The foundation basics – The perfect bra

I decided to write about wearing the perfect underwear because 85% of American women are wearing the wrong size!! And since I have started working in Dubai, it appears we have a similar issue here.

Your undergarments are the foundation of your wardrobe. Wearing the right size and shape is essential. The wrong bra can alter your body shape and clothing size.

1. Get measured once a year. The  size of your breasts and their position can fluctuate with weight variation and hormonal cycles.

2. You should be able to take a deep breath with you bra fastened at the middle hook. As the bra loosens up you can use the last hook to keep the right fit around the rib cage.

3. The center of your bra should lie flat against your rib cage. A gap means the cup size is too small. Also, too many women wear a cup that is too big thinking that it makes their chest look bigger when it actually has the other effect. Wear a white tee when you try on a new bra in a store and make sure there is no gaping in front.

4. Straps should never dig into your shoulders. If loosening them leaves you support-less, choose wider straps instead.

5. If the back of your bra rides up, the band size (34, 36, etc) is too large. The back of your bra should be in the middle of your back.

6. Try on several sizes for each style as they may vary by brand and by shape. You might be a 34B in one bra and 36A for another.

7. Assess your lingerie drawer every year.

8. Have a variety of bras to suit different occasions and outfits: strapless, cross back, halter…

9. Go one size up when you buy a strapless bra (one size down for the band size).

10. Use a protective bag to wash your underwear in the machine.

 

 

I hope these basics will help you assess and update your undergarments drawer and build the foundation of your perfect closet!