How you care for your bras has a major impact on their lifespan. Not only will they look better for longer if you wash, dry and store them properly, but they’ll also feel better, too. By now, you probably know that it’s advisable to hand wash your bras, though there are still ways to machine wash them safely. But once they’re clean, how should you dry them? Toss them in the dryer? Hang them up?

Fret not: We’ve covered everything you need to know about drying your bras in this helpful guide.

How not to dry your bras

While your instinct may be to wring out or squeeze your bras to eliminate excess water, resist the temptation. Doing this can leave the cups and band totally misshapen, and can even cause underwire to get distorted or worse, pop out. For the same reason, you should avoid extra spin cycles in the washing machine.

If you remember one thing from this guide, we hope it’s this: Never, ever put your bras in the dryer. (In fact, while we’re on the subject, never put any kind of lingerie in the dryer.) The level of heat in these machines is simply too much for your delicates to bear. As such, it can wreak a ton of havoc, breaking down the elasticity and causing other materials in your bra to contract. Not only will they look worn down, but they also won’t be able to provide as much support, as elasticity (specifically in the band) plays a key role in that.

We know what you’re thinking: But what about a low heat setting? It’s not worth the risk. While a machine is the fastest option for drying your bras, it can destroy them very quickly, negatively impacting their fit. Note: This is an important rule to keep in mind when it comes to sports bras, which rely on their elasticity for support. And support is particularly crucial during exercise — it plays a key role in minimizing movement, thus preventing discomfort or pain and protecting your Cooper’s ligaments (which stop your breasts from sagging).

Last but certainly not least: Don’t hang your bras on a hanger or clothesline. Why? Because gravity will pull on the material, stretching it out. Besides, clothespins will leave pesky indentation marks on your beloved bras.

Related: Should You Wash Your New Bras Before You Wear Them?

How to dry your bras

OK, now that we’ve covered all the ways you shouldn’t dry your bras, let’s go over the ways you should.

First off, the safest method for removing excess water without damaging your bras is to gently press them between two towels.

From there, you have two options: either laying them flat to dry or hanging them. If you go for the first option, lay them down on a towel to absorb moisture and make sure the cups are facing upward. If you choose to hang them, though, you’ll want to hang them over a drying rack or hanger by the center gore. That way, you avoid stretching out the straps, which causes them to slip off the shoulders more easily.

You wear your bras on a daily basis, so don’t you think they deserve some TLC? Washing them with care is important, of course, but drying them the right way is equally so. Follow the tips in this guide and you’re sure to keep your favorite bras in tip-top shape for much longer.

Related: Bra Care 101: How To Wash Bras

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 lingerie:

Tess Unlined Wire Bra P5022 | Tess Bikini P5023 in Ivory

There’s a reason why many women aren’t wearing the right bra size: many of them aren’t getting a professional fitting. Getting measured by an expert every six months to a year is the only way to guarantee you invest in bras that work well with your breast size and shape. Still, lots of women put it off either because they don’t realize that their bras aren’t quite fitting them flawlessly, or because they’re intimidated by the whole experience.

If you’ve never had a fitting done, you might have some concerns. For example: Will the fitter see me bra-less? Of course, all bra fittings will vary from store to store — a fitting at a large department store will likely be much different than one at a small independent lingerie boutique — there are certain aspects you can count on.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the answer to this common question:

Do I have to take my bra off for a bra fitting?

Real talk: There’s nothing comfortable about being seen in your skivvies by a stranger. So it’s no surprise that so many women are hesitant or nervous about bra fittings. We have some good news for you: You don’t necessarily have to take your bra off for a fitting. It’s easy for a fitter to measure you with your bra on. It’s part of the fitter’s job to make sure you feel totally comfortable throughout the experience. So expect her to wait outside the dressing room while you take your top off, and you can let her know when you’re ready for her to come in and start measuring.

While it’s OK to keep your bra on for a fitting, it’s not advisable to get fitted over a dress, blouse, or sweater. After all, it’s next to impossible to get accurate measurements with that extra layer of fabric — and that’s the whole point of a fitting: to know your correct size!

Related: Ask A Bra Fitter: What Are Bra Fittings Like?

