Summer is here and it is hot out! As a long time resident of the city of New Orleans, I consider myself an expert in the art of surviving insanely hot weather with ease. We all know about linen blend clothing and other summer fashion items, but do you know that your lingerie can make a big difference in your summer heat survival strategies, too?

In general, surviving the summer heat is about something counter-intuitive: layering. In the winter you’re always layering items that will keep you warm, but in the summer layering is all about letting your skin breathe.

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite tips for surviving the summer heat in style — and it all starts with your lingerie choices.

1.  Look for breathable natural fabrics.

We always think about this for clothing but we don’t often apply this idea to our lingerie. There are more great silk and cotton lingerie items available in a range of sizes than ever before! Even if you can’t find bras in your size range that use natural fabrics, you can focus on breathable panties and camisoles that will help your skin stay cool.

Another trick is to make sure that your underwear isn’t too tight. Sweating in summer is the worst so focus on increasing airflow to your skin. Incredibly tight underwear and other lingerie can make you feel awful on a really hot day.

2.  Embrace slips and layering.

Slips are an old fashioned idea but they can make a huge difference in your comfort level when the temperature goes up. Focus on slips and camisoles that are breathable and layer well under your clothes. As a bonus, you can sweat into your slip instead of into your expensive dress!

It’s almost always easier to wash a slip or a camisole over and over again then your valuable clothing, so embrace the vintage-inspired lifestyle and try some! You can often find great and cheap options at local resale, vintage, and thrift stores. If you find a great deal on some then just buy a bunch. You won’t regret it.

3.  Stock up on mesh bras and underwear.

Mesh bras are really trendy right now, but they’re also perfect for the summer heat. Mesh bras only used to be available in smaller cup sizes but now are available for lots of different sizes and body types. Some have underwires and some are bralettes but they all will keep you cool and comfortable during the next heat wave.

Mesh bras also air dry faster when you hand wash them so they are perfect for the summer when you are washing your bras more often!

Related: These 11 Bras Are Summer Must-Haves

Parfait Active Wireless Sports Bra in Tea Berry

4.  Explore the world of wireless bras.

Bralettes used to be associated with unsupportive pieces in a small range of sizes. If that’s still your idea of what bralettes are available, you should check out all of the options that have emerged in the past few years!

Wireless bras in larger sizes have evolved immensely with several companies focusing on breathable wireless bra options that support more like a traditional underwire bra. These can be great for sleeping and lounging but also double as a regular bra when you have to run to the store on Saturday.

Wireless bras are comfortable and breathable when the temperature goes up and perfect for lazy weekend activities.

5.  Try layering camisoles.

Do you need to make a piece of clothing work appropriate but hate the idea of adding extra layers? Try a cropped layering camisole for maximum breathability. These come in a wide variety of colors and styles and are perfect for summer layering. Some are even fancy and fashionable which allows you to style the same piece of clothing different ways.

Like slips, layering camisoles are also easy to wash and help you keep sweat and dirt off your favorite outfit! Since they are cropped they also won’t add bulk underneath your outfits or bunch up. Once you try them you’ll want to start a collection!

Do you have any tips for surviving the summer heat? If so, leave them in the comments! Did you learn any new summer lingerie from this article? If so, share it with a friend!

Related: How To Shop For Wireless Bras

Adriana Lace Bralette | Adriana Bikini in Raspberry

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Vanna Plunge Padded Bra | Vanna Hipster in Bare/Ivory

Summer has arrived to the Northern Hemisphere, bringing along with it floaty dresses, ice-pops, festival season, and… the dreaded boob sweat. While that last one may be completely normal, especially for those with fuller busts it can be a real problem. And not just an embarrassing one, but a painful one too if the excess sweating leads to chafing and a rash.

Plus, just like underarm sweat can stain a shirt, boob sweat can stain your bras. We didn’t spend ages hunting down the prettiest and best-fitting ones for that to happen!

