Are you wondering “does my bra fit”? Then you’ve come to the right spot! Welcome to the SBE guide on how to know if a bra fits or not! If you’ve been struggling with your bra size or find that something just doesn’t feel right, you’re not alone. Around 80% of women wear the wrong bra size their entire lives without realizing it. But fear not! In this post we’re going to break down some of the things to look for in how your bra fits and help you discover the signs of a well-fitted bra. We’ll alsso guide you through the process of finding your perfect fit, some great brands to explore and some of the benefits of wearing a bra that fits!
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- Mid and Plus Size One Piece Swimsuits from Amazon
The Benefits of a Proper Fitting Bra
Before we dive into what to look for, let’s chat about some of the benefits of a proper fitting bra. A well-fitted bra can work wonders for your comfort and overall well-being. Not only does it provide essential support, but it can also improve your posture and how your back and shoulders feel. When you wear a bra that fits right, you’ll notice clothes start to fit a bit better and there’s a smoother silhouette under your clothing. You’ll probably notice a significant boost in your confidence, too! Bid farewell to discomfort caused by poorly fitting bras and embrace the benefits of a bra that truly suits you.
Common Problems with Bra Fit
It’s essential to recognize the telltale signs that your bra doesn’t fit properly. Are you experiencing your bra riding up your back, or does your breast tissue spill out of the cups? Is the underwire poking your side? Do your bra straps dig into your shoulders or keep falling off? These are common fit issues that indicate your bra needs an upgrade. Remember, even if the bra size matches, the shape of the bra plays a crucial role. Different bras cater to various shapes and sizes, so finding the right style for your body is key.
How Should a Bra Band Fit
Your bra band should fit snugly on your under bust. It should not be able to be pulled out more than 2 inches. The bra band should run parallel to the ground, not riding up your back. If your bra brand moves up your back as the day goes on, this is a sign that your band could be too loose on your body. The bra band is giving your the majority of the support while wearing the bra, so you want to make sure it’s a correct fit. When you first get a new bra, you’ll want to make sure you are using the first clasp to connect your band. As the bra is worn more, it will stretch a bit and you’ll be able to use the tighter clasps when that happens to increase the lifespan of your bra.
When it comes to the straps, you don’t want them digging into your shoulders or falling off of your shoulders. It could be as simple of a fix as adjusting the tightness of your straps, but it could also be an indicator than the rest of the bra fit is off. Most support comes from the band, not the straps.
On a person note, I tend to swell and bloat right before my period, so I also keep in mind that I’ll want to use a looser clasp during that time of the month or have a bra that will fit my increased size during that time. It’s not unusually to have various sizes in your bra drawer!
How Should a Bra Fit in the Front
When looking at how a bra should fit in the front, the first thing we’ll look at is the center of the bra. In between your two separate underwire cups is what is called a “gore”. The center gore should be tact against your sternum. A common fit issue is that breast tissue will gather in the center and push out the gore. Not only can this change the comfort level of wearing a bra, but it takes away the seperation of your breasts. Typically this is a sign that your cups are too small or that your band is too loose.
Another sign that your bra cups are too small is when you have tissue that overflows from the bra. One of the easiest ways to spot this fit issue is if under a fitted shirt you can look in the mirror and see your bra and then a separate bulge of breast tissue. A proper fitting bra will provide a smooth appearance.
If you have a large gap between the bra and your tissue, it’s a sign that you either need to change styles of bras or get a smaller cup size. It could also be a combination of both. Personally, my shape and size does not work well with a molded bra style. Even in the right size, I notice lots of gaping or overflow. The shape of my breasts combined with the size, work better with a cut and sewn bra style which allows the bra to fit my breasts and not the other way around.
Swoop and Scoop
Another important thing to note with spillage is the swoop and scoop. This is a technique you will do after putting on your bra to make sure the breast tissue is pulled from the sides into the center of your body. This video will help you learn about the swoop and scoop.
How Should a Bra Fit Under the Arm
When it comes to how should a bra fit under the arm, you’ll want to focus on the underwire location and how it feels on your body. All of your breast tissue should be in front of the underwire. You don’t want the underwire causing a seperation of breast tissue on the sides of your body. Doing the swoop and scoop should also help with this.
The underwire should not dig into your underarm or rest on you breast tissue. If you’re looking for a bra wire poking underarm fix, it’s most likely a sign that you are in the wrong size or style of bra.
Where to Get Properly Fitted
Okay, so now we know you are wearing the wrong bra… It might be the style, it might be the size, but something isn’t working for you. Your next step is to get a proper fitting! The key here is to get a professional fitting by someone who is educated in proper fit. Most chain stores don’t educate their fitters, and there is much more to a good fit than grabbing a few measurements with your tape.
There are various options available, whether you prefer in-person fittings or the convenience of online shopping. For an in-person experience, consider visiting Nordstrom, specialty lingerie stores in your area, or Bravissimo if you are in NYC. If you prefer virtual fittings, check out Bravissimo, Elomi and Bare Necessities. Ladies in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex can explore Petticoat Fair and Bella Bra Shop, renowned specialty stores with expert fitters. Petticoat Fair is also located in Austin, Texas.
Fit Focused Bra Brands to Explore
While you await your fitting appointment, take some time to explore a few fit focused bra brands. If certain brands catch your eye, it doesn’t hurt to get fitted at a location that carries the brand.
I can personally speak on bra brands Elomi, Fantasie, Freya, Bravissimo and Ewa Michalak for high quality bra options. If you have a slightly smaller cup size, Wacoal and Chantelle have wonderful reputations, These brands are known for their quality and dedication to catering to various shapes and sizes.
As far as specific stores go, you’ll have the most luck at: a local specialty store in your area Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bravissimo, Dillard’s, Bare Necessities and HerRoom. You can shop small businesses online including Petticoat Fair, Bella Bra Shop and Miseczki. There are also certain sizes and styles available at Walmart and Amazon.
When browsing keep in mind a few things:
- UK, US and others have their own sizing charts. Be sure to pay attention to which size is shown for the bra(s) you are shopping for.
- The cup size does not remain the same volume for every band. A 32D and 40D are very different “Ds”. A 34 D, 36C and 38B are the same volume, and considered “sister sizes”.
- You will discover your general size during your fitting, but remember that brands can still run differently than what you were fitted in. For example, I typically wear a 36J UK in Elomi bras, but the Morgan runs generous in the cup so I wear 36HH.
Does My Bra Fit and Why It Matters
Knowing if a bra fits properly is a game-changer, and we hope this guide has been a helpful resource on your bra-fitting journey. Don’t settle for discomfort and uncertainty when it comes to your undergarments. Seek a professional fitting and explore the brands we’ve recommended to experience the true joy of a well-fitted bra. Remember, everyone’s body is unique, and finding the right bra that complements your shape is a beautiful and empowering process. Here’s to finding your perfect fit!
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