Kimmay on Rachael Ray: Lingerie Q&A

Apr 17, 2023 | Hurray for Lingerie, Hurray Kimmay TV, Hurray Media, Outside, Personal Style, Rachael Ray | 0 comments

I love a good Lingerie Q&A! And this time I got to answer some common questions on The Rachael Ray Show. Hurray! This segment is truly special for a few reasons. First, this is my 10th time sharing my heart and expertise on this amazing show. I’m so grateful! In addition, this is my final time. After over a decade of amazing seasons The Rachael Ray Show is finally coming to a close. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed working with this team. It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done, and I wish them all the best. So while I hold back tears, please enjoy this final and very informative recap from my last (ever!) segment with Rachael and the crew.

PS: Chances are, if you have a question about your bra or bust, it’s been asked before. And most likely, I’ve heard it. I’ve been fitting folks since 2005 and no question is “too silly” or “TMI”. I’m here to help! Keep reading.

Psst! Some of the brands linked here are proud partners of mine (and I’m so grateful to share them with you!) or I may get a small thank you if you purchase through me. Your purchase through those links like these helps a lot in keeping articles like this coming your way. Either way, I always share items that I truly love and can help you say hurray!

What Do I Do If My Breasts Are Asymmetrical?

Answer: Believe it or not, this is VERY common! Breasts are like hands and feet, meaning they can vary from each other in size slightly. Good news, there are a few solutions: First, always fit to the fullest bust. That way you avoid digging into it! Then on the smaller side you can use an insert to fill things out. Some folks might benefit from a full prosthesis, a “chicken cutlet” or a simple foam insert like the example from Honey Cloudz below. You can also adjust the strap on the smaller side a little tighter, to keep the cup flush against your skin. And bras with a stretchy cup can usually accommodate different sizes. And now The Balanced Bra Company actually makes bras you can order with a D on one side, and a DD on the other (for example). This is truly genius!

The Rachel from The Balanced Bra Company

This is one of those genius bra innovations that I can’t believe we didn’t think of sooner, and I’m SO thankful the founder of this company took the time to bring her idea to life. With The Balanced Bra Company, you can actually purchase a bra with different bra sizes in each cup. For example, you can buy a 34D on one side, and a 34DD on the other, and the company will put it together to fit your beautiful bust. Hurray! Check it out below and get my special discount code to try this for yourself. 

The Balanced Bra Company – The Rachel

  • Mix and match cup sizes to support your unique bust! Ideal for asymmetrical busts, and more symmetrical folks can wear this, too!
  • Dual front and back closures are great for those who may have limited mobility Sheer lace overlay on our demi cup provides support and shape with minimal coverage.
  • Soft but supportive flexible underwire, partially molded up, and lace overlay
  • Lightweight lace wings meet at a scooped back neckline
  • Back straps can be worn straight or convert to crisscross
  • Non-toxic dyes and recycled fiber materials make this bra better for you and for the environment
  • Sizes: 32-38 bands, and US A-DD
  • Ironically, this style has the same name as the iconic host (just spelled differently)

PS: Get 10% off at The Balanced Bra Company with my code KIMMAY10

Honey Cloudz®

If your bust isn’t a full cup size or two different, there are some other options to even out your silhouette. Honey Cloudz is a simple solution to even out slight differences in volume, or shape! I know so many people whose bust is similar in size but because they’ve nursed children, had a lumpectomy, lost or gained weight, or just because of age, their shape is not similar on both sides. Put in one of these little inserts for an easy way to smooth things out. In fact, these also offer some modesty or coverage and are the perfect replacement for all of those flimsy foam inserts you find in sports bras or bathing suit tops. They’re slightly thicker, curved to your body, come in two shapes and several sizes and colors, and even have silicone dots to stay in place!

Honey Cloudz® – Non Slip Bra Pads Inserts

  • Add them into your bra, a pocket, even shelf support in a dress or top
  • Lightweight shaping for a smooth and even appearance
  • “Filler” for breast volume loss and nipple coverage for modesty
  • Balance out 2 slightly different sized breasts
  • Silicone dots prevent these from slipping or sliding around
  • Available in 2 shapes, oval and half moon
  • 5 skin tones and classic black
  • Sizes XS-XL

PS: Read my blog post all about Honey Cloudz and the many different ways to wear them!

What Color Bra Should I Wear Under A White Shirt?

Answer: Did you know that wearing a white bra will clash with your skin (yes even pale folks like me) and show through a white shirt? It’s true! Instead, I opt for a skin tone bra that matches my skin for an invisible look.

But is there another option? What about… red? Ok ya’ll this is highly debated in the lingerie world, and most of my colleagues and clients have actually found great success in wearing red under white. For real! Finding a tone that matches your undertones can help. And yet, I’ve tried several reds and other variations and for me personally, a skin tone bra is still more invisible. How about you?

Need a skin tone bra option? Try these shades (for folks of all different skin tones) below!

Why Are My Bra Straps Always Digging In?

Answer: There are several reasons your bra strap can dig into your shoulders, and the first is that your bra straps are too thin! Thin straps tend to dig in while a wider strap can lay nice and flat and distribute the weight. I like to think of bodies like (delicious) marshmallows, meaning if you have a really thin piece of floss and you put it on the marshmallow, it’s just going to cut in. But if you have a nice, wide soft stretchy something, it will just hug the marshmallow and evenly distribute all of that weight without digging in. Don’t be afraid to try shoulder strap cushions, which also do the same thing by widening out the strap.

And remember, the majority of a bra’s support actually comes from the BAND. If the band of your bra is too loose, it will ride up and put all of the weight on your strap. No thanks!

Grab my free fit guide below if you want more tips for finding comfort (and confidence) in your bras.

Is There A Way To Hide My Bra Straps With Bras I Already Have?

Answer: I have a challenge for you. Take a look at the bras in your drawer, and turn them around so you can see the back. Take a look at the straps, and where they attach to the band back there. Do you see any hooks? You might have missed them! (And don’t forget to look for snaps, or up in the front where the strap attaches to the cup, too!)

A lot of people have no idea that a lot of bras are designed to be convertible. Take a look at your bras and see if you have either a clasp, a hook or a snap either on the front or back of your bra. If so, you can crisscross your straps in the back, or maybe wear them around like a halter, and then your straps don’t have to show with a racerback top or dress. Hurray!

Tip: before criss crossing any straps make sure you lengthen them. Otherwise they’ll end up too short and tight for you to wear!

Remember that even the best bras out there need to fit in order to feel comfortable, and that comfort will provide you with all day confidence! If you wear bras, grab a spot in my Free Bra Class to check on the fit of your bras and take your first step toward saying hurray inside, outside, and underneath™!

Free Bra Class

Want to wear a bra without ripping it off at the end of the day? Watch How to Find a Comfortable Bra Fit For Your Body WITHOUT Wasting Your Money on Bras You Dread Wearing! Plus, you'll also get Kimmay's Bra Fit Guide, and a taste of Bra Confidence & Comfort™. Watch now and don't spend another minute feeling uncomfortable in your bra.

Your turn: What did you learn? What questions do you have about your bras? Share it all with me over @hurraykimmay on Instagram!
Credits: Thanks to the Rachael Ray staff and crew (and amazing producers)! And a special thank you to my brand partners for making this happen: The Balanced Bra Company and Honey Cloudz®, you’re amazing!