Nothing should stop you enjoying summer to its fullest, least of all your chest. Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce this problem.

Here are 7 ways to deal with boob sweat:

Unlined bras

All of us switch from winter clothes to summer ones, so why would you keep wearing the same lingerie year-round? When it’s hot out you need garments that are going to keep you cool, and a piece of thick foam wrapped around your breasts probably isn’t the answer.

Try switching out your padded and molded bras for unlined ones – they feel light and airy, yet can be just as (or in some cases, more) supportive!

Breathable fabrics

Certain fabrics let your skin breathe better than others. It’s usually the case that synthetic fibers such as polyester can trap moisture against the skin, while natural fibers such as cotton, silk and bamboo will not.

However, the fabric type matters too – nylon, for example, is a man-made fiber but when it’s woven into a mesh or lace it still lets lots of air through.

Moisture-wicking sports bras

However much you’re sweating during that picnic in the park, you’re going to sweat a whole lot more when you’re jogging round it! Due to the combination of sweat and movement, workouts are when you’re most likely to get chafing. So it’s especially important to pick a sports bra that’s breathable.

Look out for features such as mesh panels, high support (to reduce breast movement), and the term ‘moisture wicking’ in the description. This means it’s a high-tech material that actively moves water away from your skin. Even polyester can be great if it’s moisture-wicking.

Related: These 11 Bras Are Summer Must-Haves

Get a bra fitting

The fold below larger breasts can easily overheat, but a good bra lifts them up off your ribcage to keep this area nice and breezy. Look for a supportive, wired style that has vertical seaming for lots of lift. And get a bra fitting to double check you’re in the correct since, since a too-large band means the bra won’t be able to hoist your breasts up properly.

Bra liners

Not only is boob sweat a normal problem, it’s so common that products have been developed especially to combat it. One of those is the bra liner – a band of fabric that goes below the center-front of your bra, creating a barrier between you and it.

Be sure to look for a bra liner in a breathable fabric, since some have been designed purely with underwire discomfort (and not sweating) in mind.

Deodorants and powders

Most of us are used to putting deodorant on our underarms each morning, but when your breasts are sweating just as much, why not there too? You could use the same one, but boob deodorants are actually a real thing! Alternatively, you can keep the area dry with a sprinkling of corn starch or baby powder.

Keep wipes handy

Sometimes it’s just so swelteringly hot out that try hard as we might, we can’t eliminate sweating altogether. As a backup, pop a packet of wet wipes in your handbag so that you can nip to the bathroom and freshen up whenever you need to.

If you suffer from a bad case of summer boob sweat, how do you deal with it? Leave a comment and let me know which solution works best for you.

Related: Here’s Why You Need A New Set Of Bras This Summer

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

There’s a very good reason why it’s recommended that you get a bra fitting every six months — and that is that your breast size can change over time. There is a multitude of different factors that can come into play in causing your boobs to shrink or grow, some of which you may not even be aware of. One of the more obvious factors is genetics. Not only does heredity play a role in your body size and weight, but it also can affect how much fat is stored in your breasts.

Your genes aren’t the only thing that can cause your boobs to change size, however. If your bust line appears to be shifting, here are six lesser-known culprits that may be the reason. 

Your diet

As you may or may not know, your weight is connected to your breast size. This is because your breasts are primarily made up of fat, so the higher your body fat percentage, then the more likely your boobs are to be on the larger side. That said, it’s not always a direct correlation. Certainly, there are women who, despite having a lower weight, have large boobs, and vice versa. Though you’re probably aware of how gaining or losing weight can impact your breast size, what you may not know is that your diet can also play a part as well.

A 1997 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute examined the effects of a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet on the breasts. What researchers discovered is that women who decreased their consumption of dietary fat (to just 21% of their calorie intake) and increased their consumption of complex carbs (to 61% of their calorie intake) actually experienced a 6.1% decrease in breast density after two years. It’s worth noting that according to the study, areas of dense breast tissue have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Not only that, but Harvard Health reports that phytoestrogens — plant-derived chemicals that include soy, flaxseed, fennel, and alfalfa can impact breast size as well by attaching to cells’ estrogen receptors. Furthermore, soy-derived foods are chock-full of isoflavones, a particular kind of phytoestrogen that behaves just like estrogen in your body once you ingest it — and estrogen is one of the hormones that play a role in breast size.

