Last week I was invited to get an expert bra fitting at Inner Secrets Lingerie shop. Keep in mind, I have not had a bra fitting since 10th Grade and through trial and error have come to the conclusion that I am a 34B. Or, so I thought.
Turns out I’m actually a 32 C, and according to research, as many as 80% of women are also wearing the incorrect bra size.
4 Major Keys to finding the right bra fit
ONE: Get your back measurement right
An accurate measurement of your back area – this is the area just under your boobs – is the most important measurement when trying to find your correct bra size. The size of your back needs to be established first to ensure that you’re getting good support.
TWO: The underwire must fit under the breast
Does your bra’s underwire dig into your skin and cause discomfort? Then, you’re probably wearing the wrong cup size. According to a bra fitting expert at Inner Secrets Lingerie, the underwire must lie behind the breast, and the centre-point-panel of the boning must lie on the chest and under the breast. It must not cut into your breast. If it does, you may need a bigger cup size.
THREE: You need to scoop your breasts into your bra
You need to adjust your breasts into the bra by bending over at a 90-degree angle, and your breasts will fall into place. Scoop breasts into place so that the wire sits under and behind the breasts.
FOUR: Find an expert bra fitting store
Most department stores have salespeople who do bra fittings. The problem with this is that salespeople are not necessarily bra and lingerie experts. So, if you can’t make it to one of the Inner Secrets Lingerie stores, you can follow instructions on their website, and take your own bra measurements.
The biggest lesson I learned, and what I’m sure many women will learn, is that bras aren’t meant to be uncomfortable. They’re meant to give you support and make you feel confident.
To see what Mzansi women have to say about their breasts, pick up a copy of the GLAMOUR September issue.
