Bra-vo! Top tips for a perfect fit
Fashion stylist RIVKIE BAUM says finding the right bra is easy – you just have to follow a few simple rules
IMAGINE buying a pair of shoes in the wrong size. You wouldn’t walk around in discomfort for days, you would go back to the shop to find a pair that fitted. However studies have shown that 80 per cent of UK women are wearing the wrong-sized bra – and if you haven’t been for a fitting in the past six months, chances are you could be one of them.
Yet just last week the Daily Express reported that most women keep their bras for six years, with three million admitting to holding on to their favourites for more than a decade.
Wearing the wrong bra can lead to a range of problems from poor posture and chafing to backache, while the right one will not only be comfortable but will ensure your clothes fit better.
So if your bra collection could do with a refresh, follow our simple rules to ensure you find the perfect fit.
GET FITTED EVERY SIX MONTHS
Six months is a long time in lingerie. Your body changes constantly and if you aren’t fitted regularly it’s easy to end up wearing the wrong size.
So whether you have lost or gained weight, had a hormonal change due to contraception, pregnancy or the menopause or started a new medication, a twice-yearly fitting will ensure you’re in the right size.
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
Never buy a bra without trying it on first. No two brands are alike and as there is such a variety of styles and cuts, not every bra will fit you in the same way.
To get the best shape try before you buy and be prepared for the fact your size may vary depending on which brand you choose.
FIND A BALANCE
Most women have some degree of asymmetry when it comes to their bust. It’s normal and nothing to worry about. However it can make bra shopping a challenge.
The trick is to fit the larger size first as it is easier to fill out a cup that is slightly too big than correct overspill on one that is too small.
Adjust the straps, making them tighter on the side that is smaller.
CHECK THE BACK BAND
When you first wear a bra, fasten it on the outer clasp. The back band will stretch through wear and washing so if you start on the outer clasp you can tighten it over the bra’s lifetime.
The back band should sit horizontally around your body so check in a mirror to ensure it isn’t riding up.
After fastening the bra you should be able to run two fingers around and underneath the back band – if not it’s too small.
GO UP AND DOWN
If you can’t find the right cup size don’t settle for one that’s too big or too small. Instead try going up a cup size and down a back size at the same time. So rather than jumping from a 32C to a 32D, try a 30D. Equally if you want to go up a back size, try the next cup size down and you may find a better fit.
DON’T BE A FRILL-SEEKER
Dainty and frilly straps can look pretty. However if you have a larger bust, chances are you will need more support. Pay attention to the width of the straps and back band and also the number of clasps on offer. For bigger cup sizes look for three-clasp fastenings and wider straps that won’t dig into your shoulders.
STRAP YOURSELF IN
When trying on a bra for the first time make sure to adjust the straps. Once tightened you should still be able to get two fingers underneath and they should sit comfortably on your shoulders without pulling.
The straps are responsible for ensuring your bust line sits in the right place, which can make it look as if you’ve dropped a dress size.
TIME TO GET WIRED
The wire from an underwired bra should sit flat against the body, between and underneath the cups. There should be no overspill anywhere along your bra line, at the sides or underneath the cups.
A well-fitting underwired bra shouldn’t feel uncomfortable so if you can’t wait to take your bra off at the end of a day it’s a good sign you need to go to be fitted.
MAKE IT A NO-SHOW
You might think a white bra is the obvious choice to wear under a white T-shirt or shirt. However this is a surefire way to flash your lingerie. If you want to hide your bra under white clothing it’s best to opt for a red or flesh-tone design which will be invisible.
LOOK AFTER YOUR LINGERIE
Ideally you should change your bra daily and wash it after every use. Underwired bras will last much longer if they are hand-washed in warm soapy water and rinsed in cool water.
If you are going to wash bras in a machine do so on a delicate cycle and put them in a net laundry bag to protect them. They should then be hung up to drip dry.