Your chest workout

If you start noticing that your bust has been looking a tad fuller and perkier ever since you started cranking out all those pushups and dumbbell flyes, you’re not imagining things. Dr. Albert Matheny told SELF that by strengthening your pectoral muscles, which lie beneath the breast tissue, chest exercises can make your boobs project outward more. That explains why your button-up blouse doesn’t quite fit the same way after you’ve been doing regular chest workouts at the gym.

Birth control

Unless you did some research on the side effects of birth control before filling your prescription, you may not realize that this medication can affect your breast size.

This can happen for a number of reasons. First of all, birth control pills contain synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progestin, both of which can cause your breasts to grow in size. This change is usually most noticeable when you first start taking the pill. Not only that, but these hormones can also cause fluid retention in your body, which in turn can make your breasts appear engorged. But don’t fret — Healthline notes that these changes are typically only temporary, and you’ll likely go back to your regular breast size after a couple of months on the pill, once your body has gotten used to it. According to Healthline, if this is the reason why your birth control pill is affecting your breast size, they may return to normal once you start taking the inactive pills (also known as the placebo pills) at the end of your pack

Related: 5 Times When You Should Get A Bra Fitting

Charlotte Padded Bra | Charlotte Highwaist Brief in Red/Black

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It’s not just a myth — pregnancy boobs are a very legit thing, and you can thank hormonal changes for this phenomenon. In fact, studies have proven that it’s very normal to experience breast volume increases during pregnancy. But every woman is obviously different — while some may only notice a slight change in size as levels of progesterone, prolactin, and estrogen rise, others may grow up to two or three cup or band sizes.

Also, it’s extremely common for your breasts to swell up even more while breastfeeding, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. They will often grow while the milk comes in, they will also usually return to their normal size again within a few months after you stop the weaning process.

Your period

Menstruation doesn’t just cause breast tenderness and soreness, it can also cause your breasts to look larger. Just as with pregnancy and birth control pills, this effect is due to an influx of hormones. Specifically, you’re most likely to notice this change in size during the luteal phase, which starts around day 15 of your cycle, right after ovulation. Gynecologist and hormonal expert Dr. Rebecca Booth told Health that progesterone levels are at their peak during this time, which is why your breasts may be at the largest size as well as density.

Caffeine consumption

Did you know that your daily coffee habit could actually have an effect on your bust line? According to the National Health Service (NHS), researchers at Lund University and Malmo University in Sweden found that consuming excessive amounts of joe is linked to shrinking breasts. Specifically, drinking three cups of coffee a day was enough to reduce a woman’s breast size. The NHS notes that while this study doesn’t prove that the coffee consumption caused the breasts to shrink, it does demonstrate an interesting association between the caffeinated beverage and reduced breast size.

Given that there are so many factors that can cause your breast size to change, it goes without saying that it’s crucial to get regular bra fittings. By getting measured every six months (or sooner if you’ve experienced pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight gain/loss), you can make sure you’re buying bras that offer adequate support, coverage, and lift. Fittings are available at most department stores and independent lingerie boutiques and are almost always free of charge. Every woman deserves a bra that fits well — regardless of her fluctuating breast size.

Related: How Often Should You Change Your Bra?

Charlotte Padded Bra | Charlotte Highwaist Brief in Red/Black

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Here’s the thing about boobs: The grass is always, always greener. Some small-busted women wish they had a fuller bust to fill out their dresses and tops, while those who have larger breasts wish they could magically shrink them. Having a full bust definitely comes with its perks. But at the same time, it poses some challenges when it comes to shopping for the right bra or bikini style, and it can be a nuisance while you’re running. Not to mention, some women with very large breasts experience back, neck, and shoulder pain.

