Seeking the Perfect Bra...

We all do it. We find something that fits, and get it in every color and style available.  We tell our friends and families about our amazing finds.  Sometimes, it is a great thing.  Sometimes, it feels more like a rut.  I think I'm in a bit of a bra rut.  I usually wear slightly ill fitting Freya Deco's in 28GG, or modified 30G.  I also swap in 28HH Ewa Michalak plunge bras- which is the closest to the "deco" shape that I can find.  The problem with the Freya brand is that their bands tend to be on the loose side.  What I mean by that is a Freya 28 band feels more like another brand's 30 band.  For example, the 28 bands on my Ewa Michalak, for the first couple of wears, I needed band extenders because the band was a bit too snug.  With the Freya Deco 28 band, the first time I put it on I was wearing it on the tightest hook (you always want to start on the loosest hook and move in as the elastic stretches with wear).  So, as excited as I was about the release of the new Freya Deco 28GG, it's close, but still not quite right. 

 Freya Deco Plunge

Ewa Michalak Malachit Plunge

So what is a girl to do when her favorite bra shape-wise just doesn't work size-wise?  Keep looking.  Which lead me to Ewa Michalak.  Her bras are beautiful, soft, comfortable, and reasonably priced.  So far, I've only tried her plunge style.  Size-wise, it's a great fit.  Shape-wise, I don't get as much lift as I'd like.  I want to try her half-cup style, but I have a history of that shape not working well for my body-type and the size I am in Ewa means they are custom made and non-returnable.  The Big Bra Bar stocks some Ewa Michalak bras, but none in my 28HH at the moment.  The good thing about ordering from TBBB is that if you need a 'custom' size of EM you are able to return it to them if the bra doesn't work out.  (The Big Bra Bar stocks many 26 banded EM bras.)

There are very few companies that make a moulded cup in GG+.  I adore the Panache Cleo Jude , but sizing stops at a G.  Panache's Super Bra line does have a bra that  have on order, and that is the Porcelain Plunge .

 I'm hopeful for this one. It doesn't come in the same color selection as the Deco (Grape Purple is coming out for the Deco... I want it, even if it might not fit perfectly), but it is a gorgeous bra!  I had the chance last year to try the Panache Cleo Juna and while the shape was okay, the center gore was too high for my shape. I tried it a few times and still have the scars to prove it.  A high center gore just does not work for me, which is why the plunge style works well for me- the center gore on a plunge is shorter.

The other option I am hopeful about is the Curvy Kate Smoothie which is the only moulded cup bra up to a J!  I have heard that the band on this is also loose, but I have one on order and am really excited to try it out.

Curvy Kate Smoothie

Another thing that might help me in the fit of my slightly too-large-in-the-band bras is a new item that I first saw on Curvy Wordy's blog, and it's called a Rixie Clip (see the review here ). It is a clip with a bra band attached.  Curvy Wordy has step by step photos which explains the product and the process much better than I could do.  It seems like a brilliant idea, and could just maybe solve my bra issues.  Even if the Porcelain Plunge or the Curvy Kate Smoothie work great, I think a Rixie Clip will still come in handy.  It is only $10 and can slide on to any of your bras. 

I look forward to the arrival of the Panache, Curvy Kate, and Rixie Clip. Trying new things isn't always easy.  I will let you know how they work out!


<3
Laura

The Magical Five Inches

I've been pondering for a while what my next post should be about.  I came up with brand loyalty, as I am hoping to branch out soon from my usual.  However, then I once again watched Nordstrom's fitting video and got all worked up again about it.  In case you haven't watched it, here is the link to their fitting information. 

As you can see, along with a video they have a list of measurements and band sizes along with a few tips on how a bra should fit.  I've discussed in length with their National Fit Consultant about this online advice, and they stoutly refuse to change it. They think the add inches method is better than the +/- 0 method when doing online ordering. 

