6 Things No One Tells You About Bra Shopping
If bra shopping was easy, we’d all be running to our nearest local lingerie stores to buy new bras. Unfortunately, bra shopping can be challenging. Bras are technical garments – there is a lot that you might not consider if you don’t wear a hard-to-find bra size or spend hours researching bra fitting online.
Take the band, for example. Did you know that the band provides 80-90% of a bra’s support? Most people believe that the straps provide the bra’s support, but that’s not the case. For the best fit, opt for a snug, supportive band that you can wear out of the fitting room on the loosest hook. After scooping all of your breast tissue into the cups, positioning the bra so the band is parallel to the floor, and adjusting the straps, you should be able to fit two fingers between your skin and the bra band. A supportive bra band is crucial to the fit of the bra – and something you might not be paying close attention to when trying on new bras.
Here are six more things no one tells you about bra shopping:
1. Always get a bra fitting
You’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re not getting regular bra fittings. How often should you get a bra fitting? We suggest getting fitted every six months. Don’t wait six months if your clothing size has changed, if you’ve recently become pregnant or had a baby (congrats!), or if you haven’t had a bra fitting in a year or more.
2. Being openminded is key
If you’re unhappy with your current bra, you have nothing to lose by trying on a bunch of different bras. While you’re shopping, be open to new styles, lingerie brands, and sizes. After a fitting, you might find that your bra size is completely different than what you expected. Based on the recommendation of your bra fitter, you might also find the bra you always wanted but never thought existed in a brand you haven’t tried before.
3. Dress for comfort
You’ll be trying a lot of bras on, so dress for ease and comfort. Pick easy to throw on pieces and wear comfortable shoes. A comfy pair of jeans or leggings, a favorite t-shirt, and a pair of flats make a great outfit for a day of lingerie shopping.
Related: Ask A Bra Fitter: What Are Bra Fittings Like?
4. Always bring a t-shirt with you
Even if you don’t wear t-shirts every day, a t-shirt can help you see how a bra would look under fitted clothing. A bra could look gorgeous on but have seams on the cups that show under a t-shirt – making it a style that you might not reach for as often.
5. Never bra shop during your period
You might notice a change in your breast size when you’re on your period. PMS symptoms may cause bloating, swelling, and tenderness during that time of the month. We suggest waiting until you’re off your period before getting a bra fitting or adding any new bras to your lingerie wardrobe.
6. Only buy what you love
Chances are you wear lingerie everyday – why not fill your lingerie wardrobe with pieces that you love? When you’re shopping for new bras, choose each one carefully. For an everyday bra, ask yourself: “Do I have at least five outfits I can wear this bra with?” And for every bra, ask yourself: “Do I feel confident in this?” Of course, if you fall in love with a lingerie set, buy it! Life is too short to wear lingerie that doesn’t make you feel beautiful, confident, and empowered.
Related: How To Define Your Lingerie Style
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