Your breast size depends on a multitude of factors — not just genetics. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can both affect your breast size, as can certain prescription medications. In fact, it’s pretty much a guarantee that your size will fluctuate at least a little throughout your lifetime. So, if your full bust is bothering you, what can you do about it? Of course, surgery is one option — but a costly one with some risks involved.

Luckily, there are ways to shrink the appearance of your bust line without going under the knife.

Here are some tried-and-true tips to take into account:

Get fitted

Many women mistakenly think that wearing a smaller bra will make their breasts look smaller. In fact, a bra that’s too tight can end up making your breasts look larger, by causing unnecessary unsightly bulges. A bra that fits perfectly will be far more flattering, which is why it’s so important to regularly get fitted. If you haven’t gotten a professional bra fitting in the last six months to a year, there’s a chance that your bra size has changed. And if you’re wearing a bra that’s too small, finding out your true size may prove more helpful than you think.

You can get a fitting done at many department stores as well as independent lingerie boutiques. Once you know your size, you can invest in bras that actually fit properly and provide adequate coverage and support — and those bras can actually make your breasts look smaller.

Try a minimizer bra

Once you get fitted and you know your true bra size, it’s time to invest in some new bras. One style that should be at the top of your list is a minimizer bra — true to its name, this type of bra is specifically designed to make your boobs look smaller. Here’s how it works: A minimizer bra distributes your breast tissue across more of your chest. By spreading the tissue out more, it can make your boobs project outward far less. In fact, some minimize bras can take 1 to 2 inches off your bust line! Try to look for one that has three-part cups, which will help with shaping and lift for the most flattering look. You’ll definitely be grateful to have a minimizer bra in your arsenal when you’re wearing a button-down shirt and looking to avoid any pesky gaping between buttons.

Related: How Do Minimizer Bras Work?

Enora Minimizer Bra | Enora Bikini in Raspberry

Work out

There are multiple ways in which exercise can make a difference if you’re seeking smaller looking breasts.

First of all, fat makes up a large portion of the breasts. Therefore, when you reduce your body fat overall, your breasts inherently become smaller. Cardio exercise, like running, spinning, dancing, and aerobics, is known to burn fat, and strength training builds muscle, which in turn contributes to the fat-burning process. So, it’s safe to say that working out regularly can potentially help you to shrink your bust line. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise three days a week.

Not only that, but strength training that specifically targets your chest muscles — like pushups, dumbbell flyes, and chest presses — can prove helpful as well. While these moves won’t necessarily make your boobs smaller, they can strengthen and tone the pectoral muscles, thus making your boobs look perkier.

Clean up your diet

You may know that what you eat can play a role in your body fat. In turn, that can affect your breast size. That’s why it’s just as important to maintain a healthy diet as it is to exercise. This means avoiding processed foods high in saturated and trans fats and focusing on consuming high-quality protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as heart-healthy fats (like those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts) in moderation. According to Healthline, foods like eggs, chili peppers, fatty fish, and full-fat Greek yogurt can have fat-burning potential, as can beverages like green tea and coffee.

Veggies, legumes, and whole grains are all examples of foods that are high in fiber. Fiber is key to a healthy diet because it makes you feel full. In fact, one study found that increasing fiber intake was associated with a 10 percent decrease in calorie intake. Not only that, but participants lost nearly 4.4 pounds over a four-month period.

You may also want to consider a probiotic supplement. One 2018 review of 15 studies revealed that people who took probiotics saw significantly more weight and body fat loss compared to those who took a placebo.

It’s important to note that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having large breasts. In fact, many women consider them an asset. We’re all about embracing what you’ve got, and if you’ve got a full bust, then there are lots of perks about your feminine figure that you shouldn’t overlook. That said, if your bust is so large that it’s causing you frustration, discomfort, or insecurities, then you should know that there are things you can do (other than surgery) to reduce the size of your breasts — or at least the appearance of them. Here’s to feeling comfortable and confident, and remember: The grass is always greener when it comes to breast size.

