10 Bra Fitting Tips and Tricks
We all have been there, wearing ill-fitting bras we continuously adjust all day. Too large, too small, not enough cup or coverage. The band is either riding up or the straps slip down, which is annoying. Why do we wear them? We wouldn’t wear a shirt that doesn’t fit right or pants that are too tight. That’s why I’m sharing 10 bra fitting tips and tricks today on the blog and a discount code for ThirdLove.
There are statistics that 85% of women wear the wrong bra size and 60% of women wear bras not meant for their breasts and body types. I believe this, I was one of them!
For awhile in between gaining weight, I actually wore the entirely wrong bra size. I thought looser was comfier and therefore better. Despite that it offered zero support for my breasts and actually was less comfortable in the long run. Then, when at the store, the girl showed me how the band was intended to look when it fits, so I was thankful I finally got measured. Voila! I walked out with three new bras that fit me great and made a difference in how my clothes looked on me.
I also learned certain colours work differently on people. Sometimes a red can be a neutral bra for someone with darker skin, a champagne colour can be a neutral colour on me, someone with fair skin. You would think white would be the answer for a white t-shirt, but no, you should avoid that thought.
We all want a cute bra, one that fits well and looks great underneath the classic t-shirt to that silk shirt. It also has to be very comfortable to wear all day! Thirdlove is a new brand whose mission is to find us that perfect fitting bra. They offer cute, stylish options and that classic under the t-shirt bra.
Thirdlove has kindly put together an information sheet on common BraBlems and how to fix them. Genious! I feel this should be placed in every bra department worldwide. They also have a great Bra 101 section on their site that is a fantastic read.
Because essentially these tiny pieces are a building foundation to a well established wardrobe. You need to, just like your clothing wardrobe, establish an underwear version. Select cuts and colours that suite your lifestyle and are made of materials that are comfortable and last.
Here are my 10 Bra Fitting Tips and Tricks
1.
Make sure to stack together bras in drawer to help them maintain their shape.
2.
If you have the dreaded back fat, you probably think your bra is too tight, but you’re wrong—your bra is too big. Wearing the bra lower on your back with a smaller band size will completely eliminate the back fat.
3.
If your strap falls down, that means your bra band is riding up and you probably need to go down a band size.
4.
If your cups dimple, it’s time to go down a cup size.
5.
If your cups runneth over, it’s time to go up a cup size.
6.
In order for your bra to keep its shape and support, you should change bras throughout the week.
7.
Your bra should be level front to back.
8.
If you’re looking for a high impact sports bra, a jump test is a must. In fact 10 jumping jacks in a sports bra is a quick test of its support.
9.
After fastening yourself into your bra, raise your arms. Does any breast tissue fall out from under the bottom of your cup? Does your bra slide up your body? If so, your cup may be too small and/or your bra band may be too big.
10.
Poke your center panel or bridge towards your chest. Does your panel rest on your sternum or does your entire bra move when you poke your bra in the center? If it’s moving (and you do not have touching or splayed breasts), chances are you could go up a cup size and get a better fit.
Do you have any Brablems? Want to share any that you have solved or hacks?
AND…. ThirdLove is giving my readers 15% off all orders!
Get your new perfectly fitted bra with the promo code (BRABLEMS) for 15% off all orders!
Thanks ThirdLove! xo
These are great tips! I wore the wrong bra size for so long – and if I’m being honest, I still probably am. I’m a bigger breasted girl and it’s so hard to find larger sizes locally (sometimes buying elsewhere can be pricey and you run the risk of them not fitting!).
Thanks for sharing! There are so many women who aren’t wearing the right bra…there used to be a show on TLC called “Double Divas” about two women who owned a lingerie shop and did a lot of bra fittings. They were hilarious too.
🙂
–Rachel @ Tidy&Teal
oh really? I’ll have to search for that online, sounds like a good laugh.
Hi really useful tips. I enjoyed reading that. Xx
I am so overdue for new bras. The one I wore today was held together by a safety pin. I call it my Mom Bra. Classy.
haha! ya i think it’s time for a new one 🙂
What a great post – I love these tips! I am currently in the process of replacing my bras and having such a hard time finding the right ones!
it’s definitely a task that I dread doing. Take too long, but worth it.
In another lifetime, I was a certified bra fitter, LOL! During training I was told that if a bra fits well, you’re supposed to be able to close your eyes and not even feel it. Well, I’ve still never gotten to that point, but there’s the goal!
really? that seems right I guess.
I can only really handle sports bras! Those “sexy” lady holders are just too uncomfortable for me!
Ya i can’t do the push ups, too much for me.
This is great advice. When you’re out and about all day, having a comfortable bra makes a big difference.
it really does!
I have been wanting to try their bras for a while! This gives me the perfect opportunity 🙂
yay! good luck 🙂
I just bought a whole bunch of new bras. Wish I’d read this first. 😀
haha well I hope they do at least fit right 🙂
I’ve been trying to find a good nursing bra for over a year, to no avail. For some reason they just don’t fit the way they’re supposed to (maybe because of the function?). It’s no fun!
oh geez that doesn’t sound fun! hope you find the one 🙂
My biggest challenge with a bra is getting one with a low enough back band. I’m six feet tall and they just don’t make bras that are that taller length–it isn’t coverage, but length. From top to bottom in both front and especially back, I struggle to have a bra that is an adequate size for me and end up settling for “okay” bras because I can’t find better options. 😛
ugh that doesn’t make sense to me! Why don’t they make more? Maybe try to find brands from countries with known taller women demographic like Denmark?
Great tips! I need to check out this company! I have no bras that fit me well right now and it’s driving me crazy!
i know that feeling! used to be me and a good bra changed my life
This is so wonderful! I just bought a new set of bras, and can I tell you, that wearing a new bra has to be one of the greatest feelings a woman could have! Oh, and taking it off 🙂
haha ya also new socks!
Great tips! Finding well fitting bras is definitely a struggle!
Actually just had to buy new bras this past weekend! I’ve been trying to lose weight since last year, and now that I’ve lost the weight, I lost inches around my bra band too! Had to go down a band size, and the bras magically fit again.
congrats on losing weight! that’s my goal this year too.
jump test is a must!! I hate bra shopping, it should definitely be made alot simpler!!
men have no idea about our struggles
This is one of the best bra fitting posts I’ve ever read! I learned a lot, including that I’m storing my bras all wrong! I think my brablem is that some of my favorite bras (that I had fitted in stores I think) are one that they made me size down. However, I feel like they give me side boob. It’s all good everywhere else but because the size is smaller it’s like the cups are too much in the center since I have a pretty wide sternum. So not sure what to do about the side boob. But I’ll definitely put these tips to the test!
thanks angie! hmm side boobs, I would suggest a bra with a wider band and a high-cut side!
Most women wear the wrong bra size. Enjoyed reading this post.
Great tips!! Every time I gain or loose weight, I have to remind myself to get new bras. I recently lost 12 pounds and can fit my smaller bras again. It makes a huge difference in how clothes look!
congrats! that’s a good amount of weight 🙂 it does make a huge difference, also in posture.