When was the last time you had a bra fitting?

Do you think that our hang-ups with getting a bra fitted can be traced back to the first time?

I know mine probably can be.

I didn’t even want to acknowledge that I had boobs, let alone have my mother see them and declare that those tiny puppies needed to make a trip to Myer Indooroopilly to get them strapped into something appropriate.

In the words of today’s tweens … AWKIES.

It’s been a long, long time since that first fitting at age 11.

My “girls” have changed in shape and size with three pregnancies, they’ve attempted to feed three babies (sorry kids, yet another thing to blame your old mum for … starvation) and they’ve thankfully been healthy for my 47-plus years.

I know I should have a bra fitting every six months – every 12 months max – but I haven’t done so.

I’m really good at is putting off things that are things we should or have to do. Especially in the shopping department.

Let’s face it, bra shopping just doesn’t have the same appeal as shopping for shoes or tops that sparkle.

It’s a necessity shop.

A few months ago I was prompted to deal with the realisation that it had been almost two years since my last bra fitting.

I had had a Victoria’s Secret moment in New York, walked in late one afternoon to the 5th Avenue store and walked out an hour later with a huge bag filled with $500 worth of lingerie – bras, knickers, a couple of sexy things and some cotton pyjama undies.

I got back to the hotel and promptly binned every bra that was in my suitcases (yes, “s” … there were two suitcases by this stage of the trip). I almost needed a third just for the new lingerie.

Those bras were good. Very good. I’ve still got a couple of the coloured ones as they haven’t been harnessed on as much as the black and beige.

The collection that best worked for my boob shape (I have 16D sideways-shaped girls) was the Body Demi Cup range. The demi cup or balconette works much better for my breast shape as most of my breast tissue is at the bottom, not at the top.

My 2014 bra rut was actually the result of finding the perfect bra and not being game to say goodbye to a good thing. I’d been tempted to buy online from the US but had never gone through with it as my weight and shape has changed over the past 12 months.

So, when the good people at Triumph Australia called up and asked whether I’d be up for a fitting with one of their top bra fitters, it was just the kick up the bum (or boobs into gear) I needed.

I don’t know about you but walking into a department store or lingerie store with wall-to-wall bras is a little intimidating. It’s difficult to know where to start.

I suggest that unless you’re confident in choosing what works for you that you allocate enough time to spend quality time with a trained fitter. On this day I was guided by one of Triumph’s trained fitters. They’re not in store to sell but to help so it’s worth asking when they might be in and planning your trip around that.

Otherwise, find a lingerie specialist retailer (please share your favourites in the the comments below so we have a good reference here for everyone).

Mentally prepare yourself for the task ahead. It’s an important one. Just like buying a pair of jeans or a swimsuit, buying bras takes effort and perseverance. The right bra is out there for you. If you’re still stumped in finding a perfect bra, then check out Linda’s Lingerie. Linda custom makes bras in sizes 8AA to 34N – or as required.

A bra that fits can not only make your day in the comfort stakes but it can help your look better in your everyday outfits as well.

According to my fitter, these are the most common mistakes we make when bra shopping.

Top 4 bra mistakes

1. 9/10 women are wearing the wrong size. Just because we were a 12C in our 20s doesn’t mean we are now.

2. One of things we do is go up a back size to compensate and avoid wearing D cup.

3. Some of us will wear a cup size too small to get a spill-over effect. Unfortunately a spill does not a cleavage make.

4. Some people can wear a specific bra and brand for long time but that bra can stop working because our body shape can change.

Create a bra-robe

I’ve found over the years that to maximise my wardrobe, I’ve had to have a diverse range of bras at the ready.

So when I do have a fitting, I bulk buy an entire bra wardrobe and ditch most of the old ones in my drawer. This means that my bra-robe works for the current size and shape of my boobs. And it means that I can pull out any outfit and know that I’ll have a bra that will work for it.

What should be in your bra-robe?

Just like in our clothes, the basics need to be covered off before we get seduced by the pretty show ponies.

A black and a nude t-shirt bra (no.1) will serve you well for most outfits. Nude is essential for under white tops, tees and dresses.

I like to add into that lace nude and black bras (no.2) because they feel like you’re wearing something fancy but they are still practical enough for under most everyday outfits.

A good sports bra to suit your girls is a must if you are active. The one I’ve featured below (no.4) is an absolute fave and has gel in the shoulder straps for comfort and support like no other.

A strapless bra (no. 3) might not be something you’re keen to wear every day but it’s something I have in my bra-robe should a special occasion dress require me to ditch the straps.

And then if your budget allows, add in a lingerie set in a pretty pattern and/or lace (no.5 and 6). There is something about wearing something pretty underneath and no-one knowing except you.

1. Triumph Body Chic T-shirt bra $59.95 | 2. Greta bra $69.95 | 3. Beautiful Silhouette Strapless bra $69.95 | 4. Tri-Action Endurance Sports bra $59.95 | 5. Jewel bra $29 (on sale) | 6. Embroidered Minimiser bra $59.95

Over to you? When was the last time you had a bra fitting? Biggest (or smallest) bra issue? Found a great bra retailer? Please share your own bra size when making any recommendations for others.

* I was invited by Triumph to receive a fitting and gifted four bras. I then bought another four based on the recommendations my fitter gave me.

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