Perky and Proud, or Squeezed and Displeased?
Many of you are probably not wearing the best size bra for you, and could be achieving better results if you did. When you put on or lose weight, have kids, grow taller, get older etc. your bra size can change. We don't take the time to check this correctly on a regular basis.
It only takes a few minutes to check you are wearing the correct size, so why not do it now? Unless you're stood in the middle of the supermarket right now, then I'd possiby recommend waiting until you get home. A well-fitting bra can produce amazing results. Wearing the correct size bra will also ensure that your breasts are supported well, giving you the best profile and relieving strain.
Get that measuring tape out!
Here's the correct way to measure:
Step 1: Grab yourself a nice soft tape measure with inches on (preferably not a rusty steel rule from the garage)
Step 2. Underbust Measurement - Run a tape measure horizontally around your body, just underneath your breasts, and take a measurement in inches. Make sure the tape measure is snug and relax your arms as far as possible. If the measurement is an odd number, try the two sizes around it. For example, if you measured 31", start trying on bras in a 30" and 32" size. If it was an even number, use that to start and remember that every bra is different (NOTE: Some bra fitting guides and calculators will tell you to add four or five inches to your underbust measurement, but this is outdated advice. The "add four" method was popularised by Warners in the 1930s when bra design was in its infancy - it simply doesn't work well with modern bras.)
Step 3: Since everyone's breasts are different in terms of shape (even between your own breasts), the most accurate way to determine your cup size is by using your current bra size as a starting point. If you don't have an existing bra, take a look at the sized cups for your band and give the one that you feel will be the best a try. The cups are sized relative to the band, so if you were to try a smaller band size but keep the same cup size, the cups would be too small - if you go down a band size you need to go up a cup size. If you decide to go up a band size, then to maintain the cup size you will need to go down a cup size.
Step 4: Put the bra on around your body first doing it up on the LOOSEST SETTING. The elastic in the bra will loosen with age, so you'll want to be able to tighten it through it's life and maximise its lifespan. Wiggle your breasts into position, yes wiggle, it works! Tighten the shoulder straps so that they do not dig in and hurt, or slip off the shoulder easily. The band around the body should be taking the main weight of the breasts.
Does the bra feel tight around the body? If so, good! It may feel too tight, but this is because we are used to wearing bras that are too big for us. It should feel tight, but not dig in. You should be able to get 2 fingers side by side between the bra and your skin, and it should have a little bit of give. Check that the weight of the breasts is well supported so the shoulder straps are not digging in at the top. It should of course feel comfortable.
Tips for wearing breast enhancers/chicken fillets
Now when wearing breast enhancers, the small styles can often slip into your existing bra with no problem. You may need to tighten the straps to give the cups more support with the extra weight.
With the large enhancers you will need to go up at least a cup size to accommodate the extra breast. This depends on your original size. E.g. if you are an AA cup and you buy the biggest enhancer then chances are it won't fit in your bra.
The best thing to do is to buy the enhancer first then take them with you to a bra shop so you can try on bras that work best with your extra size. Remember to follow the tips above, treating the enhancer as it if was part of you.
Now you can accurately measure, how does it feel?
Once the bra is on, theres a few a few golden rules to check:
- Does it run straight around your body? It must not be pulled up at the back.
- Are the bra straps sitting straight on your shoulders?
- Does the underwire or cups follow the natural shape of your breasts?
- It should start sitting flat against your ribcage and follow round, hugging your body and tracing the line of your breasts.
- Lift your arms up to check the underwire is holding all your breast in and that it's sitting flat, especially between the breasts.
- The cup should not end before your breast does at the side, which should fall under your arms.
- If the bra is pulling away at the front you can try a tighter band size to pull it in. You will need to go up a cup size as you have gone down a band size, but you may find you need to go up one more.
- If you find that band size is too tight for you, try the original band size with a larger cup size.
- Does the cup sit flush at the front at the top? Lace bras are the worst for this, but if you find the bra gapes, try a smaller cup size.
- Do you have double breasts or humps at the top of your breasts above your bra? If so move up a cup size, or maybe 2.
- Do you have deep indentations in the shoulders? If so, loosen the straps.
- Does the bra band ride up - if so try a tighter band size. Is the underwire digging into your breasts? Try a different bra to begin with and if it still happens, try larger band size.
If you've followed the guide to accurately measuring your bra size, you should be feeling pretty amazing right now. Stand back and marvel at your new found breasts, before sauntering off to show the world! NOTE: whilst I'm a huge advocate of 'sharing is caring', indecent exposure is a thing and I accept no responsibility for your future criminal records, hehe.
If you need any advice about any of my breast enhancers, please get in touch and I will be happy to help.
Jo