I've heard about "layering" KURVE garments in order to create new "looks" and playing with color. What are the various strategies for accomplishing this?

Over the years we have had many creative customers report back to us and share "looks" that they have developed. KURVE garments have been mixed and matched in various ways, and incorporated into outfits for artistic performances such as dance, aerials, cheer and gymnastics, as well as for cosplay, parties and when going out clubbing.

KURVE seamless garments have been found to be particularly ideal for creatively establishing new "looks" through layering, and mixing and matching complementary colors. Because there are no bulky seams on the sides of the garments, the layered garments will have a "smooth", effortless-looking appearance.

One common strategy is to simply layer two or three basic bra tops or camisoles, one on top of the other, in different color combinations. The "look" is having different complementary colors of straps on the shoulders, and the edges of underlying garments peeking out. Likewise layering of shorts in this manner will be done to complete the "look".

A second strategy is to wear a KURVE bra top, camisole or tank top underneath an oversize T-shirt, cotton crop top, or a tank top with oversized arm holes, to "pop" a color. This is a great strategy for yoga enthusiasts, meditation, when working out at the gym, and many other activities.

Another strategy is to simply wear KURVE garments as layers underneath shirts, blouses, and sweaters whether for school, work, while going out for dinner, when going out to parties or clubs, or even when lounging around the house. The creativity and fun comes from mixing and matching complementary colors of KURVE garments with other clothing.

Building "looks" based on different color schemes is another strategy. For example, kids in particular, have learned to love layering bright neon colors when attending dance classes or when going to dance conventions. Likewise, teen dancers will "layer up" with bright colors, pastels or muted colors depending on the dance class or to complement their artistic endeavors.

As you shop for styles on our website, think about shapes and color combinations, and how they can be layered, mixed and matched together and with your other clothing to create new "looks." This approach to shopping can be one of the most fun aspects of fashion and creating exciting new "looks" through layering and mixing and matching colors.

Once you have created your new "looks," you are welcome to share them on our KURVE Instagram feed (#Kurveshop). We look forward to seeing your creative fashion endeavors!

What are seamless garments?

This is a different type of garment! If you are an artistic performer, are looking for great workout gear, or clothing designed for yoga and meditative practices, or are simply looking for great new clothes for creating new "looks," KURVE garments are a great option for you!

KURVE Seamless garments are manufactured using large circular knitting machines. The resulting fabric is tubular in shape, with differences in size, weave, texture and patterns.

The characteristics of seamless garments are that there are no seams along the sides on the main body. However seamless garments are not actually 100% seam-free. There are finishing seams on areas where sleeves and straps attach, the hemlines and the top of shoulder areas, the gusset areas of shorts and leggings, and to attach trims.

In comparison to traditional "cut and sew" garments, which often have lumpy seams running the full-length of the sides, seamless garments do not cause chafing or irritation by virtue of not having seams in these areas.

Many customers have found that KURVE seamless garments are very comfortable, fit the body well, and provide a smooth, sleek appearance. Because they don't have bulky seams, they are also great layering pieces.

As you review the styles we offer in our online store, we anticipate you will find styles and colors that suit your needs and to be great additions to your wardrobe!

What is the difference between Junior, Kids and Plus sizes?

Through the use of proprietary, stretchy yarns, KURVE garments will stretch to fit a range of sizes.

KURVE Kids One Size styles fits Child-Small through Child Large.

KURVE Junior One Size styles will fit Junior Extra-Small through Junior Medium. In many cases, this style may also fit a Child Large.

This year, we have started introducing a second, larger size for our Juniors Everyday Basics and our Sportswear styles. In our catalog, these Styles will be identified as fitting Junior Medium through Junior Large.

Our Plus "One Size" will fit Adult-Large through Adult-XXL.

How frequently are new styles introduced?

Our basics are available year round on a continuing basis, and we will introduce new colors and retire a few colors each season.

