How to Get the BEST FIT?

As I have mentioned in the previous post, getting the measurement using the method is not the best way to get your most accurate bra size. Now that you’ve found your ‘basic’ bra size, let’s go into the fitting room and test the fit.

Here are some steps to help u fitting u in the bra:

Step 1:

· Lean in. Adjust the shoulder strap to their maximum length and slip your arm through.

· Lean forward into the cups, hook up at the back.

· Put the straps on your shoulder.

Step 2:

· Adjust the strap. Slip a hand into the cup and lift the breast while holding the wire in the correct position with the other hand.

· The wire shiuld fit along the crease where your breast begins while remaining on the ribcage.

· This is important so that the wire doesn't pinch the breast tissue.

Step 3

· Hold the wires under the breasts and lean forward. (60˚ - 90˚)

· Gently shake the bra to the left and right.

· Your breast will fall into the cup and sit higher when u stand up straight.

Step 4:

· Adjust the strap on your shoulder, be noted that the length should be just nice and comfort for u.

· Remember that it’s the bra band that provides most of the support, not the straps.

· The straps should therefore giving the minor support without putting too much pressure on the shoulders.

Now that u have know how to fit yourself in the bra correctly, let's go further on this.

Stand in front of the mirror and start looking at yourself in your favorite bra. There are a few things that u need to be aware when u get fitted.

1. Is your band straight?

· Look in the mirror from the side. Your band should be at the same level all the way around.

· Lift up your arms to see if the underband is tight enough, and check that the underwire is still sitting on the body.

· Slightly move your body so that it does not slide around or moves away from your chest.

>>>If the band is riding up at the back, it's probably too big. Try sizing down a band size or tightening your band.

2. Straps shouldn't work too hard

· Short straps are short but bra not supportive

· Shoulder straps dig in shoulders

>>>If the straps are digging in, try to loosen the bra straps, or u should try to size down your underband. Too big underband, your straps will end up taking the weight, which will cause them to put pressure on your shoulders and dig in.

>>> Your bra's support comes from the band, not the straps. So be sure that you're wearing the correct band size. This is very important that the too-tight shoulder strap will affect your posture and even back pain.

3. Underband overstretched

· Fat bulging out of back band.

· Bulges over or under the band

· Band around the body digs in

>>>If u are facing the problem listed above, it could mean that your underband is too small and overstretched.

>>>Your back shoulder straps should be parallel to each other or converge in a slight V-shape at the back, feel firm and secure, but u should also be able to slip two fingers beneath the band at back, and one in the center in front. If u can't, you may need to loosen your band a bit, or go up a size.

Note: Be sure you're wearing your bra on the loosest hook. Your bras can stretch with washing and wear, so when you buy a new bra, it's best to ensure it fits properly on a loose hook, so you can tighten it as needed.

4. Is your bra lie flat against your body?

· Underwire sticks out

· Bottom of cups not sitting properly below breasts

· Centre front lifting away from the body,

>>>If the centre front, underwire don’t lie flat against the body, this could be a sign that the cups are too small, causing the breasts to push the centre front away.

>>>Try on one cup size bigger (C instead of B).

5. Underwires digging in

· Breasts bulge out of sides of bra.

· Breasts pinched or falling out.

· Underwire digging into any breast tissue.

>>> Underwires should lie flat at the front of your bra, against your ribcage. If there is any underwire digging in or poking the breast tissue, try on a bigger cup, or choose a style that provides more cup coverage (ex. full cup).

>>> There is also a possibility that the underband is too tight and pulling the wire so tightly against the chest. This in turn can cause the wire o dig into the bottom and side of the breast. Be sure u are wearing the correct underband and u can eliminate this possibility.

6. Lumps above cup

· Breasts are bulging out of bra.

· Cups overflow

>>> When the cup size is too small, and u spill over the top of your bra, you develop bulging, giving u two contours of breast. This is especially noticeable under tight clothing.

>>> When these happen, try on one cup size bigger.

7. Cups too baggy

· Wrinkling and squashing of cup

>>> If there are creases in your cups, u might want to try going down a cup size.

>>> However, if the cups fit snugly everywhere, but there are still gaps at the upper cup, where the cup meets the strap (mostly full cup), it could be the cup isn’t suitable for u. Try to get other style of cups like ¾ cup or balconette (half cup) or even soft cup.

8. Breast sagging

· The breasts look sagging, like don’t have enough support.

>>> Try to shorten the straps or avoid stretchy fabrics or choose a firmer support style with rigid straps (ex mould cup).

Once u fit yourself perfectly in the correct bra size, your breasts will feel like they are "sitting" in the cups, u will not feel any underwire pinching and your bra will feel comfortable and supportive. u shouldn't have to settle for a so-so fit. Sometimes u will have to go up a cup size or two. Don't let it concern u – sizes do vary among brands. Finding the perfect bra takes time and patience, but the way u will look (and feel) once u have found it will be worth all of your effort!

In the next one, I'll share with u all some other information how does a bra affect your health and posture.