com/node/5694?txt_QuestionID

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

9 Ways to Wear a Backless Dress Without a Bra

How to wear a backless dress without a bra

If you have a flawless back, backless fashion is the perfect style for you. Although backless dresses will make you look sexy and bold, they are not outright vulgar. Unfortunately, sticky bras are not always a good option for all ladies. This post will guide you on how you can wear a backless dress without a bra.

The whole point of finding a backless bra alternative is to support your bust and hide the nipples. If you are really busty and need extra support, you can employ 2 methods simultaneously.

1. Choose a Dress With Built-In Support

Most backless dresses will be lined on the bust area. But not all will give you sufficient support. However, you can find open back dresses with enough support from online outlets. Most women with big breasts will find that halter-neck dresses work best.

Backless Dress with Built-in Bra

2. Have a Tailor Attach Extra Lining to the Dress

A tailor who has experience in the wedding industry can fasten a garment that looks like the front part of a crop top to your dress to offer support and/or coverage. The cloth is sewn onto the dress around the collarbone area. The bottom side consists of elastic which is fastened onto the side of the gown. After putting on the dress, you pull the elastic down to below your bust and you are done.

3. Sew Bra Cups into a Backless Dress

Sewing in bra cups into a dress or top can be pretty challenging. Sometimes, it’s easier to look for a seamstress who is experienced in the field. However, you can still try it if you have the will.

For a backless dress to hold your bust properly with sewn-in cups, it needs to be form-fitting. For better results, choose a dress with a lined bodice, and shaped to accommodate the bust. There are three ways of sewing on bra cups:

Inserting the cups between the lining and outer fabric
Sewing the cups onto the lining and cutting off the material inside the cup to eliminate creasing
For unlined dresses, you can put the cups onto the

Procedure:

Put on the dress to see where your breasts are positioned in relation to the gown. You may use any marker if you like
Place the cups onto your bust to estimate the best angle
With the dress on a table, inside-out, position the cups and pin them in place. Leave about 1 inch between the cups
Try on the dress and make any adjustments if need be
Sew on, using long stitches just in case the positioning is not perfect. If the fit is superb, secure the cups using a more stable stitch

Note:

a) If the dress is curved around the bust to cater for the bust, sew the cups around the edges

b) For unfitted clothes, use only a few stitches to avoid wrinkling the gown

c) If you sew the cups onto the lining, it might be a better option to cut off the material covering the inside of the cup to enhance the overall appearance

d) While sewing the cups onto the outer material, use inseams so that no stitches are visible on the outside

e) If it seems impossible for your dress to accommodate cups, use the front part of a tank crop top. Attach the cups to the top and then fasten it to the side seam of the dress. Cut off the straps where it seems best and sew on

4. Sew a Bra into a Backless Dress

Sewing an unused or old bra into a backless dress may be simpler than using cups. Virtually anyone can do it with trial and error with no need of a sewing machine. For busty ladies, a push-up bra works better. It won’t necessarily have the pushed up effect once you sew it on, but it is bound to have improved support.

For a bra to have the perfect outcome, the cups need to be well fitting. Remove the band and straps. You can separate the cups or use them as they are. You may prefer to leave the cups adjoined for easier positioning.

There is no universal formula for putting a bra inside a dress. It mostly depends on the style of dress and the type of bra you choose. The best thing to do is to avoid unnecessary stitching to prevent the dress from gathering and losing shape. Also try sewing onto the seams to avoid stitches poking out. Again, if the dress is not fitted at the bodice, this method might not offer you the support you want.

5. Taping Your Breasts

There are many different types of tape that can be used to tape breasts. They include Medical Tape and sports strapping tape. Some ladies also use duct tape as it is cheaper and stronger. But it can be painful to remove.

For best results, choose a tape:

That is strong enough – weak ones like masking tape might come off in the middle of your outing
With sufficient width – if a tape is too thin, it may reveal the padding on the nipples
That is breathable – well-aerated tapes are less likely to make you hot and soggy. They also ensure the adhesive will stay on longer
That is soft – rigid tapes are noisy and may raise eyebrows as you hug your colleagues

Don’t use any tape directly on your breasts as the nipples are very sensitive. If you don’t have padding, use cotton wool or a piece of soft, thin material. A simpler method is to tape on an old bra. Use a pair of scissors to remove the band and straps. You can tape the cups as they are, or you can detach them and tape separately depending on the situation. See also How to Tape Breasts for a Backless Dress.

6. Use Breast Lift Tape

Breast lift tapes are specially designed to lift the breasts from above rather than from underneath. Some of them have un-glued nipple areas, while others leave the nipples bare. If you use the latter, you have to apply nipple covers if the nipples can show through your clothing.

Reusable Silicone Nipple Covers with Breast lift tape

7. Adhesive Bandages or Pads / Band-Aids

Adhesive Bandages are preferred by many ladies over tapes as they are cheap. They are also appropriate as they are designed for use on the skin. The padding is gentle on the nipples. The only disadvantage is that they won’t lift the bust.

Use two pieces on each nipple in a criss-cross manner. To avoid too much protrusion, remove the padding on the top one. If any glue residue is left on the skin after removing them, use baby oil on a cloth or cotton wool to remove it.

8. Breast Covers for Backless Dresses

If you need coverage and don’t care about the bounce, you can make use of Nipple Covers, otherwise called breast petals. They conceal the outline of the nipples to give a smooth look. You can use them under a bra or even in the absence of a bra.

Nipple Covers

Nipple covers come in 2 varieties, reusable and disposable. They should be applied on clean dry skin, free of injuries. You can clean the area with alcohol to be sure. Some cheap imitations might come off with excessive perspiration. Make sure you buy only from reputable manufacturers.

9. Backless Body Shapers

Backless Body Shaper

A Backless Body Shaper looks like a bodysuit, but with the back cut off. They feature a snap closure at the bottom for ease of use. Some come with detachable straps which you can cross at the back, wear halter or attach them in a cami style.

The bust area of backless body shapers has re-usable adhesive. This is of great help if you cannot use the straps with your dress. One disadvantage is that the bonding agent will lose its strength with repeated use.

What do you think? Do you know another way of wearing a backless dress without a bra? Let us know in the comments.

Bras for Backless Dresses

What bra do you wear with backless and other open-back dresses? Read on to discover all the options available to you and pick your best backless solution