I don’t know about you but it has been some time since my girls sat up and kissed the sky. Notwithstanding the soft pear-like shape my breasts have morphed into, I can still remember when a bra was not necessary and it was not because I was flat-chested. I have been on a search for a bra that 1) gathered everything into a cup, 2) lifted them so that they are not lying on my upper stomach, and 3) make that part of my anatomy look alive.
It has been three weeks with me running around trying to find an appropriate fit without paying a minimal $64.00 per bra. Specialists claim every woman needs at least 7 bras and a bra should only be worn one day, then rotated. Ok, I did not know 7 was the magic number.
I tend to wear only black and nude colored bras. I like them fancy. I don’t want to feel them on my body but I do want them to do the job of a good harness as far as the external look. The only way I have been able to get that result is to be properly fitted then pay the cost for a proper fit.
So after trying Marshall’s, my local Macy’s and Stern’s lingerie sections on more than one day in search of reasonably priced named brand seconds without success, I went into New York city last week for a proper fit. I figured it was better to have two bras that fit well than to have the girls sagging and making me feel unattractive.
I went to the Macy’s sixth floor, was ushered into the fitting room and measured by a highly efficient woman. She measured across my breasts, under my breasts, the distance from my waist to some undefined spot and then from my shoulders down to I believe the breast line. I’d been wearing a 38 B. Once measured I was told I needed either a 36D or a 38 B. What?
I gathered 20 bras in these two sizes in different brands. The Wacoal turned out to be my brand. It fits like a glove for my body type. The woman helping me adjusted the straps, ran her hand over my breasts to ensure there were no wrinkles and gave me her approval. It was a 38C.
I bought the Wacoal but thought oh, there is a sale on Lilyette: buy 2 get one free. The only problem was the Liliyette brand does not fit the same and even though I returned them and bought a 38 D, they did not fit.
My research says a woman’s bra size changes more than 6 times in her life. Support comes from the back band and not necessarily the straps as I had thought. So a weight loss or a shift in weight can change the size of bra you need. Each breast must be completely inside the cup. Wire should not be cutting into your skin. The bottom line is a bra is not meant to last forever. And if you don’t hand wash them, they won’t last as long.
My girls are now happy. My dresses and tops fits better. My side-view is better and it kind of looks like I lost weight. It’s an illusion I like. You wouldn’t think there was some science to a good fit. But seems there is.
Okay I have gone out there a bit with this post. But this is a thing that “matters.” I am wondering, have you ever been fitted for a bra (not you men) and been surprised?
Photo Credit by Theda Bara’s Vintage
Carmen says
I lost a lot of weight several years ago, and went from a 40H to a 30F. Now, I’ve gained a bit back, and I’m up to a 32G. I have gone to the specialty bra shop for fittings, where the little German lady comes in and hauls my boobs all around, up one side and down the other. There’s no modesty, no privacy – but I know when I leave, my breasts are *exactly* where they are supposed to be. They look good, there’s no deep lines in my shoulders, and the girls stay where they are supposed to. I even buy my sports bras there. One tip – wear your bra into the shower. Wash your hair, and then take your bra off and rinse it. It’s enough soap to clean it without being overly drying, it’s easy to do, and you just hang it up on the dial. It’s MUCH easier than trying to remember to hand wash the dumb things. I love the freya for myself.
Patricia Patton says
Carmen
Never ever in my life have I heard this tip for washing lingerie. I absolutely love it and will try it out. It makes so much sense! I have never heard of the Freya brand either so will have to look into this. There is one thing for certain: Being fitted does guarantee the girls will be exactly where thy belong. Thank you for stopping by. Happy to learn more about your website.
Sienna Jae Fein says
“Support comes from the back band and not necessarily the straps.” Who knew? I evaluate bras by the look of their straps. Gotta get over that, it seems.
I do the next best thing to the hand washing you recommend. I wash my bras in a gentle machine cycle, but I always air dry them, never put them in a dryer.
This was a helpful article, Patricia. Thanks.
Patricia Patton says
I am going to the gentle cycle. Just bought my seven bras. Glad you stopped to read this. Oh yes, I got the information from your friend J. Price. Going to try to make one of her events. Thank you for turning me on to her.
