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How to define a correctly fitting bra

Although it's sometimes immediately obvious that a bra you're trying on doesn't fit right, there are less obvious signs that a bra is doing absolutely nothing for your shape, or worse, is doing lots of things wrong.  Even a bra that 'feels right' initially may not be giving you proper support or enhancing your shape. Take a few minutes to understand what a perfect fitting bra should look and feel like, and to recognize whether your bra is the wrong size for you. 

Here is a checklist of what to look for: 

• Center panel lays flat against your breastbone.   If it does not, this could be a sign that your cup size is too small, or the panel is not large enough to accommodate the separation between your breasts. 
• Good breast uplift.  The apex of your breasts should be mid-way between your shoulders and your elbows.  Uplifted breasts give better silhouette and slimming appearance.  
• The underwire encircles your breast.  It should go around your breast. The wire shouldn’t poke into your breast or be too far behind your breast. REMEMBER: Your breast should be IN the bra and IN the cups! 
• Straps stay put and don't dig into your shoulders.  Consider a different bra style if straps keep falling or are too thin and dig in to your shoulders. If it is a recurring problem, it may be a good idea to use silicone shoulder pads.  Since they are made of silicone they stick gently to your skin, cushioning the strap, and keeping it on your shoulder. NOTE: Straps are made only for adjustments.  The band should provide all the support and carry the weight. That is why a smaller band size will reduce the strap's strain on your shoulders.  
• Bra band is snug.  Since the band is the supportive base it should be snug, but not too tight. If it's tight, you need a larger band size or a looser hook placement.  Keep in mind that if the band is not snug the band will ride up on the back and in that case the bra will not be supportive at all.   NOTE: Strapless bras usually fit tighter than your everyday bra. 

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Why it is so important to wear the right bra size

Bras not only shape the woman’s breasts, they are also helpful from a health standpoint.  Wearing the right bra keeps a woman’s breasts supported and helps to protect the breast tissue. Breasts contain no muscle and so the only way to protect your breast and stop the downward slide is by wearing a good bra. A well-fitting bra also helps to keep proper posture, particularly if one is big busted. A bra that doesn't fit can cause back problems (the average D-cup breasts weigh 30 pounds), muscle tension and discomfort all day long.

How to determine if you are wearing the wrong size:

• Poking
• Itching
• Digging in to your shoulders
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Wires digging into your breast
• Shapeless silhouette

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How to measure yourself to determine your bra size

Chest measurement: The most common method involves running a tape measure just under your breasts, all the way around your back and rib cage.  The tape measure should rest flat on your skin and lie straight across your back, not so tight that it digs in, but not so loose that it sags down in the back.  Make a note of your measurement and add 2 inches. That's your band size. 

Breast measurement: Run the tape measure across the fullest part of your breasts. The tape measure should rest flat on your skin and lie straight across your back, not so tight that it digs in, but not so loose that it sags down in the back.  Write down this number.

Now subtract your chest measurement from your breast measurement.  (Breast - Chest = Cup Size)  If the difference between the two numbers is 1 inch, your cup size is A. If it's 2 inches, you're a B; 3 inches you're a C, and so on.

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Types of bras

 Everyday Bras (your wardrobe should contain 3 to 6)

A woman should have a collection of bras that she draws from for everyday wear -- a week's supply at a minimum. You're not alone if you wear the same bra a few days in a row; most of us do (assuming it isn't soiled by perspiration). But, instead of wearing the same bra for a few days, alternate two or more bras over a week. The reason? A bra should have a day off between wearings. Body heat tends to relax the fabric. It needs time to return to its original shape. Also, an extra day lets the bra air out and feel fresher the next time you put it on.  
Everyday bras can be seamless or seamed. The important point is that they support you, look good under your clothes and are comfortable.   Also, consider different bras for winter and summer. For winter, bras with padding actually provide extra warmth. For summer, consider including a supply of lightweight, cotton bras -- they're cooler and more comfortable in the heat.

Convertible bras

A convertible bra (also known as multi-way) has modifiable straps that can be transformed into a halter, racer-back, one-shoulder, or strapless style.  A convertible bra is a great versatile bra, and handy to have in case you need a quick solution without time to go shopping for a new bra.

Demi-cup

The truth is men love this bra style. This contoured, underwire bra has cups partially cut away to expose the top of the breast. This bra style almost always has wide set shoulder straps as well. It's a very flattering style and comes in handy when you find yourself with a low cut, wide scoop or square neckline where your everyday bra will show. Not to mention... it's a great date bra!

Minimizer

A minimizer bra reduces your bust projection. It does not reduce your bust size, but rather redistributes breast flesh more under the arms and up the chest. If you are full busted and find that some button-down blouses have that pulling look around the bust-line, or look tight, a minimizer can quickly solve this problem.

Moulded

Moulded bras have cups that maintain a breast shape whether on or off. This is achieved by having the cup moulded out of a thin foam. Besides giving your breast a great pre-determined shape, a moulded bra totally eliminates any nipple show-through (we call it "bullet proofing"). If you are modesty conscious, a moulded bra is a great answer for you.

Racer back

If you wear sleeveless or racer-back style tops, a racer-back bra is a must-have. This style also prevents bra straps from slipping off shoulders. This is a bra you'll wear throughout the summer months.

Push-up

A push-up bra is designed with additional padding at the bottom portion of the cup, which lifts the breasts to give the illusion of a fuller bust-line. This type of bra comes in handy when an outfit calls for a more filled-out look. It is most frequently used with eveningwear. Most push-up bras come in C cups or smaller and have wide-set straps.

