It’s not every day you go bra shopping. In fact, many women haven’t tried on or bought bras in months. But, if you’re thinking about running to the mall on your lunch break to buy a new bra, think again. Bra shopping isn’t difficult, but it takes some strategy. With just a little planning, you can ensure you have a positive and successful bra shopping experience.

Here are five reminders before you go bra shopping.

Allow yourself plenty of time.

You’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time to go bra shopping. If you rush yourself, you risk walking away from your shopping trip empty-handed. Or worse, settling on a bra that doesn’t truly fit. Your bra size can change due to weight fluctuations and other factors, so it’s a good idea to get a professional bra fitting if you haven’t had one recently. (Especially if you’ve never had one!) Give yourself about three hours to be fitted, visit different stores, try on various bras and make your selections.

Wear a top that’s easy to remove.

One of the best rules for bra shopping is to wear clothes that are easy to remove. Wear a top or dress that is quick to take off without messing up your hair or makeup. It’s possible you could try on bras at a few different stores before finding the right one for you. Wearing something easy to remove makes the process quicker and less tedious.

Wear (or bring) something to try on over bras.

It’s essential to try your clothes on over the new bra before buying it. This allows you to see if the bra puckers and how the bra makes your breasts look under your clothes. If your “easy to remove” shirt won’t suffice for this, bring an extra top with you. My favorite item to try with bras is a somewhat fitted t-shirt.

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

Be prepared to have someone in your personal space.

Bra shopping means you’ll likely have a lingerie professional in your personal space. The professional will fit you for bras, sometimes without a shirt on. And, it’s possible she can help you try on bras in the dressing room if you need assistance. Whether it’s shaving your underarms or wearing a little extra deodorant, do whatever makes you feel comfortable having someone up close and personal. The more comfortable you are, the more helpful she can be in finding the right bra for you.

Be kind to yourself.

Like swimsuit shopping, bra shopping makes it easy to be critical of your body. Fitting room lighting can be unflattering, and standing half-naked in front of a mirror can be overwhelming. But you are bra shopping to feel more confident in your skin, not to open the floor for self-criticism. Keep your mind focused on finding a good fitting bra, and don’t let negativity creep into your thoughts. If it will make you feel more confident while trying on bras, fix your hair and makeup before hitting the stores.

A perfectly fitting bra can boost your confidence – making you feel beautiful and fierce in your clothes or only in your lingerie. So, let your shopping excursion be fun and light. Grab a coffee, don’t give yourself a time limit and take your time finding the perfect bra for you.

Related Post: 5 Reasons To Go Get A Professional Bra Fitting

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!

Many women have one go-to bra for everyday use. I mean, when you find one that fits, what’s a girl to do? Right? Wrong. Even if you’re wearing the same style bra in the same color, it’s important to not wear the same bra each day. If you find a bra that fits, you should at least buy a duplicate while you’re bra shopping.

To ensure you don’t wear the same bra for days on end, you need to have more than one bra that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Here’s why you shouldn’t have one main bra:

1.  It will show signs of wear and tear faster.

Having just one good bra on hand will make the bra show earlier signs of wear and tear. Many bras can last upwards to 18 months, however, wearing the same bra every day will quickly decrease its life span. Some signs of wear and tear include stains, the elastic coming through the fabric, snags, or rips in the material.

To ensure you don’t wear out a single bra, we suggest having three to four bras in your weekly rotation. Rotating bras helps each get equal wear, and consequently, preserves each bra’s condition, quality and duration.

2.  It won’t provide support for long.

When you wear the same bra every day, the materials can’t remain supportive. The elastic stretches when you wear a bra, and daily wear doesn’t allow the elastic to come back to its original shape. This can result in your bra band stretching quickly. If the band becomes too stretched, it will not provide functional support for you. A stretched bra band may begin riding up, forcing your bra straps to carry extra weight. In turn, this can put pressure on your shoulders and lead to discomfort.

Having a few bras in your weekly rotation allows the bras to keep their shape and efficiently support your breasts.

