Bra Basics
Everything you’ve every wanted to know about bras but didn’t know who to ask!
What should I expect from a professional bra-fitting?
Our bra-fitting experts will first take the correct measures to determine your bra size, and then ask about individual figure concerns, lifestyle needs and personal style preferences. The bra-fitter will then recommend one bra/style for you to try on, discreetly check the fit and give recommendations to help you select the perfect bra wardrobe.
How long does a bra-fitting take?
The entire process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. A thorough fitting should never be rushed! A comfortable setting is key to a positive bra-fitting experience and our associates will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and at ease. A good bra-fitting should provide knowledge, insight and self-awareness, so that you leave the store looking and feeling your best in your new bras.
Why is a professional bra-fitting so important?
Statistically 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size! The breast is not a muscle but delicate glandular tissue – whether large or small – it needs to be supported, especially as we age. A properly fitted bra can help reduce back pain and headaches for large breasted women, and can help improve posture, overall appearance and enhance self-esteem for all women. The right undergarments play an important role in helping to enhance how your clothes fit and look on your body.
How often should I have a bra-fitting?
It’s recommended to have one every year. Breast size and shape fluctuates continually throughout our life for many reasons such as diet, weight change, exercise, medications, pregnancy, or illness.
What are the signs that my bra doesn’t fit properly?
- You can’t wait to take your bra off!
- The wires hurt = the band is too small or the bra sits too low on the ribcage
- The wires poke on the side = a larger band or cup size is needed
- The middle front rides up away from the body = cups are too small
- The shoulders hurt = more support is needed with a small band and larger cups or a style with wider or padded straps
- Straps fall of the shoulders = they need to be tightened, they have lost elasticity or your shoulders may be sloped, requiring a bra with straps that are closer together at the back
- The band rides up = it’s either too big or has lost elasticity
What is the proper positioning of the breast?
The proper position is mid-way between the shoulder and elbow.
What’s the right way to put on my bra?
Bend forward and ‘wiggle’ breasts into cups.
What benefits does the right bra provide?
- Smooth and shape breasts, giving a sleeker line to enhance the fit of clothing.
- Supports breasts comfortably, improving posture and helping to ease discomfort from headache and back pain.
- Make breasts appear smaller, resulting in a taller, leaner appearance for larger women.
- Instantly makes you look like you’ve lost 10 pounds!
- Lift and support breasts, giving a more youthful appearance.
- Make breasts appear larger and fuller, adding shapely curves for smaller women.
Your bra fits perfectly when...
- The band lies straight, around the front and back of the body.
- The center for the bra lies flat against the breastbone, separating the breasts.
- The underwires should not cut or poke the side of breast tissue.
- The sides lie smoothly without binding or cutting, if wired – wires don’t hurt.
- The straps support comfortably without slipping off or cutting into the shoulders.
- The cups fit smoothly without wrinkles or any overflow (double boob effect).
- The band is closed at the back on the loosest hook – allows for use of the tighter hooks as the bra ‘gives’ with wear and your bra will last longer.
Don’t buy a bra without trying it on, even if you’ve worn the style before. Here’s why:
- The smallest difference (like another dye color) can make a big difference to the fit
- Your weight may have changed or shifted
- You’ve become used to the feel of a ‘relaxed’ bra and need to familiarize yourself to the feel of a new bra that’s not ‘broken in’.
- A bra fitter can adjust straps to your liking.
Bra Wardrobe
What are the ‘5 S’s of a Bra Wardrobe’ and why should I have one?
A bra wardrobe ensures a proper selection of undergarments for your different clothing. Just as you have a selection of shoes, your bras serve different purpose for different occasions, and enhance different styles of clothing.
Seamless
gives a smooth rounded shape under knits, T-shirts and sweaters.
Seamed
gives a more defined shape that helps fill out darts, enhances tailoring and improves fit under blouses, jackets and dresses.
Strapless (Convertible)
appropriate under revealing garments that are low-back, strapless, have halter necklines or spaghetti straps.
Sexy
really needs no explanation! But also gives figure-enhancing curves under low cut garments.
Sport
gives support under active wear. Sports bras should be replaced as often as athletic shoes because intensive wear, perspiration and laundering causes them to wear out quickly.
Specialty items are the ‘extras’ that complete a bra wardrobe and are chosen as budgets permit, because of a fashion trend or simply because you desire it!