Leading Lady Guest Blog for Look Good Feel Better

Leading Lady is proud to support Look Good Feel Better and the thousands of women they help to regain confidence while facing cancer.  We are inspired by the work that look good feel better is doing for women and we are honored to be a part of the community standing alongside them to help advance their cause, and share their mission.

Many of us know, have known or will know a woman affected by cancer. We are honored to be supporting Look Good Feel Better, and are asking readers, customers, family and friends to join us by helping to raise awareness about this amazing organization and sharing the power of confidence.

Since 1939, my family has been proud to celebrate “Leading Ladies” everywhere through our company’s products, programs and philanthropic activities focused on the health and welfare of women in the communities where we live and work.

Like Look Good Feel Better, Leading Lady’s mission is to improve women’s self esteem and quality of life.  At Leading Lady, we do this from the intimates, out.  For women undergoing cancer treatment, an experience which may change her body, a properly fitting bra is vital. 

Our fit-conscious Director of Design, Haidee Johnstone, shares her tips for achieving the ideal fit, maximizing comfort and ensuring proper support both during and after treatment. Here’s what she has to say…

Proper fit is essential to the health of your breasts.  The right fit will help prevent sagging, chafing and keep breasts dry, supported and comfortable in even the most strenuous conditions.  Plus, it will give you a lift, both literally and figuratively.

Here are some common signs you may not be wearing the correct size:

• If you can see part of your breasts sticking out of the neckline or the underarm, your bra cup is too small for your breast.
• You should not be using any of the under-bust elastic as part of the cup. If you are, it means the cup is not big enough for your breast.
• The band should sit flush against your chest in front and back without digging into your skin or the cup being wrinkled.

How can you achieve your ideal fit, support & comfort?

Fit

• Look at yourself in a mirror. Your breasts should appear supported and centered on your chest.
• Remember that many women are between sizes, so you may need to try a size up or down to get the best fit.
• As your body experiences physical changes, your breast size may also change.  Get fitted or fit yourself using an online fit calculator every time you notice a significant change in your body. 
• If you have undergone a mastectomy, measure yourself on the side of the remaining breast from center sternum to center spine.  Double this measurement and then calculate your fit accordingly.  
• Read the fit guide. Every company has their own idea of what represents the best fit so this is a great way to make sure the cup and band sizes are correct for you.

Comfort & Support

• Make sure the shoulder straps of your bra stay in place when you are in motion. If they slip off the shoulder or cut into the shoulder, adjust the straps or try a different size bra.
• Wider and padded shoulder straps will help to keep weight stress dispersed over a larger area for greater comfort.  This will reduce pressure on your back and shoulders.
• Adjustable shoulder straps will accommodate your individual needs, depending on your height and the weight of your breasts.

Remember

• Select breathable, soft fabrics that will not irritate sensitive skin.
• Try several closure options to find the one that works best for you.  If you have limited mobility or sensitive areas on your back, consider a front closing bra.
• Replace your bras when they are worn out and no longer provide the support you need. 

We hope Haidee’s fit tips will help women undergoing treatment Look Good Feel Better from their intimates, out. 

Guest post by Mark Corrado, President of Leading Lady featuring fit tips from Leading Lady Director of Design Haidee Johnstone