Finding Your Perfect Bra - Part Three: Tips and Tricks

For the conclusion of this three-part series on Finding Your Perfect Bra, I'm going to offer some tips and tricks that I learned during my years working within the lingerie field.

Also, if you missed Parts One and Two, be sure to check them out here: Finding Your Perfect Bra - Part One: Body Basics and Finding Your Perfect Bra - Part Two: The Styles.

Let's start with...

The Fit

• The support for your bra should come from the band and not the straps. 

The band should sit straight across your back and not be riding up. Often when the latter happens, that's when the straps are too tight - women often adjust their straps to be as tight as possible to help lift the breast or feel supported. 

Also, when the straps are too tight, women will end their day with indents on their shoulders, which not only looks painful - can be too.

If this is happening to you, be sure to go back to Part Two: The Styles because you may want to try a different style of bra. Of course, starting from the beginning with a proper fitting is always key.

• Although not necessary, I often like to wear my bra on the loosest hook for the first few times. 

Many women instinctively put their bra on the middle and more often than not, the tightest hook. But, as the fabric begins to stretch - where do you go from there?

Especially if you are a tightest hook first wearer, at least start on the middle hook, as a few more wears is a few more wears.

• Remember the discussion from Part One where we looked at the Position of your breasts? If not, be sure to check it out here. Especially if you have wider set breasts where the tissue extends towards your armpit, you'll want to cup your hand and make sure you bring that tissue over and in towards the center of your body.

This action seems basic but was a game changer for so many - rather than placing the bra right over the breast, this move works to ensure the entire breast is placed within the cup of the bra. You may be surprised at how much fuller you appear!

Even if this doesn't necessarily apply to you, don't be afraid to readjust your breasts in the bra versus readjusting your bra over your breasts.

Next up, let's tackle...

Wash and Care

• Many bras will say hand wash and this is always the preferred method. Although, I place my bra in a garment bag - even if I'm leveraging a brand new, full-featured washing machine because the bra could still get wrapped around other clothing and cause it to stretch or apply unnecessary pressure to the wire.

• For drying, always lay your bra flat out to dry, which will help ensure it retains it shape. The dryer can be damaging to the fabric, the wire and the mold of the cups. 

Also, make sure you give the cups a couple of gentle tugs from all sides just to help remove any wrinkles from the fabric and to help reinforce the shape of the cup itself.

Above all, a proper fitting bra should be comfortable, feel supportive and be enjoyable to wear and not a chore to shop for.

Happy shopping!

-Aimee

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