Support System
By Maya Haidar
FACT: The female breasts have very little internal support, being composed largely of fat. However insufficient our anatomical support is in holding the breasts up, we girls can find comfort and increased mobility in the proper bra. vervegirl spoke with professional bra-fitter Samantha Conover of Toronto’s Secrets from your Sister boutique to figure out how to make the best of your assets!
SIZE MATTERS• Get measured by a pro. Your best stop is a lingerie boutique. A tape measure cannot compare to trying on bras with the help of someone who knows how to help you find your true size. A tape measure also doesn’t answer questions!
• Signs that you are wearing the wrong size include back pain or headaches, a back strap that rides up, wires that dig in, and the notorious “double boob”.
WHEN TO BUY A NEW BRA
• Weight gain or loss. Exercise or hormones all affect the size of your breasts, so a fitting should be done every year.
• When your bras are stretched out. “A bra will only last you about a year and that’s if you are rotating it with, say, three other basic bras and caring for it properly,”says Conover.
BASIC BRA WARDROBE
Every well-prepared girl should have these Fab 5 in her top drawer:
1. Seamless Under knits and T-shirts. Try Calvin Klein Micro Stretch bra in Almond; Warner’s Satin Tuxedo convertible strapless; Warner’s Five Ways convertible wire-free bra.
2. Strapless/Convertibles For low cut, strapless and halter tops. Try Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Solutions 5-way plunge bra in Black; Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Solutions strapless clear back bra in Sand Dune *both in stores mid-November
3. Seamed Gives good definition under fitted clothes, shirts and blazers. Try Olga’s Signature Support in Sapphire Melody; Olga’s Signature Support in Warm Taupe.
4. Sports Support and hold during exercise. Try Speedo Axcelerate low intensity sports bra; Speedo Axcelerate high intensity sports bra.
5. Sassy No explanation needed. Try Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Lace Touch bra in Zanzibar *in stores January 25, 2007; Lovable Retro Chic perky polka-dot push-up; Calvin Klein Antique Lace bra in Pomegranate.
WEAR AND CARE
• Always hand wash your bras using cold water and mild soap, as heat and harsh detergent can wear away the elastic content in your bra.
• Sweat and body oils breakdown the elastic, so the pros recommend washing bras after every wear and hanging them to dry.
Special Comfort
WonderBra just introduced Comfort Closure—a bra with foam padding on the hook and eye closure tab to cushion your back. From $38 at Wal-Mart.
Lovables is introducing the Lovables Plus bra for full-busted women who are looking for fit, support, and a smooth silhouette. Exclusively at Wal-Mart.
Fit Fact"I wore the wrong size bra for years and even considered a breast reduction because of the discomfort. I was wearing a 36D when I was really a 32FF! Now I feel mentally and physically better, and much more confident about my body."
Samantha Conover
Hot Tip: Always wear like-colored bras underneath your clothes to avoid discoloration from fabric dyes. Flesh colored bras are best under white.
Parisism: “I like wearing push-up bras—it’s fun to pretend you have boobs once in a while.” Paris Hilton on her idea of support.
