“Give a girl the right lingerie, and she can conquer the world,” someone once said. So once more, I slowly trudge my feet to the topic of bras. Finding the right fit, and why the curve at your back is an eyesore. Not to forget how them sagging boobies are not inviting either. There is something about a good fitting bra that we all need to master if we are ever going to dress well. I admit I enjoy going braless, but there are times when I too struggle to find the right fit or style for what I plan to wear. Times when I settle for a plunge instead of a t-shirt bra yet I am putting on a top. What of when I go for the sports bra because of its ultimate total breast support and not the lacy thin strapped version?

Well, we all somehow flop at this art, sometimes flopping so terribly, we can barely believe how we got here. But, whether it is about the tight straps, a size too small, or bigger, the design or color coding mishaps, there is something we can do to change this image. Today, we take the time to understand these flops and how to avoid them.

The Uncomfortable Bra

This one just doesn’t feel right, there are no two ways about it.  It either feels rough after the so many washes or could be causing irritation or cysts upon wearing it. Once the wires start poking, or elastic hanging strands can be seen, it is way beyond time for a change. Losing shape too or body size changes are a cause of discomfort. The moment you feel unflattering in a bra, get shopping.

Lost Elasticity

The evidence is seen in wearing out and losing shape to a point where the boobies bounce around instead of staying in shape. The elastic too could be stretchy at the bands or the back, leaving the ever-ugly curve and giving little if any proper support for the mounds. And you know what is worse when we wear the curve under chiffon or silky tops. Not to forget the start of peeping holes in the cups. The secret here is to hand wash them bras in cold water and to have a couple for exchanging, in normal use.

Not in the Original Shape

Most of us have no idea how to carry along padded bras. Worse still is how we pack them while traveling, destroying the shape in the process. The padding or cups tend to shift or rumple causing bumps and bulges. The cups should always stay aligned for best support. Otherwise, a drooping burst becomes the gazing look.

Doing the Flip

I too am a culprit here. Many of us have never learned the fine art of putting on a bra. We place it upside down on the body, hooking from the front then turning it up and pulling the straps. This is, however, the wrong way to do it. The result is stretching the band, denting the cups and opening a leeway for the wires to poke. Put on the straps first ever so gently, fit the cups and hook from the back. With time, you become perfect at putting the bra on in this way. This ensures no stress on the bra.

Sizes

Now, getting the size right is the key to a perfect fitting bra. Failure to this results in the tight bands that cut the skin leaving bulges or loose fitting meaning it is unsupportive. Bra sizes also change with the numerous washes. Shrinkage takes the day, especially for the cotton varieties. This, in turn, could cause sagging and back pain as the strain falls on the shoulders to support them.

If the hooks are broken or ripped, it is time to get rid of them. In addition to having stains or having to use the last set of hooks because otherwise, it will be roaming on the body.

The Quality

There are times I adore the lacy designs especially when I want to feel all so sexy, but always remember, in addition to their pretty thin straps, they are not as good and long lasting. As a matter of fact, many at times, they never hold the breasts in position and tend to give one an itchy sensation depending on the type of lace used.

Nursing Bras

The nursing experience comes with its own challenges as much as it is life changing. The breasts become heavier, the cups get bigger and for some reason, one cannot just use the bras they held so dear. How about the fluctuation in sizes and having to pull the bra up or down for feeding? You need to get it right. Comfort is of the essence and ease of access; therefore, the nursing bras come to use.

Remember, bras too just like underwear, socks or the lot, do expire. They slowly meet their death and cannot do the job they were called for as efficiently. Their lifespan is about 6 -9 months at the most on the basic option but varying based on the quantities you have for daily use. They are not made to last or be shared and should be thrown away as soon.

The Way Out

1. Quality matters – invest in the best, elastic, reliable stitching and good material
2. Learn to put it on properly – straps first, lean and settle flesh into the cups then hook from the back and adjust accordingly
3. Wash properly – hand washes in cold water and air dry.
4. Never wear the same bra two days in a row – they too deserve a break… Hugging your skin all day long is not easy. This also allows the elastic to relax and adjust back for a better fit next time.
5. Have several bras for ease of rotation – that way they tend to last longer
6. Do a bra fitting at least twice a year – whether it is weight fluctuations from hormones, the weather (read the cold causing hibernation), exercising, lifestyle changes, age or nutritional adjustments, change is inevitable and this calls for a new round of shopping.

Bras are a fashion defining statement that we should all get right at most times if not all. I implore all of us to rethink our wardrobes malfunctions and like me, take the bold step and let us start afresh. It is fun and refreshing and most of all, just dressing your skin perfectly is a sure way to uplift your self-esteem and give you a bounce.

Nonetheless, I concur with the lady who said, “My talents include taking my bra off without ever taking the shirt off.” The feeling of freedom is compared to nothing else in this world, it is ecstatic.