The Bra Issue

I am well-endowed – even gay guys comment on this matter, so it is an issue I am well aware of. Unfortunately, this “blessing” comes with its share of problems, like not being able to find good tops, and very importantly, finding the right founding garments.

I’ve tried all kinds over the years, and they never really did that good a job. Either they are too loose and precipitates saggy boobs, or they are too tight. Tight bras, as to opposed general opinion, are not good for support. If you just have a normal bra that is tight, and it feels like some amount of support, trust me, it is not. It flattens out the boobs, especially the nipples, and if you have big boobs like me, it just makes it more droopy because the boobs are not supported, they are simply compressed against the chest. It is one step away from binding.

So, with this in mind, imagine my joy when I stumbled across the great invention of the underwire. Underwire supports breasts from underneath, giving it definition and lifting it up. It is not a push-up bra, it is a support bra that works the same magic without the artificiality.

The downside of underwire, of course, is discomfort. Underwire bras are everywhere – good ones are not. If you do not choose them right, the underwire can suffocate you to death and leave red marks on your skin. If you have big breasts, which is likely if you are going for underwire, it is inadvisable to choose a padded bra. They generally increase the discomfort. Most bras in Singapore are likely to be padded, thanks to the flat-chested general population. The optimum combination for me that I’ve found is an underwire with no padding, where the cup is simply made of cloth or lace. This allows for the breast to be fully cupped and supported – padding generally detracts from support, and can squish the nipples uncomfortably.

This combination is not that easy to find – in fact, when I first discovered this combination, it was because my mother bought them for me from somewhere, and promptly forgot where she bought it. But in most department stores, you can simply ask the salesperson for this specific combination, and they might have it in stock, if you are lucky. If not, keep looking. Make sure you try it and ensure it is comfortable, and never be afraid to tell the salesperson your specific requirements – they are paid to service you.

Advertisement