Even though department stores and online retailers offer every style of bra imaginable, most women still struggle to find a bra that is both attractive and supportive. Many sacrifice style for comfort, and others settle for a good fit when what they really want is something beautiful.
If you still haven’t found the perfect bra, don’t despair. Follow these four tips, and with patience and persistence you will find a bra to both fit and flatter your figure.
1 Ask the experts. A trained, experienced bra fitter is the first step on the path to finding the bra of your dreams. “Working with a professional bra fitter lets you get an idea of how a bra is supposed to fit,” says Frances Crespo, owner of The Full Cup, a bra-fitting salon in Virginia Beach. “Just because your bra fits doesn’t mean it’s the best fit. A professional fitter can educate you on how a bra should fit and can show you what to look for when you buy bras.”
2 Experiment. Once you know your measurements, try different styles and brands of bras on for size. “Bras come in all different shapes and sizes, just like shoes,” explains Crespo. “If you wear a certain size in one brand, that doesn’t mean it will be the same in another brand.” Since every style of bra and every bra maker is different, it can be difficult to pin down an exact size, which is why trying on bras is so important.
3 Take care of your bras. The purchase of a well-fitting bra is an investment, and the time you spend caring for your bras will ensure you get the most wear and use for the money spent. “All women should own at least three bras,” says Crespo. “One to wear, one to let rest, and another to wash.” Letting a bra rest in between wearings will keep the elastic from getting stretched out. Laundering your bras properly prevents bending and twisting out of shape. It’s best to hand wash bras using a mild detergent formulated especially for delicate fabrics. Air dry your bras and never, ever put them in the dryer.
4 Measure often. Our bodies change as we age, and for women that includes breast tissue. Be sure to have your measurements taken again if your body undergoes any drastic changes, such as gaining or losing weight, or after pregnancy. Because body composition changes subtly over time, Crespo recommends measuring your bra size every six months to make sure you are always wearing your ideal fit.