How to choose the correct bra

really very useful information serenity

Serenity,
u have mentioned lot of points to keep in mind while selecting the correct one...
Very gud info lol..

Thats a very useful info, but wat to do with larger breasts, does the same conditions apply??

Originally Posted by Serenity_John

One way you can get a correct measurement is to go to a department store like JcPenney, Macy's, Nordstrom, etc in a mall and ask a bra fitter (usually a saleswoman in lingerie dept of the store) if they can measure you.

They will take you to a fitting room and measure your size for you with a tape (you dont' have to undress unless you are wearing thick clothes or padded bra that might affect the measurement).

After knowing your size you can go and find bras in the store or any where else like even walmart which has low priced but good bras too.

However, MAKE SURE to try the bra on even if it's correct size since different manufacturers measurements might differ slightly that if you are 36 B in one brand, you might be 34 DDD in another one.

When you try on a bra, consider these tips:
It should feel good
A great fitting bra shouldn't dig, pull, poke or otherwise cause discomfort. If it does, it's not the right bra (or size) for you. Make sure it feels comfortable when you sit down and move around.


It should look good!
Always try your bras on wearing a t-shirt – it's the best way to see what it's doing for you. A great fitting bra can make you look taller, will define your waist, and even make you look slimmer!

Don't settle for wrinkles
If you see extra fabric or wrinkly, baggy cups, the cup size is too big. Try sizing down.

Don't fall out
Take a look at the front of the bra. There shouldn't be any breast tissue spillage, puddling, or falling out of the bottom of the cups. If there is, your cup size is too small. Try sizing up for a flattering, more natural looking fit.

Straps shouldn't work too hard
Your bra's support comes from the band, not the straps. So be sure that you're wearing the correct band size. Too big, and your straps will end up taking the weight, which will cause them to put pressure on your shoulders and dig in.

Is your band straight?
Look in the mirror from the side. Your band should be at the same level all the way around. If it is riding up in back, it's probably too big. Try sizing down a band size or tightening your band.

Mind the gap
The center front of your bra should lie flat against the breastbone. It should not lie on top of any breast tissue. If there's a large gap, you may need to go up a cup size.

How tight is right?
Your band should feel firm and secure, but you should also be able to slip two fingers beneath the band in back, and one in the center in front. If you can't, you may need to loosen your band a bit, or go up a size.

Underwires shouldn't dig
Underwires should lie flat at the front of your bra, against your ribcage. If you feel your underwire digging into any breast tissue, you should try a larger cup size or a different style. (Usually if you're C cup or larger, you might need a bra with underwire for support!)


Bras stretch over time
Be sure you're wearing your bra on the loosest hook. Your bras can stretch with washing and wear, so when you buy a new bra, it's best to ensure it fits properly on a loose hook, so you can tighten it as needed.

How to know when you've found a perfect fit?
Your breasts will feel like they are "sitting" in the cups, you will not feel any underwire pinching and your bra will feel comfortable and supportive. You shouldn't have to settle for a so-so fit. Sometimes you will have to go up a cup size or two. Don't let it concern you – sizes do vary among brands.

Finding the perfect bra takes time and patience, but the way you will look (and feel) once you have found it will be worth all of your effort.

Reminder
Check back in six months or so. You should re-evaluate your bras regularly to be sure they are fitting you the way they should – because a woman's body does change over time, and bras stretch and lose shape with repeated wear and washing. It may be time to stock-up again, soon!



PS: Often, you might notice that if you try on bras that are same size and cup but different brands, then they might not be comfortable for some reason. So when you do find a bra that's comfortable, try to buy a couple more of the same bra and size!

A skin color bra goes with white or light colored tops and sometimes even under sheer black tops while a black bra goes with dark color and black tops. So, try to buy a couple of skin color and black color bras. White color bras are risky since under white color tops and sometimes under light colored tops especially it is very noticeable.


Good luck,

Serenity :D

good info

Originally Posted by sanravi_1970

Thats a very useful info, but wat to do with larger breasts, does the same conditions apply??

Yes, Sanravi,

Same conditions apply. But with larger breasts though, the cup size MIGHT be over D and get into DD or F, etc.