Related: Is A Minimizer Bra Right For You? 6 Questions To Ask First

Enora Minimizer Bra | Enora Bikini in Raspberry

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Enora Minimizer Bra | Enora Bikini in Raspberry

Did you know that about 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime? The reality is, there are certain risk factors that we have no control over, like a family history of the disease, age, and exposure to radiation. However, there are many other lifestyle factors that we can control.

Of course, there is no surefire way to prevent breast cancer, but there are many things you can do to reduce your risk, including eating healthier foods and wearing the right undergarments.

Here are some of the simplest ways to protect your breasts from any kind of harm.

Get walking

There are obviously lots of reasons to get regular exercise, and one of them is reducing your breast cancer risk. This is likely because fat cells produce estrogen, and high levels of that particular hormone have been linked to the development of breast cancer (among other cancers). When you work out, your fat cells become smaller, thus producing less estrogen.

Guess what? You don’t have to incorporate intense HIIT sessions or spin classes to reap the benefits, either — simply getting some daily steps in could make a difference. An American Cancer Society study found that women who spent six hours or more sitting every day (when not working) had a 10 percent greater risk for invasive breast cancer compared with women who sat less than three hours a day. Not only that, but another 2013 study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention revealed that merely walking one hour a day can lower your chances of getting breast cancer. And the more physically active a woman was, the lower her risk was: moderate physical activity (brisk walking) reduced breast cancer risk by 14 percent, while “vigorous” physical activity (jogging, cycling, aerobics) reduced breast cancer risk by a notable 25 percent.

Wear a sports bra

Here’s the thing: Wearing a bra is a very personal choice. Some women like to wear them to bed, some don’t. Some feel comfortable going bra-less during the daytime, others wouldn’t ever dream of it. Typically, breast size has a lot to do with these decisions. But no matter your breast size, you should definitely wear a supportive sports bra while exercising.

Physical activity — particularly the medium to high impact kind (running, aerobics, plyometrics) — expose your breasts to a lot of movement, and thus, potential strain. If you aren’t wearing a supportive sports bra to minimize that movement, you could cause damage to the Cooper’s ligaments, which maintain your breasts’ shape and structure, and keep them looking perky. So, in order to prevent not only sagging but also discomfort or pain during and after exercise, be sure to wear a well-fitting sports bra with plenty of support.

Related: 7 Things To Do To Maintain Your Breast Health

Slather on the sunscreen

Whether you’re lounging out by the pool, stretched out on a towel at the beach, or simply running errands in a V-neck T-shirt, don’t forget to lather up your chest with sunscreen. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a whopping 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are linked to exposure to UV radiation from the sun. And regular daily use of SPF 15 or higher can reduce your risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent, and squamous cell carcinoma (the second most common form of skin cancer) by 40 percent.

Add antioxidants to your diet

By now, you may have heard some of the hype around antioxidants, and their cancer-fighting powers. These substances — which include vitamins C, E, and A, as well as lycopene and beta-carotene — may protect your cells from free radical damage (which can lead to cancer). Many fruits and veggies contain these vitamins, but some are especially antioxidant-rich.

For example, tomatoes and guava are both chock full of lycopene, and broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables also have a high concentration of antioxidants. Not only that, but according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, these veggies can reduce breast cancer risk by lowering the production of “bad” estrogen while simultaneously boosting levels of “good” estrogen. Beta-carotene, which is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash, is considered a carotenoid — and The Institute of Medicine reports that studies have shown women who consume carotenoid-rich foods have a 19 percent lower risk of breast cancer.