Pro tips

On the day of your fitting, be sure to wear your best fitting bra (if it’s too loose or too tight, the fitter might not get accurate measurements). If you’re having fit problems with your bra, such as gaping in the cups, a center gore that won’t lay flat, or a band that rides up a little, be sure to point them out. Your fitter will not only be able to explain why this is happening, but also suggest different styles that will work better for you based on the issues you’re facing.

Don’t be surprised if the fitter determines your size simply by looking at you — some are so well-trained that they don’t need a measuring tape (but will likely use one anyway just to confirm their estimate).

Be sure to note if you’re looking for bras for a specific purpose, whether it’s everyday T-shirt bras for work or a special occasion plunge bra for a particular dress. Once the fitter has determined your size, they can bring some suggestions into the fitting room. Try to stay open-minded — even if you’ve been wearing the same style or brand for years, a fitter may propose new ones that are better suited to your breast shape, size, and overall needs.

So, now that you know you don’t have to go bra-less for a fitting, are you ready to get measured? Hopefully, this guide has quelled some of your fears about the experience — after all, a fitting should be enjoyable. Knowing your true bra size is crucial to ensure you get adequate support, prevent any discomfort or pain, and that your clothes fit well and look as flattering as possible. And luckily, you can keep your bra on in front of the expert.

Related: What To Expect At A Professional Bra Fitting – And What To Bring

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:

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

Finding bras that fit well can be challenging at times — there are so many factors that come into play, from your cup volume to your band size to projection and root height/width. Luckily, though, there are some ways to simplify the process of finding a flawless fit. Enter “sister sizes” — calculating yours is as simple as either going up one cup size and down one band size, or vice versa. And knowing your bra sister size can come in handy in a variety of ways.

Here are some of the ways sister sizing can make bra shopping easier:

Bra sister sizing can solve fit issues.

Sometimes you find a bra you love, but it doesn’t fit quite perfectly in your size. For example, say the band fits well but the cups are too big. By sizing down in the cups and up in the band, you’ll likely find a better fit. Conversely, if you find that the cups fit well but the band is too small, you could go up a band size and down a cup size to see if that works better for you. Note that merely going up or down in the cup or band size alone will cause even more fit problems — taking advantage of your sister size requires changing both! So in other words, if you opt to go up a cup size to address some unwanted spillage, if you don’t go down a band size, the band will certainly be too big with the higher cup size.

Keep in mind that sister sizing isn’t an exact sizing. So if you adjust the band and cup size and still find the bra isn’t fitting quite right, it may simply be the wrong style for you. This is why it’s always advisable to try bras in your sister sizes on before buying them.

Related: What Are Bra Sister Sizes?

Sister sizing can help with brands that run big or small.

Not every lingerie brand fits the same. Every brand uses its own fit models and measuring systems. And even within the same brand, you may find particular styles run smaller or larger — for example, a balconette or demi-cup bra may run small in the cups, while a full-cup bra, which as a general rule has more coverage, may run larger in the cups. Luckily, you can use your sister sizes to achieve a better fit in those cases.

Bra sister sizes can save the day when a bra is sold out in your size.

We’ve all been there: You fall in love with a super comfy T-shirt bra or a stunning plunge bra — the kind you feel like you’ve been searching for forever — only to find that the store no longer has your size. Sister sizes can be super helpful in these scenarios. They can also save the day when you have a particularly rare size or a particular brand you like doesn’t make bras in that size.

The bottom line: Bra sister sizes allow you to be a lot more flexible while bra shopping and at the same time, to achieve a more customized fit. Need a little help finding yours? Check out our simple yet comprehensive bra sister size chart. And happy bra shopping! Here’s hoping your sister sizes allow you to find that much sought-after perfect fit.

Related: Find Your Bra Sister Size With Our Simple Chart

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:

Elissa Strapless Bra P5011 | Elissa Bikini P5013 in Black

So you’ve decided to go get a bra fitting. First off, congrats! This one-of-a-kind experience can be a real game-changer in regards to finding bras that are the most comfortable as well as flattering. If this is your first fitting, though, you’re bound to have a lot of questions. Knowing what to expect can calm some of your fears and allow you to enjoy the experience from start to finish — which is why we put together this guide: to prepare you for anything and everything that a fitting could entail.

Without further ado, here are some answers to your burning bra fitting questions.

Where do I go to get a bra fitting?

