I’m Scared to Buy a New Bra

I’m scared to buy a new bra but I need to.  I stopped breastfeeding 2 years ago and am still wearing maternity bras. Sad, I know.  I’m proud to say that I do have some “normal” bras too, broken as they are. However, I would like to move on from my beige uniform and have two clips that actually fasten at the back. Maybe even have undies to match?

So why am I scared to buy new bra?  Mothers experience many changes to body shape through the pregnancy/breastfeeding saga.  It’s not all bad, just, well — different — to put it, ah, delicately. Now I could talk about jelly tummies, saggy butts and loose pelvics floor muscles, but I’m not.  Today I’m talking about breasts.

A Story

Many women talk about being left with massive breasts, even after breastfeeding has ceased.  I’m not one of them. After the birth of my first child, my boobs shrunk two sizes.  I do admit to walking out of  hospital in my jeans, and many people commented on my flat stomach but that wasn’t all that was flat… trust me. The point is, no matter if your breasts are smaller, or bigger, or the same size, they are usually — different.  When I was pregnant with my second child, I decided to have a bra fitting because my breasts had changed and I thought I would be sensible (sensible is so overrated).

I went to a shop, took a deep breath, grabbed some bras I thought were my size and went into the self esteem crusher, otherwise known as the fitting room.  (Can someone tell me why fitting rooms have fluorescent lights and mirrors all around?)  Trying to look anywhere but at myself, I put the bra on and reached out my finger to press the red button on the wall, a little afraid about what would come my way when I did.  

A lady came my way, who I found out to be as tactless as  Roz from Monsters, Inc. and as unimaginative as Katie Nanna from Mary Poppins. She will thus be named Katie Roz.  {Telling myself: Be sensible Kelly, be sensible}. Katie Roz proceeded to tell me that my breasts were small (thanks for the reminder) but my frame was largish so she didn’t think she would have a bra to fit but she would see what she could find. Well, feeling utterly unfeminine, I tried on a few bras and I worked my way down to find one that fit which was a very different size to what Katie Roz told me in the first place. She could never explain that.  Instead she just made me feel terrible and ugly.

Did she just want to make me feel bad?  Perhaps she was having a bad day, or maybe I was; nevertheless, I can’t help remembering her a little this way.

Katie Roz

Here I am, 6 years and another two children later, knowing my size has yet changed again so need a proper fitting but I’m just scared. So, I’m taking matters into my own hands.

My Every day Bra Pick

Berlei Barely There is my pick for an everyday bra.  I find the bra comfortable, to have good shape and support, and they come in pretty colours too.

Plus I  found a Katie Roz equivalent online.  Berlei have these wonderful bra fitting tools to use. 

Bra Fit Video

Bra Size Calculator

Find Your Bra Tool

What’s a girl to do?

I’m cutting out Katie Roz, that’s what I’m going to do.  Yeah, I could give her another try as I’m sure there are some lovely bra fitters out there but I just don’t want to.  Instead, I’ll do it myself.  I know what bra I want and I now know my size (and yes, I’m wearing the wrong size) so all that’s left to do is buy a bra, bring it home and try it on.  I’ve decided to shop somewhere with a flexible return policy so I can take the bra back if I need to swap the size.

I’m feeling so much better about my bra buying plan that I’m not scared anymore; rather I feel confident and even a little excited.

So girls, if you are wearing the wrong bra size and the thought of a Katie Roz is scaring you, just cut out the middle man.  We can do it ourselves you know.  That’s what women do. God made us creative, intuitive and resourceful and that’s why we are beautiful in every form.

Wearing pretty underwear is like having a secret only you know.

 

Be A Fun Mum Links

Everyday Glamour

The Yummy Mummy epidemic

External Links

Another Katie Roz Story

Styling You: Berlei Fabulous Fit

Beautiful You: Help! I’m Bra Cursed!