Know your breasts

There’s a very good reason why The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that women of all ages perform breast self-exams once a month: Getting to know what they feel like can help you to be more alert to any changes. While self-exams can’t exactly prevent breast cancer, they can help you to detect any abnormalities ASAP, which means you can get treated as quickly as possible. Remember: Not all lumps, bumps, and other changes mean you have breast cancer. However, if you notice anything different about the way they look or feel, it’s definitely worth bringing it up to your doctor. Also, note that the best time to do your monthly exams is a week or so after your period ends, as this is when they’re least likely to be tender or swollen.

In addition to knowing what they look and feel like, it’s also important to know their density. Breast tissue that is denser has less fat and more glandular tissue. Why is this important? Because if you have dense breast tissue, you may need to be a little extra careful about monitoring your breast health. In fact, a study by radiologist Dr. Thomas Kolb revealed that mammograms missed 60 percent of breast tumors that were found via ultrasound in women who had dense breast tissue. If you don’t know how your breast density, ask your doctor for their help in figuring it out. And if you determine that you do have dense breasts, your doctor can advise you on what type of monitoring is most appropriate for you to minimize your health risks.

Just because you can’t exactly prevent cancer and other health problems altogether doesn’t mean you’re totally powerless. A little effort in terms of the bras you wear, the foods you eat, and the physical activity you engage in can make all the difference in reducing your risks of developing a variety of issues. Try adopting these five habits and you can definitely help protect your breasts from harm.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About Breast Self Exams

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Whether you know it or not, breast self exams should be a regular part of any woman’s life. So, are you doing them? Sure, wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra is a great way to take care of your breasts. But when it comes to identifying potential health issues, these exams are crucial. Performing a self exam helps you to get to know your breasts better, thereby allowing you to detect some abnormalities. Once you notice that something is a little “off,” you can report it to your doctor, who can determine whether there’s any cause for concern.

The reality is, though, that many of us were never taught how to do a breast self exam or that we should do them regularly.

In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about these exams: how to perform them, what to look for, and when to worry.

Why do I need to do a breast self exam?

According to Breastcancer.org, a breast self examination is a convenient, useful cancer screening tool for all women when used in combination with regular exams by a doctor.

Your breasts are continually changing and evolving. And there are many reasons why they may look or feel different over time, from pregnancy and breastfeeding to weight loss or menopause. However, some changes in your breasts can point to the possibility of breast cancer.

Johns Hopkins Medical center states: “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self exam is very important.”

That’s why you should be examining your boobs on a regular basis — the more frequently you’re checking them out, the more aware you’ll be of any changes that may be worth bringing up to your doctor.

When/how often should I do my breast self-exam?

Stanford Medicine recommends that women starting to perform breast self-exams around age 20, and continuing the practice about once a month throughout their lives.

There are certain factors to take into account when timing your exam. Stanford Medicine reports that it’s best to wait until a few days after your period ends, as your breasts are far less likely to be swollen or tender during this time (and you’ll need to do some feeling around). If you’re pregnant or no longer get a period, it’s a good idea to designate a specific day that you’ll perform your exam every month to help you remember and ensure you’re doing your exams consistently.

Related: 7 Things To Do To Maintain Your Breast Health

How do I do a breast self-exam?

According to the Maurer Foundation, it’s not advisable to do your self-exam in the shower or with any lotion on your hands, so wait until your skin is dry before you begin.

There are several ways to perform an exam. Ideally, you should examine your breasts both standing up and lying down — the former allows you to use visual observation to take note of any changes, while the latter allows you to feel changes with physical touch.

What can I do to make my breast self exams a regular habit?

The most important thing you can do is to make your breast self exams a regular habit. If it helps, schedule your exams in your calendar, or set monthly reminders on your phone. It’s also a good idea to start keeping a journal, where you can keep track of your observations. Note any abnormalities, so you can remember to bring them up to your doctor if need be. You can refer back to these journal entries to remind yourself of what’s normal, and also keep track of which changes only appear at certain times (such as around your period) and which ones don’t seem to be going away.

