Badly fitting bras are a problem for posture, self-confidence and a sexy silhouette. Isn’t it time you did something about getting a bra fitting?
Apparently, eight out of ten women are wearing an ill-fitting bra right now … at the top of the list for a midlife makeover would have to be getting a comfortable, well-fitting bra that gives you support and makes you look and feel sexy.
A well-fitting bra can be life-changing … truly!
Brassiere measurement (also referred to as brassiere sizes, bra sizes or bust sizes) is all about working out what size bra a particular (possibly average) shaped woman might wear and then use these dimensions to mass-produce bras that will (in theory) fit all women. This means that bra fitting sizes vary from country to country (diet and lifestyle can heavily influence what’s average or normal for where you live). Which is why it’s so important to have a bra fitting expert around.
Add to this issues with the spacing, shape, size and symmetry of women’s breasts – which vary incredibly… especially if they sag or have been augmented, and you have a problem on your hands in the quest for a comfortable, well-fitting bra.
Women with larger breasts can experience the most difficulty finding a bra.
Big boobs or a little sag
Getting a bra properly fitted by a professional is a must if you have large breasts or have begun to notice a little sagging.
Specialist lingerie stores and large stores with lingerie departments will all have somebody to help with bra fitting.
If you are modest however and don’t like the idea of having someone else help. Try to get a well-fitting bra yourself based on the manufacturer’s recommendation of measuring over the nipple (can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you have sagging breasts).
Sagging does make it difficult to accurately measure the fullness of the bosom so be prepared to spend a lot of time in changing rooms, trying on an assortment of bras.
When going it alone, there are two common mistakes you need to avoid
Two Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a New Bra
1. Choosing a bra with the wrong cup size
Your cup size is a measure of the fullness of your bosom and few women actually wear the correct bra size after their body begins to change shape with menopause. Mostly out of habit I suspect – there’s the commonly heard refrain – but I’ve always been a size…. That was then, this is now!
Signs you’ve got the wrong cup size on –
- There’s space between your skin and the inner fabric lining of your bra
- The bra sits out from your body, it doesn’t make contact
- Your boobs splosh about like water in a bucket – then your cup size is too large
- Your breasts slide-out under the bottom of your cups and band
- You have spillage out of the sides into your armpits
- There is a distinct pillow over the top of your bra – then the cup size you’re wearing is too small
The perfect outcome in bra cup size
That means the reverse of all these situations must mean you’re wearing the right cup size!
If the fabric of your bra makes contact with skin, there is a smooth transition from the top of your bra to the curve of your bosom, your breasts are nicely contained at the bottom and sides of your bra, then you’ve got it right.
2. Getting band size of your bra wrong
With a possible little extra girth that comes with age, it’s not surprising to hear facts like 80% of women wear a bra band size too small.
So if the straps of your bra are leaving red marks or your suffering from shoulder or neck pain then your bra is likely to be the problem and more specifically you’re wearing the wrong size.
IMHO vanity over the number of your bra size is wasted!
Set aside any odd notions you have about numbers and sizes and just get a bra that actually fits properly … no matter the size!
Ideally, the right bra band size sits flat against your front, back and sides all the way around your body when it is hooked at the middle position.
And when they say, sitting flat, that means flat. The fabric of the band in the back should not give you a “spare tyre” on your back, neither should any lace or decorative elements be rolled over, under or folded. I hope you get the picture.
When there are 3 columns of hooks on the close strap you want it to be hooked together via the middle column. That way if you change shape or weight, or as the bra ages and stretches you can adjust by using one of the other columns of hooks.
A well-fitting bra will feel comfortable, without pressure across your nipples or tops of your shoulders.
Anything that feels like it’s crushing your ribs or makes it hard to breath is the wrong sized bra.
Now you’re armed with some do-it-yourself information.
So whether you choose to get a professional to help you find the right-sized bra or whether you slog it out in change rooms on your own, it’s time to get out there and regain your sexy silhouette and cleavage.
Some links and images in this blog post are paid for links by Perky Pear. Penelope Whiteley is a participant in the Perky Pear affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to perkypear.com.