Sports bras

Even if you're only moderately active, a sports bra is a must in your wardrobe. Anatomically, breasts are supported by the non-elastic Cooper's ligaments. Frequent exercising breaks down the ligaments and causes irreparable permanent sagging in your breasts. Wearing a sports bra will help prevent damage to the breast tissue. Manufacturers often categorize their sports-bra line by the level of impact and exercise intensity: if you participate in various sports or exercise activities, you may need several different sports bras.  NOTE: It is not recommended to wear your sports bra as an everyday bra; prolonged wear can prevent proper blood circulation and so damage the breast tissue.  Wear your sports bra during the activity, and then change back into your everyday bra as soon as possible.

Strapless

As the name implies, this bra has no straps. Rather it has wide sides and sewn in silicone stitching to keep it in place. This style should be worn with strapless tops, evening gowns, or outfits where a normal bra would show.

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Swimwear:  How to define what size (body and cup) you need

Combine your dress size with your cup size.  For example, if you wear a size 10 dress, and your cup size is F, you need a 10F bathing suit (EU - 40F).  See the sizing charts below to determine your size.  There are also instructions on how to properly measure yourself.

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Sizing Charts

Standard Sizing Chart

	Small		Medium		Large		XL	Plus Sizes
Sizes	4	6	8	10	12	14	16	18	20
3/4	5/6	7/8	9/10	11/12	13/14	15/16	XL	XXL
Bust (inches)	33.5	34.5	35.5	36.5	38	39.5	41	43	45
Waist (inches)	26	27	28	29	30.5	32	33.5	35.5	37.5
Hips (inches)	36	37	38	39	40.5	42	43.5	45.5	47.5

 

How to Measure Yourself

Bust	1. Measure under arm around the fullest part of your bust.  Cup size should correpsond to your bra size.
Waist	2. Measure around your natural waistline.  Tape should fit securley yet not pulled too tightly.
Hips	3. Measure around fullest part of your lower body (hip and buttocks).

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How to choose the swimsuit that will suit your body shape

Swimwear to Compliment & Support Larger Chests

If you have a generous bust, it is very important that you look for a Cup-sized bathing suit; this way you can find a bathing suit that flatters and enhances your figure. Many cup-sized bathing suits offer underwire support, wide straps, and coverage. If you are larger chested, then swimsuits with wider straps help to balance your figure as well as prevent them from digging into your shoulders.  Many manufacturers are now making Bra-sized swimwear.

Swimwear to Hide Tummies

One-piece bathing suits do the trick to draw attention to the upper portion of the body. Usually one-piece swimsuits have lining inside or some models have structured body control materials on that area.  Look for a swimsuit dark on the lower portion and colourful at the top.  Bellies can also be concealed using accessories like an elegant sarong or wrap skirt.

Swimwear to Give the Illusion of Having a Waist

Look for front panels or crossovers. Those pieces usually have deeper V-neck which draws the attention to your breasts rather then the waist. 

Swimwear to Compliment Smaller Chests

Padded bras in bikini and frill detail for both bikini and one-pieces. A simple padded bikini bra can give you a cup size more.  A padded underwired bra cup will raise you up. Good options are pieces with shirring, ruffles, rouching or frills. Look for bold colours and prints to flatter your figure.

Conceal Big Hips & Thighs

Draw attention elsewhere by choosing swimsuits that direct attention to the upper half of your body. Go for frilly bust decoration; they work best at giving the visual illusion of slimmer hips.

Swimwear to Compliment Larger Body Shapes

Colours can have an important visual effect. Cool shades like black, blue and purple have a slimming effect. Hot colours like oranges, yellows etc. add a few extra illusory pounds. Everyone knows black makes you look thinner but patterns work even better.

Flattering Swimwear for Long Body Shape

Go for horizontal stripes and hoops, avoid vertical lines. High leg and low neckline swimsuits also shorten body length As well, there are specialty designed long length bathing suits. They usually have a special sticker that indicates it.

Flattering Swimwear for Short Body Shape

Go for vertical stripes and prints to give the illusion of a longer torso. If you are wearing a bikini with lower-cut briefs add a sense of extra torso length as well.

Swimwear Accessories to Conceal Stretch Marks, Etc…

A wrap-around skirt such as a pareo or sarong covers problem areas below the waist and looks very sexy too.

Note: Remember colourful swimwear or accessories will give you a younger and refreshed look!

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How to care for your bras and swimwear

Washing your bras

Bras should always be hand washed.  If washed in the machine, the underwires can get bent or end up poking out, the hooks can get caught and rip the lace; in short, it can cause irreparable damage.  Simply hand wash in warm water with a small amount of detergent.  The detergent you use, however, should not contain any fabric softener.  Avoid Zero or Woolite.  Fabric softener attaches itself to lycra and breaks it down, and so quickly wears down your bra.  We recommend Forever New, a powdered hand washing detergent that is natural, fabric softener free, and has a lovely smell, but any clothing detergent that is fabric softener free is all right.  When hanging your bras to dry, try not to hang them from the straps; this will stretch them out in the long run.  Instead, drape them from the centre panel over a towel bar or someplace similar. 
Make sure to wash your bras after every two uses, or, if it is a bra you don’t wear very often like a strapless bra, and you know you won’t wear it again for a while, wash it before putting it away.  A sports bra should be washed after every use.

Washing your swimwear

Care instructions can vary for each swimsuit, and are usually indicated on the tags.  Generally, rinsing is recommended after every use, to rid the suit of chlorine or sea salt.  Machine washing is usually all right, but sometimes hand washing is necessary.  Wringing the suit after rinsing is usually not recommended.  Again, avoid detergents with fabric softener.  Fabric softener breaks down lycra and will wear out your swimsuit much faster.  Sarongs and other accessories should be cared for in accordance with the fabric they are made of.  Care instructions should be indicated on the tags.

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