You have several options. Many department stores will do bra fittings in their lingerie sections (note: Nordstrom is known for performing stellar bra fittings). Of course, department stores have a larger inventory and therefore a wide selection of bras to choose from. However, there are some advantages to getting a bra fitting done at an independent lingerie boutique as well — not only will the fitter likely be able to give you more one-on-one attention (making for an extra personal experience), but these stores also tend to carry unique, hard-to-find brands and sizes.

When deciding where to get your fitting done, always call ahead to see if you need to make an appointment. Also, remember to ask what brands and sizes they stock ahead of time so you can be sure they’ll have products that meet your needs.

How often should I get a bra fitting?

We recommend getting a bra fitting done every six months to a year. You’ll want to get re-fitted sooner than that if you’ve lost or gained a significant amount of weight, or if you’re pregnant or recently had a baby.

What should I wear to a bra fitting?

Definitely wear your best-fitting bra in order to get the most accurate measurements. You’re better off wearing a top and bottom than a dress — that way, you don’t have to strip down completely when getting measured. If you’re looking for bras that work with a particular type of ensemble (such as business clothes, a bridesmaid dress, or casual everyday clothes) then make sure to wear those kinds of pieces to the fitting to determine which bras are best suited to your wardrobe. And don’t forget to bring a t-shirt if you’re shopping for new everyday bras!

Related: 5 Reasons Not To Be Shy About Getting A Bra Fitting

When is the best time to get fitted for a bra?

It’s best to get a bra fitting when you have plenty of time so you don’t feel rushed and you’re as relaxed as possible. So don’t go on a quick work break — set aside at least an hour in case you need to wait for a fitter and so you have plenty of time to try on a variety of bras after getting measured. Also, it’s a good idea to avoid getting fitted during your period or right before it starts, because your measurements may not be as accurate due to breast size changes that happen during menstruation.

How will the bra fitter measure my bra size?

Most fitters will use a measuring tape, but some seasoned pros are so experienced that they can tell your size on sight. Note that bra fitters do a lot more than just take your measurements, too. A well-trained expert will also observe your breast shape, distance, and projection in order to address any bra fit issues you’ve faced and suggest the best possible styles for your body.

Do I have to take my bra off?

Good news: If you’re feeling shy, you certainly don’t have to go braless for a fitting. It’s easy for a fitter to take accurate measurements over a well-fitting bra. Don’t forget that a fitter sees topless women all day, every day! So there’s no reason to feel any embarrassment or shame about stripping down.

Getting a bra fitting doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience — at the right store, a fitter will do everything she can to make you feel totally at ease. Ideally, this guide equipped you with all you need to know while calming any concerns you may have had. Now all that’s left to do is set aside some time to finally get fitted! So, what are you waiting for?

Related: Ask A Bra Fitter: What Are Bra Fittings Like?

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:

Tess T-Shirt Bra P50212 | Tess Hipster P5025 in Bare

If you’ve decided to take the plunge and do a boudoir shoot, you’ll be faced with the task of choosing a direction for the aesthetic. Everything from your attire and accessories to the setting, props, and your makeup will all need to be carefully considered to line up with whatever theme or look you’re going for.

Without further ado, here are some of the top boudoir trends to keep in mind as you start planning your shoot.

Something borrowed

Enora Minimizer Bra P5272| Enora Bikini P5273 in Whisper Blue

If the boudoir photographs are going to be a gift for your special someone, you’ll likely be looking for ways to make the shoot more personal. We love the idea of snagging something out of your sweetheart’s closet. For example, a simple white dress shirt of his would look cute unbuttoned over a bra and panty set. A tie is another incredible idea, as you can wear it with lingerie or use it creatively as a prop. Are you and your S.O. fans of the same sports team? Then consider taking a hat or jersey to wear during the shoot. This is an excellent idea if you’re going for a sportier look with your lingerie (think boyshort panties)

Retro romance

Estelle Padded Bra P5231 | Estelle Bikini P5233 in Black

Many women gravitate toward retro looks rather than contemporary ones. Fortunately, throwback styles are totally on trend. Whether you prefer a demure babydoll reminiscent of the ‘60s or a ‘40s-esque longline bra to show off your hourglass silhouette, there are a number of different ways to give your shoot a vintage vibe. Don’t forget to enhance the theme with subtle touches like classic red lipstick, pearls, or vintage pumps. If you’re going for a pinup look, consider a bustier, high-waisted panties and a garter belt with thigh-high stockings.