Back to the video.  They start off by measuring the model and then telling you to refer to the guide which would put the model, who measures 27 underbust,  at a 32 band.  So if this woman went into the store for a fitting, they would do the same?  Add FIVE INCHES to the underbust?  Then they explain how a bra should fit.  The two finger test (which ended up looking more like a four finger test, if you ask me!), the center gore and how it should lay flat against the ribcage (a too small cup is not the only reason the center gore pulls away- a too big band will cause this as well. and notice that she says "if it pulls away at all"- which it does in the video!)

Let's go back to the five inches thing.  Most department stores in the US add 4-6 inches to the underbust measurement to get your band size.  (I've been told that in store, Nordy's only adds 2- but although it is better, I still feel like it starts women off at a disadvantage and certainly doesn't make up for the bad online advice).  Have you ever stopped to think what five inches actually looks like?  How much extra stretchy fabric is being added unnecessarily? 

I started racing around my house, looking for an everyday item that is five inches.  First, I looked at a dollar bill, but that was too big (a little over 6), then I looked at a credit card and that was too small... What other product that a woman knows intimately...??   I know...

Yes, that is right.  A tampon.  Five inches.  So, next time you are in a fitting room, keep in mind when that fitter brings out her measuring tape what five inches is and ask yourself if you want or need that much extra fabric.  The band is 80% of the support of a bra (with the other 20% being 10% on each strap).  How can the band do it's job when five inches is being added in?  The fabrics that are used now are a lot more forgiving than when the +4-6 method was first being used. With what bras are made out of now, adding inches isn't necessary. 

A lot of people say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and besides the awful grammar in that saying, it's true.  Don't fix something that isn't broken.  But with at least 80% of women wearing the wrong bra size, shouldn't we think that this system is broken?  It's not going to fix itself, and it won't get fixed if we sit back and don't demand it to change.

<3
Laura

Shopping Obstacles

Its been a while now since I've started bringing friends and family to Nordstrom's.  I'm usually met by the "Fitting Consultants" with varying degrees of friendliness and understanding.  This weekend, I had the pleasure of helping an old friend out.  We were met there by a fitting consultant who fit me for a bra about 10 years ago.  Usually, when they realize that I actually know what I'm talking about, they tell me to find them if I need any sizes from the back.  This time, she proceeded to ask us if we'd ever been fitted.  I made a general comment about how they don't carry my 28HH size, and she looked me up and down in disbelief.  Normally, I expect that from people not in the fitting business, or from a store that only carries the typical 32DD as their lowest band/highest cup size, but I certainly wasn't expecting it from the Nordstrom's most senior fitter.  She did tell me that when the 28 bands came out they did stock them, but there was no demand for them.  I hate when I hear that!!

Regardless, I went back to helping my friend find the styles and sizes we were looking for.  But the consultant didn't leave us alone.  She stood there while I explained that Freya bands tended to be looser than the Panache, etc.  Of course, then I was questioned as to how I know all of what I know about bra fitting.  I explained how I started a Facebook Group and blog about bra fitting. I was then told by the consultant that "You should never buy bras online!"  My first reaction was to laugh.  I told her that no stores carry my size, so I have to get mine online and it's not as bad as she might think.  My second reaction, which I kept in my head, was that if more people bought bras online, then she would be losing out on her commission.   But honestly, if it wasn't for online shopping, I would be in badly fitting bras and hating my body.  Online shopping has been a blessing for me and many other women I know.

The consultant did check on us a few times, and we had her swap out some sizes.  In addition to the ones I'd asked her to bring, she also brought in some others she thought would work- those didn't work whatsoever. My friend was trying on 30/32 E/F and she brought us 32DD with a super loose band.  Needless to say, the fitter's suggestions didn't work.  The price of the bras she suggested were $30 more than the ones we were looking at.  Yes, I guess I sound jaded, but being the victim of getting fitted in the wrong size for the sake of a sale just kind of makes me that way. 

