Wondering how to make your bras fit better? Here’s how to feel more supported right now:

1.  First, figure out what’s wrong with the fit

Before you start adjusting your bra, you’ll need to determine what exactly is wrong with the fit. Are your straps falling off your shoulders? Does your bra band ride up your back? Is your breast tissue spilling out of the cups? Or is your breast tissue not filling the cups completely?

The straps, cups, and band are core components of any bra – and common areas for fit issues. You’ll want to start here and really take a moment to assess what’s going wrong with the fit before you can fix it.

If you’ve recently been measured for a bra and you know you’re wearing the right size, the issue could actually be related to the style – maybe it’s just not the right one for you.

On the other hand, your bra may simply need a quick adjustment to give you the lift you’re looking for – and that’s what we’re going to help with today.

2.  Make adjustments to the fit

Now that you’ve determined what’s going on with the fit, it’s time to make some adjustments.

Let’s look at the band first. Your bra band should fit comfortably snug and hug your ribcage while sitting parallel to the floor. If you raise your arms in the air like you’re stretching – and the bra band lifts up with your arms – you need to tighten the band. Try moving it to the middle or innermost hook to get a more secure fit.

Once your bra band is in a good place, you’ll want to address the cups next.

First, make sure your breast tissue is completely encapsulated within the cups by doing the scoop and swoop. If your breast tissue is spilling out of the cups, you’ll need a bigger cup size. On the other hand, if you’re noticing a significant amount of empty space in your cups, you’ll want to size down a cup size or more for the best fit.

Lastly, you’ll want the center panel of the bra (the part of the bra between the cups) to lay as flat as possible against your sternum. This may be difficult to achieve if you have full on bottom, full all over, close set, or augmented breasts, so don’t worry if it doesn’t tack perfectly.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About The Scoop and Swoop

3.  Check the straps

Adjusting the straps can have a major impact on the fit of a bra. Tightening them too much can cause the bra band rides up your back, while not tightening them enough can leave you with straps that fall off your shoulders.

So how do you find the perfect balance? Here’s how: With your bra band positioned parallel to the floor, adjust your straps to the point where you can fit 2-3 fingers between your skin and the strap.

While you’re making the adjustment, consider this: The bra band provides the majority of a bra’s support, while the straps are designed to keep the cups in the right place. So if you’re relying on your straps to do the heavy lifting, you’re not getting the best fit possible.

4.  Get a bra fitting

Finally, if you’re not getting the lift and support you need with steps 1-3, it might be time for a bra fitting. A bra fitter can determine your bra size and help you find bras that fit well and feel amazing. Life is too short for ill-fitting bras. No one likes having to constantly adjust their bra throughout the day. Why not make a change and find a local bra fitter near you?

Related: How To Find The Right Bra For Your Breast Shape

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!

Featured image lingerie:

Adriana Lace Bralette | Adriana Bikini in Raspberry

You’ve tried on almost every bra in the store, but nothing seems to fit right. Now you’re starting to wonder if there really is a perfect bra size for you – one that will make every bra you like magically fit in that size.

In all my years as a bra fitter, I’ve learned a few things about fit. And with everything I’ve learned, there is something that I want everyone who wears a bra to know:

It’s time to stop chasing “the perfect bra size”, because…

A perfect bra size is a myth

Through helping people find bras that fit well, I’ve found that there is no such thing as a “perfect bra size”. A perfect bra size is a myth. It doesn’t exist.

If you wear a 34D, for example, you may find yourself needing a 32DD or 34DD in certain brands. This is normal. It’s true that there are inconsistencies in fit from brand to brand. Want to test it yourself? Grab two bras in the same size but in two different styles from your lingerie collection. Try them on and note the differences in fit and how they each feel. Sometimes the differences are subtle, while other times it’s obvious that you’d need to size down or up from your regular size to get a better fit.

There isn’t a universal standard for fit

It’s no surprise that bras are strategically engineered designs with many components – sometimes up to 40 components per bra. Depending on the manufacturing technique, they may be constructed with the help of a sewing machine or sewn completely by hand. Lingerie brands use measurements, grading, patterns, and many other resources to create their products. While they want their 32D to fit a customer who wears a different brand’s 32D, there isn’t a universal standard for sizing when it comes to bras.

Simply put, as you try on different styles and become familiar with more brands, you’ll find that you don’t wear the same bra size in every brand. Of course, this could include your bra sister size – like being able to wear a 36D, 34DD, and 38C because they have relatively the same cup volume – but today we’re focusing on the importance of using your bra size as a guide and not a set number while shopping.

