Bodies change and grow constantly, sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad, but we never really stay the same size throughout life. Puberty is literally the worst thing in the universe and the only good thing about it, is that you know everyone else goes through it too. I started puberty way late and was completely embarrassed throughout all of middle school and a lot of high school because I didn’t like the way I looked. When I finally started to look less like a 10-year-old boy, I bought bras from all types of stores, not really thinking much into it.
My chest size tripled in the last year and threw me off completely and made me even more self-conscious about my body. Suddenly I couldn’t wear the same clothes, I had to hold my chest when I went up and down stairs, and I felt completely disproportionate. I had never had this issue before and suddenly all my bras were digging into my shoulders and my back and my boobs were uncomfortable all the time. I realized I needed to get fit for what size I was so that I could be comfortable in my own skin.
Places like Victoria’s Secret, Aerie, and even department stores offer bra fittings, but going to an actual bra store and getting a real fitting completely changed my outlook on bras and on my body. I found a great store called Hope Chest in Philly and headed there to buy new bras and to know my size. The women were incredibly kind and helped me find bras that made me feel comfortable and sexy. Having bras that actually fit me changed the way I stood, walked, and felt. I became more confident in my body and wasn’t embarrassed to be such a large size.
Yes, going to a bra store is more expensive than a place at the mall, and yes, it is a little weird having someone measure such a private part of your body, but it is completely worth it in the end. No matter what size, everybody deserves to be comfortable and confident. Bra stores are always willing to give a free fitting, so you don’t even have to be worried about spending money. Look up local bra stores in your area and give your body the support it deserves.