I always feel a twinge of guilt when I splurge on a new addition to my wardrobe. Before plunking down a wad of cash for a pair of new shoes, I’ll try to justify my purchase, telling myself I’ll wear them every day for years to come and convincing myself that I deserve a reward every now and then. Luckily, a slew of designers are working to make me and my fellow shopaholics feel slightly less self-indulgent.

Fashion bigwigs like Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren are among the many designers promoting lines that benefit research for breast cancer, a disease that will affect nearly 1.5 million women this year alone.

And what could be a more fitting accessory to support breast cancer than a bra? That was the idea behind Wacoal’s Fi(gh)t for the Cure campaign, which has teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Fight for the Cure since 1999. Each year, the lingerie company hosts fitting events at department stores nationwide, donating $2 for every woman who participates and an additional $2 for every bra purchased.

Wacoal has breasts covered, but support for the cure isn’t just about bras. The online luxury retailer Net-A-Porter teamed up with the Fashion Design Council of America in 1994 to create Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, a worldwide coalition of designers that raises money for breast cancer victims and their families. Ralph Lauren, a member of the FTBC, stayed true to his preppy roots and designed a collection of polo shirts for the campaign, replacing his iconic polo player with the coalition’s “Target Breast Cancer” logo. 100 percent of the FTBC’s proceeds are directly sent to research and charity, with nearly $40 million raised since the project’s inaugural year.

Betsey Johnson, known for her quirky cocktail dresses and eclectic designs, is especially invested in raising money for the cause — she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. Johnson also joined forces with the FTBC, designing shirts and handbags emblazoned with her trademark pink lips, which are available at Betsey Johnson boutiques and online.

Breast cancer awareness has also made its mark in the cosmetics industry, with hair and makeup companies releasing special products with breast cancer survivors in mind. Bobbi Brown’s “Pink Ribbon” Lip Collection, available at Nordstrom, features the Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon on its cases, in flattering shades of — what else? — pink.

Joining Bobbi Brown at the cosmetics counter are Clinique, Estée Lauder and Philosophy. A portion of the sales from Clinique’s best-selling Dramatically Different Facial Lotion is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, while sales from Estée Lauder’s Gold Ribbon compact and lip sets help fund the company’s $500,000 donation to the BCRF. Philosophy, a luxury bath and body company, created a special “Charity” line, featuring products like “Shower for a Cause” body wash, for which the company donates 100 percent of the proceeds to cancer research.

So, the next time you feel like indulging in a little retail therapy, consider fulfilling a need greater than a shopping addiction. Whether it’s with a preppy polo from Ralph Lauren or a relaxing bubble both from Philosophy’s Charity collection, you’ll take satisfaction in knowing your splurge helped support women across the nation in the fight against breast cancer. Now, doesn’t that feel good?