Don't be embarrassed about the size of the bra and try to buy a lower size or something. B/c you are looking for lot more back pain, fatigue, and aging qualities like "saggy" chest, which adds more pounds too under the clothes.

Always better to wear the correct size ones whether it seems small or large size compared to other females.

Hope this helps! :D

Sere

very nice tips.. but i dont think these kind of measurements are available in indian shops.. here (even in naidu hall) u get oly size 30, 32, 34 etc.. i have never heard of this ABCD used along with them.. do we get these kinda sizes here.. kindly clear my doubt..

Hi all, Dont get me wrong...Whenever I buy bras as present to my wife, either it is tight or loose or can't be hooked etc...She is in between 36 and 37 size..Neither 36 nor 38 fits...This is a genuine problem...Please advise me if she should go to trial rooms like there is for other dresses...
I was too embarassed to seek help....Thank God for this thread now...

Hi Deepi,

Actually I've been busy for a couple of days now that's why I didn't reply yet.

I never shopped for lingerie in India actually so I don't have any tips by experience. But when I did research though, I could only see that there is still number and ABCD style measuring in india. If not, then I saw that there lingerie stores in Chennai that probably do sell bras with that type of measuring. Here's info of all the such stores in Chennai: Lingerie in Chennai|Clothing & Accessories Chennai India
The Hindu : Retail Plus Chennai : The inside story!
Underlines - The Lingerie Boutique- Boutiques in Chennai - www.chennaibest.com

Actually I was thinking about not having ABCD style of measuring in the shops and I have a feeling that maybe the salesperson judged you whatever size he/she thought and just gave that cup size with the number you gave. I read some stories where the salespersons are prone to suggest which size you are so I'm thinking that might be one reason you haven't heard of ABCD thing.

If it's not done like that in the shops there though, you should definitely go shopping and try the bras in fitting room. Try to take different sizes of bras to see which is better fitting. And you can try asking for cup size too so see if they do have that style or just judge as small/medium/large/X-large instead of ABCD.


Good luck Deepi!

Sere :D

Hi NKumar,

I realize that many times husbands do buy lingerie for wives but still it would only be effective way of shopping if you and your wife know the correct size and correct brand (assuming that your wife didn't go through weight gain/loss in meanwhile time). Just in case of any mishaps with sizes happen, try to find out what the return policy of the store is with lingerie.

Otherwise, it's far easier (and less hassle) to just take your wife shopping too and let her try out the bras in the fitting room before buying.

Good luck! :D

Sere

Originally Posted by NKumar

Hi all, Dont get me wrong...Whenever I buy bras as present to my wife, either it is tight or loose or can't be hooked etc...She is in between 36 and 37 size..Neither 36 nor 38 fits...This is a genuine problem...Please advise me if she should go to trial rooms like there is for other dresses...
I was too embarassed to seek help....Thank God for this thread now...

Originally Posted by Serenity_John

Hi Deepi,

Actually I've been busy for a couple of days now that's why I didn't reply yet.

I never shopped for lingerie in India actually so I don't have any tips by experience. But when I did research though, I could only see that there is still number and ABCD style measuring in india. If not, then I saw that there lingerie stores in Chennai that probably do sell bras with that type of measuring. Here's info of all the such stores in Chennai: Lingerie in Chennai|Clothing & Accessories Chennai India
The Hindu : Retail Plus Chennai : The inside story!
Underlines - The Lingerie Boutique- Boutiques in Chennai - www.chennaibest.com

Actually I was thinking about not having ABCD style of measuring in the shops and I have a feeling that maybe the salesperson judged you whatever size he/she thought and just gave that cup size with the number you gave. I read some stories where the salespersons are prone to suggest which size you are so I'm thinking that might be one reason you haven't heard of ABCD thing.

If it's not done like that in the shops there though, you should definitely go shopping and try the bras in fitting room. Try to take different sizes of bras to see which is better fitting. And you can try asking for cup size too so see if they do have that style or just judge as small/medium/large/X-large instead of ABCD.


Good luck Deepi!

Sere :D

Thanks sere for your detailed reply. Next time when i go for lingerie shopping i'll make it a point to ask about these measurements and let you know. As u said even if they dont use them here, i can use the trial room and find the best fit. Thank you