How to Buy The Perfect Bra
Perk up and look slimmer just by changing your brassiere.
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Perk Up! - We’ve all heard the statistics: 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong size bra at any given time. Doing something about it might seem like more trouble than it’s worth, but the right bra can change your life — seriously! Read on to find out how you can look slimmer and feel better just by changing your brassiere. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel (Photo: Journelle)
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Pick the Right Store - Selection is your best friend when it comes to finding a bra that fits properly. Skip places that only sell one brand (Victoria’s Secret, we’re looking at you) — they might be easy to find in the mall, but there’s a good chance you’ll walk out with whatever they have that's closest to what you need, rather than what’s best for your body. And if they don’t have an experienced bra fitter on staff, move on. (Photo: Marianna Massey/Getty Images)
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Plan Ahead - There are a few bras that most women need. Figure out which ones you’re planning to buy before you head to the lingerie shop. In general, it’s good to have at least a couple black bras, a nude bra, a strapless/convertible and a sports bra for working out. And throw in something pretty for good measure. If you need a bra to fit a particular outfit, wear it or take it with you so you can try potential purchases on under the garment to check for coverage and fit issues. (Photo: John Sciulli/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret)
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Don’t Be Bashful - Now is not the time to be shy or self-conscious. Get a bra fitting. Yes, the lady will be all up in your business. Yes, she will touch your boobs. Yes, she will see you half naked. But you don't have anything she hasn't seen before, and she will also not let you leave with a bra that leaves you saggy or uncomfortable. She’ll show you how to properly adjust it, and even how to put it on the right way. (Hint: you’re probably doing it wrong.) You should get re-measured anytime you’ve gained or lost more than a couple pounds, and following pregnancy or breastfeeding. (Photo: GettyImages)
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Forget About Sizes - Remember, you’re probably wearing the wrong one anyway. In general, women find out that they are wearing too large of a band and too small of a cup. If you’re freaked out about it, ask the bra fitter not to tell you what size you’re wearing until after you have it on and adjusted. Also know that bra sizing can vary by brand, so even if you have already been properly fitted and know your true size, it pays to try on every bra to be sure it’s the right one for you before taking it to the register. (Photo: Image Source/GettyImages)
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Observe Closely - Look at yourself in each bra in a three-way mirror, if possible. The fit of the band is crucial, as it does the real work up holding up your breasts. It shouldn’t gap, ride up or cause back fat, and it should be level with the front or even up to an inch lower. Even in lower-cut styles, your breasts shouldn’t spill over the cups, and if the under-wire is digging into your skin, you need to go up a cup size. Loose straps aren't a deal breaker; they can be easily altered by a seamstress at a dry cleaner, and many lingerie shops will do it for free. (Photo: Safia Fatimi/GettyImages)
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Go for Comfort - A bra is like a pair of shoes — if it’s uncomfortable in the store, it will be unbearable later. So if it hurts at all after being adjusted, leave it in the dressing room. (Photo: Safia Fatimi/GettyImages)