Related: Why Don’t I Wear The Same Bra Size In Every Lingerie Brand?

Adriana Lace Bralette | Adriana Bikini in Raspberry

Remember: Your bra size is a guide, not a rule

When was the last time you brought two sizes with you into the fitting room? You probably already do that for jeans, but what about bras? Sometimes the size that you typically wear isn’t the best size in a style or brand for you. Using your bra size as a guide opens up your options and helps you find the right size for you in the bras you like. While it might seem like a pain to try on multiple bras, we’re firm believers that it’s better to get the sizing right the first time and avoid a trip back to the store than to take a gamble on a bra that you think might fit.

Final thoughts

Next time you head into the fitting room, bring more than one bra size in with you. Bring the bra size that you typically wear, a bra that’s one cup size bigger, and a bra that’s one band size smaller. Following the guidance of your bra fitter (and these helpful tips), assess the fit of each bra and determine which one is the clear winner. You might just be surprised with the size that you take home.

Related: Bra Fitting 101: How To Find A Bra That Fits

Cora Unlined Longline Bra | Cora Bikini in Pale Blush

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, 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!

Featured image lingerie:

Ciara Bralette | Ciara Bikini in Surf

Searching for a supportive swimsuit this summer? A bra-sized swim top might be just what you need. Unlike swimsuits sold in sizes like S, M, and L, bra-sized swim tops are sold according to your bra size. Plus, they fit like a supportive bra and they’re designed in fabrics that can survive sunshine, sand, and surf.

While they’re a popular pick for full-busted people, anyone can wear a bra-sized swim top. Today, you can find chic bra-sized swim tops in A to N cup sizes and 28 to 46 bands. There are many more options now than there were a few years ago – and it makes shopping for a supportive swimsuit so much easier.

But before you go shopping for a new suit, you may want to get a bra fitting first – even if you don’t need bras.  With the help of a professional bra fitter, a bra fitting can determine your bra size and help you find a supportive fit. So if you’re not happy with your bras or feel like your bra size has changed, getting a bra fitting will be the first thing you’re want to do.

We talk a lot about bra fittings here on the blog – and they certainly have their perks.

Here are a few more reasons to get a bra fitting before buying a new swimsuit this summer:

You’ll have an expert on hand to check the fit

Unsure if your swimsuit top is fitting right? A bra fitter can check the fit and ensure you’re wearing the right size. Having an expert on hand is especially important when you’re shopping for bra-sized swimwear because it’s designed according to your bra size, and you may need a different size than you expected. While it’s easy to say that you wear a “34D” or “38G” across the board, you’ll find that swimwear brands, just like lingerie brands, fit differently from brand to brand and style to style. If you typically wear a 34D, you might find that you need a 32DD or 36C (your bra sister sizes), or a different size completely depending on how the brand runs.

You’ll have a personal shopper to pick out swimsuits for you

Wondering which swimsuits work best for your body type? A bra fitter knows how all the swimsuits in the store fit. They can make recommendations for styles that will suit you, while taking all of your comfort, style, and fit preferences into consideration. They can also save you time shopping – no need to try on a bunch of swimsuits and hope that one of them fits.

Related: 4 Things Professional Bra Fitters Want You To Know About Bra Fittings

Farah Bikini Top | Farah Bikini Bottom in Black/Emerald

You might need new bras too

It’s not uncommon for your bra size to change throughout your life. Hormonal changes, birth control, menopause, weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, and child birth can all affect your breast size. We recommend getting a bra fitting every six months. Bi-annual bra fittings ensure you’re wearing the right bra size and help you find replacements for well-loved bras.

Pro tips

A bra fitting should be the first step before you buy any new bras or bra-sized swimsuit tops. Rather than buying a bunch of bras and hoping that they fit, why not save yourself the headache and get a bra fitting first? You might just be surprised at how easy, painless, and helpful a bra fitting can be!

Related: A Simple Guide To Finding A Swimsuit You’ll Love

Oceane Soft Padded Bikini Top | Oceane Bikini Bottom in Splash Print

We Highly Recommend

If you’re shopping for a swimsuit that fits your bust perfectly, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find swimsuit tops that stay in place, especially when you’re shopping on your own. If you’re full-busted and you’ve struggled with finding a flattering swimsuit top or if you’ve never tried a bra-sized swim top before, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings and carry a selection of swimsuits and swimsuit tops. Their expert bra fitters can help take the pain and frustration out of swimsuit shopping and do all the work for you. They can help you find a bra-sized swimsuit top with the support and lift that you’re looking for and they can also help you find new everyday bras that fit well and feel good. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best swimsuits are hiding.

