All opinions are mine and mine alone.
Bra or no bra should be a personal decision and something that you are comfortable with. Some people, though, prefer to have a bra no matter the weather or time of day. And, not all bras are made equal; heck, even the sizes from store to store will vary!
It makes getting the right fit of bra a nightmare at the best of times. But isn’t it great when you find the one that doesn’t bite your shoulders or leave red marks on your side?
A bad bra can ruin your day pretty easily; the straps start to chafe, the support is lacking, and those with bigger breasts end up with pools of sweat in the summer – buying a bra can be a tricky thing. And while this list won’t solve everything, it can help a lot!
Is it the boobs or the bra?
No, the boobs aren’t at fault here! Over the years, some drop, some sag, and some make a home on the stomach. They do what they like. For others, though, heavy breasts can be the issue, and no amount of material can make you feel better about it. Not everyone feels confident or happy with their breasts, and there are options; clicking here will give you some info about options.
Where do you start with a bad bra, though?
When was the last time that you were measured by a professional for a new bra? Millions of people wear the same bra size for a lot longer than they should, or size up the band of cup and hope for the best. Every bra style will also make a difference here, some people have much larger breasts and they spill over in a balconette style bra.
So take a look at the sizes of bra that you currently wear and ask yourself – do they really fit or are you just making the most of them because you have them?
Measurement time!
Not comfortable getting yourself measured in a store? No problem. Many people feel the same and would rather work it out themselves at home. Grab a tape measure and stand up – without a bra on. Get a pencil and some paper and here is where you measure:
- Measure around where the band sits, so around your back and under your bust.
- Pull the tap snug but not too tight
- Use inches, and that number is your band size (if it is odd it is better to round it up).
Once you have your first number, it is time to get the cup size. This can be tricky for some people, but it is best to use the bra that you wear that is comfortable, without padding and not a bra designed to reduce your size.
Ideally have your breasts sitting in the place that you want them to sit in your new bra. Measure the fullest part of your bust, and here is where some light mathematics happens.
The difference in your first measurement and your second measurement gives the cup size. So if there are 9 inches difference between your first measurement and second that would put you in the GG category, while 2 inches difference would be a B and so on.
Use the combination to find your bra size – is it much different to what you have been wearing? Many people find the band size they are wearing to be too small and the cup to be too big (which can work well!).
Is there a way to tell if my bra fits correctly?
A bra that fits will do the job of giving you support but feel like you don’t have one on. Keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the straps and the hooks on the band to make it fit perfectly – but once that is done, it shouldn’t feel like you have anything in.
Your breasts should sit between your elbows and your shoulders, and have no spillage or side escapes. Bulging, rolling or straps biting mean that either this isn’t the right size, or you need to reconsider the style.
Is it the cups or the band that offers support?
Something that surprises many people is that it is the band that gives 80% of the support, and if that is loose, even the best cup won’t give you the support you need. You should be able to fit two fingers between your skin and the band all the way around, and three fingers at the back of the bra.
New bras need a little time to stretch so if you can fit one finger when you first buy it, then it will fit two in a few short washes and wears. Check the fit of your bras four times a year (either when on your period or off it due to breast size fluctuations).
My straps are sliding off – what gives?
If your straps are sliding off it could mean either they aren’t adjusted correctly – or your shoulders naturally slope. In which case a racerback is the best option.
Getting the right bra is the foundation of feeling great in what you are wearing, here are some tips to help you get even more confidence: Simple Fixes to Boost your Body Confidence – It’s Peachy Keen.
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