WHEN BAD BRAS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE
Welcome to part two of the “I Feel Fat and I Have Nothing to Wear,” series. If you missed out on part one, “How to Style Your Love Handles,” you can read it too! Today we are going to get even more personal and talk about bras. That’s right… We are talking about “the girls” and how to best fit them {or tuck them in-HA!} for any outfit.
Side note, have y’all seen the new Ta Ta Towel {a.k.a the world has gone mad for a towel bra}? I have no words to describe how I feel about this new invention nor do I know why I have a major urge to purchase one every time they come across my feed. Someone help a sister out here. Maybe it is because my boob sweat often outweighs my clothing. Sorry, TMI.
But seriously…
When thinking about bras we can all easily point out the major problems. Back fat being our number one enemy, maybe even worse than all other fashion problems combined. Then you have the cup catastrophe. Is there not enough to fill them all the way up leaving that unwanted gap very visible under your tees? Or is there so much happening, it’s spilling over? Neither scenario is a look to love.
And then there are those things called straps. Too lose or too tight. To thick or too thin. The problem goes much deeper than just if you are wearing a bra that fits. It is if you are wearing the RIGHT bra for your body type.
When used in the correct way, your bra can actually be your best friend, and the thing that takes your outfit to the next level!
Here are some of my solutions for fixing your bra situation before it’s too far gone:
1.} Get a professional bra-fitting every six months. Yes, you heard me correctly, especially for us hormonal ladies who are in the 40 plus category. As our bodies ebb and flow and succumb to that dad-gum gravity, it is crucial to keep the twin towers upright and ready for every party. From the office to a night on the town, having the right bra is key. I recommend trusting the ladies in intimates at Austin’s Nordstrom Barton Creek Square or your local Soma Store associates to guide you!
2.} Make sure you have the right bras on hand for every outfit. The must-haves on my essentials list include the following:
- Sports Bra {here is a link to a recent post of my favorite place to shop for those at Outdoor Voices.} Don’t forget to protect the ta-ta’s even when you are working out. Some of my chestier clients even opt to wear these in leu of a traditional bra on a daily basis.
- Razor Back Bra: for those unusual styled tops that help you avoid annoying peekaboo straps.
- Strapless Bra: this red carpet strapless bra is a best-seller and super comfy too. You can also opt for a wireless option commando bandeau style if you don’t need tons of support.
- Traditional Bras in both nude and black shades. Here are several everyday strappy options for daily wear.
3.} Quick Q & A for your Boobies: {Care of our friends and experts at Nordstrom}
DOES THE BAND RIDE UP YOUR BACK?
If yes, your bra is either too large or needs to be tightened. If it’s still too loose after you’ve adjusted the band, it’s time to go down a band size (and possibly up a cup).
DO YOUR BREASTS SPILL OVER OR BULGE UNDER THE CUP?
If yes, your cups are too small and you need to go up a cup size.
And here is a quick tip–get hair extensions to cover the spillage or the unwanted bulge. I am not ashamed of my quick fix solutions for the overhang. I adore my amazing hair fairy, Tamara Segura, at Luca Salon in Austin. She can be reached by phone or email for magical locks: tamarashairstudio@gmail.com; (512) 626-8649.
DO THE CUPS PUCKER OR GAP?
If your breasts don’t fill out the cups, your bra is too large.
DO YOUR STRAPS SLIP AND SLIDE?
If you’ve adjusted your straps and they still fall off, either the band is too big or your bra has lost its elasticity. If you have sloped shoulders, opt for a racerback bra or a style with convertible straps.
DO YOUR STRAPS DIG INTO YOUR SHOULDERS?
If so, try loosening the straps. If that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s likely the cups are too small and you need to go up a cup size.
DOES THE WIRE POKE AND PROD?
If so, you’re wearing a cup size that’s too small.
I hope these bra tips and tricks will help you feel more confident in your daily dressing experience.
Where do you shop for the best bras? Have any favorites you want to share? Let us highlight your comment !!
Many thanks to Forever Styled friend and supporter, Magan, for her recommendations below from our post last week. I wanted to make sure you heard about this great alternative given her recent recovery story from breast cancer.
“This is a nice shape-wear option. (I find the shape-wear with legs to roll up.) Maidenform is breaking into this market at half the price of Spanx. And Target is convenient. (I had to buy these after breast reconstruction surgery after my mastectomy. Final operation needed just a little filler, so surgeon pulled a bit from my tum. Had to wear this shapewear every day for a long time!) -Magan
Defying Gravity Together,
Jen Young