If you’re not happy with the swimsuits in your closet, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy swimsuit shopping!

Featured image swimwear:

Keira One Piece Swimsuit in Peach

Shopping for a new swimsuit? You don’t have to do it alone. Scary Mommy recently rounded up the most flattering swimsuits for a multitude of body types. Supportive, chic styles were their focus – including our very own Oceane bikini.

Oceane Padded Bikini Top | Oceane Bikini Bottom in Splash Print

The Oceane collection features a One Piece Swimsuit, Bikini Bottom, and supportive Padded Bikini Top with an inner bra-like construction with hidden underwire that fits like your favorite bra. The Oceane Padded Bikini Top also features a knotted front accent, padded cups for shaping and opacity, back wings lined in power mesh for extra support, boning at the sides to help keep the bra-sized swim top in place, wide adjustable straps, and a secure back closure in chic gold. Pair with the matching bikini bottom to complete the look.

Oceane Padded Bikini Top | Oceane Bikini Bottom in Splash Print

Looking for a swimsuit with more coverage? The Oceane One Piece Swimsuit might just be your new favorite. This stunning style features removable inner foam cups for shaping and opacity, wide adjustable shoulder straps for comfort, flattering knotted details at the bust and waist, a fully lined fit, and a wide elastic under bust band for ample support at the beach or pool. The design is a fresh take on a classic one-piece swimsuit, with chic knotted ties and a bold print added to elevate the design. Much like the Oceane Padded Bikini Top, the Oceane One Piece Swimsuit is available in your bra size to provide the most supportive fit.

Oceane One Piece Swimsuit in Splash Print

Most styles look stunning on different body types – from apple and pear to carrot and hourglass. Available in classic black and splash print, this is a collection you won’t want to miss.

Oceane One Piece Swimsuit in Splash Print

Thank you to Scary Mommy and Bryce Gruber Hermon for featuring our Oceane Padded Bikini Top and Oceane Bikini Bottom in splash print!

Wondering how to make this your best summer yet? Lifestyle expert Dawn McCarthy and KTLA have you covered with everything you need for a fabulous summer. In a recent feature, Dawn shares the top products to kick off the summer season, including swimsuits, sports bras, snacks, and sunscreen. Of course, summer wouldn’t be complete without a dip in the beach or pool, so Dawn rounded up her favorite Parfait swimsuits – the Christy One Piece Swimsuit in tropical print and the Kiera One Piece Swimsuit in Peach. Both swimsuits are designed according to your bra size, so you know you’re getting a supportive fit!

Christy One Piece Swimsuit in Wild Leaves

The Christy One Piece Swimsuit features molded cups for opacity and shaping, flattering lace trim under the bust as a focal point, a halter tie, and a bold tropical palm print. The plunging neckline shows off your shape while the lined cups keep your bust lifted and in place thanks to the swimsuit’s hidden bra-like construction. Below the bust, you’ll find that the front panel is lined in power mesh to smooth and contour curves for a flattering shape.

Keira One Piece Swimsuit in Peach

Prefer a swimsuit with adjustable straps? The Kiera One Piece Swimsuit might just be your new go-to this summer. With its hidden bra-like construction, this chic swimsuit fits like a supportive padded demi bra with underwire. The back wings are lined in power mesh for extra support. The overlay of breathable swim crochet echoes a high neck style. Microfiber and swim crochet are used throughout – ensuring optimal comfort while you’re soaking up the sunshine.

Parfait Active Wireless Sports Bra in Tea Berry

If getting a good workout in is your goal, Dawn also shares the best wireless sports bras for the summer heat – the Parfait Active Wireless Sports Bra in Tea Berry and Rabbit/White. With its moisture-wicking fabrication, breathable mesh details, and supportive yet comfortable construction, the Parfait Active Wireless Sports Bra is a clear winner this season. It provides more coverage and support than a lightweight yoga bra, making it perfect for low to medium impact sports. This is the kind of sports bra you’d wear for a pilates class or light cardio session.

Parfait Active Wireless Sports Bra in Rabbit/White

Thank you to KTLA and Dawn for featuring our Christy One Piece Swimsuit, Kiera One Piece Swimsuit, and Parfait Active Wireless Sports Bras!

