Get One That Fits

Stumbled across a post about silicon implants in teens.  Consensus is Breast Enlargement is Bad and Breast Enlargement is Specially Bad for Teenagers.

Cannot argue that one.

But many of the comments were how bras were uncomfortable, gave one woman lumps in her breasts, were taken off as soon as possible, were not worn in at all possible, that bras were, in fact, an invention of the Devil and all bra-burning women were good sensible folk who deserved medals.

OK - I exaggerate.  Sometimes. 

But Bras are NOT evil. After 30 years bra wearing I discovered that a BRA THAT FITS PROPERLY is HEAVEN. Really.  No more digging at the sides, no side boobs come to that, no wires catching your arms every time you move, no back breasts either, and the side view is stunning.  Really.

I thought I was a C cup for years. Even got measured by a bra shop. Finally found an online size calculator with a guide to How a Bra Should Fit.

Fill your cups ...
Baggy cups are not a good look. Try going down a cup size. If your cups are creasing around the nipple, however, that's a different matter. Try going down a back size to pull the fabric taut.

But don't overflow
Spilling out over the tops or sides of your cups won't make your breasts look bigger (there are padded and gel-filled push-up bras to do that). It just means that you're wearing too small a cup size: try the next one up.

Don't let the straps take the strain
A bra's main support comes from the band, not the straps. So make sure you're wearing the correct band size. Too big, and your straps will end up taking the weight, causing them to dig in.

Think horizontal
Look in the mirror side-on. Is your bra band at the same level all the way round? If it's riding up at the back, you probably need a smaller band size.

Finger rules
Never mind a rule of thumb; here's what you need to know about fingers. Your bra band should feel tight and firm, but with enough space to insert two fingers under the back band, and one under the centre front.

Fasten a new bra on the loosest hook
Fascinating fact: a bra can grow up to 4" due to wash and wear. So when buying a new bra, make sure it fits properly on the loosest hook; so it can be tighten it with wear.

Under-wiring should lie flat at the front
The centre front of your bra should lie flat against the breastbone. If it doesn't, it's telling you to go up a cup size.

Under-wiring sits on the bone
And while we're talking about under-wiring, check the wire at the side of the bra. It should sit on the ribcage, without digging into any of the breast.

Bring a t-shirt
The best way to see what shape a new bra will give you is to try it on under a tight fitting t-shirt. Look at yourself from all angles and make sure that you get a smooth line with no unwanted bulges.

Get moving!
You wouldn't buy a pair of shoes without walking around in them. So why should buying a bra be any different? Don't just stand there: stretch out and flap your arms to make sure it feels comfortable when you move.

Sorry - on-line shopping for bras is totally out. Until you know the manufacturer and the style. Try them on.  It works.

And for your information, I am a 44E.  Sometimes a 42D and one bra is a 44G.  But all fit, all are wonderful and I now only go braless when I want to.  Not because I have to.

Here are a couple of sites that have bra calculators and fitting guides:

Bellissima Lingerie
Lady Grace
Rigby & Peller - and they have some great, though pricey, bras.  Worth a look.
 

Then, when you have a comfortable bra that feels as good on as nothing - and for us larger-breasted women, that means better than not wearing one; a sweaty under breast area is neither sexy, nor healthy - go forth in comfort and spread the word.