If history were written by women, bras would take their rightful place in the pantheon of great inventions--somewhere between the wheel and the paper clip.

Scoff if you will, but a bra can make or break your outfit, your day, or your life. An ill-fitting bra can ruin all three.

Bras were pretty horrible when I was growing up. I couldn't seem to find one with all-elastic anything; the straps were constantly slipping down my shoulders no matter how tight I made them. After a while the straps would start digging into my arms. Plus, I needed an underwire at a time when underwires were not the norm.

Thank heavens for Victoria's Secret. I love them; not because of the advertising (which is entertaining but not what women are looking for), but for their amazing range of well-made products at affordable prices.

You don't need to shop Victoria's Secret to find your dream bra, but I think it is important to think in terms of finding dream bras. There's no reason to put up with slipping straps, lack of support, anything popping out or bulging over or other annoyances.

About size...I don't think there really is an absolute bra size. Supposedly you can be measured to attain your size; well there is some merit to that, but how a bra fits depends on its cut and engineering as well as its number/letter size. In short, someone who wears a 36D may also wear a 38C or D, so don't rule out trying out a few different sizes in different models.

I like to do the laundry test. Put on the bra you're trying out and adjust it appropriately. Now bend down and pretend to pick up a basket of laundry. I'm serious! Do this at least three times in a row. If anything has popped out, at all, that means the cups aren't cut generously enough. Victoria's Secret, for all that I like them, does tend to make a lot of those "demi" models and that's my gripe with them. They work fine as long as you stand still and don't do anything!

On the other hand, if the cups wrinkle, that means they're too big. They should fit smoothly.

Then there is the lining factor. A completely unlined bra, is not going to conceal nipples. If you're wearing a loose shirt or a sweater, it hardly matters, but be careful otherwise (or you'll get a hundred guys following you who are "interested in your mind").

I've never had any luck with non-stretchy straps. At least part of the strap has to be elastic, if not all of it. (Your mileage may vary; just make sure you never have to hike up your bra strap.) Another way is to go with a t-back bra or one where the straps cross in the back.

As far as strapless, VS makes a neat one with the same plastic-y strips they use in thigh high stockings. It actually does work. You won't get the same lift as you would with a long-line strapless, but then you don't need someone else to put it on for you, plus it's all-around more comfortable.

I love underwires, since they give so much support without using padding or extra material. But make sure your band size is big enough so that the underwire doesn't dig into your ribs.

As far as material, that's your call. Cotton bras can be very comfortable. If you're wearing a blouse however, you will probably want something smooth and synthetic, the "molded cups" thing. VS makes a line called "Body by Victoria" that has this cool, all-stretch fabric that's exceedingly supportive and comfortable.

However, you have to own at least one bra that's completely frivolous, lacy and decorative. You just do.

How about padding? Why not? I see nothing wrong with padding. It's cheaper, and healthier, than implants. Sometimes engineering can replace some of the padding. The Wonderbra or VS's Miracle Bra are examples of taking something and making more out of it.

Are bras that show at all, or bra straps, socially acceptable? Did Madonna manage to overturn centuries of tradition by showing her underwear? Lessee...it's one of those grey areas. In any situation that's at all formal, you can't show any bra part. So it's more of a question, is it socially acceptable in casual situations.

It's my personal opinion that Madonna did change things. I don't think you need to stress (and we did stress before) if your bra strap is showing. It's been decriminalized. How much to show though, falls under personal preference. You have to feel comfortable and confident.

BTW, if you hate your figure--don't. Life is too short and no one actually has a perfect body. Use your bras to show what it is you have, in its best light, and make no apologies to anyone.

There was a time, long ago, when I hand-washed clothes. In fact I had a lot of hand-wash dresses. That was...before the kids.

Then, there was a time when I tossed all my bras into a lingerie bag and put the bag in with my regular wash.

Lately though, I wish to compromise. So I've been doing the lingerie bag, machine wash thing, but putting the bag separately in the delicate cycle.

Do you need to Woollite? I've tried it. Imo, it is superior, but it's also expensive considering you need to wear one bra per day. I've been using my regular Tide with Bleach. Hum. Slightly more wear...it's a tradeoff.

Cold, warm or hot? Cold actually works. Warm is OK. Imo, hot is not necessary.

Dryer or line? In an ideal world, I'd line dry the lot. Realistically though I have tossed them into the dryer. At least, don't fry them.