Raising the “Girls”

By Jandi Girard

For an everyday bra, keep these things in mind Finding the perfect bra takes time; set aside an hour or two. Get measured by a lingerie professional every year. If your breasts are heavy, there should be less stretch in the bra straps and band. The more weight or skin on your back, the more hooks and fabric you’ll need to achieve a clean line and smooth silhouette. You want firm support and a snug fit, more than just skimming the skin, but not so tight that skin folds over the bra. It’s ok if your bra feels snug in the morning. By the end of the day your body will have heated up the Lycra in the bra, thus stretching it out. The right-fitting bra defines your bust, waist, and arms, which in turn transforms your torso into a youthful, long, and lean silhouette. Don’t forget your TOM bra — a “time of month” bra will hold any extra weight during your menstrual cycle. Wear or bring a smooth fitting top with no pattern, so you can make sure the bra is not visible under your clothes. Your bra should fall in the middle of your back, sitting half-way between your shoulder and elbow. Try on different brands — some bras fit much differently. Your breasts shouldn’t overflow the top of the bra. Always buy the bra to fit the very last hook; as it ages, move the hook further in. Minimizer bras bring in the projection of the breasts, but smoosh them (adding the appearance of extra pounds). Your breasts reflect weight loss and gain — get a bra fit for changes over 10 lbs. Finally, fit to the frame, not the upholstery. There are so many options for great-fitting bras these days, there is absolutely no reason your girls should be down and out.

Breasts, chest, bust, boobs, bosoms, twin peaks, or the “girls”; whatever term you use to identify your precious pair, they will be your fabulous duo your entire life. And they will serve you well if you take special care of them.

In taking good care of the girls, keep in mind they are unique and have their own personalities. Some girls are dutiful and sit in a neutral, expected position, while others seem to have a mind of their own. Are your girls a curious set, always peaking up and out when you get excited? Or are they a serious bunch pointing down at the steps ahead? Or are they more like free spirits, looking all over the place? Maybe one is a bit larger and louder, while the other cannot stop trying to smell your armpit. No matter what personality your girls have, they need professional help. And a professional bra fit is the first place to start.

Whether you are looking for an everyday bra or a sports bra, a professional bra fit is the best way to find a comfortable and supportive bra that complements not only your size and shape, but also the personalities of your girls.

When bra shopping, skip the discount stores — your girls are worth a few extra bucks – and instead hit a lingerie specialty boutique, a department store that offers bra fitting services, or a sports apparel store for your sport bra.

Modest? Ask the bra fitter to leave the room...but you’ll have to let her come back in: She’s the best judge of fit, while you’re the judge of comfort. You’ll be trying on a lot of bras, so it will go faster if you allow her to stay. Sometimes seeing the shape of your breasts can help her find you the best-fitting bra. Think of it this way: The bra fitter is there to check out how your girls are hanging, not your back bacon.

Hold ‘Em Steady:
Finding Your “Girls” a Sports Bra

Depending on your fitness routine, you should have enough bras so that you only wash them once a week, i.e., if you work out four times a week, you should have four sports bras.

There are two different sports bras that are most widely sold: a compression bra and a constructed, or encapsulated, bra.

The compression bra is the one that creates the mono-boob look. Similar to an everyday bra, the encapsulated sports bra could use underwire, hooks, and fabric to the hold your girls steady. Although many of these contraptions look atrocious, they offer the best natural-shaped support and breathability without squishing breast tissue.

A major problem with sports bras is chafing. Look for sports bras in moisture-wicking fabrics. Avoid seams that run under the armpit or across the collarbone. Make sure the straps also don’t rub the collar bone or the muscles at the base of your neck — ouch!

Jandi Girard lives in Portland, OR, and is the founder of Inspire Style Coaching. Girard assists men and women to achieve their style goals based on their personality, body, and lifestyle. Visit her website at www.coachinspire.com, or call 503-758-3839.