Hi Everyone. Ok so this post is one for all women and you guessed it, it's all about bras. As someone who has been a bra fitter for five years, I feel I know something about the subject. I can not emphasis enough how important it is to have a bra fitting at least once a year. You might always be the same size, you might have completely changed. But here are some key things to look out for which means it's time for a fitting.
1. Your bra strap is riding up at the back. The back of your bra should always be in a straight line. If you feel you need to pull the bra down, it can either mean the bra is too old, or it's too big in the back (the 32,34,36 part).
2. The under wire is digging in. This is one of the most important reasons to get a fitting. If a wire digs into the breast tissue, this can lead to a benign lump, as well as causing discomfort.
3. If you lift your arms, the bra comes away from you. Well if this happens, it can be VERY embarrassing. This can mean two things, firstly you need a bigger cup size (A, B, C, D etc) and possibly a small back size. (complicated isn't it!)
4. Your bra feels tight. Ok this is the problem I hear over and over again. This does not necessarily mean you need a bigger back size, but can just mean you need a bigger cup size.
Any of these ring a bell? Ok so if you do feel that you need to now get a fitting, make sure that your fitter doesn't just use a tape measure. Someone once told me that a tape measure can not measure volume. They can be handy, but a good fitter shouldn't need to use one.
When you are trying bras on, do the hooks on the loosest setting so as the bra gets older you can tighten them (unless you are pregnant when it should be the other way round, so as the pregnancy goes on, you can loosen the bra for comfort).
Also make sure the fitter adjusts the straps. The straps should only give 15-20% of the support but it can make the final tweak to the bra, and the straps shouldn't digging into the shoulder but not falling down either.
Make sure you can put the bra on yourself! Sounds simple but sometimes people actually forget to try and put the bra on themselves. And finally, make sure you feel comfy in it.
And when you have your new bras, please please please hand wash them. Put them in a sink to soak with some liquid (do not use fabric conditioner, it will destroy the elastic), leave to soak and hang somewhere cool to dry.
I hope this helps a few of you. It can make such a difference to your posture and even your dress size when you are wearing the correct fitting bra, and is not something to worry about. xx
