Hurray! For my second visit to The Rachael Ray Show, I brought my honest heart and bra fit expertise to help three brave viewers find three great bra options. Maybe they’ll be wonderful bra choices for you to buy and try yourself! Watch the video clip which showcases all three makeovers, plus read some of my additional tips and style notes that didn’t make it on the show. You’ll also find links to purchase these fabulous products, too!
Psst! Some of the links below are partner or affiliate links. I always share my honest and expert opinion. Buy and try these for yourself and see what makes you say hurray!
Bra Basics
Before you dive in, make sure you have the basics of bra fit and sizing! The most common thing I teach is how to find your bra size starting points, and to understand bra sizing, and then how to check the fit of your bra. Explore my resources so you can make a loving and informed decision about what to put on your body. And hey – maybe one of the styles below will be a great fit for you! Watch the clip and follow along below for extra info.
First up: Vanessa!
Vanessa is a loving mom and came to me in desperate need of a bra drawer makeover. She felt like her bras were always either too small or too loose, and were constantly falling away from her and gapping. This is such a common bra problem (or “brablem”) and can be caused by many things. She told me that this made her uncomfortable and she would hunch over to hid the fact that her bust and bra were not getting along. I so understand this!
To help her stand tall and feel great in her bra, I fit her for a brand new size. She went from wearing a 36A to a {drum roll, please} 32DD! Proper fit will solve many issues when it comes to the cups. First the snug bra band can start on the loosest hook, nice and firm, acting as an anchor. And now as Vanessa wears this bra and it stretches out, she can adjust it. Also, I adjusted her cup size. Because of sister sizing, a 32DD cup has the same volume as a 36C. So she was wearing a band size that was two sizes too big, and a cup size that was two sizes too small. Now her bust can fit securely into the cup and the wire can rest on her body instead of hovering on the front of her breast tissue. This means no more gapping or pushing away!
And to get a truly flush to the bust look and feel, I chose the “Gorgeous Memory Foam Bra” from Paramour by Felina. The memory foam is the same technology as those super comfortable pillows and beds, and feels like a dream. Plus, it is activated by body heat to basically melt onto your skin. It’s slightly flexible, which is a better option than a super firm molding for Vanessa when it comes to getting a smooth look. This bra fits her like a glove. And look – she’s standing tall and saying hurray!
PS: This “mink” color is a wonderful dark alternative to black for Vanessa, and a truly beautiful skin tone neutral for some people of color. Hurray!
Want to try the bra that Vanessa is wearing? Shop the “Gorgeous Memory Foam Bra” from Paramour by Felina available in a variety of sizes from 32-42 band and B-H cup size.
Second Up: Rachel Kara!
Rachel Kara is an educator and a performer, so she’s constantly going from job to job around NYC, with different outfits and bras in her bag. It was such a hassle that she ended up settling for her straps showing. I know Rachel Kara well – and you may remember her story from my #MoreThanMyNumbers project! She had a few great basic bras already, but now it was time to find some bras specifically for her wardrobe and needs.
To help Rachel Kara, I found the “perfect bra”. No, really. It’s the “Perfect 10” bra from Le Mystere. This bra is basically three bra silhouettes in one: a strapless bra, a lace bra, and a combo of the two. Plus, each silhouette can be worn with the straps straight back, criss crossed, or halter. I mean – this bra does it all! The unique innovation of this bra is all in the design, and how Le Mystere used hooks and eyes, and even a magnet in the front to keep things in place. How cool is that?
Rachel Kara is wearing a 36D in this bra, and it fits so well! She even told me that some audience members from the show spotted her outside the studio and asked if the bra was truly comfortable, and she replied: yes! That’s what happens when you wear a well made bra in a size and style that suits you. Hurray!
Want to try the bra that Rachel Kara is wearing? Shop the “Perfect 10” Bra by Le Mystere, available in bands 32-38 band sizes and in most bands, B-G cups.
Third Up: Raquel!
Raquel loves to workout. In fact, she came to me for a fitting right from the gym! She was glowing and sweaty, and that meant: underboob sweat. Yikes! Perspiration is good for our bodies, but when it pools under your bust, it can cause lots of irritation and odor. Raquel’s polyester sports bra was not helping the issue. What’s more, her sports bra was not bra sized, which meant she couldn’t get a really great fit.
I found her a cool bra – for reals! I fit her into the Breathable Cups Bra from the Warner’s Play It Cool collection. This bra is a wire-free bra with soft cups which are lined with a moisture-wicking material. Plus, the bottom of each cup is perforated to allow airflow. When Raquel put it on, the first thing she said was, “it actually feels cool!” What’s more, because of it’s bra sizing, adjustable band, and fully adjustable straps (which convert to be racerback!), Raquel can get a supportive fit. That means her bra will stay in place instead of moving around and causing friction. Hurray for that!
Raquel wore a 34C in this bra, and would have an even better fit in a 32 band. Besides the cooling effect, what’s super cool about this bra is the variety of colors, and the smooth cups. Raquel can easily wear this simple bra underneath a t-shirt or blouse during her day job as a waitress. Because working on her feet can work up a sweat! This bra is also great for hot yoga, low or moderate impact activities, and even hot flashes.
Want to try the bra that Raquel is wearing? Shop the Warner’s Play It Cool Breathable Cups bra, available in bands 34-40 band sizes and in most bands, B-DD cups.
Special thanks to these brands
for helping me help these three ladies say:
hurray for lingerie!
