By Amanda Farmer (guest blogger)

I people watch. I see you at the mall. I see you with your friends. And honey what I see isn’t always pretty.

For example, this week as I was sitting at lunch – Subway to be exact – a co-worker of mine and I were people watching. A woman walked in wearing a too-tight blouse exposing four lumps. Four lumps don’t look good. It’s not attractive and it’s not sexy.

I can’t help myself. As a manager at Victoria’s Secret, I’ve been dishing out advice for years and I love to turn my people-watching into one-on-one bra consultations. But since that might not go over so well, I’ve agreed to be a guest blogger.

So here’s my advice just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Problem Area No. 1: Your bra is too small.

Diagnosis: If you’ve got four lumps then your bra is too small. If the cup comes up half way or if it doesn’t completely cover the lump then your bra is too small.

Solution: You probably need to buy a larger cup size. How do you know? The underwire of your bra should cup the breast tissue. Need a way to test it? If you push the outside of the underwire what do you feel? If it fits properly you should touch your ribcage. If you find breast tissue instead, then you’ll know that the cup is too small.

Problem Area No. 2: Your bra is too big or the elastic band is too stretched out.

Diagnosis: If the band comes up in between your shoulder blades then you’re in the wrong size. You either weren’t buying the right-sized bra or you’ve stretched out the band over time.

Solution: Buy a new bra that fits properly. This one is dead. Gone. Put in the grave. Cover it with dirt. It’s a done.

Problem Area No. 3: Your straps are creating gouges in your shoulders the size of the Grand Canyon then your straps are too tight. Ladies tightening the straps won’t help lift them up. Bra support comes from the elastic band being fitted properly.

Diagnosis: If you can’t get two fingers underneath the shoulder straps, then they’re too tight. This pulling will only wear out your bra faster and your bra will be dead.

Solution: Loosen the straps until you can fit two fingers underneath the straps and make sure your bra is fitting appropriately in other areas.

Problem Area No. 4: Buying a bra that doesn’t fit right. Many ladies spend $10 on a bra and then they get $10 of support from it.

Diagnosis: Having any discomfort when you wear your bra or having any of the previous three problems.

Solution: First, you should get measured every six months. Forget what size you’ve been for the last 10 years because it’s probably not the size you are today. Once you’ve been sized you need to be fitted, too. Let the associate come in and show you how it should fit.

Solution No. 2 (if dealing with an associate one-on-one is too uncomfortable): Make sure the center of the bra in the front is directly in front of the center of the bra in the back. You should imagine an arrow shooting directly through you. Also the hook should be on the center hook for proper support.

Other Tips:
Straps falling off your shoulders? Pick a wider strapped bra.

Don’t be afraid of lined bras. A lined bra will give you coverage so you won’t show throw. It will also give you more cupping shape. Besides, no one wants to see that you’re cold.

A padded bra will give you cleavage enhancement. But be careful to not buy textured bras that will show through the fabric on your shirt. Like some texture close to your skin? Flat lace can be worn with everything.

What color is best? Nude can be worn with everything and should be worn with white tops. White on white makes it see-through. Black should never be worn with white. It’s just tacky.

How many bras should I own? At least three: one to wear, one to wash, and one to rest. Bras need a rest from all of their hard work. If you wear the same bras multiple days in a row you will stretch it out faster.

How do I wash my bras? If you choose washing machine expect your bras to last two months. Instead wash them by hand and then lay them flat to dry. This will add an extra six months of life to each of your bras. Buying additional bras will lengthen the life of the bras you already own if you rotate and wash them correctly. Also, lingerie bags don’t count as hand-washing. In between hand-washing your personals you can take them in the shower with you and freshen them up with body wash and then lay them flat to dry.

Can you offer special advice for the super-sized or super-small? There’s a bra for everyone. Try specialty stores like Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant or Torrid if you’re a living large. More petite ladies should try European sizes at specialty shops.

How much should I spend? Bra shopping is an investment so you get what you pay for. Don’t be afraid to spend $20 or more per bra. If you care for them properly they’ll last longer and offer more support along the journey.

Question: More questions? Ask Amanda by sending me an email at ann@3girlsandapug.com. Don’t worry. It’s anonymous.