Spring and summer are popular wedding seasons for many reasons. The warm weather, clear skies, and beautiful natural lighting set the perfect scene for outdoor weddings and destination weddings. Wedding dresses and bridal lingerie in light airy fabrics, delicate laces, and shorter hems fit perfectly with the softer color palettes of these seasons. When it comes to bridal lingerie, light, neutral palettes of ivory, blush, lavender, seafoam, and pale blue reign supreme.

Brides is at the forefront of all things fashion season after season, and this summer is no exception. In a recent article entitled “The Most Romantic Lingerie for Summer Brides“, author Laura Lajiness curates a collection of stunning lingerie pieces for summer brides. She includes lacy slips, chiffon bodysuits, decadent bra and panty sets, and sexy, sheer bodysuits – including our very own Briana Wired Bodysuit in Petal Pink/Floral – in her selection.

Briana Wired Bodysuit in Petal Pink/Floral

The Briana Wired Bodysuit is a supportive bodysuit with balconette cups, a band of elastic under the bust for extra support, adjustable straps, and a back multi hook-and-eye closure. The floral embroidery on the cups adds beautiful, understated detail without taking away from the clean lines of the bodysuit. The three-part design of the cups lifts, centers, and shapes breast tissue, while the breathable mesh fabric feels cool and comfortable on the skin. Plus, the sheer panels of the body are designed with a power mesh lining to contour and smooth out curves. This is a great piece to wear on its own while lounging on your honeymoon or out and about with a pair of your favorite jeans and a light sweater.

Bridal lingerie is known for being decadent, lavish, and incredibly special. When delicate materials are involved, wearable pieces are harder to find. Fortunately, the neutral color palette and supportive fit of the Briana Wired Bodysuit ensures that you’ll get plenty of wear out of it for years to come.

Briana Wired Bodysuit in Petal Pink/Floral

Thank you to Brides and Laura Lajiness for featuring our Briana Wired Bodysuit in Petal Pink/Floral!

Shopping for a swimsuit can be challenging – especially when you’re full-busted. While there are plenty of cute suits to choose from, finding a supportive and stylish swimsuit isn’t as easy when you wear a DDD/E cup or larger.

Author Gina Marinelli at Glamour recently shared her experience shopping for swimsuits in an article entitled “I Tried on 30 Swimsuits for My 34F Figure—These Are the Absolute Best“. Gina, who wears a 34F, tried on 25 swimsuits in her quest to find at least one that fit well and felt supportive. She mentioned that she’d “try on about a dozen and leave the store hoping that I still fit into whatever swimsuit I’d worn the year before” – something a lot of us can relate to. But she also mentioned that swimsuit shopping has improved a lot since she was a teenager, and started her shopping journey optimistic about finding a swimsuit for this summer.

Farah High Apex Unlined Bikini Top and Bikini Bottom

With an open mind, Gina tried on a bunch of different brands and styles and ended up lucking out. Of the 30 swimsuits she tried, one of those swimsuits was our very own Farah High Apex Unlined Bikini Top and Bikini Bottom, new for Spring/Summer 2019. She said that ruffles on swimwear weren’t technically her thing, but she was willing to give it a try at the recommendation of our Director of Technical Design and Fit, Grace Baker. We love that Gina tried a style that she wouldn’t normally try and we couldn’t be happier for her that she found a swimsuit that made her feel like she “ready for anything”.

Farah High Apex Unlined Bikini Top and Bikini Bottom

Thank you to Glamour and Gina Marinelli for featuring our Farah High Apex Unlined Bikini Top and Bikini Bottom in Black/Emerald! Gina, we are so happy you found an awesome fit!

Not sure what to get for a wedding gift or bridal shower gift? KCAL9 has some great gift ideas for brides-to-be this wedding season.

Lifestyle expert Dawn McCarthy shares her favorite wedding gift ideas, including lingerie, jewelry, home accessories, cookbooks, and more for the bride. While discussing her top lingerie picks, Dawn shares that she loves Parfait because “they celebrate diversity [and] they have a huge arrange of sizes…and they don’t compromise style, comfort, or quality.” Dawn, thank you for the compliment! Style, comfort, and quality are our top priorities when it comes to designing and manufacturing lingerie. We want everyone who chooses to wear lingerie to look as amazing as they feel.

Charlotte Padded Bra | Charlotte Bikini in Blossom Print

We love that you chose to spotlight the Charlotte and Evoke collections this bridal season. They’re two of our favorite collections for spring and summer brides! The Charlotte collection is a throwback to vintage glamour. Decked out in satin with decadent bows with a Padded Bra, Bikini, and Highwaist Brief, the Charlotte collection was inspired by the lingerie of a time gone by – perfect for any pin-up looking for plenty of support. This collection is offered in select colors with bras available in 30-44 bands and C to K cups and bottoms in sizes XS-4XL.