Florals galore

Casey Plunge Molded Bra 2801 | Casey Boyshort 2805 in Black/Rose Print

Don’t forget about flowers — they can make any boudoir shoot look more feminine! This is an especially fitting theme to consider if you’re doing a spring or summer shot. Of course, you could opt to incorporate blossoms into your shoot by wearing a floral print bra and panties for a flirty look. But you could also integrate actual flowers into your shoot — for example, a bride-to-be might want to hold a bouquet in certain shots. You could also sprinkle rose petals on the bed or floor where you’re posing. Or why not float some flower petals in a bathtub? If bohemian-chic is your style, consider a flower crown (you can make one yourself or purchase one on Etsy). Remember: the flowers you choose can have a major impact on the look. So dark crimson roses would look stunning for a seductive winter shoot, but cream-colored peonies are ideal for an elegant summer shoot.

Related: How To Find A Local Boudoir Photographer

Beach bunny

Casey Plunge Molded Bra 2801 in Summer Print

Does the sun, sand, and surf sound like your idea of heaven? Then there’s no better place for a shoot than the beach — after all, a boudoir shoot is an opportunity to express yourself. Plus, the beach offers a beautiful background for photos, and you’re bound to get some stunning shots thanks to the natural light. Who says you have to wear lingerie for a boudoir shoot? Slip on your favorite bikini if you’d prefer, or you can find sultry ways to wear just a cover up with nothing underneath. There are so many ways to personalize this shoot, too — like writing your and your recipient’s initials or a special message for them in the sand. Have special memories with your S.O. from a trip to Hawaii, or heading to an exotic locale for your honeymoon? Pop a tropical flower in your hair.

Group shoot

Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 in Red/Black, Bronze, Black, Dusty Rose | Charlotte Bikini 6905 in Bronze | Charlotte High Waist Brief 6917 in Red/Black, Black, Dusty Rose

More and more women are doing group boudoir shoots. And it’s no surprise: These shoots offer a fun chance to let loose with your girlfriends, and you’re bound to be more comfortable in your underthings. You don’t necessarily need to be in matching ensembles, but you’ll definitely want to discuss a color scheme or theme ahead of time so the shots look cohesive. As an added bonus, a group shoot is bound to be a stellar bonding experience.

Ready for your close up? Hopefully, these trends have given you a little dose of inspiration for your upcoming shoot. Remember: the name of the game with boudoir is feeling as comfortable and confident as possible, no matter what theme you select or lingerie you put on.

Related: The Girl’s Guide To Preparing For A Boudoir Photo Shoot

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:

Estelle Padded Bra P5231 | Estelle Bikini P5233 in Black

Bras are pretty complicated garments. Depending on the style, a bra may be made up of a multitude of different parts, panels of fabric, and details that contribute to its fit and overall benefits. And each component serves a different purpose. So, which part provides the most support?

In this guide, we’ve broken down everything you need to know around the answer to this common question.

Where does the majority of the support come from?

Many women assume that the cups or straps serve this purpose. But contrary to that popular belief, the band is actually responsible for providing a massive majority of the bra’s support.

The band is the strip of material underneath the cups that wraps around your torso. A wider band can better distribute the weight of the breasts, which is why it’s ideal for women who are full-busted. If the band is too loose or too tight, the bra’s overall level of support is dramatically compromised. Essentially, the bra band should fit as snugly as possible without being uncomfortable whatsoever. A solid way to check if the band is too small or big is to try fitting a finger or two underneath it (if you can’t fit any, you need a larger band size, and if you can slip any more than two under there, you need a smaller size).

In order to get maximum support from your bra, you’ll want to opt for styles that have adjustable bands with several rows of hook-and-eye closures in the back. That way, as the bra stretches out over time, you can tighten it to make sure you’re still getting the amount of support you need.

What about the other parts?

That doesn’t mean the other components of a bra don’t contribute to the support as well. As such, let’s dive into the anatomy of a bra, and how each of its parts function.

Underwire serves an important purpose in the bra, playing a major role in the lift it can offer while also giving the cups more structure and shaping power. It’s no surprise since the wire is the sturdiest material on the garment by far. As such, the underwire is capable of taking some of the pressure off the cups in terms of carrying the weight of the breasts. That said, it’s certainly possible to find wireless bras that are still supportive. But if you’re looking for a lot of lift and definition, underwire can be immensely helpful.