Related: The True Cost of Buying Cheap Lingerie

3.  You’ll spend more money on bras.

When you wear out bras quickly, spending money on new bras becomes inevitable. And let’s be honest – bras aren’t inexpensive. With bras costing $40 and more, you want to get as many wears out of one bra as you can. And, a great way to save money on bras is to have a few good bras on hand at all times. Bra shopping isn’t quick either. You need to set aside two to three hours to be fitted, browse stores, try on bras and make your selections. That’s just not an efficient use of time. Ensuring you have more than one bra to wear will preserve your bras, saving you money and time.

4.  You won’t be able to wash it appropriately.

It’s difficult keeping your bra clean and laundered if you wear it every day. To maintain your bra’s condition – and to ensure your skin doesn’t become irritated –  it’s recommended to wash a bra after three or four wears. With each bra wear, the bra gathers dead skin, sweat and oils. If the bra is not washed promptly, a “dirty” bra can irritate your skin, leading to rashes or breakouts.

Although it is possible to wash a bra after each wear, this is not a recommended laundry tip for bras. Washing bras too often can break down the material. Having a few bras in your rotation helps ensure you can wash your bras appropriately and timely.

You don’t have just one pair of heels. So, why would you only have one go-to bra? Like any piece of clothing, the more you wear it, the more quickly it will be unwearable. If you’ve been wearing the same bra for the last week, it may be time to go bra shopping.

Related: How Often Should You Change Your Bra?

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:

Matilda Contour Plunge Padded Bra P5311 | Matilda Bikini P5313 in Bisque

There’s a lot of information out there about bras that isn’t quite accurate. Some information says that your boobs are just too big to find the right bra. And other information simply tells you that your body is the issue. We’re calling bluff! Every pair of boobs can find the perfect bra match. It’s not your breasts that are the problem – it’s your bra!

Let’s talk about some common bra misconceptions:

1.  “Big boobs can’t help but spill over the cups.”

Just because you have bigger boobs doesn’t mean you have to deal with boob spillage. It’s normal to have a little peek-a-boob on the side of your bra. However, you shouldn’t be spilling excessively over all sides of your cup. A lot of spillage is the result of wearing a cup size that’s too small.

2.  “Push-up bras naturally create a gap between the cup and your breast.”

It seems logical that a push-up bra could cause a gap between your boob and the cup. After all, the bra is manipulating your breast.  But in actuality, there should never be a gap between the cup and your boob, even in a push-up. A gap signifies that you’re wearing a cup size that’s too big.

3.  “The only way to make small boobs seem bigger is to wear a push-up bra.”

I’m guilty of believing this myth. I totally thought the only way to like how my (smaller) boobs looked in a bra was to wear a push-up bra. Wrong! After having my first bra fitting and trying on bras that were actually my size, I loved how my boobs looked in a regular bra. The right size bra will perfectly cup your breasts and naturally lift them.

4.  “You can tell if you’re wearing the right bra size simply by trying on the bra.”

Have you ever been bra shopping at a department store? You likely walked right in, found “your size” in the pretty bras and bought them if they felt comfortable. But this is not a successful method for determining your bra size at all. Your bra size is not trial and error. Your bra size is found by measuring right above your bust and at the fullest part of your bust. We recommend all women be fitted by a professional when buying new bras.

Related: Is Your Bra Too Small?

5.  “Heavy boobs cause your straps to leave dents on your shoulders.”

Bra strap dents on your shoulders aren’t the result of heavy boobs. Instead, the dents are signs that your bra band isn’t helping to support your breasts. Your straps are having to do the heavy lifting (pun intended) because your band is slacking. A smaller sized band could help alleviate the pressure on your shoulders.

6.  “Adjust the straps to make the cups tighter on your boobs.”

If your bra cups are slightly too big, you can just tighten the bra straps, right? Nope! (Well, you could, but this may cause a gap between your cup and breast.) Bra straps should not help your bra fit your boobs tighter. Bra straps are meant to help support the weight that is in the cups. Your boobs should fit snugly within the cups, and if they don’t, you may need a smaller cup size.

7.  “Wear your bra on the tightest clasp.”

You shouldn’t need to wear your bra on the tightest clasp for it to fit comfortably. The tightest and the loosest clasps are there “just in case” you need them. For instance, “just in case” your bra stretches out, you can tighten the band. And, “just in case” you gain a couple of pounds, you can loosen the band. (However, sometimes even a small weight change can alter your entire bra size.)

8.  “The bra band rides up on your back because your boobs are too heavy.”

