Fashion: The importance of a good foundation

I’m talking about BRAS.  Specifically, I want you to wear the right size bra.  Most women aren’t.  There are varying claims, from 70-99%, but it’s undisputed that most women really aren’t wearing the right size bra.  I didn’t really find my correct size until I was about 25, and I still have a terrible time finding bras that actually fit .  It turned out that I was wearing a band size that was several inches too big and cups that were several sizes too small.  This is apparently pretty common.  Here are my tips to making sure you look your best by beginning with your most important foundation garment:

1. Get thee to a fitter.  Please don’t go to Victoria’s Secret for you fitting.  If you’re lucky enough to fit into their bras (I’m not), then you may certainly buy bras there.  But don’t rely on them to properly size you - many of the associates aren’t properly trained in bra fitting, and they seem more than willing to tell you the wrong size to get you to buy from them.  Go to an independent place that carries odd sizes if at all possible.  For example, check out Bravissimo in London, Pennyrich Bra Patch in Raleigh, NC, and Pink Corsets in Hendersonville, NC; there are several places in NYC.  Let us know in the comments if you know of other good places like these.  These stores are the best because they have the widest range of sizes, so you are much more likely to be able to find bras in your correct size to try on.  If you don’t have access to something like that, go to a high end department store, like Needless Markup, Nordstrom, or Harrods.  They don’t care much if they don’t have your size, and they do tend to carry a wider range than Vickie’s.
2. Get thee to a fitter regularly.   Women change bra sizes many times during their life, and I’m not just talking about during and shortly after puberty.  You’ll change sizes as you gain or lose weight from various things or even just randomly as you age.
3. Once you’ve been fitted, try on a ton of bras that are about your size.  You’ll find that some give you an odd shape, some run small or large, and some just feel awful.  When you find your first bra that really fits, its… well, it’s better than really good chocolate.  You’ll experience good support without pinching from the band or straps.  Ideally, you should get a band size that fits when you’re using the largest hooks so that, as the bra stretches from wear, you can lengthen its use by tightening it up.
4. If you are, like me, a ridiculously odd size, hit up the major online retailers: Figleaves, Bare Necessities, Bravissimo, HerRoom, etc.  I’ve ordered from the first 3 and have had very good luck with them.  They have great return policies, so I don’t hesitate to order 20 bras while fully intending to only keep 3 or 4 (assuming I can find 3 I like from the 20).  Fantasie is my favorite brand.
5. If you are, like me, somewhat well-endowed, you should also consider bra-sized swimsuits.  Several of those online retailers I mentioned have these.  I have to give a little plug for my favorite brand here, Freya.  They have some great choices (including this one, which I have and love) that are cute and very supportive.

Trust me - if you’ve been wearing the wrong size for years (or maybe all your life), you will feel so much more attractive in a bra that fits properly.  Happy shopping!