Related: Why Do My Bra Straps Dig Into My Shoulders?

Tightening the straps isn’t going to make your bra more supportive — that’s because this element’s job is primarily to secure the cups in position and prevent them from falling down. This is why it’s crucial to have a well-fitting band: if the straps are being relief on for support, then you’re putting a lot of pressure on your shoulders.

The cups are there to contain the breasts, holding them in place against the chest. Depending on the bra style, the cups may also enhance the shape of your breasts.

And the center gore connects the cups while separating the breasts. You’ll notice that bras designed for full-busted women will have taller center panels for some added support. If the bra fits well, the gore will lay flat against your body.

Pro tips

The most critical function of a bra is to provide support. Now that you understand the anatomy of a bra, you’re better equipped to seek out well-fitting styles that will suit your breast shape and size. Remember: A well-fitting band is imperative, as this part does most of the heavy lifting on the bra. So, have you been fitted by a pro in the last six months or so? If not, it’s time to get measured.

Related: Ask A Bra Fitter: What Are Bra Fittings Like?

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:

Marion Unlined Wire Bra P5392 | Marion Hipster P5395 in Pink Parfait

Featured image lingerie:

Left: Deco Y-Back Front Closure Bra A15411 | Deco Hipster A1545 in Black

Right: Nouveau Racerback Padded Bra A1531 | Nouveau Hipster A1535 in Nude

There are two kinds of women: Those who prefer to go bra-less at night, and those who would rather keep them securely contained. With a DDD cup size, I personally fall in the latter camp — as many full-busted women tend to. And it’s not only women with large breasts that appreciate a bra while they’re sleeping — women who are nursing, pregnant, or just had surgery also often prefer to have some kind of support in bed.

Of course, the bras you wear during the day aren’t likely to be the ones you feel comfortable in at bedtime. (In fact, we don’t advise sleeping in your day bras, as it could wear them out faster.) Luckily, there are a variety of different styles that are well-suited to sleeping. Here are our top picks for bras to wear to bed: 

Bralette

Sure, bralettes are super trendy and typically aesthetically pleasing, so sometimes you may want to show them off during the day. But a bralette also happens to be a stellar option for sleeping in. After all, it’s lightweight, typically wireless, and offers gentle separation and support without being too constricting. You might want to seek out a bralette that has seamed cups or at the very least, an adjustable band and straps. And a lace bralette doubles as a pretty piece of lingerie — so who says you be comfortable and look stunning at the same time?

Wireless bra

The bralette isn’t your only wire-free choice for bedtime. Particularly if you wear underwire styles all day long, you might want to alternate with a wireless bra while you’re sleeping to free up your breasts a bit and give them a break. If you feel most comfortable with ample support, look for a wire-free bra that has molded or at least separated cups and a wide underband.

Wire-free maternity bra

Fortunately, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, there are special bras tailored to your needs — and they just so happen to transition very well to sleeping! Both maternity bras and nursing bras tend to be constructed with comfort in mind, and many of them are even soft-cup styles. As such, you’ll likely find that they’re ideal for those times when your breasts are particularly tender or sensitive. It can be uncomfortable for many women (especially those who are full-busted) to roll around in bed without keeping their breasts protected, and these bras are the perfect pick for gently containing them during the night. Look for a style with extra wide cushioned straps for maximum comfort.

Wireless sports bra

Did you know that sports bras aren’t just for the gym? These are a great option because they’re designed to minimize breast movement, which is a crucial element to eliminating discomfort while you’re sleeping. Of course, you want to prevent sweat from getting trapped, so seek out one that’s made with moisture-wicking material — some even have extra features to address this issue, such as breathable mesh inserts, which are ideal during the sweltering summer months. Whatever you do, don’t wear the same bra to bed that you wear to your spin classes — you should have separate sports bras for sleeping in. Ideally, they will have a supportive band, but as far as underwire is concerned, it comes down to personal preference. Large-busted women may prefer encapsulation sports bras, which separate the breasts more effectively than compression sports bras.

Remember

Clearly, you have a slew of viable options when it comes to bedtime bras. And as with your daytime bras, it’s crucial to ensure you achieve a flawless fit to prevent any discomfort while ensuring maximum support. So, which will you choose?

