​It might surprise you to hear a professional bra fitter advocating the 'no-bra movement'.  As a woman, mother of daughters and supporter of other women what I care about is helping women to feel comfortable, confident and well supported.  This means giving women options and helping them to understand the importance of wearing a well fitted bra if they choose to wear one.   

It's important to remember that a bra is a technical garment first and foremost, carefully designing to provide physical support for a woman's breasts.  You don't have to wear a bra if you don't want to.  Girls and women shouldn't feel pressurised to wear a bra in the perceived interests of common decency.  You may want to wear a bra to support your breasts.  You may want to wear a bra because nice lingerie makes you feel good.  You may want to wear a bra some days and go without on others.   

A beautiful bra can boost your confidence.  A well fitted bra influences the fit and look of the clothes you are wearing, so it actually determines your look as well.  The right bra can prevent physical symptoms and prevent neck and back problems especially when you have larger breasts.   

Many women I meet have been wearing a bra, often unquestionably, since their teens and have just fallen out of love with them.  This is often a result of having spent years in ill-fitting underwired bras that are arguably doing more harm than good.  The art of professional bra fitting is to help women find the right bra for them.  Women are often surprised by the level of support and great shape offered by a well fitted wire free bra.  There's no doubt that an underwire can change the shape of your breasts and provide a little more 'oomph' but a good wire free bra is a great option for those who are looking for a more natural shape and feel, but still require the additional support of a bra.  Boob-Ology stocks a wide range of wire free options including the NEW Unwind from Curvy Kate, that goes up to a JJ cup, the Panache Andorra, the Cleo Lyzy, the Wacoal Halo Lace bralette PLUS many more from wire free specialists Royce Lingerie.  Luxury wire free bras also available from Rosa Faia.  Affordable wire free tee-shirt bras available from Pour Moi.

Whatever you choose to do, do it with confidence and in comfort.  It's also worth thinking about the changes your breasts go through over the course of the day and during your monthly cycle.  You may find that there are times when you want the structure of an underwired bra and other times when your body is crying out for pure comfort.  You may even find that you need to wear a different size at different times of the month in order to stay comfortable and well supported.  Go wire free some days, go bra free on others.  If you would like help to find your perfect fit and/or to check out some wire free options simply use the contact form to book in for a Bespoke Bra Fitting with me at Boob-Ology, my boutique fitting room located within Sugar Mango on Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth.

Did you know that your breasts can move up and down and side to side anything from 4cm during walking and 15cm during running? ​

​This may not come as too much of a shock to some of you (… I’m guessing I’m not the only one who clutches my boobs to my chest when running after my children in the park for fear of knocking myself out?) but breast motion isn’t just an issue for fuller breasted women.  Our breasts have limited natural support, and any unsupported movement causes the breasts to move: up-down, in-out, and side-to-side.  Exercise, especially high-impact exercise like running or jumping, places tension on the supporting structures of the breast, which can result in pain.

A survey by the University of Portsmouth’s Research Group in Breast Health (RGBH) found breasts were the fourth biggest barrier to exercise for women after lack of motivation, time and poor health.

The value and importance of a properly fitted sports bra cannot be overstated.  During and after pregnancy is an especially tricky time because breasts can change frequently, in terms of size, sensitivity, soreness and engorgement.  A common mistake many women make is to wear the same sports bra they wore before pregnancy, even if it doesn’t fit properly, provide enough support or feel comfortable.

So what should you look for in a sports bra if you are pregnant or breastfeeding? 

The three key areas to focus on are: proper fit, support and comfort.

Get a proper bra fitting and go for a cup sized sports bra that offers a lot of support, depending on the exercise.  For comfort, look for features like wide and padded straps, adjustable straps, or sports bras that have at least 3 sets of hooks for adjustability if you’re larger one day than the next.  Instead of the basic compression sports bra that you have to pull over your head, opt for an encapsulation bra that clasps and goes on just like a regular bra.

I stock a range of wire free sports bras suitable for all budgets including the Royce Impact Free (available up to a K cup, 32-40 band) a 100% cotton bra that offers maximum support and comfort with a high neckline to ensure full coverage of the bust to reduce vertical bounce.  The Panache Non-Wired Sports Bra (available up to a H cup, 28-40 band) that provides you with the support and control needed by encapsulating each breast with its moulded seam free inner cups. The wide cushioned shoulder straps with racerback ring detail help to disperse pressure when exercising and further reduce bounce; whilst the breathable outer performance fabric offers ventilation, allowing you to keep dry and comfortable whilst working out. Ideal for both high and low impact exercise, it’s a workout wardrobe must have, a great option for those who wish to exercise without wires and Anita sports bras, the perfect blend of design and function. Their long history gives them deep-rooted, comprehensive product knowledge allowing them to create a product that is more like a second skin than a bra.

For those of you who are exercising with your little ones in tow I have the Cake Maternity Zest nursing sports bra and the Hotmilk Lingerie Activate nursing sports bra (both available up to H cup).  Both perfect for mums wanting to get into shape while on the go with baby.

Wearing any type of bra that does not fit well can lead to discomfort.  Wearing a sports bra that is too constrictive during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding can lead to blocked milk ducts and, worse case scenario, mastitis.  You should always try on a sports bra before you buy it.  Jump around to make sure it is giving you the support you need for your chosen activity and remember – not every bra suits every person.  It’s also important to replace your sports bra regularly to make sure it’s still giving you the best support it can.  How often you need to replace your bra will depend on a number of factors, including how often you wear it and how often you wash it.

If you’re in need of a comfortable and supportive sports bra please get in touch to arrange a Bespoke Bra Fitting at Boob-Ology.   Simply use the online contact form book to book an appointment.