I had the chance to run out once for another size trade, and all of a sudden, there was the consultant! She threw out some advice to me- that not all bras fit the same way.  Different styles fit differently.  Yes, I know.  I asked her to find a certain size for me in a new style, because the center gore wasn't laying flat.  She asked why, if I know so much, don't I work there?  I told her the truth- I don't want to work in a store that refuses to carry my size.  Gosh, I would even work there if they carried any 28 bands.  I don't want to work in a store that I can't purchase from.  I don't think management would be happy with me when I refuse to sell someone a size that doesn't work- just for the sake of the sale.  I would be sending them to the online shops that I buy my own bras from. 

She told me that I am doing her job for her. I told her not to worry- we'd give her the credit. 

But all of this was said by her in a sort of disbelieving disdain.   She even went so far as to give my friend her card upon checking out (three bras were bought), and told her to find her if she ever came "without the personal fitter."  

So, was I being paranoid in thinking this fitter wasn't a fan?  Meanwhile, while we were at the checkout desk, one of the younger consultants I've worked with before smiled at me, waved, and said"Hi Laura!"  I say "worked with" in the general sense that the fitter lets me do the fitting and they just run in the back if I need a size they don't have on the floor.  But there does seem to be a generational divide when it comes to acceptance of someone like me.  The last fitter I'd worked with, who no longer works there, was in between the ages of both the consultants I encountered this weekend.  Although she wasn't as friendly as the young fitter, she wasn't as disdainful as the older fitter.  And the Nordstrom's Corporate Fit Consultant is pretty close to my age. She is super nice, but either refuses, or has no power to change the Nordy's system. 

Is there a chance that I could start as a fitter there and change the system on the inside?  Or would I just be reprimanded for not doing things their way?  I also wish they carried more stock of Freya, Fantasie, Panache.  Those brands are very good quality, but they only carry four or five styles of each.  I guess that could seem like a lot, but that is only until you see the twenty styles of Betsey Johnson they have (nothing against Betsey- they are fine bras, if not a little cheaply made).

Anyway, the reason why I stress bra education so much is because I want each and every one of you to learn how a bra is supposed to fit is so when you are in the room with a fitter- no matter what they put you in- no matter what they try to convince you "fits"- no matter what they try to get you to buy- that you know which bras fit and which bras don't.  Don't let someone talk you into a bra that you neither like, nor fit in to, because you will be wasting your money.  And remember, not every bra that fits you will offer a shape that you like and will wear.  It's okay to be discerning when picking out a bra for yourself!

<3
Laura

Game On!

A few years back, I decided to take a leap and buy myself a new, bra sized sports bra.  Best decision ever!  Not that I do much exercising.... But when I do, I don't want to be bouncing all over the place!  I decided to try out the Freya Active

A great over all sports bra.  The fabric was firm, and I felt securely held in place.  No bouncing!  It is an underwired sports bra, which was new for me, but I think it just added to the overall supportiveness of the bra.  The only downside of this lovely bra is that it makes you a bit pointy and cone shaped.  So when Freya announced that they were coming out with a moulded cup sports bra, I got excited, but I didn't need a new sports bra at the time. 

Well, now my trusty Freya Active is on the last hook and will soon be heading into retirement, so I am on the hunt for a new sports bra.  Luckily for me, Undercover Lingerista just reviewed four here .  Unfortunately, The Freya Moulded Sports bra was not one of those.  I did, however, decided to try the Panache Sport bra that came in first in her reviews.

Additionally, I did order the Freya Moulded.  I've been eyeing it for a while now, so how could I not??

 

What do I look for in a sports bra?  I look for, as previously stated, a bra that will minimize bouncing. I actually heard a woman on the radio the other morning complaining that her boobs hurt after going on a run.  There I was, in my car on the way to work, yelling at the radio that she was wearing the wrong style of bra. In addition to that, though, I look for something that will also separate and wick moisture away.  Nothing is more uncomfortable than super sweaty boobs.  Yes, I know I'm working out and bound to get sweaty, but there is something about the in between the girls that gets so hot- like I could see steam.  So, I for sure like that separation & moisture wicking. 

