Glamorous Amorous Advice on Bra Fitting

The rigid belief that each woman is one bra size is mainly due to the over-reliance on tape measures. In reality, the size that fits best will vary according to style, manufacturer and fabric.

Over 70% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. I was one of them. My assumptions were based on what I felt was comfortable and this was typically by wearing a larger back size and then opting for cup sizes that looked flattering - I had been tape measured and I was relying on this info! This was until I was fortunate enough to have a great fitting experience in my early twenties – I was not measured by a tape but was made to try on quite a selection of different bras. Eventually the mystery of size was unraveled and my 38B bras were no longer an option I was a 34DD, so it was time to enjoy a new lingerie wardrobe! This fitting experience re-educated my approach to bra sizing and in turn through experience to date I hope that the following pointers can help shed some light on any bra size questions you may have.

Incorrect bra fits can prove to cause all sorts of problems such as postural aches, bulging flesh, skin rubbing and skin irritations. From finding out your correct bra size you will notice how you posture improves, you’ll achieve a neater silhouette and ultimately you’ll feel the comfort and necessary support you require.

It is important to remember that your bra size will change throughout your life and to reassess your size every six months or so is never a bad thing. Pregnancy and weight changes have a real impact on size – sadly gravity does too!

If you are unsure of your bra size then we would recommend a bra fitting by trying on lots of different fits and sizes. It’s worth bearing in mind that many experienced fitters never use a tape measure as their expertise confirms that ‘every bra fits differently’. A bra fitter may use a tape measure as a guide, please do not be alarmed by this as typically it can prove to be a great starting point to work from.

A bra fitting with a fitter is a fairly intimate experience, a good fitting should include whether a wire fits all the way around the breast, checking the underband tension and adjustment of shoulder straps. Tips and advice should be offered and I hope that you do not experience an unnerving silent service.

However you can be your own bra fitter, ensuring that you have a mirror to stand in front of and a collection of your fav bras to analyse. Here’s what to expect with a well-fitting bra:

1. The underband fits firmly around your body. The fit is comfortable and you should be able to just place one finger under the band.

2. The back and the front of the bra should be parallel to the floor or slightly lower in the back.

3. The center panel lies against the breastbone, not resting away from the body.

4. Underwires should lie flat against your rib cage, enclosing your breasts without rubbing or digging into flesh.

5. Straps do not dig into the shoulders.

Handy Tips!

Extra seconds count …
…when putting on your bra, lean forward as if touching your toes and lean in. This gets the breasts properly in the cups and the underwire in the right place. You may find that lengthening the shoulder straps at first helps – you can always shorten them afterwards.

Your view from the top
Breasts should be enclosed in the cups and a smooth line appears where the fabric at the top of the cup ends and meets the breast – use your hand to gently lift the breast while using the other hand to position the bra cup. The bra seam should sit over the nipple. Check your side view in the mirror; if your bust is flowing over the bra cup then you may need to go up a cup size.

Positioning
It's advisable to start on the loosest fastening, some may suggest the middle clasp. This is easily adjusted later. The bra strap must sit firmly but not too tight, many can make the mistake that the bra support is through the shoulder straps, this is not the case and you must be careful not to put too much pressure on the shoulders. The bra band, underwire and cups are the real supporters. Always make sure that the centre front section of the bra is sitting flat against the breast bone. The underwire should sit well away from the breast tissue and onto the ribcage. If this is not happening it may mean you need to increase the bra cup size

Oh La La
When wearing half cup or more erotic bras then the cup will have been designed to add more cleavage or completely reveal the breast and therefore the nipple can appear exposed over the top of the cup.  Demi and ¼ cup bras are designed to support the bust and expose some or the entire nipple.

Comfort
The strap around your body should be firm but comfortable. When you stand side-on at a mirror, the strap that runs around your body should be horizontal or slightly lower than the front and should not ride up at the back. The bra should fit as snug as possible - this will stop the bra from riding up your back and support the weight of the bust.

Common Problems and our recommendations/solutions

Shoulder indents
Problem: the bra straps have dug into the shoulder leaving indents and uncomfortable marks.
Why: Your bra is too big in the back and not big enough in the cup, the straps have been therefore tightened by the wearer for the necessary support.
Our recommendation: You need a smaller back bra with bigger cups

Band rise at the back
Problem: the bra band rides up at the back dropping the support of the breasts
Why: The band is too big
Our recommendation: You need a smaller size back

Bumpy fit
Problem: breasts bulge over the top of the bra
Why: the bra cup is too small
Our recommendation: increase your cup size, try on many different bras

Uncomfortable armpits
Problem: Underwire digs into the armpit
Why: Your cup size is too small
Our recommendation: Opt for a bigger cup size.

Please don’t hesitate to get in contact if we can help in any way info@glamorousamorous.com . Although we cannot offer you an actual fitting service we hope that the above offers you some helpful pointers and suggestions. Glam regards, Annabel