A bra band riding up on your back signifies that your band is too big. If your band is riding up, you may also find you’re getting those indentations in your shoulders. (Remember, those indentations were from the band being too big and not providing support.) Decreasing the band size will help the band stay in place.

Don’t be quick to place blame on your boobs when you’re not comfortable in your bra. Your bra is there to support your breasts and keep them in place. If your boobs and bra aren’t getting along, it’s the bra’s fault! Resize and replace.

Related: 10 Telltale Signs You Are Wearing The Wrong Bra Size

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:

Parfait Tess Unlined Wire Bra P5022 | Parfait Tess Bikini P5023 in Charcoal

Nothing feels quite as unattractive as wearing a bra that’s not your size. You don’t like the way you look in the bra, but you don’t like the way it looks under your clothes either. The trial and error method of trying on bras may suffice, but it won’t get you the perfect sized bra for your body. To find determine your true bra size, you need a professional bra fitting. That is, a bra fitting in a store where a lingerie professional measures your bust.

Here are five reasons to get a professional bra fitting:

1.  Your bras don’t fit well.

When a bra truly fits your body, you feel confident and comfortable. You can check to see if your bra fits in just a few easy steps. If your bra doesn’t seem to fit well, or the way you think it should, it’s time for a bra fitting.

2.  You’ve never had a fitting.

If you’ve never had a professional bra fitting, you have the perfect reason to get one. And, I’m not ashamed to admit that I, too, fell into this category. I was 26 before having my first fitting, and it was then that I realized I’d been wearing the wrong size bra for years. If you’ve never been fitted, there’s no time like the present. Wearing the right size bra is a game changer.

3.  Your bra hurts you.

Pain and discomfort are two of the many signs that you’re wearing the wrong bra size. Your bras are meant to support your breasts, alleviating pressure on your shoulders or back. But, when the bra isn’t the right size, it can’t do its job well, and consequently, you feel discomfort. Maybe your bra straps are digging into your shoulders; your breasts feel heavy and unsupported; or your bra band is squeezing your back. If you’re experiencing any of these common bra struggles, you should have a bra fitting as soon as possible.

Related Posts: 7 Signs You Are Wearing The Wrong Bra Size

Mod By Parfait Butterfly Plunge Padded Bra A1401 in Butterfly Print/Black

4.  You don’t feel confident in your bra.

If you don’t feel confident in your bra, you’re not wearing the right one. Your bra should make you feel beautiful and secure. And whether you’re in just lingerie or you’re fully clothed, your bra should be working for you, not against you. You shouldn’t have to worry about your boobs popping out of your bra. And on the other hand, you shouldn’t have to adjust your boobs to make your bra look fuller. The bra should fit your body perfectly with no adjustments needed. If this doesn’t describe your relationship with your bra, your bra isn’t boosting your confidence.

5.  Your weight recently changed.

Changes in your weight can also change your bra size. You want to get a professional bra fitting whenever you see an increase or decrease on the scale. But remember, no amount of weight is too little to adjust your bra size. Gaining or losing just a few pounds could be enough to change your cup or band size. (For instance, I lost seven pounds. When I went for my bra fitting, I was told my cup size actually needed to increase and my band size needed to decrease.)

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

A bra fitting may have not been on your to-do list. But, if you can raise a hand to any of these scenarios, it’s a good idea to make getting one a priority. Though most stores don’t require appointments for fittings, making one ahead of time can ensure your bra shopping experience is quick and efficient.

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 fitterhelp.

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!

Feature image lingerie:

Mod By Parfait Butterfly Plunge Padded Bra A1401 | Mod By Parfait Bikini A1403 in Butterfly Print/Black

Taking a little extra time to maintain your bras well can extend their wear and fit. You may be thinking “bra care” sounds tedious. After all, there are a lot of other things in life that require your maintenance as well. But, maintaining the quality of your bras will save money because you won’t have to replace bras as often. And when a bra can cost anywhere between $40 and $100, you want to extend its shelf-life as much as possible.

Here are six bra care tips to help preserve your bras and save money. 

1.  Use lingerie bags for extra protection in during washes.

Your lingerie is delicate, and sometimes the washing machine can be too rough. You can buy mesh lingerie bags to provide extra protection to your intimates during machines washes. Simply insert your bra into the bag, close it and toss it into the washing machine. The mesh fabric allows water to flow through the bag without being too harsh on the bag’s contents.