The Brunswick Centre recommends familiarizing yourself with your breasts’ different “neighborhoods.” The area underneath the nipple, for example, may feel like a sack of large grains, or a pebbly beach, whereas the outer area of the upper breast by the armpit typically has the most lumps and bumps.

If you noticed any changes in your breasts or found a lump, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor, especially if those changes appear to be worsening in any way. That said, don’t panic. There are plenty of other possible reasons why you might have a lump that doesn’t involve breast cancer. In fact, The Maurer Foundation reports that a whopping 80 percent of breast lumps are not cancerous. Still, it’s best to be on the safe side, so give your primary care doctor or gynecologist a call to further evaluate your observations.

Breast self-exams may not be the most enjoyable or exciting activity, but they’re so important — they allow you to get to know your body better, and furthermore, take charge of your health. Make them a regular part of your life and you’ll have peace of mind that potential problems don’t go unnoticed for too long.

Related: How To Solve Bra Pain

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be medical advice and it is not meant to be a substitute for a professional’s opinion. Be sure to consult your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts. Breast self exams are not a replacement for regular exams by your doctor.

You’re trying to concentrate but that dull ache keeps distracting you. You can’t ignore it. What’s more, you’re actually worried that it could be getting worse.

Are you experiencing annoying pain or discomfort? If the answer is yes, you’re going to want to figure out why. Surprisingly enough, you may find that your badly fitted bra is the underlying reason.

It could be making your back ache

Do you find that your back aches after a long day at work? Of course, this particular health concern could be caused by poor posture or the way that you sit. If you’ve already addressed these problems, though, it could be worth looking at other possible issues that may be causing this annoying problem.

Perhaps one of the more unexpected reasons that your back is hurting is because of a poor-fitting bra. When your lingerie is too tight, it could cause your muscles to stiffen up. Soon enough, that will take its toll on how you feel. Try loosening your bra and see whether it makes a difference.

Your neck feels stiff and painful

When you have larger breasts, the way that your bra fits can greatly affect your neck. Many women overlook this issue and think that their lingerie has nothing to do with their neck pain, but that is simply not the case. When the support for your breasts all comes from one section of your shoulders or neckline, it could cause strain.

Making sure that you’re wearing the right bra size and that the weight of your breasts is evenly distributed could mean that you feel less pain. Try getting fitted and adjusting your bra to give you a little more comfort. Of course, should you find that the neck pain persists, you might want to speak to your doctor to check if there’s a deeper issue.

Related: 5 Reasons To Go Get A Professional Bra Fitting

Poor breathing habits

It should come as no surprise that – if your bra happens to be too tight – it could affect your breathing. This issue won’t affect you in an overly dramatic way. However, when your bra is too tight, it could affect the rhythm of your breathing. If you suspect that your bra is too tight and, therefore, restricting your ribs, you should check that you’re wearing the right size. Book an appointment to get fitted and make a positive change. If changing your bra size doesn’t fix it, consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor for a check-up to rule out any health concerns.

Random headaches and pain

Suffering from headaches can be a real nightmare. If you regularly experience physical discomfort or pain, you might wonder what the cause could possibly be. There are a whole lot of different reasons that you may be suffering. Stress is one of the leading causes for headaches, and so that’s something you should look into right away. However, there could be another surprising reason for your pain.

If your bra is putting pressure on your – around your back or neck area – that tension could potentially lead to headaches. It’s basically a build-up of the pressure that is affecting your muscles. Ensuring that your bra fit is correct could be the answer to this problem. Getting rid of that extra tension could help to relieve some of the aches and pains.

Final considerations

When you’re wearing a well-fitted bra that suits your body shape, there’s no way in which it should make you ill or cause you any discomfort. However, if your bra is not quite right for you and isn’t giving you the proper level of support, that is cause for concern. Should you think that your bra could be causing your health-related problems, it’s time to take action and do something about it. Make two appointments – one with your doctor and one with a bra fitter at a local lingerie store – to address these issues. The sooner you solve the problem, the better!

Related: How To Solve Bra Pain

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!