Fortunately my mother was a corsetiere and modelled bras, oh so very long ago. While growing up the girls in my family understood the importance of bras and we all have a sound knowledge of what to do, what to look for and what not to wear. You may be
surprised with how many women are walking around, uncomfortable because they are wearing the ‘wrong’ bra. So many women spend every day wearing a bra complaining about it and all because it is the wrong size.
It is reported that 8 out of 10 women do not wear the correct bra [1].
Having the correct bra is not just about preventing spillage and wobbling, it is primarily to keep the breasts supported and to prevent any injuries and I am not talking about concussion and black eyes. I am referring to the breast tissue, posture, back and neck problems as well as headaches [1].
Being fitted for a bra
To make sure that you have the ‘perfect’ fit you need have the correct measurements for your chest and bust/cup. This is really easy to do and if you can’t afford to be fitted professionally, then doing it yourself is the best and next option.
The chest
There are two ways that this can be done. The first way is by placing the measuring tape directly under the breast, around the back and matching it back under the breasts. The tape should be flat against the skin making sure that it is not tight. Write down your findings and add 5 inches to that figure.
The second way can be done by placing the measuring tape in the same way but place it above the breasts and under the armpits. This, although believed not as accurate as the other way, is easier and you do not have to add the 5 inches.
Don’t worry if you end up with an odd number, compared with the bra sizes available, just round the number up. This is why we have the eyes and hook on bras, so that we can make those final adjustments. Just remember to round your number up and not down, this allows for growth, swelling and weight gain.
The cup
Run the tape measure around the back and across the fullest part of the breast. The measurement you took of the chest then gets subtracted from this latest measurement. This will leave you with the difference between both measurements. This is your cup size.
Buying the bra
When buying a bra if you find that despite these measurements, the bra doesn’t fit, make sure you adjust the straps and hooks and that the chest band is sitting flush against your skin. If the straps are adjusted correctly the breasts will be lifted comfortably and there will be not stress signs on the bra at all.
Buying for beginners and what to consider
Breasts grow and change quickly, especially in the teen years and because of this you will buy several different sizes throughout the different stages. One thing to consider at this time is that the breast can be highly sensitive therefore be cautious over what material the bra is made out of. Periods are another reason for sensitive breasts and can also change the shape and size of them.
If a bra is too loose it will lift above the breast when raising your arms in the air. To fix this tighten the back strap. If this doesn’t work you need to look for another one. You could also try jumping up and down in the same spot to check for ‘bounce’ support, mind you…I wouldn’t, just in case I was seen or something…J
If you want to make sure you are buying a bra that ‘looks good’ and is seamless, make sure you take a top, T-shirts are fantastic for making sure you have the ‘look’ you want to achieve as they are an obvious material to show faults.
Facts on Breasts (about.com)
- ALL women have the, big or small….
- Breasts can start growing at the age of 10 and can continue into your early 20's.
- Breasts have a biological purpose and are for feeding babies not perving on by men/women
- Having a baby changes breasts forever with many women owning larger and less perkier breasts after pregnancy.
- The onset of puberty can cause breasts to develop quicker causing discomfort, sensitivity and even stretch marks.
- Large breasts can cause back pain and poor posture.
- Bras are not just underwear items, they are necessary and keep breasts supported and prevent injury to the breast tissue.
- Breast cancer is rare in teens although it is important to check the breasts for lumps and irregularities with the onset of periods. Especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Here are some links to websites that offer
Instructions on how to fit for a bra
A guide to convert measurement into bra sizes
As well as this one here, which is a bra calculator.
Happy Bra Hunting Guys!!
OB
(February 2007) (
Lexi xxx
