Love the Ones That Lift

We hum along in life with our same ole pjs, undergarments, robes, etc. and we feel a sense of comfort, predictability and peace. We know exactly how they are going to fit. We remember that the right pocket of the pj pants has a hole in it and smile. We overlook the makeup stains on the robe and we certainly don’t mind (or even see) the slight tear in the lace on the bra. And then one day we happen to look closely at ourselves in the mirror or maybe give a quick glance as we walk by a reflective surface, and we are suddenly shocked and disgusted at the same things! How is it that our beautifully made, coziest of cozy can turn on us without any warning? I’m not talking about your kids, your husband or your sister telling you that ratty robe has to go. It’s more sinister than that. It’s that you’ve outgrown it, worn it until it has holes, or it’s simply become so dingy that it’s no longer flesh or skin-toned but rather … greige. 

As you might have guessed, this happened to me this morning with my bra. Oh By the Way male readers, this may be when you exit gracefully or continue reading to gain a little insight on the trials and tribulations of proper bra fit and function! Your wife/girlfriend will appreciate your empathy when she too comes to the realization that she needs a new bra, but please don’t suggest it to her, just refer her to this blog. It’ll do the work for you and keep you out of trouble.

Here’s the reality. As we age, our boobs sag AND get bigger. But not in a good way like when you are a small B cup and you become a C cup when you are pregnant. I’m talking D cup to a EE or even EEE. Maybe the bra rule makers thought adding on letters to the sizing would somehow feel better to us. I think I’d rather have a symbol like a star or two. But I digress. In addition to the extra heft in our cups, we also have it under our arms and heading toward our backs. AND, all of this needs to be tucked neatly into the bra without bulging. 

My sister-in-law gave me a gift certificate to E Martini, a Charlotte lingerie shop that has been around for 40+ years. I’ll admit I have not shopped there since my 20’s but decided to give it a whirl with my free money. My new friend Eileen, the owner, greeted me graciously and patiently listened to my list of requirements for my new bra. She sent me back to the dressing room with many options and sizes. I realized I was over my head when I couldn’t explain through the door exactly what wasn’t working. She came in, assessed my situation and immediately recommended replacements which were spot on! I learned that right-handed people tend to have a slightly smaller right breast! She helped me realize there is some self-adjustment needed each time you put on your bra. You can’t just slap it on and hope it does its job. Some brands are a better fit for an aging body and not all sizes across brands are the same. You simply have to try on the merchandise no matter how much we want to avoid it. Eileen knew her stuff, and I was practically taking notes as she talked. Our conversation moved on to undies and the need for women to have various styles — hipster, thong and full coverage depending on the outfit. 

As I was checking out, with more than just the one bra I went in to buy, my confidence grew knowing I wasn’t going to have to wrestle with my bra another day. I also appreciated that I had an expert on my team who knew what I was dealing with and had solutions! So go ahead, take a look in that mirror or glass door as you walk past and decide if it’s time to replace your essentials. And go see Eileen at E Martini in Charlotte. She’s located near SouthPark. 

Oh By the Way, here are some of the brands we tried on. Additionally, I may have used some of my “free” money toward the robe. It just felt like butter, the belt stayed in place, and it had ZERO makeup stains on it. 

Oh By the Way part 2, I will always love Soma full-coverage bras and Vanishing Edge undies. Check them out for a less expensive option and a great no-show panty line!