If you hate bra shopping, you’re not alone. And if the feeling of wearing a bra sometimes verges on unbearable, there’s good reason for that too. Lots of us are walking around in bras that don’t fit properly – which can be painful and leave you with an odd-shaped bust.
According to underwear brands and those who fit them for a living, we’ve been getting it wrong this whole time. Whether you want a bra to give you lift, help out with side support or something else for bigger boobs – we have advice from the experts themselves: How do I find a well fitting bra?
How to Find the Best-Fitted Bra for Yourself
Each woman has a distinct breast shape, a significant determinant in finding the most suitable bra. Opt for bras that complement your outfit, prioritizing fit and comfort over appearance or color. Incorrect bra choices may lead to displacement of breast tissue or sagging. Ensure that appropriate undergarments are selected to prevent damage to costly attire. If you are tired of side bulges, do not worry. Below are some expert advice tips to help you find the well-fitting bra that best suits your shape.
Measure Your Size Correctly
Familiarize yourself with your bra size with precise measurements of your bust and underbust. Utilize online size calculators and charts to ascertain your exact measurements. Assess your band size accurately, wearing a lightly lined bra for a more natural breast shape. Measure your bust while ensuring the tape is positioned at the fullest part, parallel to your band. Determine the correct cup size by subtracting the band size from your bust size, with each inch difference indicating a cup size increase. Keep in mind that size charts may vary across brands.
Give Importance to Band Size
The band primarily provides support, with the actual backing originating from it (the existence of strapless bras attests to this). Although the cups play a role in holding the breasts, it’s the band that ensures most of the support. While the straps support the bust, their primary function is maintaining the cup’s position against the body and shaping the breast. According to bra experts, if the band and cup fit well, you should be able to remove the straps and move around comfortably while the well-fitting bra stays in place.
Recognize Your Shape
Various bra styles cater to distinct breast shapes. Determine your breast shape to select the appropriate style that offers the best support and enhances your silhouette. For the best guidance, we’ve shortlisted a few standard breast shapes and a perfect bar to choose from.
● Breasts with a teardrop shape are fuller at the bottom and slightly less voluminous at the top. To balance out the volume discrepancy, opt for an underwired bra with a vertical seam, which will provide lift.
● Round-shaped breasts are perfectly circular. Instead of altering the shape, prioritize finding a bra that offers support and comfort.
● An east-west breast shape is characterized by breasts angling towards opposite sides of the torso. To achieve a more contoured look, a push-up bra is ideal.
● Bell-shaped breasts feature a rounder and fuller bottom. Opt for a full-coverage bra to provide adequate support to the bottom without straining the top.
● Many women have asymmetrical breasts, but there’s a simple solution to counter the appearance of one breast being smaller than the other. A t-shirt bra can visually minimize the size difference, while full cups can enhance the appearance of symmetry.
Measure Sister Size
Understanding both your primary size and your “sister size” is essential. Similar to other notoriously challenging-to-shop-for items like jeans, bras of the same size can vary significantly in fit across different brands and styles. If a bra doesn’t fit your usual size, it could work in your sister’s size. For example, if you wear a 34C, bras fit more comfortably in a 32D or 36B.
Conclusion
In sum, discovering a well-fitting bra is essential to ensure comfort and support. Various factors, including band size, rib cage circumference, and bust size, play a role in achieving the ideal fit. Measure the circumference just beneath the bust to determine your size accurately. Avoid wearing bras that cause discomfort by digging into your shoulders, riding up your back, gaping open, or spilling out of the cups.
