When buying lingerie we all know that it’s important to have a comfortable
fit - but did you know that around 80% of women are in the wrong sized bra? This
can be a result of many different factors but one of the main reasons is that
women simply don’t get their bra size checked often enough. Our breasts are
constantly changing in size and shape and it’s important to have a size check at
least every 6 months. This is particularly relevant if you’ve put on or lost
weight, have been or are pregnant, have had diet or medication changes, have
taken up a new sport, have been ill, are on/off contraception, getting older -
the list is endless and you’d be surprised what things do actually affect breast
size and shape…..
Many of you may be embarrassed to go for a professional fitting (which isn’t
scary or embarrassing at all by the way!) so we’ve tried to help as much as
possible below with some hints and tips on how to choose the correct bra size.
It’s important to appreciate that not all manufacturers have the same ‘size’ and
fit and as such try not use the bra sizing charts as the only method of
selecting the right bra for you - plus don’t get stuck in a rut with the same
size & style. Also some styles suit some people better than others - your best
friend may think that balcony bras are fantastic whereas you can’t stand them -
that’s because our boobs are all different and we should all take the time to
find out what bra style and size is best. You’ll be surprised what a difference
a correctly fitted bra can make. Go on make the change and feel like a new woman
today!
To start with lets have a look at the common problems we come across during bra
fitting:
Good indications that your bra size is wrong include:
The first rule of thumb is that straps & bands don’t need to dig in - you’re
putting yourself through unnecessary discomfort! They should be firm and fit
close to the body but comfortable and with no cutting in - this applies to both
shoulder straps and the strap around the middle of your body. Strictly no flesh
should be poking up around each side of the strap and the middle band strap
needs to be horizontal and not rising up. Ideally the middle band should allow
you to insert two fingers underneath around the back and one at the front
middle.
Many of us are under the wrong impression that the shoulder straps are taking
the strain - this isn’t the case. A bra gets its strength from the middle band,
any under- wiring if applicable, and partly from the straps. If the straps are
digging in then this is probably as a result of the bra being the wrong back
size - try a smaller back size, as indent marks left by straps are often a sign
that the middle band isn’t supporting you enough. Support from below also helps
minimise any stress on your shoulders and back. If the back is rising up - again
try a smaller back size.
Also don’t assume that just because your cup size is increasing that your back
size is too - this quite often isn’t the case. Remember that most bras have
adjustable shoulder straps so make sure you adjust them so they are not too
loose. You don’t want them dropping off your shoulders for instance.
With bra cups it’s important that they are a neat fit - breasts should be nicely enclosed and under control. Baggy cups - either at the sides or at the middle close to the nipple - generally means that the cup or back size you have chosen is too large. Try a smaller cup size if the cups are baggy around the edge and try a smaller back size if the fabric round the nipple area is creased or baggy. Obviously on the other end of the scale if your boobs are spilling out - either at the top or sides - then go for a larger cup size but watch the back size at the same time - you may find that you go down a back size but up a cup size. Extra bits of boob poking out isn’t a good thing - don’t assume that this is making your boobs look bigger - it just isn’t the case and in many instances it just makes you look bulky and unattractive. It’s important to ensure that the cup fabric is smooth against your skin - no ridges, excess material or bulges. This also applies to Balcony Bras, Half Cup or Push Up styles.
It doesn’t have to be a case of ‘ouch’ or I can’t wait to get home to release
myself from these wires! Under wires shouldn’t dig in, rub or stick out - they
should snugly follow the line of the breastbone and lie flat against your rib
cage - if they don’t this could be telling you to go up a cup size as your boobs
are pushing the under wires out. They also need to fit snugly under the arm and
not dig in there - if it does dig in around the armpit region then again try a
bigger cup size. Also any bits of boob hanging out uncomfortably underneath the
under wire (‘breast leakage’) means that you need to look at a smaller back size
and possibly a larger cup size. Under wires are there to support the underneath
and side of the breast without digging in or gaping.
The best way to try on a bra is to fasten at the front around the middle band - try the loosest hooks first - and then swivel the bra around so the cups are at the front. Next lift and drop your boobs into the cups - don’t worry about getting your hands in there to find the best boob position and to ensure they are properly seated in the cups. Lastly pull up the straps and adjust the middle band position if necessary. You may need to also adjust the strap length or hook position at first to get the most comfortable fit. Next, review for any uncomfortable bits, bulges etc and if your happy try moving around in the bra. After all your not going to be stood still much in it are you! Try putting a close fitting top on too, which will indicate any problem areas in the silhouette. Tip: If you find you have to use the tightest hook position try going down a back size as most bras have a habit of growing in the wash and you need to ensure you have a spare hook position just in case.
We’re not saying that big boobs are any more special then little ones - it’s
just that they sometimes can take a bit more dealing with. Luckily bra
manufacturers these days are wise to the fact that the average breast size for
women is on the up and many are now giving more variety in size & design ranges
- which is good news for big breasted ladies as it means that there is far more
choice in shapes and styles. Two important factors to consider for large boobs
are that they move around more and as gravity takes hold they have a tendency to
sag so it’s important to have a good supporting bra particularly in the middle
band area and sometimes manufacturers make the band wider to accommodate these
issues. Larger bras also may have more hooks than smaller bras and this is
simply to help support and comfort the breast area. In some cases the under wire
is eliminated completely as the support comes entirely from the middle band
fabric.
Comfortable bras mean comfortable ladies!