One or several new fashion styles, particularly our trendier cuts of tops, shorts and dresses, are introduced almost every week. This is known as "Fast Fashion" and is one of the most exciting aspects of the fashion industry.

Virtually every week, we do our best to offer an exciting experience for fashion-conscious customers.

The color I want is sold out. When will it be restocked?

We do our best to keep all of the color options in stock, but on occasion they will sell out before the next replacement batch becomes available.

For our line of Basics, as well as many of our more popular fashion styles, most colors become available again in a week or two.

We do have some colors, particularly those introduced only for the season, which will be retired once sold out at the end of the season.

What kind of yarns / fabric are seamless garments made of?

We use the highest quality yarns based on the intended purpose of the garment. For example, for garments intended for strenuous athletic activities, yarns that have a high degree of moisture wicking properties, as well as stretch, durability and color-retention qualities, will be used to manufacture the fabrics.

These yarns are knitted using large circular knitting machines to manufacture the fabrics. The knitting machines are computer-controlled not only to make the garment, but also incorporate weaves and patterns specific for the style. For example, a style intended for athletic use may be knitted using a weave that has capillary moisture-wicking capabilities.

For most of our styles, we also select and use high quality yarns that provide a degree of sun protection, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Why are some of the tie-dye styles wrinkled?

The short answer is because our tie-dye styles are "real" tie-dye, and the processes results in the garment being wrinkled after the bundling and dying processes.

Our tie-dye styles are not simply "printed" with tie-dye patterns, and are instead tie-dyed in a manner resulting in deep, rich, lush coloring.

Our "marble" tie-dye pattern has been found to be very popular with dancers, for example. Our current line of "Vintage Tie-Dye" has also been found to be very popular with yoga enthusiasts, as well proving to be great layering pieces for those who enjoy using them to create new "looks" for parties and clubbing.

The tie dye effect on our garments is achieved by tightly bundling the garment during the garment-dye process, which results in physical wrinkles. The fine wrinkles visible on the garment will stretch out flat when worn.

Is the fabric breathable?

The garments are designed and made using a combination of yarns and fabric weaves that result in great moisture wicking properties. Whether on a long hike, working out, performing aerials or practicing in a hot studio, the fabrics will wick away moisture and help you keep cool and dry. Be sure to stay hydrated!

Do the colors run or fade?

The dye use for our garments is chemically bonded to the fabric. Think of it as the dye molecules "locking together" with the yarn molecules, kind of like puzzle pieces. In turn, there is minimal running or fading of colors.

In other words, the fabric of our seamless garments is not merely "stained" with dye like traditional cut-and-sew garments. Instead, the yarns and the dyes are technically designed to chemically bond together.

However, some of the neon and other intensely bright colors will bleed a little due to the nature of the dye not bonding 100% to the fibers. There can tend to be a little bit of residue due to the dying process to achieve super-bright coloring. We recommend the neon colors and other brightly colored garments to be pre-hand washed before you wear them, and to wash them with other garments of similar colors.

What are the little nits that can be seen inside striped garments?

When you look inside the garment, you may notice little nits and knots where the colors change. Our seamless knitting machines change from one yarn to the next when the color changes and ties a micro-knot. These are the normal effects of seamless knitting when garments incorporate multiple colors.

The reason there are several types of yarns used for knitting striped garments and similar garments with color changes is because different yarns will chemically bond with different colors of dyes. The result is the very clean, very deep color contrast that can be achieved with seamless garment manufacturing.

Where are the garments actually made? Are they made in the U.S.A?

The majority of our products are designed and manufactured in our factory in Los Angeles, CA.

While domestic manufacturing is inherently more costly in comparison to overseas manufacturing, there are many reasons for our company to continue to manufacture in the U.S.

One of the reasons is our ability to closely manage quality of both our inputs and manufacturing processes. This helps us assure that we will continuously deliver the best-designed, highest quality seamless fashions in the world to you.

