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.

What is Your Bra Size?

Base on the survey I’ve been carried out, I realize that it’s very easy to know weather a woman is wearing the correct bra size just by asking one simple question: What is your bra size?

For those who are wearing the wrong one, the answer would be most probably sounds this: Mmm…I’m not too sure, but if not mistaken it’s 34 or 36.

U might be wondering, is there any problem with the answer? Yes!

There are actually two parts to a bra’s size: The band (which refers to the number 32/ 34/ 36 etc) and the cup size (which refers to the alphabet A/ B/ C etc). That’s why we have the bra size like 34B, 36A etc.

The common mistake that most of the women make is they get only the measurement of the breast, which is the top bust and assume that is their bra size.

So, I’m going to share with u girls how to get your correct measurement base on the following steps, but please noted that this method is not the most appropriate way to get the most accurate bra size. Each brand has its own measurement. The following method is just a guide for u to know your size, and u are advised to fit yourself in the fitting room when u shop for the bras. Don’t worry, I’ll go step by step and even tell u what is so call perfect fit!

Now, be ready with your measuring tape….

• Step 1– Band Size

Use a measuring tape to measure around your rib cage, just beneath your breasts. The measuring tape should be aligning with your lower bra band and rest flat on your skin – not so tight that it digs in, yet not too loose that it sags down at back. Make sure that the measuring tape is not slack or twisted.

Next, add 4 inches to the even number or 5 inches to the odd number. Example:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->U got 28 inches for your chest measurement, add 4 inches to it:

28 + 4 = 32 ---------- your band size is 32

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->If your chest measurement is 29 inches, then add 5 inches to it:

29 + 5 = 34 ---------- your band size is 34

• Step 2– Bust Measurement

As with the chest measurement, when you're measuring for bust measurement, make sure the tape is not too loose or too tight. Hold the tape as level as possible to ensure accuracy. The tape should go over your nipple point (to ensure you are measuring the widest part of your bust) and circle the body in a straight line.

• Step 3– Cup Size

The number that is the difference between the band size (Step 1) and the bust measurement (Step 2) will become your cup size. The chart below changes your number into the appropriate letter to get your cup size:

• Step 4– Bra Size

Let’s combine the band size and cup size, and u will have your bra size.

Now u have your ideal bra size, it is time to go shopping and find bras in your size that u like. Bras and bodies both vary, so use the measurements u got as a starting point, and try on the bras.

As what I’ve mentioned before, every brand of bra fits differently and sometimes u have to take a size bigger or smaller.

Here is a tip: make a note what bra size fits u best for which brand. This will help to find great bras even faster!

Now u know why the bra size is so important for every woman to get their bras. A woman with a circumference of 38 inches at the bust doesn’t mean that she is going to get a 38 bra. In fact, if she has a small chest circumference, her bra size might be 34D or E, depending on the chest measurement.

In the next one, I’ll share with u girls what is so-called ‘PERFECT FIT’….

Why is Knowing Your Bra Size So Important?

A mini survey has been carried out by me recently. This survey is all about brassss – bra fitting, bra sizes and bra type.

Based on the survey, I found that 95% of my girl friends don’t wear the correct bra. Well, it’s well known that 85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. That means if u are a woman who wears a bra, u are most likely one of the boob offenders, treating your breasts badly by squeezing them into too-small cups or letting them swing haphazardly due to lack of support. So, it’s normal to have this phenomenal which 95% of them are wearing the wrong one….

Now, I'm here to share with u girls about some health facts of breast, bra fitting and how to get your correct size.

First of all, let's talk about some health facts before we go any further.....

The main reason why tight bras can be a concern for breast health is because they may restrict the lymph flow in your breasts. There are many lymph pathways and lymph nodes surrounding the breast tissue (toward the armpits, under the breasts, and in between the breasts). If a bra is too tight and cuts into your skin (and consequently cuts into the tissue), some of the lymph fluid might be unable to do what it is supposed to do, namely washing waste and toxin away from the breast tissue. In fact, sometimes when u find a lump in your breast, it may be filled with lymph fluid that was not able to move away from the breast tissue. U should not wear tight bras that cause red lines around the breasts.

A bra that is too loose will allow breasts to sag and cause back problems due to strain; if it's too tight the elastic and underwire can pinch and poke sensitive areas leading to discomfort, bruising, and even breast health problems, such as blocked milk ducts.

• Can your bra cause breathing problems?

The British School of Osteopathy found that ill-fitting fashion bras put stress on bones and muscles, which can cause breathing problems. The study reported that badly fitting, tight and underwire bras supported the breast by pressing on the rib cage which restricts breathing and puts pressure on the diaphragm. Breathing is undertaken using a number of muscles, one group of which is the accessory muscles. These run from the upper part of the cervical spine and attach to the upper ribs. When wearing tight fashion bras, the middle ribs are held tight, which means the upper ribs have to work harder. Sports bras can cause breathing difficulties if worn all the time. They are designed to hold the breasts in place during exercise, but should not be over used because they are much more constrictive than ordinary bras.

• Can your bra cause irritable bowel syndrome?

Fashion bras can constrict the rib cage by several inches more than conventional bras. The pressure can be so great that it could even affect digestion. The British School of Osteopathy has noted Irritable Bowel Syndrome and constipation as a result of ill fitting bras constricting the digestive process by putting pressure on the diaphragm.

• Can your bra cause skin problems?

Several studies have found that bras which are too tight can cause lesions or lumps on the skin - also called lymphomas. They are caused by hooks on the back of bras digging into the skin. Choose a bra with a thick back strap with at least two sets of hooks and padding on the inside of the hooks.

• Can your bra cause circulation problems?

Large breasts require support or the muscles supporting them will have to work too hard. The most problematic areas are the pectoral muscles in the chest. If the problem is severe enough, the neurovascular bundle of nerves to the arm can become compressed and the woman may feel pins and needles. The constant wearing of a sports or tight-fitting bra can also cause circulatory problems if the elastic around the rib cage is too tight. These bras rely on support by compression rather than a good fit. Constantly having breasts being pushed inwards can cause circulation restriction, which may damage breast tissue.

Extracted from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-182372/Is-bra-bad-you.html

It is recommended to give your breast tissue free time from bras for about 8–12 hours within a 24 hour day (try not to sleep in your bra). If u have breast pain, try to reduce the time u are wearing a bra (try to be braless at home, of course when there is no guys at home). Other than breast health concerns, poorly-fitted bras can also cause back pain, muscle tension, headaches, and can sometimes be responsible for poor posture.

Finding the right bra size should be simple, but it’s not. In fact, many women don’t know their correct bra size. Women should be fitted by a lingerie consultant once a year (beginning in her teens) and after every noticeable growth spurt, to ensure that she is wearing the right size bra. (U can measure on your own) Just go to a department store and ask to be measured by a lingerie consultant. It is free and the consultant will be able to help u find a bra that fits.

Well, of course I won’t just stop here. I’m going to share with u girls on how to get your correct bra size on your own in the next one.

Sources: http://www.liv.com/index.php

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