Back to (Bra) Basics

You know I love you, right?

You, the general readership. You, the cool person on the other side of the screen. You, the inimitably fantastic guy or gal who happens to be reading my blog today.

You know who doesn't love you?

Bras with seams.

After consulting with my doctor regarding my breast reduction, I was informed by a medical assistant there that Nordstrom was a great place to get a bra fitting. This medical assistant had her own breast reduction four years ago; I was so pleased to have someone I trust be able to give me information first-hand. Once again, I love Heather Harrison and her fantastic staff—check them out if you're in the Provo, Utah area!

My sister Julie accompanied me and the children to Nordstrom and we took the plunge. The older woman who helped Julie and I get fitted was extremely nice, knowledgeable, and especially casual in a potentially embarrassing situation. She used very technical terms like "breast tissue" and even told me that she didn't want to reveal my actual size to me, saying "I don't want to scare you."

Because my size is scary, y'all. If you are willing to go along with me on the Reality Train, I'll throw some numbers at you.

I had been wearing a 40DD from Victoria's Secret. My actual bra size is a 38G.

Experience tells me that some women are aghast that I share those things with people. If I had secret reasons of bragging or trying to get your significant other interested in me, I would be ashamed of myself, too. But what I am trying to convey is that I have just cause to be interested in this surgery. What I am also suggesting by doing this is:

Get a bra fitting at Nordstrom or an independent intimates store.

The bra size that I determined for myself was way off. Even when I tried to follow Youtube tutorials or seemingly-expert websites, I blew it. If you feel that you are even a smidgen uncomfortable in your current bra, get a fitting. Julie got her fitting because she is getting to the super-pregnant phase—could that be you, too, or maybe you just had a baby and your body is reshaping?

The bra selection gets dicey when you get up as high as I do. I had to turn to the industrial, three-seamed cup that basically looks like machinery when I wear it. Unfortunately, the seams show up when I'm wearing t-shirts, which, when combined with the squeaky plastic this bra uses, takes me back to my very first bra that I would stuff in the bottom of my backpack. People know I'm wearing a bra.... gah! At least now, I'm 26 and most people expect that I'd be wearing one.

And for those holding their breath, Julie was wearing the perfect size. She is just rock awesome.

Where do you shop for your unders?

Do you have a brand that loveLOVElove?