 

Why go for a bra-sized sports bra and not traditional S,M,L types that you can get just about anywhere?  From Target to Sports Authority, to Dicks Sporting Goods, you can get a S, M, L sports bra.  Here are two- one from Champion (I have one of these- Fail), and one from Reebok.  The problem with these is that they don't support- at all!  But Laura, it's a sports bra.  It's meant to support- how can you claim it doesn't?  Because I've tried the others- yes, they are more pricey, but once you put it on, your boobs won't move.  And that is what a sports bra should do!!

 



 

 

So, I am now the proud owner of a Panache sports bra and the Freya moulded.  How do they stack up to my Freya Active, and to each other?

 

Up first, the Freya Moulded, again here:

 

And I have to say, I was disappointed.  I was expecting a Freya Active style support with a prettier cup.  I thought it felt cheaply made, like something I could get at Target.  I ordered it in a 30H because the 28 bands only came up to a GG cup.  My Freya Active was a 30G- with a super tight band, but I've run out of room in the cups.  I was expecting the band to be similar to my Freya Active- I could almost not get it on the first time, the band was so tight. Not so with the moulded sports bra!  A super loose band, I immediately put it on the tightest hook.  And I didn't feel lifted, separated, or very supported by this one.  The cups were made of a really light foam, but there were not any underwires.  The purple piping detail was pretty, but I need it to be more than pretty- I need it functional, too.  Overall, I didn't feel like the shape was right for me at all.  It offers more support than those in Target, but not by a whole lot.  I'd say this bra would be better for smaller busts.

Then, I tried on the Panache, seen here again:

This, I ordered in a 28H.  The first time I tried to get it on, I had just washed my face and had moisturized and I could get it hooked!  My hands kept slipping, so I tried again another day.  I'd say the 28 band on this is as tight as my Freya Active originally was- which is great because that bra lasted years for me.  I wish they made a HH to try, but the 28H fit pretty darn well!  This bra is intense and means business.  The construction of the bra is amazing and makes the Freya Moulded laughable.  The underwire of the bra comes halfway up the center gore, but without making your boobs "east/west." You are up, you are center.  This could probably be worn without a shirt and you wouldn't feel awkward (probably...).   I love the two tone grey with lavender colors of this bra, although it does come in other colors if this isn't your thing. I did the jump test, and the girls didn't budge.  I felt lifted and supported, and I feel like this bra won't let me down.  The shape of it is more rounded than that of the Freya Active, which is a plus, and there is a light moulded layer under the top layer.  In the back, there is a little hook to connect the straps, if you wanted a racer back option. I think the Panache is what I was expecting of the Freya Moulded.

Verdict:  I can't wait to wear the Panache bra & will be sending the Freya Moulded back.  Granted it was on sale, but I think I know why.  I feel like the Panache is everything that a sports bra should be and I am really excited about it!!

<3
Laura



Smaller busts don't wear bras?

I was asked to do a post about smaller bust sizes and bras.  I've gotten comments before from women who are smaller saying that they "don't have anything to support" so why would they need to wear a better supporting bra.  Comments like this make me want to scream.  Breast tissue will not stay perky forever.  If you spend your whole youth wearing unsupportive bras, or no bra at all, you will get saggy.  Will it happen as noticeably as someone who is large chested?  Perhaps not, but it will still happen.


This all started with Keira Knightly wearing ill fitting items.  Exhibit A is her swimsuit.  Not going to lie, I wouldn't mind wearing something that cute.  I just wish it offered her a little more support, and perhaps a small underwire to hold the top in place?

So, I thought, why not see who else in Celebrityville wears ill fitting bras?  And what did I discover (bringing me back to my "even smaller boobs will sag" point)- celebrities with smaller boobs don't often wear bras.  At least not in the photos I was looking at.  Lots of swimwear, or braless.  Huh.

I know that I am more modest than most when it comes to, well, modesty.  I've never really been comfortable in the triangle bikini.  And Paris Hilton looks great.  The issue I have is that her breast tissue is hanging out of the bottom of the bikini.

