The Right Bra for Every Occasion
We know the stories of how women can’t wait to get home and throw their bras off. The constant adjusting so the underwire or binding doesn’t dig in. The pulling the bra up because of spillage over the top of your bra and leaving a noticeable wobbly lump under your top. The stabbing into your armpits and ribs. All of these things mean your bra doesn’t fit properly!
A bra that fits well can do more than just help you look good—it can also make you feel healthier. A bra that’s too big, too small, or just doesn’t fit right can cause back pain, irritate your skin, and generally make you feel uncomfortable. Realistically, most of the time it shouldn’t feel like you’re wearing anything.
1. Measure before you go. Your bra size can change from year to year, so make sure you’re up to date. Changes in weight and hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause) can both affect size. Use a flexible cloth measuring tape to measure two areas: directly below your breasts around your rib cage, and around the fullest part of your breasts. The first number determines your band size, the second your cup size—each inch above your band size equals one cup size. So if your band measurement is 32 inches and your cup 35 inches, you’d be a 32C. You can also ask a salesperson at a lingerie or department store to do it for you. But it’s a good idea to have some baseline numbers before you go.
2. Wear a T-shirt when you shop. This way you’ll be able to see what the bra looks like even under the thinnest clothing.
3. Try it on the right way. Lean about halfway forward, swoop and scoop your breast tissue into the cups, then fasten the back. Stand up and adjust the straps to ensure that all of your breast tissue is where it should be.
4. Watch for key fit concerns. On the no-no list: Boob spillage over the top of the cups (too small). Gaping in the cups (too big). Straps digging into your shoulders or sliding down. Any kind of pinching in the back band, or rolls of skin that bulge beyond the edge. You should be able to comfortably fasten a bra on the second or third hook—if only the last hook will do, it’s too small. The bridge of the bra (centred between the cups) and the underwire around the sides should sit completely flush with the skin. You could also try front-fastening bras from insight clothing.
5. Buy enough to last. Depending on how often it’s washed and worn, the average bra can last from 6 months to a year without getting stretched out. Investing in two or three styles at once means you’ll have plenty of choices for different outfits and requirements.
Personally, I prefer to wear Berlei bras. I have never had an issue with comfort or fit and they last for years.
Our picks:
From left: Lift & Shape Balconette Spacer Bra, Playtex Ultralight Illusion Bra, Truly You Balconette Bra, and Luxury Lace Classic Non-Contour Bra.
Just as the right clothes help you look and feel your best, the right bra could be the missing puzzle piece to perfecting your outfit.
