Are
You Wearing the Right Sized Bra?
By Vicki Louise
Numerous media reports cite studies that claim
more than 80% of women are wearing the wrong
sized bra. Do you know whether your bra fits
correctly? And does it really matter?
Wearing the correct bra size does matter, especially
for older and curvier women. Younger women can
get away without wearing a bra, or wearing one
that doesn't support them properly, as their
young muscles and tendons keep things in place.
But as we age, proper support becomes vital.
Besides, an ill fitting bra under a T-shirt
or close fitting top is just plain ugly.
There are other, potentially more serious problems
with ill-fitting bras, especially if you have
a curvy figure. Breasts that are not properly
supported can lead to problems with your back
and shoulders as well as cause skin irritation.
If you have never been properly fitted, why
not try it? You may well find the bras you buy
in the future will completely change how you
carry yourself, bringing your shoulders back
and boosting your self-esteem considerably.
Although many women are wearing bras that do
not fit them correctly, many of us have the
tendency to consistently buy the same size.
Often the best thing to do is keep trying on
bras until you find one that fits properly and
provides the support you need. Avoid relying
too much on a tape measure, for in today's market,
there are many variables in bra manufacturing.
Those variables include: fabric type, how the
fabric is cut, level of support/elasticity,
design, cup style (full cup, balconette, demi-bra,
strapless, bustier etc.), variations in sizing
between brands, variations in sizing conventions
in different countries, variables in the production
process, and fashion sizing (i.e.: putting smaller
sizes on the label than the garment actually
is …)
…and all this before you even start to
consider how your own body alters over the course
of the day, the month, the year, or events such
as pregnancy, measurable weight loss or gain,
or surgery.
Thus the best way of finding the right bra
is to try on as many as necessary until you
are happy with the fit, comfort, and look. If
a bra is right for you, it will:
| 1. |
Feel comfortable
- there will be no red marks or wheals |
| 2. |
The back band will
be parallel with the front band. |
| 3. |
If it is underwired,
the underwires will sit comfortably at
the back of the breast without digging
in. The front of the underwires will sit
comfortably between your breasts and rest
against your breast bone. |
| 4. |
The cups will be
full - not overflowing, and not sagging. |
| 5. |
The straps will
not cut in, and they won't slip down. |
When you have bought the right bra for you,
follow the care instructions to keep it doing
its job as long as possible. Bras usually only
have an effective life of around 5/6 months
and will lose some elasticity each time they
are washed. You will probably need to alter
the straps and the hook position over that time
to compensate for this.
Yes, there are too many women wearing the wrong
sized bra. And yes, it does matter. There are
many bras to choose from, so enjoy your search!
Vicki Louise, founder of VickiLouise.com,
offers a stunning range of luxurious, designer
lingerie and nightwear especially for ladies
with a fuller bust. Gift vouchers and a luxury
gift wrapping service are also available.
http://www.vickilouise.com/
