Balcony, t-shirt, bandeau, strapless, halter, lace, padded, underwired, plunge….there may be many different bra styles and designs, but there is only one essential rule to remember: make sure it fits! Yes, I know, that seems really obvious, but did you know that most of us are wearing the wrong bra size?
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Whether you are an A cup or a G cup, the right bra is an essential part of your outfit, not something that gets forgotten because it may not be seen. If we go clothes shopping, we’ll try on numerous options before selecting what makes us feel great – so why aren’t we doing that with bras?
Don’t waste your money guessing your bra size, or sticking with the size you’ve worn for the past 10 years. Measuring is the only way you’ll know your true size, we recommend you get a Bra Fit service for accurate advice.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes we make when buying a bra, and how to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your assets!
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Finding the Perfect Fit
There are two important measurements that you will need before shopping for the perfect bra – your back size and your cup size. The back size is the number on the label (e.g. 32, 36 or 40), while the cup size is the letter (e.g. A, B, DD, F). Both need to be right so that you – and your breasts – are as comfortable as possible.
If you’re not sure what a ‘good fit’ means, these are some good rules to follow:
- The band that runs under the breasts and around your back should be snug, but not so tight it digs in to your skin. There should be enough room to fit two fingers underneath.
- If you are wearing an underwired bra, the wires should sit flat against your chest. Go up a back size if the wires are digging into your breasts or if the wires are raised away from your breastbone.
- The cup of the bra should mould to your skin and be flush with your breasts. There should be no gaping space (cups too big) and no spilling over the top of the cups or under the arms (cups too small).
- The bra straps should not be falling down or digging in to your skin. The right bra will have most of the support coming from the underband, so the straps should be able to be loosened without affecting the fit of the bra.
Changing Shapes and Bra Size
Our bodies change all the time as a result of hormonal changes, pregnancy, nursing, weight fluctuations, surgery and more. And while we may buy clothing in a different size, how many of us take the time to go and get re-measured for the right bra size? Guilty as charged here, I admit it!
Holding on to bras that no longer fit just because they are pretty or expensive or sexy is the same as keeping those jeans we all hope to fit back in some day…it’s time to claim back control and love the body you’re in now. This body deserves clothes and bras that fit, that compliment your shape, and that leave you feeling strong and confident.
Larger Busts
If you are a D cup or larger, you may find it harder to find comfortable, stylish, affordable lingerie – and, let’s face it, we want the same frilly, pretty, lacy bras everyone else gets to choose from!
Maternity and Nursing
Oh I remember how daunting this was! As a dedicated underwire girl, it was a shock to the system to know that these aren’t recommended from early pregnancy – the wires can be restrictive and uncomfortable for fast-growing breasts, and can potentially restrict milk ducts. But don’t panic, there are still plenty to choose from!
Maternity bras have come a long way, and there are lots of pretty, functional and supportive bras to choose from – but remember that your shape and size will continue to change in the coming months. By the third trimester, most pregnant women are two back sizes and four cup sizes bigger than their pre-pregnancy size!
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Post-Surgery
If you have recently had breast surgery, you may have sensitive scar tissue, swelling and tenderness around the breasts, so a well-fitted bra is important. We were thrilled to see that M&S has worked with the charity Breast Cancer Now to create a post-surgery range of bras. You won’t need to sacrifice on style as the bras are pretty AND comfortable – plus, better still, M&S will donate 10% from every product in the range to Breast Cancer Now to support research into breast cancer.
The range includes supported prosthesis pockets in both cups with easy opening, as well as soft cotton designed not to rub, fabric to keep you cool, and smooth microfibre straps and trimmings to be as sensitive as possible.
Smoother Lines
If VBL (visible bra line) drives you crazy and you can’t abide the feeling of labels, seams and stitches, look for bras with extra-thin cups and ultra-fine edges to help create a smoothing effect under your clothes.
What Bras Do You Need?
Now that you know what size you are, you may need to reconsider your lingerie collection. There are 4 bras every woman needs – and anything after that is a bonus!
- A good sports bra is essential as it supports and protects the delicate breast tissue. A sports bra will prevent your breasts from moving around, minimising ‘bounce’ and reducing the chance of friction and irritation that wearing a normal bra might cause.
- A strapless bra is always useful and can be worn under cami tops, as well as strapless tops and dresses.
- A t-shirt bra for smooth lines, a seamless silhouette and great everyday comfort.
- A white, nude or neutral bra so you don’t get caught out when wearing a light coloured top (personal experience!)
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Have you been measured for your correct bra size? Do you need a bra revamp? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
About the Author: Emily Manning