2.  Rotate your bras.

Rotating your bras ensures your bras get equal wear. Often, women have one go-to bra for everyday use. But, wearing the same bra each day will result in early signs of wear and tear. Plus, you’ll likely not be able to wash it often if you have to wear it daily. When you rotate the bras that you wear on a regular basis, you extend the life span and preserve quality of your bras.

3.  Hand-wash the bra or let it soak in the sink.

Think twice before you toss your bras in with the rest of your laundry. Bras don’t need to be machine washed in order to be cleaned effectively. For extra delicate bras, try handwashing them or soaking them in the sink. The gentler wash will help avoid snags and maintain the bra’s condition and detailing.

Related Post: 10 Signs You Need To Throw Out Your Bra

4.  Let bras air-dry.

Electric dryers can be hard on lingerie. The heat can break down a bra’s elastic, stretching the bra out more quickly. Plus, the dryer tosses the bra around and allows it to rub against other items. The other items in the dryer could have buttons or hooks that can damage the detailing or fabric of the bra. Air dry your bras to keep them safe after washes.

5.  Wash a bra after three to four wears.

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t wash my bras as often as I should. (It’s something that slips my mind, to be honest.) However, “dirty” bras can have negative effects on your skin. Your skin and natural oils rub onto the bra each time you wear it, and as they accumulate, your skin can become irritated. You may find you’re breaking out under your bra band or straps. And, it’s also possible you could experience chaffing around your nipples. It’s recommended to wash a bra after three or four wears to ensure it doesn’t irritate your skin.

6.  Keep your bras standing up in your lingerie drawer.

When it comes to bra maintenance, how you store your bras is just as important as how you wash them. Casually tossing your bras into your lingerie drawer can result in the drawer snagging your bras. And folding your bras in half can manipulate the shape of the cups. The best way to store your bras is to line them up with all cups facing in the same direction. The bras should be in a cup-to-cup, “standing” position in your lingerie drawer. This helps keep the cups’ shape and keep the bras safely in place in your drawer.

With any important item, you need to maintain it to make it last longer. And, the same goes for bras. Take some time each week to properly care for your bras, and you’ll have “like-new” bras for months to come.

Related Post: Here’s Why You Should Organize Your Lingerie Drawer Often

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!

Feature image lingerie:

Mod By Parfait Modern T-Shirt Padded Bra A1381 | Mod By Parfait Modern Hipster A1385 in Bare

Your lingerie is meant to give you the confidence to know you can take on anything. So ideally, you should be able to reach into your lingerie drawer and only pull out pieces you love. But let’s be real – your drawer probably looks a little chaotic. And, out of all the pieces in the drawer, you may only wear a handful of them. Reorganizing your lingerie drawer may sound tedious or miniscule, but the few minutes you spend organizing it will make your life easier.

Here are six reasons why you should organize your lingerie drawer often.

1.  Get rid of items that don’t fit or flatter you.

Knowing you’ll love anything you pull out of your lingerie drawer is an underrated luxury. Your lingerie should flatter your body and make you feel comfortable in your skin. Organizing your lingerie drawer gives you the opportunity to throw out anything that doesn’t make you feel confident. Get rid of items that have stains, don’t fit you well or are no longer your style. (But you don’t have to trash everything you don’t want. Consider donating bras that are gently worn.)

2.  Find favorite items more easily.

You likely have a go-to t-shirt bra for lazy days or seamless panties for those tricky dresses. But, when you want to wear these items, do you have to dig for them? Organizing your lingerie drawer allows you to quickly grab your favorite items and continue with your routine. You have enough on your mind every day – you shouldn’t have to hunt for your favorite bras and panties each morning.

3.  Preserve the quality of your lingerie.

As your lingerie drawer becomes disorganized, items can get stuck on the sides of the drawer. This can potentially snag or tear your items. Keeping your lingerie organized helps pieces stay safely in place to maintain their quality.