Just One Boomer (Suzanne) says
This is a very timely blog post for me to read. My son is getting married on May 3rd and the top of my Mother of the Groom dress is kind of stretchy, so I need excellent, um, foundation garments. I have never been measured for a bra. I’m kind of shy, but I so need to get over that. Really, I breastfed two boys for 6 months each time and I’ve been patted down by TSA — in Puerto Rico.
I’ve never heard of the Wacoal brand, but it sounds like I need to check them out. Patricia, judging by the comments to your post, you should look into doing affiliate sales for them 😉
Patricia Patton says
Suzanne, I do not have a clue how to successfully approach Wacoal. Do you? I could do a good and honest job for the company since I truly love the brand. Thank you for reading.
Walker Thornton says
My last bra session was a fiasco. I couldn’t find anything I liked or that fit…she wanted me to go into the Plus sizes and I refused to view myself in that way. And, came home without! Wacoal is too tight for me. I’m a 38C and like you, I want a pretty looking bra.
This is a great post, not too much information and just perfect for those of us in one of those boob-shifting phases!
Patricia Patton says
Walker
My response to you disappeared. Let me try again: I too need something sexy and i totally get the “refuse to see myself that way.” That is me. I will not buy a dress above a 12 PERIOD.
Ellen Dolgen says
A great-fitting bra improves your posture and automatically makes you feel sexier.
Patricia Patton says
For sure Ellen. Feeling sexy is important.
Patricia Patton says
Ellen thank you for reading this post. This is a belated response but please know that I appreciate you taking the time to read this and share with me..
Chloe Jeffreys says
I love Wacoal, too. I bought one in NYC when I was there for our dinner that fits unlike any other bra I’ve ever owned. It feels like it was made for me.
I’ve found that my breasts and the way a bra fits changes so often that I have to get refitted every. stinking. time.
I’m currently going through a rough time with feel badly about my breasts. I think I’ve seen some just like them in old editions of National Geographic.
Patricia Patton says
You know you are hysterical Chloe. Thank you for stopping by. I am searching for a Wacoal brand person.
Cathy says
I love this post! I’ve been to Nordstrom’s because I’d heard they have great fitters. They were right, but boy, those bras are expensive. I have found Wacoal fits best. I keep trying other less expensive brands, but Wacoal’s do fit best.
Patricia Patton says
Yes I too am a Wacoal gal. I am thinking I will look for the brand person for Wacoal. Clearly we are their market.
Lois Alter Mark says
Getting fitted for a bra is always a surprise — not always a pleasant one. I’ve found Wacoal to be the best, too. So interesting that it seems to be the overwhelming favorite here. Guess we know who they should be advertising to!
Patricia Patton says
But there does seem to be a science to fitting. This woman ran her hand over my breasts (in a professional way) and I left understanding how she fitted me. I am presently happy. Just in case anyone is around there is a sale starting on the 24th of April 25% off. You can buy now and pick up later. It’s worth it. I have my seven.
Helene Cohen Bludman says
I know I need to get fitted. My body has changed so much recently. I relate to the feeling of having the girls sit on your upper stomach. Not a pleasant feeling.
Patricia Patton says
Get a fit Helene. I want the girls at 90 degrees and in the end it is always worth the time. I just can’t stand the trying on of the different brands. Thanks for stopping by.
DarleneMAM says
I have been fitted regularly since I’m a teen. That said, so few stores have people who are well trained in how to properly measure/fit bras to clients. I’ve been wearing Wacoal brand for years. To me, they are worth every dollar I pay.
Patricia Patton says
I agree Darlene (wwww.Middleagemomblog.com) . They absolutely fit my body and they help me feel sexy. Thank you for stopping my boomerwizdom. I really appreciate the sharing.
Ginger Kay says
I measure myself at home and have read up on bra fitting, so I know what size I should be, but it is surprising how differently the various brands (and even styles) are sized.
I find the Wacoal bands tighter than some other brands, so if you’re looking at other labels, you might find a 36D or even DD fits better.
Patricia Patton says
Isn’t that funny Ginger of http://www.fadedginger.wordpress.com. It must be that each brand has different fit models just as one designer’s size 8 is not the same as another. But I had not realized that consciously. Thank you for reading. I made my way over to your site. I like it.