An Argument for Better Bras {And More Self Love}. Do you care / partake in Valentine’s Day?

As numerous as the ‘Hallmark holidays’ are, I do like that it reminds you to appreciate and acknowledge your loved ones. My husband and I just exchange cards — no gifts — but we do have a competition to see who can find the funniest, wittiest one.

But whether you partake with gifts or not, show yourself some love at this time of year and update your underwear.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this phrase in the fitting suites…

“This would look great with a different / the right bra.”

There’s no denying that underwear makes a huge difference to how clothes fit and feel. There’s no one-style-fits-all solution, and even when you’re wearing the “right” size, you still need different colours, shapes, and fabrics depending on what you’re wearing.

One of my goals this year was to update my underwear drawer….which, if I’m honest, looked like I’d completely given up on life. I’d been relying on the same Marks & Spencer super-comfy bra for years, and on a “special occasion” I’d upgrade to a lace Calvin Klein. But I wanted to streamline and properly update things.

Last summer, my friend Sarah came over wearing a drapey cotton tank and jeans. Simple, effortless as always, but it was the glimpse of her bra that stopped me in my tracks. Satiny straps, mesh cups…

“Where did you get that bra?!”

Turns out it was from Maison SL in Notting Hill and yes, it had taken me this long to get my act together and go there.

Maison SL is owned by two sisters, Susanna and Laura, who are not only experts (having worked at Rigby & Peller, Eres, and Dior), but whose sibling banter is genuinely entertaining.

They can work out your size by eye, and once they understand your goals and preferences, they pull from a mix of more than two dozen brands to find the right options for you.

I went in wanting two styles:

• Everyday mesh bras that are comfortable and stylish
• A T-shirt style for fitted tops that really define my shape

I left having bought everything Laura suggested.

An Argument for Better Bras

Top tips I learned…

• Even if your cup size is right, your straps are probably too loose. I adjusted all my other bras to the length I was fitted to.
• Don’t buy cheap T-shirt bras. The padding is often too thick and adds bulk without defining your shape. Opt for memory foam instead.
• Always buy the matching pants. I usually get both a full brief and a Brazilian so I have options.
• Get fitted regularly — especially as you get older or if your weight fluctuates.
• If the back band rides up, the size is probably too big. Same goes if the straps fall off your shoulders.
• Your bra should start on the loosest hook.
• A three-seam cup offers the most support. These often come in lace, which actually adds support.
• Wash bras every five wears (depending on activity) and always use a delicates wash bag.

You can see what I bought — and the brands I love — here.

Here’s to a little self-love ❤️

Penny

P.S. The right underwear changes how everything else fits. If your wardrobe still isn’t quite clicking, it might not be the clothes — it’s the strategy. With 50+ years of combined experience, Antonia, Nadyia and I can help. Book your call here.

Photo Credit: Maison SL