Related Post: 6 Bra Care Tips You Probably Didn’t Know

4.  Realize a need for new lingerie items.

It looks like you have plenty of lingerie options when your lingerie drawer is messy. But, sometimes it takes a little organization to realize that you actually have very few options. After going through the drawer, you may realize most of your bras are the wrong size. Or, maybe you opted to throw out all your panties because they looked worn out. It’s much easier to identify a need when you can see and assess all your lingerie pieces.

5.  Make your lingerie drawer a pleasure to browse.

Consider why it’s fun to go lingerie shopping. Everything is displayed nicely, letting you browse all options at once. And, the organized items just look prettier when they are displayed in an organized manner. This makes browsing lingerie counters feel like a pleasure. You can give your lingerie drawer that same luxurious feel by making it tidy.

6.  Feel more organized.

Your lingerie drawer is likely one of the first drawers you open when getting ready for your day. It can add stress to your routine if the first drawer you open is messy. But, an organized lingerie drawer feels like a more organized life.

An organized lingerie drawer doesn’t just save you time. It helps ensure you look and feel your best every time you get dressed. Don’t let reorganizing your lingerie get pushed to the end of your to-do list. Make it a priority to review your items and organize your drawer every few months.

Related Post: 10 Signs You Need To Throw Out Your Bra

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!

Bras may be a necessity some days, but wearing a bra shouldn’t be a hassle. Your bra should be working for you, not against you. When your bra works for you, you feel more comfortable and more confident.

Here are seven signs you’re wearing the wrong bra size:

1.  There’s a gap between your breast and the cup.

There shouldn’t be a gap between your breast and the cup of the bra – regardless of whether you’re sitting down or bending over. Your bra should cup your breasts with no extra space leftover. If you have a gap in your cup, you may need a smaller cup size.

2.  You’re wearing your bra straps as tight or as loose as possible.

Bra straps were intended to help tailor the bra to your body. They were not intended to make the bra fit. If you’re wearing your bra straps as tight or as loose as possible, it’s time to upgrade.

3.  Your breast is popping over the cup.

Big boobs or not, your boobs shouldn’t be popping out of your cups. Check to see if your boob is spilling over the top, side or beneath the cup. If so, you likely need to go up a cup size.

4.  The band rides up on your back.

The band of your bra helps your bra to stay in place. Take a look in the mirror at your bra band on your back. If the band is riding up, it’s a sign that the band could be too big. A smaller band will help the bra band stay in place and provide more support.

Related Post: 10 Signs You Need To Throw Out Your Bra

Mod By Parfait Butterfly Plunge Padded Bra A1401 in Butterfly Print & Mod By Parfait Butterfly Mid-Waist Brief 14031 in Butterfly Print

5.  Your bra is fastened on the tightest clasp.

It’s a common misconception that you should wear your bra on the tightest clasp for a fuller-cup look. However, your bra should fit you well and comfortably without having to wear it on the tightest clasp. Ideally, you should be able to wear the bra on the middle or loosest clasp. If you’re able to wear it on the middle clasp, you have room to tighten the bra should it begin to stretch.

6.  Your back spills over the band.

Bras don’t result in back fat. Wearing the wrong sized bra results in back fat. If your bra is causing your back skin to bulge over the band, you may need to increase the band size. For instance, going from a 34 to a 36.

7.  The bra straps leave indentations on your shoulders.

Do your bra straps dig into your shoulders, leaving indentations in your skin? You may think this is the price you pay for having bigger boobs, but it’s not. Indentations on your shoulders from bra straps is a sign that your bra band isn’t doing its job. When the bra band is too big, the straps have to do more work to support you. Try going down a band size to omit the extra stress on your shoulders.

If any of these scenarios apply to you, it’s time to visit your local lingerie store for a bra fitting. Even if you’ve been fitted for a bra before, it’s very likely your bra size has changed. When you wear the right sized bra, you’ll omit every bra struggle. Even better – you’ll hardly realize you’re wearing one.

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

Mod By Parfait Butterfly Plunge Padded Bra A1401 in Butterfly Print & Mod By Parfait Butterfly Mid-Waist Brief 14031 in Butterfly Print

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!

Feature image lingerie:

Mod By Parfait Tattoo Padded Balconet Longline Bra A14315 | Mod By Parfait Tattoo Hipster A1435 in Clematis Blue/Champagne

A perfectly fitting bra. A good amount of cleavage. Breasts that look full even when tucked inside a bra. These characteristics aren’t just for lingerie models or women with bigger breasts. You can achieve that perfectly-filled bra look, too. And, you don’t need big boobs or breast augmentation to achieve it. It all comes down to finding the right bra size.

