wear a bra, dang it!

Women,

Before you break the proverbial glass ceiling(s), befriend a bra. Not just any bra, but a well-fitting bra (may I suggest a Victoria's Secret bra fitting). I am haunted by years of living with a mother who would have burned bras if she'd been old enough in the '60s. When she wore a bra, it was one with only the sheer cup and underwire. Underwire is not the only support you need (especially if you are a B or larger cup).

I was watching something not terribly long ago and they were doing bra fittings (probably Rachel Ray or GMA or something). The lady said that an ill-fitting bra can add at least 10 pounds to your body. I pondered that thought.

(image via http://danesecreations.com/brasecrets.html)

It makes total sense! They are droppy if you have an ill-fitting bra. They sit too close to your stomach when there should be some inches between the most prominent part of each body part. I know that when I wear my ill-fitting sports bras, I look much heavier than when I wear my wonder bra from Victoria's Secret (can't remember what bra it is but I put it on and it's $42 worth of heaven). This is true, whether you're in high school, college, motherhood (pregnant or not), workinghood (??), or grandmotherhood status in your life.

I have a pretty good friend who just looks much heavier than she is because she wears an ill-fitting bra and her chest is too close to her stomach. It bugs me. I see women in Wal-mart parking lots whose stomachs are touching the top of their chests. It bugs me. I go home and I'm lucky (my poor husband) if my mother is wearing a bra (not that it matters if she does because her's suck). It bugs me (and makes me want to vomit).

Please, I know money is tight. But THROW AWAY THE CRAP-TASTIC BRAS! Go find one that fits - no matter where it's from (Victoria's, Wal-mart, JC Penneys, KMart, whatever). I do encourage you to get fitted by a professional (don't do it yourself, you'll screw it up - that's like a 17 yo trying to fit himself for a tux for prom). Then cut some coupons to save on something else so you can invest in just one bra, one well-fitting bra that may just make you look thinner.

Thank you.

Edit: this was brought to my attention by my friend, Kathy. Please read it. I've never thought of wearing a bra as a freedom - but it is. Somali women beat for wearing bras.