BRA FIT TIPS
The three most important factors in selecting a bra are: Fit, Comfort and Support.
Proper fit is essential to the health of your breasts. The right fit will help prevent sagging, chafing and keep breasts dry, supported and comfortable in even the most strenuous conditions.
So, how do you achieve the perfect fit? Leading Lady’s fit-conscious designer shares her tips for achieving the ideal fit, maximizing comfort and ensuring proper support.
Here are some common signs you may not be wearing the correct size:
If you can see part of your breasts sticking out of the neckline or the underarm, your bra cup is too small for your breast.
If the bra cup looks wrinkled on your breasts, it is probably too large.
You should not be using any of the under-bust elastic as part of the cup. If you are, it means the cup is not big enough for your breast.
Your bra should sit down on both your front and your back. If it is pulling up, the band is most likely too large for your frame and you will not get the correct amount of support.
How can you achieve your ideal fit, support & comfort?
Fit
Look at yourself in a mirror. Your breasts should appear supported and sit up on your chest.
Remember that many women are between sizes, so you may need to try a size up or down to get the best fit.
Read the fit guide. Every company has their own idea of what represents the best fit so this is a great way to make sure the cup and band sizes are correct for you.
Comfort & Support
Make sure the shoulder straps of your bra stay in place when you are in motion. If they slip off the shoulder or cut into the shoulder, adjust the straps or try a different size bra.
Wider and padded shoulder straps will help to keep weight stress dispersed over a larger area for greater comfort.
Adjustable shoulder straps will accommodate your individual needs, depending on your height and the weight of your breasts.
Remember
Replace your bras when they are worn out and no longer provide the support you need.
Consider the use of the bra. You should have a wardrobe of bras for various activities.
Whether you’re shopping for an everyday bra, want something pretty for a special occasion, need a good workout bra, or are looking for a leisure or sleep bra, consider the following:
Wirefree Styles
Make sure that the center front of your bra has some “sink in,” which means the cup sinks in toward your chest.
Look for a bra that gives you added support on the side of the cup. Styles with side slings help keep your breasts lifted for a nicer silhouette.
Wirefree bras are often more comfortable for a full figure bust or a woman who has experienced irritation from an underwire bra.
Underwire Styles
A properly fitting underwire bra can enhance the shape of a breast but make sure the wire sits correctly on your chest. The wire should not sit on your breast but should form a frame around your breast. Be sure the wire does not irritate your skin or breasts.
Make sure the side height is correct for your size. The wire should fit comfortably against your body at both the underarm and the center front. If the wire is too high under the arm, you will be uncomfortable and it may cause irritation. If the wire is too low under the arm, your breast will not be completely covered. If the wire sticks out between your underarm and your arm, your breast is likely pushing the wire out because the cup is too small.
Front Closure
Whether your front closure bra has hooks & eyes or clasps, make sure the closures feel comfortable and support your breasts. Some may have too many hooks, while others may not have enough.
Front closure styles are designed for easy dressing and are especially great for women with mobility issues who are unable to reach to the back to secure bras.
Look for a style that has a slightly wider plush section on the eye half of the closure, to avoid irritation from the hook & eye connection.
Back Closure
Make sure the back closure has at least three closures. Four closures will give you more flexibility with the bra as your size may fluctuate. However, it is always best to wear your bra on the first or second row of eyes. If you consistently use the third or fourth row, you may need to increase your band size.
Make sure the closures have enough padding for comfort.
Wear bras that are best suited to your individual needs.
Full Figure Bras
The fuller the breast the more support is needed, so look for a bra that has both encapsulation and light compression so that you still have full range of motion but have less strain and sagging.
Great support means a bra that encapsulates the breasts.
Compression is helpful to prevent your breasts from bouncing. Remember -- breasts move in more than one direction, up and down as well as side to side.
Maternity or Nursing Bras
It is even more important to have support at this time because the breast changes size with the advance of pregnancy and when it is either full of milk or not – when nursing, your breast can change size many times a day!
Look for just the right amount of compression so that your breasts do not bounce. Too much compression will not be comfortable because breasts are more sensitive during pregnancy and nursing.
Stay away from cups that have added material or features that can cause irritation on sensitive breasts or nipples.
A little info about Leading Lady:
Leading Lady is a premiere intimate apparel company dedicated to creating comfortably functional, remarkably affordable, stylish and easy-to-wear bras, camis and sleepwear. A family owned and operated business, Leading Lady has been expertly tailoring nursing and full figure bras for top brands and retailers across North America for more than 70 years. Leading Lady’s comprehensive line of nursing and full figure intimates – including sexy stretch lace wire-free and underwire bras, supportive and seamless sport and yoga bras, and cozy sleep and leisure bras – can be purchased directly on LeadingLady.com.
Leading Lady is proud to celebrate “Leading Ladies” everywhere through its products, programs and philanthropic activities. Leading Lady is dedicated to arming new moms with the support – physically, intellectually and emotionally – they need to nurture their babies through breastfeeding and committed to supporting a variety of organizations and issues relevant to women across the country. Follow Leading Lady on Facebook,Twitterand Google+.
Leading Lady is proud to celebrate “Leading Ladies” everywhere through its products, programs and philanthropic activities. Leading Lady is dedicated to arming new moms with the support – physically, intellectually and emotionally – they need to nurture their babies through breastfeeding and committed to supporting a variety of organizations and issues relevant to women across the country. Follow Leading Lady on Facebook,Twitterand Google+.
***I was not paid to post this. Nor was I given anything in exchange to post this.***
No comments:
Post a Comment