I’ve got a confession: I have a ridiculous number of bras—like over 30. I’ve got friends who hoard shoes, and I hoard bras. So I guess you could say a bra that fits well is pretty important to me, and I’ve learned a few things over the years of mass purchasing these do-hickeys.
There’s a ton of surveys out there done by a bunch of different companies and people, and they all tend to say the same thing: most women don’t know their correct bra size. This is crazy. Most women wear these things almost every day, and they don’t fit properly? And I know I’m an outlier in this, but women tend to spend quite a bit on bras and lingerie in general. It seems silly to walk around in something that doesn’t fit properly when most fittings are free, or you could do it yourself (or for a friend) with the help of trusty Google. Most—if not all—department stores and lingerie stores have employees trained in fitting your mammaries into a good slingshot, but most women I know have never been fitted. Different people will tell you different things about where or where not to go for a bra fitting, but ultimately, look into the process a bit online and then go wherever you feel comfortable. If you’ve done a little homework, you’ll probably be able to tell if the person measuring your bust knows what they’re doing or not. Department stores are a pretty solid bet, though, and that’s partly because they tend to have the largest range of sizes, styles and brands.
Go into the fitting assuming that you truly have no idea what your bra size is. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve heard complain about how the fitter has no idea what they’re doing simply because the fitter put them in a size that wasn’t what they thought. Keep an open mind about it. And speak up if it doesn’t seem to feel right. The fitting is for you. There’s no need to be shy about hurting the fitter’s feelings if something doesn’t feel right. They’re there to help you. And, remember, this is their job. Chances are they see a lot of boobs. Don’t worry too much about them seeing yours.
Next comes the measuring tape. Typically, the fitter will measure just underneath your bust line first—your band measurement—and then move to your bust. Some places will measure your bust with the tape and take the difference between those two measurements to determine your cup size. Others may use fit bras to get your cup size. It just depends on where you’re at. After that, it’s mostly about trying on different styles and finding what works for you. Be patient with the fitter, though. It may take a little while to figure out what you want and what will fit you. The band shouldn’t ride up, the straps shouldn’t dig in or slide around, you shouldn’t be spilling out or developing “quad-boobs”, there shouldn’t be a gap between you and the cup, and the wire shouldn’t poke you through the fabric.
Once you’ve found some good bras, try not to be too shocked by the sticker price. In my experience, the more expensive bras last longer. Most lower-priced bras that I’ve purchased rip or give me a surprise stab in the chest or armpit from an underwire popping through the fabric not too long after purchase. Or the cups just kind of deteriorate and make you look all lumpy. And when you bring them home, try not to wear the same one day after day—even if it is your favorite. Rotate them out and abide by the washing instructions as best you can. Nothing destroys a bra quicker than throwing it in the washer and dryer—but I think we all still do it. So if you feel the need, make sure to put it on delicate and hang dry it. You may even try out one of those bra wash bags. Personally, I use baseball cap washing holders for mine every now and again, and I hand wash them more regularly.