Evoke Wire-Free Bodysuit | Evoke Bralette & Bikini in Ivory

The Evoke collection from our sister line MOD By Parfait is another glam choice for brides. The sheer fabric combined with the embroidered flowers feels luxe when worn under a wedding dress or when paired with a silky robe. A Padded High Neck Bra, Bralette, Bikini, and Wire-Free Bodysuit round out the collection in sizes 32A-38DD and S-2XL, available in Ivory and Blush/Purple.

Thank you to KCAL9 and Dawn McCarthy for featuring our vintage-inspired Charlotte collection in Blossom Print and our bridal-friendly MOD By Parfait Evoke collection in Ivory!

Looking for a supportive sports bra that will keep up with your workout? The Parfait Active Sports Bra might just be your new favorite.

In a recent round-up, Hello Giggles selected our Parfait Active Sports Bra as one of their favorite plus size sports bras. This powerhouse style features molded cups with underwire to lift and support your shape, a firm underband to keep your bust secure, wide wings with a multi hook-and-eye closure, and wide, padded straps with sliders so you can wear the style regular or racerback.

Parfait Active Sports Bra P5541 in Infinity Blue

The Parfait Active Sports Bra provides the perfect amount of coverage, while the breathable mesh and moisture-wicking Coolpass fabric keep you cool and comfortable throughout your workout. When you need support, reduced bounce, and a full coverage fit, the Parfait Active Sports Bra has you covered.

Thank you to Hello Giggles and Courtney Leiva for featuring our Parfait Active Sports Bra in Black as one of their top picks for plus size sports bras!

Parfait Active Sports Bra P5541 in Infinity Blue

Featured image lingerie:

Parfait Active Sports Bra P5541 in Infinity Blue

You’ve tried on all your bras (plus an adhesive bra and even going without one), but nothing feels right. You’re not sure if you can work with the bras you have or if you’ll need to buy a new one for your outfit. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this series, we’re tackling your lingerie questions and sharing the best bras to wear for every occasion.

Next up: a question that we hear a lot. If you’ve ever wondered “How many bras should you have?”, this article is for you.

Here’s what you need to know:

So, how many bras do you actually need?

It really depends.

There isn’t a set number. Two of the biggest factors for determining how many bras you need and which styles are best for you are your lifestyle (what’s your day to day like?) and your wardrobe (having bras that work with your outfits is key). For example, if you work out a few times each week, you’ll want to invest in 2-3 sports bras. Don’t like wearing bras with underwire? Fill your lingerie wardrobe with wireless bras and bralettes instead. Do you live in t-shirts? T-shirt bras and seamless plunge bras are an easy-to-wear solution.

Putting fit first

Your everyday lingerie wardrobe should be functional and wearable – not just pretty. Ideally, it should be filled with bras and underwear that fit you well and complement all your favorite outfits. Special occasion pieces aside, this is the lingerie that you’ll be wearing the most. It should make getting dressed in the morning easier and less stressful, too.

Building a lingerie wardrobe

Building a lingerie wardrobe can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure where to start. If you’re replacing all your bras, you might be wondering which styles your new lingerie wardrobe should have. I’ve included a general list of styles below that you may want to add. Feel free to add or subtract them as needed. It’s all about finding the perfect mix. For more on building a lingerie wardrobe you’ll love, check out this article.

A basic guide to a functional lingerie wardrobe

3-4 Everyday Bras

These are the bras that you’ll be wearing most often throughout the week. You’ll want to pick styles that are comfortable, supportive, and work well with your outfits. An everyday bra to one person might be a lacy unlined bra while another person might go for a t-shirt bra that closely matches their skin tone. It all comes down to preference.

1-3 Sports Bras

The types of sports bras (low impact, medium impact, high impact) will depend on your workouts and what you’re looking for in a sports bra. A sports bra with underwire will provide more support and better bounce reduction that a wireless sports bra. Choose the sports bras that work best for you.

1-3 Bralettes

Bralettes are the perfect bra for lounging, sleeping, or running errands. Their wireless fit and supportive bands feel comfortable and provide just enough support under a loose-fitting top or sweater. Plus, they’re an easy-breezy, effortless choice that can be worn year-round.

1-4 Special Occasion Bras

This is where your strapless bras, longline bras, bustiers, and come in. These are the styles that you don’t wear very often but still need from time to time.

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!

Which styles do you have in your lingerie wardrobe?