4 Major Tips on Choosing The Perfect Bra

Wearing the right bra size is crucial to fostering breast health. However, while statistics show about 80 percent of women are oblivious they are wearing the wrong bra size, others have a variety of issues finding or choosing ones with perfect fit. Whichever category you may fall, find 4 handy tips that should guide every of your purchases…

1. Know the right band size for you. Some women wear bras with too large band size. This does not provide sufficient support for the breasts. Since bands are usually elastic and prone to wear and tear, make sure the bra band fits snugly on the loosest hook so that when the band stretches over time, you can continue to tighten by adjusting where you place the hook.

A good way to get your right band size is to stand upright in a relaxed manner and have someone use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your chest (just under your breasts and around your back), ensuring the tape rests flat on your skin and goes straight across your back. Opt for a bra with exact band size or add an inch or two, depending on how it fits when you try it on.

Note that if the bra band rides up on your back, the band is too large for you and you’ll need to try on a smaller size. In addition, the support of your bra should come from the band, not the strap. If you have large strap marks on your skin when you take your bra off it, the band may be too loose.

2. The right cup size. Have someone measure around the fullest part of your bust (across the nipple) while you’re wearing a bra, making sure the measurement goes straight around your entire back. Subtract the number you get from your band size to arrive at your appropriate cup size. For instance, if your band size is 38, and you got 36 after the above measurement, your cup size is 2. Note that cup size zero should opt for AA, 1 for A, 2 for B, 3 for C, 4 for D, 5 for DD, and 6 for DDD.

Make sure the bra cup is smooth, without wrinkles. It’s also important to ensure the cup mold is perfect for your breast shape.

Combine your band and cup size to arrive at the appropriate bra size you should get. For instance, 38D, 36B, 38DD, and so on. Note that your bra size will likely change if you add or loss weight, so, be sure to check again if you do.

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3. Take your time to choose. Shop for your bras when you really have time to spare. Don’t send others to help you purchase either as you can only tell if it fits perfectly after trying it on. Remember, even if the same size on your previous purchases is written on them, they may not fit the same way.  So, take your time to shop by yourself and refrain from listening to sellers’ often manipulative comments aimed at luring you to buy, even when you think they are not comfortable enough or the perfect size for you.

The back of the bra should rest comfortably against the middle of your back and you should feel absolutely comfortable wearing it, with your breasts well supported.

4. Get help. If you have trouble getting accurate measurements or choosing bras that fit, ask sales associates at bra or lingerie stores for advice. They should be able to offer appropriate guidance to get you well informed about what to do for your current and subsequent purchases.

Finally, besides fostering breast health and comfort, wearing the right bra size and suitable bra type for different outfits influences how your clothes fit. So, invest time and money into choosing quality ones that are just perfect for you.

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