Uncovering the Modern Bra: Fashion Reverie’s Discussion with Bra Guru and Stylist Jene Lupoli-Luciani

Fashion Reverie: Now Jene, are you like the modern Herminie Cadolle, fitter of bras to queens, princesses, dancers, and actresses?  Please tell us about your background and how you became the Bra Guru.

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: I was a TV producer for outlets like NBC News for several years right out of college.  After about five years working in news, I forayed into fashion broadcasting and journalism, and never looked back!!  My parents owned a designer clothing boutique called The Jean Station while I was growing up and my mom used to make her own clothes and comment on trends in the local newspaper.  You could say that fashion was in my “jeans.”  In 2005, I began producing content for fashion designers and writing a fashion column in a local luxury publication here in Westchester. I also began appearing on-air as a fashion commentator and expert on local news outlets, which eventually led to national TV.

In 2006, I wrote an article on bras for the magazine for which I was the fashion editor at the time, and realized there was such little info out there, and so many women who wanted help.  OPRAH had just done her first “bra intervention” show so everyone was talking about it.  I decided I should tackle the task of writing a book on bras because there was such a void in the marketplace, and began the proposal process and really refining the concept with my agents Michael and Kristina at Ebeling and Associates.   Three years later, it was published by BenBella Books.  Now I’m one of the country’s top three bra experts in the media.  I love helping women and truly have my dream job!  I have truly researched the topic and lived and breathed it for the past six years.

Besides the aforementioned article, I had a personal reason to want to help other women with bras and body image issues related to their breasts. I suffered from Tubular Breast Deformity and had two reconstruction surgeries in my twenties.  Before my surgeries made my breasts look “normal,” I used to use a Victoria Secret Miracle Bra and take out the padding on one side and leave it in the other, and at least my breasts appeared even and symmetrical under my clothing.  It had a major impact on my life and I wanted to share my story to help other women.  I tell the whole story in the introduction to The Bra Book.

 FR: Are most women like myself, in a love/hate relationship with their bras and undergarments?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: I would definitely say this is true.  Foundations can have a huge effect on how you look and feel in your clothes, and on a woman’s self-esteem. Some women equate breast sagging to failure.   So, when we’re looking and feeling good, we’re loving it, and vice-versa.  I do think all women hate the process of shopping for bras. That’s something I’m trying to change.  The mentality that it has to be a negative experience.  If you read The Bra Book and get educated before you hit the stores, you’ll feel a lot more confident.

FR: What is the most common source of problem for women when it comes to finding the right bra size?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: Women get stuck in a size rut.  They either think, they got sized 10 years ago so will remain that size forever, OR they think they will be the same size in every brand under the sun.  This is simply not true.  All fit models are different across the spectrum and not every style is made for every woman.  You must just use size as a guideline and try everything on!!!

 FR: Is there a “right” bra, or is it more like trying to find the “right” man—an illusion of sorts?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani:  Funny that you say that because I use this analogy in the very beginning of The Bra Book.  Some women are always on that quest to find the right bra, like they are on a quest to find the right man.  Also, your perfect bra one year might be the worst bra for you the next.  Our bodies as women are changing so frequently, we need to keep our bra wardrobes up to date.

 FR: Are there any recent advances in technology or materials that make you excited?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: There are always advancements being made.  But, what I like to see is manufacturers, like Curvy Kate for example, a British line now just launching in the US, catering to the way women want to fit into their bras RIGHT NOW.  What I mean is that now that the industry is finally realizing the old ‘rule’ of adding plus 4-5” to a woman’s band measurement no longer works.  Women are measuring more true to size, which typically means a smaller band with a larger cup.  So you have a lot of 32G’s walking around.  Unfortunately though, most brands are still catering to the ‘average’ sizes of 34A-38D.  This makes sense for them because it means fewer bras that they have to manufacture.  However, the number of women who are in these ‘odd’ size combo’s are growing and they need options.

FR: What are some of your favorite names for everyday bras?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: There are so many great brands and styles out there at all price points, from Bali, Barely There and Playtex to higher end brands. I like sites like BareNecessities.com where you can find most of them under one roof, and decide for yourself.

FR: In looking for a good sports bra, what factors should a woman consider?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: First off, what ‘sport’ you will be using it for is a major consideration. Whether it’s high impact or low impact, and the range of movement you need it for. Also, your bust size plays a factor.  Generally anyone larger than a D cup should have an encapsulation style, which has two separate cups, like a regular bra.  Some of the bra brands make great options or you can look at sporting goods like Under Armour, who definitely understand the physics involved.  Our breasts bounce up and down while we’re exercising and that constant movement can eventually lead to sagging or in the short term, pain.  We want to avoid that of course.  I give a whole guide to sports bras and what to look for in The Bra Book.  This is the most common question I get asked, next to the other dreaded “S”—strapless bras!

FR: How about for that special occasion, how should a woman handle a plunging neckline and/or a backless dress?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: Again, there are tons of style bras to go underneath even the craziest necklace. You can try a backless strapless or an extreme plunge bra!!  Or, another trick is to buy those foam pads at the fabric store and have a seamstress sew them right into a top or dress. Add some double stick tape for extra security.

FR: Where should women go if they need more help in finding the right bras?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: The Bra Book of course! Or, my website for links to various publications and information.

You can learn more about Jene and bras on her website www.JeneLuciani.com and follow her onTWITTER: @JeneLuciani.

—Jeanine Jeo-Kim