As somebody with a fuller chest size, bra shopping has always been a thing of nightmares for myself. The frustrating experience of trying on multiple bras and nothing fitting the way it’s supposed to. It has always been something that has been dreaded. But there are some simple tips that make the experience a lot easier.
Get Fitted
Getting properly fitted for a bra is extremely important and makes all the difference in the world. Almost 4 out of 5 women wear the incorrect bra size. Wearing the wrong size bra can not only make you look heavier, but also affect the way your clothing fits. I recommend that every girl get professionally fitted. When you wear the correct size bra, you will see a vast improvement in the way you fit your clothing and how you feel about yourself. Though Victoria’s Secret does offer bra fittings, they are often young girls that have not been certified to fit you. I suggest going to department stores like Macy’s or Boston Store who are more likely to have associates that are certified in bra fitting. If these aren’t available to you, here’s a crash course in how your bra should fit.
Know Your Measurements
You should know your breast measurements at all times when shopping. Have your bra size and numbers written down on a card to reference. If you like to shop online, it is important to know all your measurements when you are unable to try something on. This quick reference will make the process quicker, saving you a lot of time. But if you do happen to lose your measurements, this video gives you a quick lesson on how to find your bra size yourself.
A Bra for Every Occasion
Even if you only live in sweaters everyday, it is necessary to have a variety of styles in bras. One type of bra does not work for all type of purposes. Don’t get stuck on just buying a certain type of bra just because you know it works. Make sure to include some other shapes and fits. There are several bras that should be in every girl’s wardrobe.
T-Shirt Bra– Look for a bra that is seamless, provides support, and feels comfortable. This will probably be used the most due to its versatility. Get one in nude as well. It will provide a more polished look underneath white shirts.
Strapless Bra: Purchase a strapless bra that doesn’t have you pulling it up every 5 minutes. Look for ones with a latex strip that helps keep it in place better.
High Performance Sports Bra– Buy a sports bra that locks the girls in place and prevents movement. The chest should be strapped in, if not, ligaments in your breasts can be damaged from harsh bouncing.
Quality, Quantity, and Care
A bra is something you wear everyday. Though they can be expensive, they should be looked at as an investment. Look for pieces that are made with nice materials that are made to be more long lasting. You should have about 7 to 10 bras in your closet. Though that seems like a lot, bras wear over excessive use and should be washed after each time. Oils from our skin can damage the elasticity of our bras and weaken their strength. You should try to hand wash your bras, but never put them in the dryer.
Don’t Get Frustrated
Just like snowflakes, no girl’s chest is exactly the same. Bra shopping is not a one size fits all experience. It is going to take some trial and error to find what works for you. Just remember that it’s not your fault if a certain style that fit in one store, doesn’t fit in another. Stores design their products differently. Some use more padding than others and some may use different sizing. So don’t let it upset you when a bra doesn’t fit correctly. Forget about it, and try on something else. If the first 3 bras don’t work, keep going. It might just be the 4th bra that is the perfect fit.