Lately things are going a bit south of the border.  Not just south but east and west too and DEFINITELY NOT north, but I digress…

As an image consultant and style coach, I preach almost daily the importance of getting a proper fit for your undergarments.  I’ve seen the results on my clients.  Heard the results on Oprah and other shows….But NEVER did I experience the results to the extent I did yesterday.

I’ve always been considered “small” busted.  Actually I have been the same size since I can remember.  (sans pregnancy and babies) so shocked doesn’t begin to express my emotion when the fitter brought in 2 bras for me to try.  The band size (numerical figure) was the same. The cup size was not one size but 2 and 3 sizes different than expected.

Rest assured that I didn’t go to the 3rd cup size, but I did have to go up 2 cup sizes.  I thought, well “no wonder” why everything was spilling out!  I had heard from other women that going through middle age is akin to going through puberty but I didn’t really give it much thought.  Who would have though that it would take this long to fill out my bras!

O.k., enough about me though, seriously, if it has been more than a couple of years since you have had a bra fit and things are fitting as they should or feel like, I encourage you to go and have a professional help you out.  You’ll be amazed at what a new bra will do for you!  Go “figure”?!

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

• Center of the bra should lie flat against your breastbone and not gap
• Straps should not dig into your shoulders
• Back band should not ride up in back

Bras come in many different styles, but a basic bra wardrobe should include the following for ultimate versatility.

• T-shirt (molded, lined cups to create a smooth finish under tops-no lace)
• Strapless (make sure the band is the correct band, otherwise it will fall down!)
• Plunge (great for lower necklines, usually has convertible back to crisscross straps)
• Backless (newest type-allows you to be totally backless while supporting your front side)

Now that you have all the right bras, caring for them and properly alternating them will extend their life and your enjoyment. Hand washing is preferred, but if this isn’t an option for you, always use a lingerie bag to protect pads, lace and the underwire bras are made with. Use the gentle cycle and cold water in the washing machine and hang to dry. The heat of a dryer will erode elastic, set stains and fade color.

To hand wash use lingerie soap, mild shampoo such as baby shampoo or baby detergent. Fill a small tub with cold water and dissolve a small amount of soap in the water. Place items in the tub and let sit for a few minutes 3-5. It is not necessary to soak more than 10 minutes. Gently push water through your lingerie to permeate suds into garments and clean. Rinse with cool water thoroughly and line dry.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, go out and treat your body with the love it deserves and discover the beauty in well fitting lingerie.

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.