My friend has been wearing the wrong bra size for years.

Question

Okay, so my friend says her bra size is a 36B but 32C is more comfortable. If she doesn't wear shirts that are very tight on her neck, everyone (including customers) can see her nipples. We both work together in retail so I see this first hand. She needs to wear something that covers her chest when she bends down but I have no idea how to go about starting that conversation.

Balanced357247 · Answer

So it's not just the ill fitting bra that pushes her upward/outward.  It is actually her wearing revealing or low cut clothing that exposes her.  Since you are struggling to find words to say, let's assume you have kept the peace and said nothing.  And yet, she must have an awareness of her appearance, because she has specifically told you that she is more comfortable in a tighter bra.  So let's be clear:  she is aware; she has a mirror.  
You can approach her directly and say,

'Hey, sensitive subject, OK?  ....so you've mentioned that you're comfortable with your bra choice, but consciously -or unconsciously- you're sending a non-professional vibe.  Even though your words and manners have been super profesh, people cannot get past these 'in-yah-face' boobies.  So you basically have a choice, my friend....  You can choose to let your external appearance contradict your manners.  Or, you can make an adjustment, so that you send a clear singular message of being professional.'

THEN - If she gets nasty or balks back at you, you can shrug and say 'OK, well that's your choice.  And now that it's been brought to your attention, there's no more acting as if you aren't aware.'

Anonymous · Answer

Depending on how close you are... I'm usually brutally honest with my friends. I would just say, 'hey, I can see your nipples.'

Emma Miller · Answer

When is her birthday? If you're close enough with her... maybe find a creative way to gift her a bra?

Anonymous · Answer

That's too bad. Do you think she wears the bra to purposely show off or is this a clothing awareness she is seriously lacking?

Explorer374758 · Answer

I would take her to get a fitting-- truly- most women wear the wrong size bra- I used to, until I was exchanging a bra due to size and the salesgirl tossed me in a dressing room to tell me how wrong I was about my size. Maybe tell her you want to get a proper fitting, but would like company and you can convince her to get one also?

Anonymous · Answer

Tell her to check out Third Love.  It's a relatively new bra company started by a woman who has an MBA who decided that bras made by other companies didn't fit correctly, that the straps slid down our shoulders, that there was back bulge, etc.  The bras are incredibly comfortable and the cups come in 1/2 sizes!!  When you go onto their website, you take a little quiz about the shape of your breasts, your size, etc and they actually recommend the size they think will fit best.  There is a consultant available to help and the bras are 100% exchangeable/returnable.  I love them and everyone I've told about them loves them too.

Anonymous · Answer

What do you say without offending her? This is tricky.  Do you know any of her other friends well? Maybe they'd have a nonchalant way of mentioning it. That way it doesn't impact your friendship/work relationship.

Anonymous · Answer

Maybe you can find the next Victoria's Secret sale and say, 'Let's go shopping!'

My friend has been wearing the wrong bra size for years.

You're invited.

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