Your Breast Foundation Ever! Your proper bra size and care.

Posted on February 17, 2011 by admin

Did you know eight out of ten women are wearing the wrong size bra? And did you know that the right bra will improve your wardrobe by INSTANTLY making you look 5-10 pounds lighter (plus it will give you a lovely waistline!) Who wouldn’t want that?! Yep, it’s true ladies. So if it’s been a while since you’ve shopped for new bras, it’s time to hit the stores. But before you do, here are a few top tips on how to choose and maintain your ‘breast’ foundation ever!

Renowned personal bra shopper Susan Nethero has hoisted, squeezed and adjusted more than 100,000 pairs of breasts. According to Susan, when shopping for a bra you should fit it on the loosest hook, that way when it ages it can be adjusted to retain the firmness and fit. “The perfect position for your breasts,” Susan says, “is midway between your shoulders and your elbows, and the bra should fit level front to back.” “Most women [make the mistake] of going up [in their band size] instead of increasing their cup,” Susan says. T o get maximum lift, she suggests having your bra size measured by a professional. To get the proper size you need two measurements – the band size and the cup size. I would suggest going to Nordstrom or Soma.

Here are Susan’s most obvious clues that your bra is the wrong size:

• If your cups runneth over, it’s time to go up a cup size

• If your cups dimple, it’s time to go down a size

• If you have the dreaded back fat, you probably think your bra is too tight, but you’re wrong, your bra isTOO BIG! Wearing a bra lower on the back with a smaller band size will completely eliminate back fat! (Seriously!)

• If your strap falls down that means your bra band is riding up and you probably need to go down a band size.

Once you’ve been measured and shopped and found the perfect bra, how you care for it is key. Bras need time to rest. I suggest alternating your bras on different days. This gives the Lycra in the bra time to cool and will extend the life of your bra.

Here are a few more tips for keeping your bra looking as beautiful as the day you bought it:

While hand washing and line drying is best, if you must wash your bras in the washing machine, use gentle detergent (Woolite or a lingerie wash) and a lingerie bag, and wash on the delicate cycle. Hook the clasps on the bra to prevent twisting. Set the rinse cycle to cold – this will help make the bra snap back to it’s original shape (provided it’s not too old) Finally, NEVER EVER PUT YOUR BRA IN THE DRYER! No really, it RUINS the bra! Leave it clasped and fix the cups before you hang

While these steps may seem a little time consuming, remember, you’ll be saving money in the long run because your delicates will last much longer! Also remember that, hey, your good looks (and waistline) are worth the extra effort!

Take a few moments to inventory your bras. Now be honest… what condition are your bras really in? When was the last time you were professionally fitted? Does your bra keep the “sisters” up where they belong? If you have answered any of these questions with a negative… hop in your car and treat yourself to some new lingerie!

8 Responses to Your Breast Foundation Ever! Your proper bra size and care.

Wendee says:

February 17, 2011 at 9:36 am

Great article. Don’t have that dreaded back fat, but the cups do ripple and the straps fall, but I tend to wear them a week before washing and figured they were streteched out. I’m so bad about washing, I just throw everything in the washer and hope for the best, but I do hang them to dry.

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Barbara Cohen says:

February 17, 2011 at 9:50 am

Excellent helpful tips about bra fitting. I love helping the clients at Dress for Success by fitting them with a new bra. Many come in wearing old worn out bras that have zero support, or they wear a sports bra that has been donated to them at a shelter. A good fitting bra makes them look better in their clothes & give them a new outlook. They are so appreciative!

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Shanda says:

February 17, 2011 at 11:02 am

When I finally found the right bra for me I bought 4 of them, in different colors & patterns… and you are correct…it is good to alternate. (Keeps them newer longer) Plus, I have 2 teenage daughters and this will be good “motherly advice” to pass along to them. Thanks for the helpful insight, JuliAnn!

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Amanda Morris says:

February 18, 2011 at 4:45 pm

I had a bra whose embellishments cut into my arms. After reading this I purchased a new bra that fits me correctly and now I don’t have this problem. Thanks for your advice.

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Margo says:

June 8, 2011 at 9:20 am

Great article and advise but where can I go to get a professional bra fitting other than Nordstrom’s?

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JuliAnn Stitick says:

June 8, 2011 at 11:36 am

Hi Margo, Do you have a store near you called Soma? They are great, too and have lots of coupons and specials. Check out their Vanishing Edge Panties, too! Good luck. J

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Nancy Kehr says:

January 26, 2012 at 9:57 am

I read this the first time you posted it and it is really helpful information. Bra shopping is still something I dread because if you are bigger than a B cup and choose not to wear an underwire bra finding one that fits properly is a bit of a hunt. Soma had a great bra I liked but then they discontinued it! But love Soma for other things.

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JuliAnn says:

April 4, 2011 at 8:40 am

Hi Trinidad! So glad I could be of help!

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