 

And back to the sagging comment.  Small busted or not- you must support your girls.  Support them and treat them right from a young age.

 

Once I stopped searching for celebrities, I was of course able to find pictures of smaller busts in bras.  I was particularly disappointed by the fit of some bras for sale at the Little Bra Company. 

 

This bra is adorable, but the cup underwires seem to sit well below the breast tissue and the sides of the cups don't fully encase the breast.  My guess is that there was some sideboob that was airbrushed out. 

Saving the best (or worst) for last.  Oh Little Bra Company- what are you thinking?  Did she neglect to scoop the breast tissue from sideboob to center?  Or is the cup just too small for her?  The center gore is not sitting flush on the ribcage and the wires look to be completely floating away from the body.  Am I a fan of air bushing & photo shop when it comes to advertising?  Not really.  I think we are too often manipulated by images that have been doctored.  But it is used in these cases.  Regardless, it makes it easy to tell that this bra just plain does not fit this model....

Sorry this post was a bit all over the place (seems to me), but it's late and I've had all these thoughts swirling in my head all week.  I had to get the out of my head, so here they are.  Next up will be my review of my two new sports bras. I will be comparing them to my old pal the Freya Active & letting you know which is being returned....!

<3
Laura

Dear Jennifer Love Hewitt

Today, I decided to try to reach out to a celebrity in my efforts to re-educate America's bra fitting.  I decided to start with Jennifer Love Hewitt.  She is a gorgeous woman who has been vocal in the media in the past in terms of her body, etc.  She seems like the sweet type of person that may actually read some things that come across to her on social media.  And she is frequently featured in her bras.... a lot.  And there is frequently fault with the way her bras fit her.  I get that they want cleavage from her, but at the expense of perpetuating the wrong images of how a bra should fit?  I think we deserve better. 

This is not a "bash on JLH" post at all.  I love JLH!  I would love for her to be a BRAvolution Ambassador.  We need women in the limelight to start wearing properly fitting bras and to also be vocal about what size they really are.  Lets use Sofia Vergara as an example.  My last post was about her "coming out" as a 32F.  Those of us educated on how the +0 system works know that SV is not a 32 anything.  She is more likely a 28GG/H, etc.  Skinny through the ribcage, but with big boobs. 

I'm not sure what size JLH wears, and I couldn't find many screen shots of the back of her bras (they ride up, trust me!), but here are a few pictures of some that are cute bras, but not quite the perfect fit.

Please, Jennifer Love Hewitt, be our BRAvolution Ambassador! 

<3
Laura

Sofia Vergara in Allure

The lovely Sofia Vergara recently "outed" her bra size as 32F, or 34DD if she can't find a 32F.  I honestly don't think she is a 32.  I imagine she would be closer to a 28HH/J.  It makes me sad that even if she really is a 32F, her 'sister size' would not be 34DD- it would be 34E/DDD. It's nice for her to admit that there are sizes above DD out there, but she is also adding to the mis-edcuation of America.  If she is a 28 band, her 'sister size' of the 32F would be 28G (remember, every band down equals one cup up to keep the same volume of coverage).   Not that far off from my 28HH thought.

In addition, her quote of "nobody with real boobs usually has those measurements" also gets my dander up!  She has been in Hollywood too long if that is her view.  But also, it does validate my point- most women are stuffing themselves into bras that don't fit well.  In a country where last year the average bra size was 36DD, no wonder she thinks 32F is weird.  BUT IT'S NOT WEIRD.  The average 36DD woman is in the WRONG SIZE!!!  If we started fitting properly here, the average size would probably be 32F. 


Here is a photo and quote from Allure Magazine, where her interview was published:

"Sofia Vergara has no qualms about revealing her bra size: 32F, or 34DD when the larger cup isn't available. "Nobody with real boobs usually has those measurements," she says. Here, the actress poses in a silk lace dress by Dolce & Gabbana."