*This article first appear in the March/April 2009 issue of Real Woman magazine.  Click here to get the full article in pdf form!

Our culture has successfully made breasts into, disputably, the symbol most closely associated with femininity, sexuality and desirability. Breasts have become the bane of our existence. We love them, hate them, curse them and push them into all sorts of ill fitting and often uncomfortable contraptions, meant to make them lift, separate, swell and stand up. Or out.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeonsˡ, nearly 348,000 women had breast augmentations in 2007, making it the number one cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed last year, according to ASPS statistics. In addition, more than 106,000 women had breast reductions and 104,000 women had breast lifts last year.

Apparently breasts have become a hill to die on. Or is it mountains out of molehills?

Among close confidantes, women talk about their breasts. Age, childbirth and breastfeeding, weight gains and losses, heredity and gravity all contribute to the natural size, shape, density and condition of our breasts.

Quite often we’re making due, using bras off the rack in department stores, bulging out over the top with straps that slide, or worse, dig in. If there is one thing real women have in common, it is the need to be properly sized and fitted with a bra taht accommodates their individual shape.

She ushers three women into the changerooms and says cheerfully, ‘Shirts off, ladies. Bras on.’

Enter Cortney from The Bra Lounge in Red Deer. You’d think four peri-menopausal women ready to bare their chests at ten in the morning might make her nervous. But this woman knows her business and quickly ushers us into changerooms saying cheerfully, “Shirts off ladies, bras on.” The first measurement is around the girth of the ribcage,  surprisingly not around the largest part of the breast (the nipple line). The second measurement is essentially from armpit to armpit, where your underwire might sit. From this, Cortney can tell what cup size one needs.

The atmosphere is private and delicate, the lighting is a little softer than the florescents in a department store change room. Rows upon rows of beautiful brassieres, matching panties and control garments line the walls. Some practical, some for play. All sexy, feminine and of exceptional quality.

“I’ve got great tips for finding a wonderful fitiing bra. Make sure the underwires lies snug, but comfortable against the chest wall and that the underwire fits further back under your arm pit, so that all your breast tissue is supported in the cup of the bra. Also, when you go bra shopping, make sure that you have plenty of room in the shoulder straps and the band to allow for tightening. As with any article of clothing, your bra will soften and stretch with wear. It truly is best to come in and be fitted by a professional.”

Within a few minutes, this very discreet young professional had four very different body types fitted with bras that offered changes ranging from gentle life to complete overhaul.

Top Three Signs You Need a New Bra

* The band of the bra is riding up your back and the shoulder straps of your bra are constantly falling down.
* Grooves indented into a sore shoulder and repeated trips to the chiropractor.?
* Weight loss (or gain) will mean your old bras are not giving you the same lift and support they once did.

No appointment necessary. Bring a friend and treat yourself. You’re worth it.

1. www.plasticsurgerystatistics.com
Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
~ kim berube ~
Real Woman Magazine 2009
www.realwomanontherun.com