Your bra is the first thing you put on in the morning and the last thing you remove at night. So as women, we want (and need!) to love the way we look in our bras. Let’s discuss bra fitting, how it works and why it’s the only thing between you and a perfectly filled-in bra.

What is a bra fitting?

At a bra fitting, a lingerie professional measures your bust to determine the right bra size for you. She’ll measure above your bust and at the fullest part of your bust with a fabric measuring tape to determine your size. Bra fittings typically take place in the dressing room, and she may ask you to remove your shirt for the fitting.

What can I expect at a bra fitting?

After confirming your bra size, the lingerie professional will bring you bras to try on. However, she may ask you several questions before pulling bras for you, like your preferred style, coverage, budget, etc. Many retail stores offer complimentary bra fittings with or without an appointment. Although you don’t need an appointment for most bra fittings, we recommend you make one. Having an appointment ensures someone will be able to help you upon arrival. If you’re wondering where to get a professional bra fitting, check out our specialty store locator.

Related Post: Is It Better To Sleep With or Without A Bra?

Mod By Parfait Butterfly Plunge Padded Bra A1401 | Mod By Parfait Butterfly Bikini A1403 in Butterfly Print

Why do I need to be professionally fitted for a bra?

Being professionally fitted for a bra is essential. Without being fitted, you’re opting to find your bra size by trial and error. But, even trial and error could lead you the wrong direction. You’ll try on lots of bras and buy your favorites. But after a few wears, you’ll begin noticing small issues with the bra. Maybe the bra band starts riding up on your back or you have a little gap between your boob and the cup. These are signs of wearing the wrong bra size, and a professional fitting would have avoided you buying the wrong bra. (And consequently, it would have saved you money.)

Although a professional performs a bra fitting by taking measurements, there is more to a bra fitting than crunching numbers. Sure, you could measure yourself at home. But, you’re not a lingerie professional. You’re not working in the industry every day, and you don’t know the ins and outs of various bra styles. When it comes to bra fittings, it’s better to leave them to the professionals.

How does the right bra size make a difference?

When you wear the right bra size, something happens to you. You become more confident in your skin. You become more comfortable in your clothes. You become more comfortable in just your lingerie. Trust me – I’ve been there. I didn’t get fitted for a bra until I was 26, and it was then that I realized I’d been wearing the wrong bra size for years. Finally wearing the right bra size was a game changer for me. You no longer have to adjust straps or tuck anything in when putting on a bra. It just fits. It fits well. And when you take your clothes off, there’s still no adjusting needed. That kind of convenience and peace of mind makes a woman feel empowered.

Related Post: 7 Classy Ways To Style A Bralette

So, the cat’s out of the bag. You don’t need bigger boobs to beautifully fill out your bra. All you need is the right size bra.

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:

Mod By Parfait Modern Padded T-Shirt Bra A1381 in Bare

A few years back, I decided I wanted to shed a few pounds. I was recently engaged, and my goal was to lose about 10 to 15 pounds and to be able to maintain that weight even after the wedding. I implemented a few guidelines into my lifestyle to help me achieve my goal. And, I’m excited to share that three years later, I’m still under my original, target weight.

Here are four tips that helped me lose weight and keep it off:

Tracking calories

The first step I took to lose weight was downloading a calorie tracking app on my phone. The app calculated how many calories I could consume daily to reach my goal weight, and it tallied up my calories for me. I logged each meal and snack in the app, never skipping on a single item. I honestly had never thought about calories before using this app. Tracking my calories really made me aware of what I was putting into my body. And in my first week of tracking calories, I lost five pounds.

Decreasing my sugar and alcohol intake

I love candy and sweets, and I also love to reward myself with an adult beverage after a long day. To put it into perspective, I’d allow myself to binge eat several bags of candy once a week. But, I didn’t have room in my new, daily caloric intake for extra sweets or alcohol. I drastically decreased the amount of candy I was eating to one (smaller) binge session every few weeks. I still allowed myself to enjoy the regular beer or glass of wine. However, I counted the calories from any alcoholic beverages towards my daily calories, which was a new concept for me. Sometimes that meant choosing between a beer or a cookie for dessert, but that was okay.

