Points to consider when purchasing a bra
The Underband
Always fit a new bra on the loosest hook at the back as bras
tend to stretch with wear and you will inevitably need to make the
back tighter once it does. The underband is responsible for
providing the majority of the support for the bust.
The underband around your body should fit firmly but still
comfortably. You should be able to still run your finger under the
underband. If the back is too tight try the next band size. If the
underband feels too slack and wants to ride up the back it is too
big and you will need to try a smaller band size.
Standing sideways and looking in the mirror, the back of the bra
should be even with the front or slightly lower. The back strap
should never sit higher than the front as support should come
mostly from the lower back.
The Centre Front
The centre front of the bra should sit flush against the breast
bone and should not poke forward. If it does push forward you
should consider a larger cup size or a style that has greater
separation between the breasts.
The Wires
The underwires should sit flat against the chest and should not
dig in at the sides or under the arm. The wires should enclose the
entire breast and there should be no bulging at the sides.
The Cups
The cup should fit smoothly with the breast fitting entirely in
the cup. There should be no spillage over the top. If you do have
spillage try loosening the straps which may be too tight. If the
problem persists then try a larger cup size as it is too small.
Also there should be no creases or gapping. If there is the cup is
too large and you should try a smaller cup size.
The Straps
The straps should be lengthened to comfortably support the bust
without excessive pressure. They should not be so tight that they
cut into the shoulder. If they are too tight, simply adjust the
strap until it feels comfortable. If the straps fall off the
shoulder then they are too loose and you need to tighten the
strap.
How to determine your appropriate bra size using a tap
measure
Using a tape measure to determine your size will be just a
guide. As various styles differ in whether they are a small fit,
true size or a generous fit you may not be the same size in every
bra. This certainly has been true in all our years of fitting bras
in store.
Procedure One
With a bra on, measure your underbust firmly, round up to the
next 5 cm. This will enable you to determine the bra size eg:
70cm = Bra size 10
75cm = Bra size 12
80cm = Bra size 14
85cm = Bra size 16
90cm = Bra size 18 and so on
Procedure Two
To determine cup size, measure around the fullest part of the
bust, still with your bra on and placing the tape measure over the
nipples. The difference between the underbust meaurement and this
measurement will give you the cup fitting eg:
13cm difference = A
cup
15cm difference = B cup
17cm difference = C cup
19cm difference = D cup
21cm difference = DD cup and so on
NOTE: The fitting chart can help you
narrow down your size however it should be noted that there may be
other factors which can affect your cup size. For example a broad
back may take up a lot of the overbust measurement and not
necessarily the bust hence the cup measurement may differ from what
is recommended by the guide.
How to fit a bra
- Extend the shoulder straps, slip your arms through the
shoulders straps and lean forward slightly to enable the bust to
fall naturally into the cups.
-
Fasten the closure and then stand up straight again. The bra should
be fitted on the last hook or at the most, the centre hook. This
will allow you to bring the bra in tighter once it stretches with
wear.
-
Lift your bust using your opposite hand into the cup eg left hand
into the right cup. This should be done to ensure the breast is
correctly positioned and centre in the bra cup as well as making
sure that the breast is not sitting behind the underwire at the
underarm or under the diaphragm.
-
Adjust the shoulder straps so that they give a firm but comfortable
uplift to the bust.
- It
is normal for one breast to be slightly larger than the other,
always fit the larger breast.
How to fit a maternity bra
Most pregnant women will find they will no longer fit their bras
at around month 3-4. It is usually at this time for a woman to need
a new bra. A maternity bra will provide extra support to the
breasts during pregnancy as well as the flexibility to allow for
slight size fluctuation due to fluid retention. During pregnancy it
is advised to avoid wearing underwire.
- At 3-4 months, the nursing bra should be fitted on the tightest
hook. On average the diaphragm expands approximately one hook per
month to make room for the growing baby. Maternity bras usually
have 6 hooks instead of the usual 3 hooks at the back. By fitting
it on the tightest hook at 3-4 months you will have a hook for each
remaining month of the pregnancy to let out.
- The
lower section of the cups should fit well for support
-
There must be no restriction over the nipple area allowing room in
the upper cup section for the extra fullness of the bust when
lactation begins.
- As
the bust expands the shoulder strap should be loosened to avoid
restriction, making sure there is still ample support.
How to fit a prosthesis bra correctly
- A snug fitting around the diaphragm position of the bra will
establish body size.
-
Whilst wearing the prosthesis and a bra measure for cup size. We
measure the size of the natural breast by measuring from the centre
back to the centre front over the fullest part of the natural
breast and double the measurement.
- The
difference between the diaphragm measurement and the overbust
measurement indicates the cup fitting (refer to the fitting
chart).
- It
is recommended that a soft cup (wireless) bra is worn although the
correct fitting underwire bra can also be worn comfortably and
often will provide a younger figure profile.
- If
a woman has had both breasts removed her cup size is determined by
the size of the prosthesis worn. The underbust and overbust
measurements are taken whilst wearing the prosthesis to determine
the correct bra fitting.
Checkpoints
The bra must be firm and hug the chest wall.
It must hug underneath the arm and support the undercup.
The diaphragm fit should be firm enough for comfort but should not
ride up.