Refresh: How to Find the Perfect Fitting Bra

It's Time You Found the Proper Fit
Filed Under > Everyday

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When I walked into Rigby & Peller a few weeks ago, I thought I knew what there was to know about the perfect bra fitting.  I had my go-to’s (a nude, black and strapless…standard), and I had never invested too much thought into this detail of my wardrobe.  

But a visit to the luxe lingerie brand’s boutique in Atlanta taught me a thing or two about lingerie; its collection of bras were as functional and flattering as they were beautiful, and I took a few notes on the perfect bra fitting once and for all.  I learned that the perfect bra fitting always means: smooth cups, low and even straps across your back, with the center section lying flat against your sternum.  I’m not going to lie; I was guilty of owning a few everyday bras that gaped, with some that had straps that cut into me.  NOT good! 

Since this is our month to “Refresh, Recharge and Renew,” I wanted to share a those takeaways here for you today. There was no tape measure (you’re as shocked as I was), and the visit reminded me just how powerful a role a perfect bra fitting can play with your confidence.  It’s the best gift you can give yourself as you refresh your wardrobe in the new year!  Check out the 5 tips on how to find the perfect bra fitting below.  Truly, MKR

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Own At Least 7 Bras (One for Each Day)

Sophie Surprising Stretch-lace & Mesh Underwired Bra

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When explained, this tip made a lot of advice to me. When you’re wearing the same bra every day, the straps will lose their elasticity much faster than if you switched them out every day (or every other day).  If you find yourself adjusting the straps constantly, it’s time to replace the bra; once the bra loses its elasticity in the straps, it’s not serving you well at all.  By having several “go-to” bras in your lingerie lineup, this allows for better care (and better fit) of the pieces for longer. 

Focus on the Fit of the Band First

Souple Lace-trimmed Stretch Cotton-blend Jersey Contour Bra

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I learned that the band is the most important detail of the bra for providing the necessary support. To ensure that you have the right size band, fasten the bra on the middle hook.  If isn’t sitting horizontally and evenly across your back, and is instead riding up, the band size is too loose and you probably need to go down a number size and up a cup size. 

A good rule of thumb: you should be able to fit two fingers under the fastening of the band at the back. If more than two fingers fit, the band is too loose (and if fitting two fingers is difficult, the band is too tight). 

A bra’s band will stretch about three inches in its lifetime, so you never want to fasten it on the last hook in the beginning. 

The Wire Should Fit Comfortably Against Your Bust

Marie Jo L'Adventure Tom Push-Up Bra

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If the center part of the bra and the wire parts around your breasts are away from your chest, the cup is too small.  This means you’ll probably want to try one (or two) cup sizes bigger.  You want the wire to sit comfortably against your bust, without squeezing or gaping. 

Never Wear a Bra Two Days in a Row

No-Rinse Soak Lingerie Wash

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Along the lines of a bra’s elasticity, you should never wear a bra two days in a row.  It needs to rest to regain its stretchy strength for the best fit.  Hand-washing the bra in cold water with lingerie wash will also help extend its life. 

Turn to Various Styles for Different Fits

Seamless U Plunge Bra

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There’s a wide world of different bra styles, so you’d be wise to them all on to find your perfect fit. Here’s a quick run-down of common fits, and what to expect. 

1. Balconette bras offer little to no coverage, creating dramatic uplift and cleavage.
2. A bra with demi-cups give you a sexy, cleavage enhancing shape. This style is best for smaller breast sizes, because they offer less coverage than a full cup and more than a balconette.
3. Plunge bras will give you the appearance of more cleavage thanks to the deep silhouette and angled cups. They’re usually not as padded as your standard push-up bra.
4. Like plunge bras, push-up bras add the appearance of cleavage, and usually have underwires and much padding. 
5. Underwire bras have a thin, flexible wire that shapes the bottom of your breasts for support. Some underwire bras include padding, while others simply have a layer of lace.

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

Featured image, Kathryn McCary for Waiting on Martha | Bra

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