Truth be told, I don’t often wear underwire bras. Sure, they’re sexy and super supportive, but when it comes to my Victoria’s Secret collection, it’s mostly sports bras and bralettes.
So, when I was challenged to wear a new Body by Victoria bra for an entire day, I knew this was going to be a departure from my everyday styling. But what kind of writer, friend, and confidant would I be if I didn’t do the road testing so you don’t have to?
Without further ado, here’s 24 hours (well, the hours I was awake, at least) in the Body by Victoria Lightly Lined Smooth Demi Bra.
8:30AM
My alarm goes off and I have a big day ahead. I am traveling home to visit family in Florida, so picking a comfortable outfit is a must. I purposefully selected a busy day with a few outfit changes to really put this bra to the test.
I start the day in a white tee, sweatshirt, cargo pants, and sneakers. The bra is super smooth and lays nicely under my top. I adjust the straps for a slightly more relaxed fit and I’m on my way. First impression: it was cute, comfortable, and gave me a really nice natural shape without padding.
10:00AM
After an $80 Uber (brutal) to JFK, I am moving and grooving. As an adopted New Yorker, I walk fast, so picture me bobbing and weaving through the crowded airport. Typically for this type of activity, I would be in a sports bra, but today is different. I won’t try and convince you this bra gives you the same fast-moving support as a full-coverage, compression style, but I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t feel like I was going to spill out at a moment’s notice.
12:00PM
I boarded the plane and thrust my overly stuffed carryon into the overhead bins. I think it’s really important to note that fully extending my arms did not result in any spillage or dreaded under-boob—success.
12:30PM-2:30PM
The bra is airborne.
3:00PM
My dad picks me up from the airport and brings me home. I went from 40 degrees to 76 degrees, so it’s time for an outfit change to run some errands before going out to dinner. I swap my plane clothes for a pair of leggings, cropped long-sleeve tee, and sneakers. Before tightening the straps for a little extra lift, I do a dig check.
Dig Check
Noun
An examination or test to see if your bra has left you with painful lines or redness from extended wear.
There are, of course, some unavoidable lines from where the bra has been sitting for hours, but redness is low and there’s no pain. We carry on!
5:00PM
After a trip to Publix—IYKYK—and Target, I return home to get ready for dinner. When visiting Tampa, there is always the chance I could run into someone from high school (scary!), so slaying this dinner look is a must. The bra stays put, and this time I’m pairing it with a white tank, white trousers, a vintage black-and-white blazer, and black boots. The straps on the bra are visible under the tank, but the blazer covers it, so no fashion faux pas there. The tank is tight, and the color of the bra is so close to my skin tone that it basically disappears under clothes.
6:30PM
Dinner is served, I look great, I manage not to spill any red wine or pasta sauce on my white top/pants.
9:00PM
We’re home and the day is almost done. It wouldn’t be a Stull-family visit without a board game. I change into my pajamas—yes, I leave the bra on—and come in a respectable second place in Scrabble.
10:30PM
Challenge complete! The bra comes off and I snuggle into my childhood bed (my room is preserved in all its 2008 glory). In sum, I think I have conquered my fear of underwire bras. I felt supported throughout the day, and it worked for each outfit that I wore with small adjustments. Will I be sending my sports bras and bralettes to the incinerator? No. But will I be making room in my rotation for more Body by Victoria styles? Absolutely.