Bra Basics...
Everything you've ever wanted to know about bras but didn't know who to ask!
Why is a properly fitted bra so important?
The breast is not a muscle, it is delicate glandular tissue. Whether large or small, it needs to be properly supported, especially as we age. A proper fitting bra can help reduce back pain and headaches for the large-breasted woman and can improve posture, overall appearance and enhance self-esteem for all women. The right undergarment plays an important part in how your clothes fit and look on your body.
What is the proper positioning of the breasts?
The proper position is mid-way between the shoulder and elbow.
How do I find the right bra?
Start by seeking the advice of an expert who will first take the correct measurements, then address individual figure concerns, lifestyle needs and personal style to recommend a selection of bras to try on.
How long does a bra fitting take?
The entire process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and a thorough fitting should never be rushed! A comfortable setting is key to a positive bra fitting experience and staff should go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and at ease. A good bra fitting should provide knowledge, insight and self-awareness so that you leave the store with an improved level of self esteem.
What can the right bra really do?
- Smooth and shape breasts, giving a sleeker line which enhances clothing
- Support breasts comfortably, improving posture and easing discomfort from headache and back pain
- Make breasts appear smaller, giving the body a leaner and taller appearance
- Lift and support breasts, giving a more youthful appearance
- Make breasts appear larger and fuller, adding shapely curves
What is a 'bra wardrobe' and why do I need one?
A bra wardrobe ensures that you have the proper undergarment needed to enhance different styles of clothing and to wear during different activities. A bra wardrobe consists of styles selected from five basic categories:
- Seamless, gives a smooth rounded shape under knits, T-shirts and sweaters.
- Seamed, gives a more defined shape that helps fill out darts, enhances tailoring and improves fit under blouses, jackets and dresses.
- Strapless or Convertible, are appropriate under strapless garments or those that are backless, have halter necklines or spaghetti straps.
- Sexy feminine, gives figure-enhancing curves under low cut garments.
- Sport, gives support under active and exercisewear. (Sport bras should be replaced as often as athletic shoes because intensive wear, perspiration and laundering causes them to wear out quickly.)
- Specialty items are the 'extras' that round out the selection and are chosen, as budgets permit, simply as desired or as a fashion trend!
It's time for a bra fitting when...
- You can't wait to take your bra off at night!
- The wires hurt - the band is too small or the bra sits too low on the ribcage
- The wires poke on the side - a larger band or cup size is needed
- The middle front rides up away from the body - cups are too small
- The shoulders hurt - more support is needed (smaller band and larger cups)
- needs a style with wider or padded straps - Straps fall off the shoulders - they need to be tightened
- they have lost elasticity
- shoulders may be sloped, requiring a bra with
straps that are closer together at the back - The band rides up - it's either too big or has lost elasticity