How To Find The Perfect Fit For The Most Comfortable Bra Ever
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Research shows that over 80% of women are wearing the incorrect bra size and do not know their perfect fit. Since bras are worn almost every day, this should not be a mystery. In reality, it is important information for any person who wears a bra. By definition, a bra is “a form-fitting undergarment that supports or covers one’s breasts” - so, buy one that will do its job well. Wearing the correct bra size ensures the support that your breasts, back, neck, and shoulders truly deserve. Look no further, the perfect fit does exist and there are ways to find it.
Why the Correct Bra Size Is Important
Wearing a perfect fitting bra is important because it is one effective way of taking care of your beautiful breasts and body! Research shows that women wear their bra for an average of 5-6 hours a day. This is a long time to wear something that does not fit you correctly!
When you do not wear the correct bra size it can cause discomfort in your chest, ribcage, neck, back, and shoulders—no matter how long you decide to wear one. If a bra is too small, it can feel too tight and pinch the sides of your back and breasts. It will feel and look uncomfortable. If it’s too big, your bust is not getting enough support likely leading to poor posture, premature sagging, and discomfort from your neck and all the way down your back. You want your boobs to feel secure and minimize any bounce. Therefore, wearing the incorrect bra size can create a domino effect of discomfort which can lead to other long-term health issues.
Comfort is another major reason why wearing a well fitting bra is important. When you wear the correct size, wearing a bra is easy. On top of the many things we already have to do, wearing a bra should not be another thing that stresses you out. Once you find that perfect fit, you can get through your day with more ease. When you are feeling comfortable in what you wear, wonderful things can happen. For example, you will feel more productive and will be able to focus more on crossing things off your to-do list. It will be great to feel a sense of relief once you find the bra that is meant for you and your body.
Therefore, wearing the correct bra size and finding your perfect fit is important because it contributes to your entire well-being.
Why Incorrect Bra Sizing Happens
Wearing the incorrect bra size is a common occurrence, so remember you’re not alone in this. There are many reasons why one wears the wrong size and, unfortunately, continues to do so.
Incorrect Measurements
Women often start on the wrong foot and are measured incorrectly from the first bra they have ever purchased. Major department stores offer to measure your bust as a free service. It can be a great starting point, but more than likely it will not be your final size. Keep in mind that the difference in sizes can be subtle and makes it easier to get an incorrect bra measurement. Also, it is common that women continue to wear the same size for years, prolonging the time away from a perfectly fitted bra. In addition to this, your bra size can differ between brands, similar to underwear, pants, shirts, and other types of clothing. This should be considered when shopping for your next bra.
Time for New Bras
Over time, bras get worn out like any other type of clothing. It depends on how often it is used and even the quality of the bra. The bra can be stretched out and the fabric can break down as time goes on. This includes both the straps, the bra cups, and hooks. Keep in mind that the straps and cups are working together to be that perfect fit, and if one is not in good condition then the bra can become the wrong size for your breasts.
Bra Type
There are multiple bra types, so which one is really your perfect fit? There are T-shirt bras, demi bras, balconette bras, wireless bras, and so many more. Different bra types exist due to preference, style, and for certain occasions. In some cases, your bra size may differ between bra types; this can lead to the incorrect bra for your poor breasts.
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LIVELY’s promise is not just high quality bras, but sharing a mindset that reminds, empowers, and enables women to live life doing everything that they love!
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Our Bodies Change
As human beings, we age and our lifestyles can change over time. With these transitions, the shape of our bodies, including our breasts can naturally change. This means that breasts shrink, get larger, change shape, like any other part of our body. Also, as time goes on our breasts may need extra support. So, if a new bra is not purchased to accommodate our new bodies, then we continue making the same mistake of wearing the incorrect bra size.
Shop This Brand: AERIE
Aerie’s marketing features real women, without retouching, and offers bras up to DDD.
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How to Find Your Perfect Fit
Now, we know why wearing the perfect fit bra is important, so time to find your perfect size!
There are two important measurements on your bra, the number, which represents the measurement around your bust (in inches), and the letter which represents your cup size. Again, both measurements are working hand in hand to support your breasts. A few signs that you have the perfect fit are: your breasts fill the cup completely, the bands or straps are not pinching your sides & back, and most importantly, it is comfortable and your breasts are supported.
Numerous companies offer bra calculators online and some are more thorough than others, such as ThirdLove. This company asks questions about the shape of your breast size. The options include bell-shaped, asymmetric, slender, athletic, and so much more. Check out their breast shape dictionary to get to know your precious breasts a little better.
Here is a calculator to assist with a DIY bust measurement. It shows a step-by-step guide to measure your underbust (the area underneath your breasts and around your back), then your actual bust in multiple positions with a soft measuring tape. The calculator recommends measuring your bust while standing, bent over, and while laying down. Also, be sure to measure your breasts bare for the most accurate measurements. After entering the specific numbers into the calculator, it will generate your perfect size.
If you feel that your current size is in the right spot, but not exactly the perfect fit, some easy adjustments can be done in less than 5 minutes. Again, bras can slowly get stretched out over time and become too loose to support your breasts. Therefore, you can adjust the shoulder straps to your preference and hopefully, it will feel like a brand new bra. Another trick is to change which hook you are currently using because it might be time to move to the second or third one depending on how snug the straps feel around your body. It is best practice to start with the last hook, then move further as the bra gets older. Another option is to try your “sister size” and you can either size up or down. When you “sister size up,” that means you go up one size for your straps, then one letter down for the cup. When you “sister size down,” you go down one number for your straps, then one letter up for the cup. If you need to go any further, it is best to measure yourself again.
Try: THIRDLOVE
ThirdLove offers a hassle-free 60 day return policy. Wash it, wear it, and try it or return it!
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What’s Next?
Now, you have the perfect fit bra! Your breasts feel supported, little to no body aches due to your bra, and you feel totally comfortable. It may even feel like you’re not wearing one at all. So, to continue this feeling and to buy bras perfectly fit for you, here are a few extra tips.
Measure Yourself Regularly
Regularly update your bust measurement every 3-6 months and this depends on your lifestyle. Again, there are many ways your body can change, so it’s good to stay up to date with your bra size. Feel free to do it yourself with an online calculator, with your own measuring tape, or have someone help you measure at the next place you buy your bra.
Hand Wash Your Bras
Hand washing your bra can maintain the quality of the fabric and the elasticity of the straps. If you do not want to hand wash, be sure to use a lingerie bag in your washer. Doing so will prolong the life of your favorite bras.
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Buy a New Bra After 6 Months of Use
This is a little easier to identify if you use the same bra often. If you switch between a few, then it might take more calculating. Basically, do not wait until your bra is falling apart to buy a new bra. Your breasts and body will thank you for treating them so well.
The perfect fitting bra is equal to comfort and support over anything else. No matter the brand, style, or quality of the bra, if it doesn’t fit you correctly it is worthless. So, happy measuring and shopping because your perfect fit is out there!
More Size Inclusive Lingerie Brands
CUUP
Sustainably made, CUUP offers bra sizes from A to H and offers online fittings to find your true sizing.
Impish Lee
Woman owned company, based in NYC, that produces ethically and sustainably made lingerie for women in all sizes.
Liberté
A female owned lingerie brand that focuses on high end, yet comfortable, undergarments, with bra sizes from A-H.
Evelyn Bobbie
One of the first lingerie brands to introduce a true nude palette (moving away from the discriminatory definition of “nude”) they have sought to create an inclusive line for all women.