It’s a new year and yet 80% of women (including myself) are still wearing the wrong bra size! I decided to start the New Year off right and find the perfect bra. I mustered up all the confidence I had and went to the mall to finally get this problem taken care of. Here are my rules to success to finding the perfect fit and bra!
1. Go Shopping With Someone You Are Comfortable With
This is not the time to go on your first outing with your brand new friend from Biology 101. Shopping for a bra can be a sensitive experience for some girls. You want to go with someone you are comfortable with and who will be honest with you, such as your mother or a close friend. You don’t want to feel awkward or embarrassed. Plus, you want to make sure you pick a bra that looks good! A close friend or your mother will let you know what looks good! They will be honest, and sway you away from the really pretty lacy bra that is too small, giving you the “uni-boob” look. I decided to bring along my mother
and a close friend who was also getting fitted.
2. Get A Professional Bra Fitting
Almost all major department stores and mall stores specializing in intimate apparel have a professional bra fitter, and most offer this service free of charge. I went to Victoria’s Secret, but there are many other stores that offer this service. You can measure yourself and Victoria’s Secret has a great guide to do that online, but you will have a much easier time with a professional fitter. A professional fitter will adjust how she fits the bra based on the current size you a wearing and if it is a push-up bra.
At Victoria’s Secret they measure you in the dressing room, so there is no need to be embarrassed! My professional fitter asked me what size I was wearing and if I was wearing a push-up. I was, so that factored into the fitting. To my surprise, I had been wearing the right bra all along, a 34D or its sister size 36C.
3. Actually Try On The Bra
While my measurements might have been to this size, upon trying on the 34D the professional fitter agreed that the cup size was too small. The bra should lie flat against your breasts, you don’t want the “quadruple boob” look. I tried on the 34DD and it was perfect! My professional fitter explained that sometimes this happens. Everyone and every bra is different so it is important to try each bra on.
4. Choose A Bra That Works With Your Size
Depending on your size, you want to choose the correct style. For smaller women, you want just enough support and padding to keep you comfortable and give you shape. For larger women, you want something with structure and full coverage. If you’re in the middle, you’ll want a combination of both styles. It really all depends on what you are comfortable in. I chose a cotton full coverage style. It’s breathable and simple, perfect for everyday use!
5. Go To A Reputable Store
There are many resources around town to give you the best experience. You can go to Nordstrom, Macy’s, or Victoria’s Secret at Towson Town Center. If you are looking for more unusual sizes you can try Bare Necessities in Timonium. Lane Bryant’s Cacique line of intimate apparel has a great and affordable selection for plus-size girls. Still having trouble? Drive out to Bra-la-la in Fulton, which has one of the largest selections in the area. They have sizes 28AA to 50K.
7. Have Fun!
Go with close friends and try a bunch on! Bra shopping can be a fun, enjoyable experience! Bras can be one of our most unique and special items of clothing. Even if you don’t have a special someone, a pretty bra is something that every girl can enjoy for herself!
Sources: seventeen.com; Victoria’s Secret; Victoria’s Secret Online Bra Fitting Guide