It is estimated that up to 80% of women wear the wrong size bra so it is worth taking some time to make sure that you are choosing your right size.
Experts advise that you should measure yourself every six months, or better still be measured by a trained bra fitter, as our bodies change constantly throughout our lives. An ill-fitting bra can cause back pain and discomfort and leads to poor posture, and a weight gain or loss of 10% can result in a change of one cup size.
A well-fitting bra can prevent breast sag, help improve posture and make your clothes fit better and, when taking exercise, a good sports bra is essential to prevent stretching of the ligaments caused by breast bounce.
Here are a few things to consider when trying on a bra:
* A bra should fit closely against the rib cage and a firm band is important.
* The bra should fit evenly across the body. A too-slack band can cause it to ride up at the back and result in poor support.
* Bras with underwires provide better support to larger busts.
* The bra cup should fit comfortably with no overspill or puckering.
* A bra with wide straps will give better support to a full bust
* Choose a bra that fits on the loosest hook so that you can adjust the fit when the bra stretches through wear.
Another consideration when buying a bra is which style to choose. Full-cup, balcony and half-cup styles, for example, all give different uplift and support. Try different shapes and style to find which ones work for you and always try the bra under your clothing to make sure it give you the outline and shape you want.
If you plan to measure yourself, you can use our Bra Fitting Guide to help you decide your size. It is important to remember that this is only a guide as different brands fit differently. It is a good idea to check the manufacturers own websites for brand-specific fitting advice.
And finally, our bras are advertised with UK sizes. If you are buying for overseas, it is important to make sure you understand the size conversion for your country. Again, check the manufacturers’ website links to ensure you choose the right size for you.
http://www.freyalingerie.com/advice/quick-facts.aspx
http://www.charnos.co.uk/perfect-fit
http://www.curvykate.com/size-guide.php
http://www.fantasie.com/advice.aspx
http://www.gossard.com/Get-the-Perfect-Fit/Sizing-Guide
http://www.wonderbra.com/findyoursize.aspx
http://www.fauve.com/advice.aspx
http://www.panache-lingerie.com/en/advice/ask-the-expert