Another reason, and perhaps this is the most important reason, is that we believe in the ethical treatment of our workers. At our Los Angeles factory, as well as at our showroom in the LA Fashion District, all of our workers are treated well, paid a fair wage, are well-trained, and are provided a safe working environment. We believe many of our customers feel this is important as well.

Are the bra and camisole straps adjustable?

Most of our items do not have adjustable straps; our straps hold their tension while providing a comfortable natural stretch.

Several of our Sports bra styles, however, have reinforced straps that provide more substantial support when participating in high-impact activities. The styles featuring reinforced shoulder straps are noted in the product descriptions.

Recently we began offering several new bra and camisole styles that feature adjustable straps, and can also be found in our catalog. These styles are similar to our most popular basics.

What kind of rhinestones do you use for your decorated styles?

We use high quality Pellosa rhinestones for our decorated styles. We have found these to provide very bright sparkle and luminosity.

To comply with CPSIA requirements, the rhinestones used for our Children's styles are lead-free.

Do the rhinestones fall off?

Although it rarely happens, it is possible for a rhinestone to be snagged and be pulled off the garment. If you receive a garment with missing rhinestones , or stones that have become dislodged from the fabric, please contact us for replacement.

Due to their nature, rhinestones are not guaranteed to stay on after repeated wearing and washing. This does not mean that all of the rhinestones will suddenly fall off at once, but rather a few rhinestones may fall off after repeated wearing and washing throughout the life of the garment.

How are the various studs, acrylic buttons, foil appliqués and sequins applied to the fabric?

We offer many KURVE styles featuring colorful studs, acrylic buttons, foil appliqués such as peace symbols, and sequins that are applied to garments using a factory-managed proprietary process. This process helps ensure the embellishments will adhere well to the specialty fabrics, and although not guaranteed, should not fall off during most of the life of the garment.

Over time and with repeated wearing and washings, embellishments may fall off. Many of our customers work hard and play hard while wearing KURVE garments, whether through artistic performance such as dance, gymnastics, cheer or aerials, or while working out, jogging or a myriad of other vigorous activities, and over time, a sequin or two may naturally fall off.

Recently we have introduced sequins that do not have the traditional hole in the middle. Please take a look at the KURVE line of dance, gymnastics and cheer styles which feature this type of colorful sequins.

What are the care instructions? What if I want to machine wash?

Our care instructions is to hand wash cold and lay flat to dry. Garments treated with care, in a manner similar to lingerie, can potentially last for years.

Some customers report that due to their busy schedules, they machine wash, cold water on delicate cycle in a lingerie bag and have not had any problems with the garment. However, when laundered in a washing machine the garments are at greater risk of snags, pilling, rips or embellishments getting snagged or falling off.

Will the garments shrink?

The garments will not shrink when laundered in accordance to our care instructions. Garments should never be washed in hot or warm water or be put in the dryer. Instead the garments should be hand washed in cold water and lay flat to dry.

Are the pads removable from the padded bras and tops?

Yes, the pads can be easily removed to make it easier to launder both the garment and the pads. It is recommend that you wash the pads and garment separately.

Is wearing a padded bra or top a good alternative to wearing breast petals for managing modesty?

KURVE padded bra tops, camisoles and tank tops provide support, shape, and also modesty by providing a smooth surface on the front of the cups.

Many customers, especially dancers and other artistic performers, like to wear KURVE styles of bra tops, camisoles and tank tops by themselves during practice or performances. Many of them prefer to wear KURVE padded styles in order to manage modesty. This is an excellent alternative to wearing sticky breast petals, applying tape, and other traditional methods which can cause skin irritation. The smooth surface on the front of the cups that are provided by the pads are an excellent way to manage modesty.

Can I wear padded styles without the inserts?

Each of our padded styles can be worn with or without the pads. The garments, when worn without the pads, will fit as a double-layered top. These garments in particular have been designed with double-layering on both front and back of the garment, so that the garment will fit correctly when worn without the pads.