Buying lingerie is a worthy investment.
A bra that fits well and supports your breasts is essential to your mental and physical well-being.
But finding the right bra can often be a struggle, especially when you don’t know where to start or what to look for.
Bra fittings can also be a daunting experience, which is why it is useful to know how to measure yourself and what to look for in the perfect bra.
DESIblitz presents you with 10 top tips on how to measure yourself and what to look out for when finding the right bra.
Knowing your Measurements
Knowing your measurements is integral to finding the right bra as you need to know your bra size before beginning your quest.
Bra size is usually measured by band and bust size and can be measured yourself at home using a tape measure or by going to a bra fitting.
Using a tape measure, you can accurately measure your band size by snugly wrapping the tape around your ribcage and under your bust which will give a measurement that you should round to the nearest inch for your band number.
To measure your cup size, also known as bust size, you once again take the tape measure and wrap it around the fullest point of your bust.
Once you have both measurements, subtract the band from the bust to find your cup size.
The numbered difference indicates the size. For instance, a difference of 1 inch would be an A cup.
Band Support
Most of the bra’s support comes from the band, so ensuring it comfortably sits on your back and supports you is incredibly important.
The band of your bra should lie flat on your back without riding up too high or digging into your skin.
If your band rides too high on your back, it could be a sign that your band is too big.
You should consider sizing down the band size until you find one that is firm.
Another sign that your bra band may be too big for you is if your breasts are spilling out the bottom.
You should also consider sizing down the band if this persists as under-spillage is a major no-no.
Seam and Underwire Check
Underwired bras have a semi-circle, rigid, material sitting at the bottom of the cups to help lift, support and shape the breasts.
However, if the underwire is hurting you and digging into your skin, this can mean your cup size may be too small.
When wearing underwired bras, it’s important that the wire does not sit on your breast tissue or armpit and should comfortably sit on your ribcage as this not only hurts but can cause issues with how your breasts develop.
Consider increasing your cup size if underwired bras are hurting you or consider non-wired bras as an alternative.
Proper Cupping
When wearing a bra, you should ensure that your breast tissue fits comfortably in the cups and that there is no over-spillage.
A way to ensure this is the scoop-and-swoop method where you scoop each of your breasts into your bra ensuring that your breast tissue sits in the centre of your cup without any gaps.
This method ensures that your breasts sit comfortably without the fear of spilling out.
If your breasts are spilling out of the top of your bra, that may be a sign that you have the wrong cup size.
Consider sizing up as there should be a smooth line when the cups end on your breast as opposed to a bulge.
Find your Favourite Style
Bras come in a variety of different shapes and styles.
By looking into different bra styles, you may find the perfect one for you that makes you feel confident and secure.
For instance, if you are looking for bra styles that specifically enhance or flatter the chest area then balcony and plunge styles may be for you.
However, if you are looking for a more practical, everyday bra that has fuller coverage, then fuller cup styles like t-shirt and sports bras may be more your style.
The Front should Lie Flat
If the centre of your bra does not lie flat against your chest and sternum, this may be a sign your bra does not fit.
This could mean that your cup size is too small meaning your breasts are pushing the bra centre away or that your band support is inadequate.
Often when this problem occurs with bras, it can put off your entire outfit and make t-shirts sit strangely against your body.
Therefore, to resolve this issue, look out for bras that have bigger cups and smaller band sizes to increase your comfort.
Know your Shape
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes and so do bodies, which is why it is important to know your body and breast shape when looking for a bra.
It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong body or breast shape as everyone’s bodies are different, meaning what works for you won’t necessarily work for someone else.
For instance, bras that work for a smaller bust may not always work for a bigger bust so knowing what works for your shape is incredibly important.
Those with bigger busts may find that fuller cup or balconette bras work best for them, especially with thicker straps for added support whereas for a smaller bust, a bralette or a crop top style may be more to their taste.
Comfortable Straps
Comfort is key when it comes to lingerie, which is why it’s important to find and wear bras with straps that sit comfortably on your shoulders.
Most have adjustable straps already, but it’s always important to ensure that these straps sit properly on your shoulders and are adjusted according to your comfort.
Straps shouldn’t be too loose nor dig into your shoulders as this can cause issues as to how your breast grow if you are still developing.
Straps that are too tight may even leave red marks on your shoulders and back which is not only painful but can be harmful to your blood circulation.
Try Different Brands
Buying lingerie is a worthy investment.
However, before purchasing anything it’s useful to know which brand to buy from.
Some brands may run smaller or bigger than your actual size so it’s important to research the brands that are right for you and cater to your exact size.
There are many different brands that you can try out that provide excellent quality lingerie.
Bravissimo, Fenty, Boux Avenue, M&S, and Ann Summers are all brands that cater to a wide range of quality styles and sizes.
Feel Good
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when finding the perfect bra is to feel good!
Quite often we forget the impact clothing and lingerie can have on our self-esteem and how we feel about ourselves and our bodies.
This is why it’s important to choose bras that you feel good and look great in.
A bra that makes you feel good, is comfortable and is to your taste, can make all the difference in how you go about your day and what you wear.
If you’ve been struggling with finding the right bra, now is the time to make some changes and look for those that are the right fit for you.
Don’t settle for an uncomfortable bra that pinches at your skin, is too big or is just generally ill-fitting.
Your comfort should be key when it comes to your breasts, so bear these tips in mind and take the time to invest in bras that work for you.
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