bras Archives - Jen is on a Journey

Things change on your body as you age and after having children. Three kids later and now that I’ve hit 40, I find areas that I really need to pay attention to more than ever! I was mortified last month when I saw a photo that someone took of me on Facebook, I immediately thought to myself “oh my gosh I need to find a better bra!” I think you can imagine what I’m getting at here!

For the eighty percent of women* who are wearing bras that aren’t the right fit, choosing the right bra is the first step in looking and feeling more comfortable and confident. Intimate apparel should be a strong foundation for the rest of your fashion choices—it is meant to be seamless and smoothing. Choosing a bra that suits your body type will ensure your clothes fit and flow well. Vanity Fair has a few easy tips to help you find the right fit:

1) Get Measured: Consult a professional fitter—many are available right where you buy your bra and the proper fit makes all the difference.

2) Stay Focused: Once you know your size, think through what you’re looking for in a bra. Do you need something for a strapless dress or perhaps a daily bra with added boost? Knowing what you want before you start shopping will help you focus.

3) Be Patient: Buying a bra takes time just like jeans or a bathing suit, no two vendors fit the same. Be prepared to try on lots of different bras to find the perfect fit.. Once you find the bra for you, keep the garment tag with the style number and size in your wallet—this way you can buy a pretty new color or stock up on the basics whenever you please, without having to go through the whole process again!

4) Find Support: Only 10% of your support should come from shoulder straps. The bra band (the part that wraps around your back, holding the cups in place) should provide 90% of the support. If you’re lacking support, try a bra with a wider band.

Not sure how to tell if you’re well supported? Keep this in mind: The center of a woman’s breast should sit between her shoulder and elbow when she is wearing a properly fitted bra. That tidbit of information was crucial as I found myself lower than I’d like. Vanity Fair sent me the Vanity Fair Modern Coverage Advanced Support bra to try out. Underwire is a must for me as well as a strong yet comfortable strap. I am constantly pulling bra straps from my upper arms, and the Vanity Fair bra straps are soft and stay in place when adjusted to my body. I love smooth fabric that doesn’t scratch or irritate my skin. I had the right amount of lift and support from the smooth cups and the band to my back was wide enough to smooth my lines. Bonus, these bras are easy to find at Kohl’s and JC Penney.

*Data according to Consumer Reports, March 2012

Product was provided to facilitate review, all opinions my own.

Bras are a necessary evil. We want the girls to look great, but at what cost? If bras don’t fit right they are annoying and one problem I always struggle with is that my slouchy shoulders don’t hold the straps up! So there’s nothing classy about talking to friends let alone business associates and pulling on your bra straps that have dropped to your elbows. The adjustments are always tightened to the max and I still have safety pinned them in the past. I don’t know why we can never find the perfect bra.

With the introduction of Hanes’ latest bra line in department stores, No Slip Fit, the Barely There brand of intimate apparel continues its quest to solve women’s most discussed bra problems – straps that slide and back bands that ride up – so they can look and feel their best. When I was offered a bra to try out, I think I may have squealed with delight. The No Slip Fit line is designed for all-day comfort with a unique Lycra lining on the back band and straps that have a delicate silicone design to help them stay in place, eliminating unexpected slips or
slides.

My Take: It’s amazing how those tiny little silicone bumps can really keep the bra in place! I adjusted the straps and they stay in place. I was impressed with the overall comfort of the bra, the underwire is covered with soft material for a nice feeling against your skin. The bra leaves clean smooth lines beneath all my clothing so I have no embarassing looks under my tops. Let’s not forget that it’s really a full-coverage bra too which I love, it smoothes that area on your back where some bras leave a bump of back fat. It’s a simple, clean style bra that fits like you’re not wearing one!

The No Slip Fit bras are available in underwire and wirefree styles and are offered in white, black, soft taupe as well as an array of colors and prints. The bras retail for $32 and can be found in leading department stores like Kohl’s, JC Penny, and Macy’s.

I was sent product for an honest review from the Mom Bloggers Club.

Bra Fitting Tips from Vanity Fair

Hanes’ Barely There No Slip Fit Bras