Ok ladies, this is a really important conversation to have: UNDERGARMENTS! Does your bra fit? Statistics say that most women are wearing the wrong size bra. What you thinkyour bra size is and what your bra size actually is....is two very different things.
I know this because I was wearing the wrong size bra for decades. I even got measured at Victoria's Secret once...I questioned whether I was in the right size because it never seemed quite right. She measured me and confirmed my size as the same. What I learned from that experience is don't get measured at Victoria's Secret because I continued to wear the wrong size. (Maybe I just got the wrong salesperson, because I happen to like Victoria's Secret.)
One of my very best friends surprised me about a year ago and took me to a boutique called "For the Girls" to get professionally sized! Well, from that day forward, my life changed. I can't believe it took me this long to find out I was that far off on my size! I wore a 34B forever. She sized me at a 32D. I'm not a noticeably big breasted woman, so I said NO WAY! But here's the thing ladies....it's just a number, and when it fits, it fits! Your undergarments shape your clothes and can make such a huge difference in how you look when you find your correct size.
It was such an amazing experience. She was so nice, knowledgeable, and covered all the bases. Once she got us in the right size, she showed us everything. Comfortable T-shirt bras, sexy bras, soft bras, workout bras...really educated us. Then she put me in the bra. She told me that this bra was featured on Dancing With The Stars.Well, I could see why, this bra made me feel like dancing around too! It was the prettiest bra I'd ever tried on and made of thin memory foam. She said, "Every woman needs a bra like this...because if you're having a bad day, this is the kind of bra you can put on and walk around your house with a glass of wine, and instantly feel better...it's that pretty." This is the Le Mystere Isabella bra in the picture above. I couldn't believe a bra could look that great on me! Trust me ladies, getting sized can boost your confidence. You'll look so much better...and feel so much better when you're in a bra that fits.
I was never excited to go bra shopping before....but now that I know my correct size, it's enjoyable! So where do you start? If you can find a boutique that specializes in this, great. If not, go to the nearest Nordstrom. I'm sure any higher end department store would have the same free service, but I've been to Nordstom recently for sizing, and they were just as knowledgable as the boutique. They said you should actually get sized every six months, because your size can change from time to time. Mine did...again! The next thing you need to know is you will be getting undressed in front of another woman. She is going to come right in that dressing room with you and help you into every bra. Trust me, it's not embarrassing so just get over it.
This process will help you also find out which brands work best for you. This is important because quality bras aren't cheap. Here's what I do... I go get fitted for free, find some bras that I like, buy at least one from them, then go look for bras online where they may have better deals. That's how I got that Dancing With The Stars bra, I got it later on Amazon for half the price as it was in the boutique!
There are all different price points for bras. I'm not going to get into the really high end brands like La Perla, because I don't believe in breaking the bank for underwear. If I'm going to splurge, it will be on shoes. But there are some higher end brands out there if you choose. It's mostly about finding your correct size, then try on different brands to see what works for you. I happen to like Le Mystere, Natori, Cosabella, Chantelle and Simone Perele.
Another thing I learned is that you should be keeping "the girls" supported all the time! I know how comfortable going bra-less can be...but we shouldn't be doing this, even when we sleep! Get yourself some non-underwire, soft bras to wear around the house. I like Cosabella, they're not too tight, just comfortable...this is the Never Say Never bralette...
This brand isn't cheap, so a great way to get what you love at a great price is to keep your eye on sites like Gilt.com. They have lingerie sections that feature this brand at a discount all the time! Their underwear is the best...the only comfortable thong I've found. They have 3-packs on Gilt.com all the time at a discount!
Another thing to think about is sleepwear. Get rid of the over-sized T-shirts ladies! Wear something that supports you, even when you're sleeping and it will help with not sagging as you age;) Cosabella and Natori have some beautiful, comfortable baby doll type nighties like this... (Your significant other will thank you too.) Again, you don't have to pay full price if you keep your eye out for deals online!
When it comes to working out, you don't have to succumb to the "uni-boob" with those smashing sports bras! Brands like Panache have some great looking sports bras that keep you looking great while keeping you supported as you run and jump around!! There are also some great fitness brands out there that keep you supported!
Also, don't forget the other undergarments.... Spanx! There are so many brands out there today, it's important to have the correct slips and shapewear that is sometimes necessary. You know what I'm talking about ladies. Shapewear has changed. It used to be kind of shameful, like that scene in "St. Elmo's Fire" when Rob Lowe feels it and says "What's THAT? Scuba gear?" Horrible! Everyone should own shapewear in my opinion because it can make you look better in clothes. They even make it for men nowadays! Shapewear can boost your confidence hugely when worn correctly! Give it a try, you won't regret it.
Ok, the last thing I'll discuss is taking care of your new fancy investments! It's important to wash your delicates often because the oils from your skin can damage the elastic and fabric. Washing more often will actually make them last longer. Hand wash and use a quality product made for your delicates. I love this one that I found that works with enzymes and doesn't even have to be rinsed completely....it's very safe.
Have fun with this and your confidence can skyrocket! Get your basics first...Nudes and blacks. NOT white, it will show more than nude underneath light colors. (I learned this the hard way. I will never forget walking into a bar with "black lights", seeing my white bra GLOW like it was all I had on...I was mortified.) Once you have your basics....venture into some new territory and see what it does for your self-esteem! Get some bright colors and sexy lingerie...even if it's just for you. Maybe you'll be wearing jeans and a black T-Shirt, but only you will know that you have an extremely sexy red bra underneath! Do this for you, you're beautiful and you're worth it! Does your bra fit? GO GET SIZED!! I just saw this in a magazine....perfect!...