Related Post: 7 Tips That Make Healthy Eating Easier Than Ever

Omitting breads, pastas and potatoes

Because I was counting my calories, I had to fill my diet with real foods that would fuel my body. So, I omitted breads, pastas and potatoes – which were and still are – some of my favorite foods. Instead of these items, I bought fruits, green vegetables and proteins. I had grilled chicken spinach salads for dinner many times because it was a low-calorie meal that packed in the protein.

Packing my lunch

I began packing my lunch for work to ensure I made healthy lunch choices. Packing my lunch also made it easy to track my calories because I knew exactly what was in my food. If I did go out with a friend for lunch, I’d make sure to choose healthy options that seemed to be low in calories. (Remember, not many restaurants including calories on the menu three years ago.)

Making these adjustments to my diet was truly a game changer for me. I don’t track my calories anymore, but I am now mindful of the calories in each item I consume. I also still pack lunches to ensure my husband and I don’t go through a drive-through for lunch. And because I do allow myself to eat unhealthy things, I just make sure that I counteract it with healthy choices before and after. It’s all about balance and moderation.

Related Post: 7 Reasons Why You Should Exercise In The Morning

These diet changes not only helped me to lose and maintain my weight, but they’ve also boosted my confidence because I’m more comfortable in my skin than ever before.

Negativity in the workplace is never a recipe for success. It can seriously affect your mood, perspective and productivity. And unfortunately, you’ll likely encounter a negative coworker sometime during your career endeavors.

I’ve been in this exact situation. I worked with someone whom was unhappy and negative, and this person wore their emotions on their sleeve. Although I didn’t work closely with them, their behavior would affect my day negatively. I was less excited to come into the office and to do my work. When I realized this person’s attitude was impacting how I felt at work, I made some mental adjustments to help me drown out any negativity.

Here are six tips to help you deal with a negative coworker:

1.  Be nice

It’s not easy to treat someone with respect and kindness when they aren’t showing you the same courtesies. However, I think kindness is the best reaction you can have, especially in the workplace. Remember, you are responsible for your own actions. As soon as you retaliate, you’ve entered into even trickier territory. Don’t go down that slippery slope. Be nice.

2.  Be empathetic

If you stop for a moment to put yourself in your coworker’s shoes, it will help you understand what’s causing the coworker’s attitude. Perhaps the coworker is dealing with personal issues or has taken on more at work. Maybe they’ve been at the company longer than you, but you’re succeeding faster. Or, maybe you’re both reaching for the same promotion. Take a moment to understand what stressors could be causing your coworker’s negativity. This will help you respond appropriately to their behavior, as well as encourage you to not take their actions personally.

3.  Be supportive

Once you understand what may be fueling your coworker’s negativity, you can determine how to be supportive. Whether it’s work or personal stressors, sometimes they just need to vent. Being supportive and being a listening ear can be so helpful to someone who needs to have their feelings or thoughts heard. You never know what kind of support and motivation people receive outside of work, so be as supportive as you can.

4.  Don’t stoop to their level

It’s tempting to want to show your coworker’s true colors, but it likely won’t help the situation. Don’t allow your behavior to fall to the coworker’s level. Focus on the good, be positive and let anything else roll off your shoulders. You’re working hard on your career, and you certainly don’t want to jeopardize what you’ve built so far.

5.  Keep your chin up

It’s essential to do your best to not let workplace drama affect your overall mood or productivity. Treat everyone equally and separate yourself from negativity. When you remain focused on the tasks in front of you, any negativity will just sound like white noise.

6.  Speak up if negativity affects your productivity

Hopefully your coworker’s negativity has decreased due to your support and empathy. But if it’s beginning to affect the quality of your work, it’s may be time to speak up. You could have a friendly, private discussion with the coworker about how you’ve been sensing their extra stress and how it affects the office environment. If you’re not comfortable going directly to the source, you could instead alert a supervisor that the environment is becoming negative, which is decreasing productivity.

Having a negative coworker is not the easiest territory to navigate. Be mindful of what the coworker may be going through – in or out of the office – and always treat them respectfully. Sometimes, it just takes taking the high road to allow yourself to not be bothered by someone else’s actions.