Let’s face it, no one likes to go bra shopping. I am starting to think that most women hate it more than jean shopping. I go to work everyday excited to help women feel better about themselves and getting the properly fitted bra. However on a daily basis, I have women that come into my store, and tell me how much they dreaded coming in to get fitted. I am always up to the challenge to make women see that a properly fitting undergarment sets the tone for the day and your appearance to yourself and others. In some aspects it could be life changing.
Most women find some type of flaw with their breasts and the bras that they wear. However I am here to tell you that there is a perfect fitting bra for every women. Yes bras can be comfortable and you will feel better about yourself. As a fitter, with over 14 years of experience, I am here to tell you that I am not here to judge your breasts. I just want to help you feel great in your body.
Most women reading this article do not know their correct bra size. In a recent poll, over 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Most of you, after you get fitted, will be in total shock that you are the size that was measured. Being in the industry for a long time, I have found that there are three types of misconceptions about bra sizing.
1. Cup Size
More than likely you will need a bigger cup size. I know you think I am crazy in saying that, but it is true. Most women have a preconceived notion of what a B, C, D etc. cups are supposed to look like. Please throw that notion out the window with your old cup size. Your cup size alone does not dictate the size of your breasts. Bra size is comprised of two components: the band and the cup. They are not independent; they’re interrelated. All cup sizes are not created equally, There will be less volume in a 30D than a 40D. Many women come into my store and after I measure them they tell me that it is impossible to be a D cup. It is a relative size. If you have a small frame you need a small band size, but the volume of your breasts might make you an F cup. For example, a 30F women will have the same volume of breast tissue as a 38C. Please stop thinking of the cup size and focus on your band size instead. Insane, I know, but it will make a world of difference on how you view your bra.
2. Band Size
Most women will need a smaller band size. If you wear a band size that it is too big then your breasts will not be supported. Bras are designed to distribute the majority of the weight across your back. In order to do that your bra needs to be tight enough so that it does not slip around your rib cage. If the band size is too loose than all the support of your bra will be in the straps causing shoulder and back pain. A proper band size will stop the pain in the shoulders and make you look thinner in the process. It will lift your breasts off your rib cage therefore making the straps not slip. Most women that come into my shop will say that they are a much bigger band size than they really are. Once you get the correct band size, you will see a world of difference in your bra sizing.
3. Bra Type Ideology
Most women that come into the store want a lined bra for support, plus for some other discreet reasons. A lined bra, or a t-shirt bra as they are sometimes called, are not the only bras out there. A unlined bra can be just as supportive and during the summer months will not be as uncomfortable. Depending on the volume of your breasts a unlined bra might actually fit you better. Please be open to trying different styles, it may surprise you that it could give you a better fit. Sometimes women will say they only want a certain style of bra. Then they complain that no bra fits them. The style of the bra is just as important as the cup and band size. Be open to new styles, you might find something that will have a better fit.
Now that we have these misconceptions out the window, lets learn the size rules of a proper bra fit:
- The band should be snug. A new bra will feel tighter than the worn out bra you came into the store with. However it should not be so tight that it digs into your skin.
- The center gore should rest flush against your breast bone.
- The bra wires should sit on your rib cage, not on your breast tissue. If it does, then the cups are too small.
- The front and back of the band should be even at the same height, and parallel to the floor.
- Your breast tissue should be fully contained in the cups.
- Your straps should not be digging into or falling off your shoulders.
Even when a bra fits all these rules, you may still not like the way it fits your body. In our next article we will go into detail about the type of bra styles and the pros and cons about them to help you make a more informed decision.
I know that it might sound complicated and you might be better off going jean shopping tomorrow, but I promise it does not have to be a painful experience. At In the Mood Intimates, we try to make it as pain-free as possible. We work with you and your body type to come up with the best solution for you. You are beautiful and gorgeous and you should feel that way every day. The right undergarments can have such a huge impact on your emotional well being.
We are honored and proud if you will let us help you find the perfect fitting bra. We are located in the Brick Walk in Downtown Fairfield. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Oh, thank you for this post! I have such a hard time finding bras that fit me well before. Articles like this are really helpful. Thanks!