Related: The 12 Most Comfortable Bras To Wear All Day

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 P5482 | Adriana Bikini P5483 in Sky Blue

Among the most unsightly bra fit issues are gaping cups. And if you’ve experienced this problem, rest assured it’s very common, but also very simple to solve. In fact, there is a multitude of different ways to go about preventing your cups from gaping — the key is to get to the bottom of why it’s happening.

So, if you’re tired of seeing wrinkles and puckers on your bra cups (which, tragically, can tend to show through your clothing), follow this guide to solving the issue for good.

Step 1: Tighten the straps

Very often, gaping is a sign that there’s too much room in your cups. And to deal with this extra room, the fix may be as simple as tightening your straps to ensure the cups lay flat against your breasts.

Step 2: Re-assess your cup size

If tightening your straps doesn’t do the trick, you may need to consider a smaller cup size. Particularly if you’re seeing gaping near the top of the cups, you’ll want to try sizing down. The best way to determine your true cup size is to get fitted by a professional (most department store lingerie sections and independent lingerie boutiques offer these).

Related: Bra Sizing Explained: Here’s How Bra Sizing Works

Step 3: Experiment with different styles

If you’re filling out the cups entirely but still seeing creases or puckering, the bra style may simply not be well suited to your breast shape. Depending on whether you have projected or shallow breasts, whether they’re fuller on the top or the bottom, and whether you have short or tall roots, certain styles may conform better to your boobs. That’s why it’s important to have a strong grasp on your specific shape, and which bras work best for you.

For example, if you have shallower or slender breasts, you may find that a push-up bra helps to lift your breast tissue up so that it fully fills out the tops of the cups. Or, if your breasts have short roots or are a teardrop shape, you might consider demi cup bras and balconette bras — since they have less coverage in the cups than full cup bras, you’re more likely to fill them out with no gaping. A plunge bra can also be a phenomenal choice for avoiding gaping as it features angled cups.

Step 4: Strategically put on your bra

Did you know that the way you put your bra on can affect the way it fits? Many women have been putting them on the same way without any thought ever since they started wearing them. But if you’re struggling with gaping in your cups, you should follow a specific method to try and address the issue. After hooking the closures in the back of the band, lift the breast tissue into each individual cup, making sure your nipples are centered and the tissue is lifted to fill out the whole cup.

Pro tips

Gaping cups aren’t just unflattering — they’re also often a sign that your bra isn’t fitting you quite right. And the fact is, you deserve better. If you’ve been experiencing this nuisance, any of the aforementioned tactics should clear the problem right up. Keep in mind, though, if you’ve had a bra for a year or more and it suddenly starts gaping (but you haven’t lost a notable amount of weight), it may simply be past its prime. Particularly bras with stretch in the cups begin to steadily lose elasticity over time, and once they lose their shape, it’s time to toss them and buy some well-fitting, supportive replacements.

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!

Many of us have been there at some point or another: Your skin is red, irritated, and swollen, leaving a stinging or burning feeling around your chest. And you can’t help but wonder: Is your bra causing this discomfort? Chafing near the bust is a very common issue, especially for women with larger breasts.

In this guide, we’ve broken down why exactly it happens, how your bra may be to blame, and how to avoid this pesky problem in the future.

What is chafing — and how is a bra involved?

Chafing occurs when your skin repeatedly rubs against itself or your clothing. As far as the bust is concerned, it usually happens under the breasts (near where the bra band lies), near the underarms, and around the nipple.

Indeed, your bra can play a part in this irritation. Namely, chafing tends to happen when aspects of your bra are too tight (or too loose), causing a lot of friction, and/or when sweat gets trapped near the skin. Full-busted women are particularly prone to chafing, as larger breasts are more likely to rub against each other or the skin around them.

Related: Is Your Bra Too Small?

What can I do about it?

As previously mentioned, a bra that’s too small or too large (whether in terms of the cups, the band, or the straps) is far more likely to result in chafing. This is just one more reason why it’s crucial to get fitted by a professional to determine your correct size. That way, you can ensure your bra stays in place, warding off the kind of friction that leads to chafing.

The bra’s fabric is important to consider as well. Since chafing is exacerbated by moisture being trapped around the bust line, you’ll want to seek out bras that are made out of somewhat breathable fabrics. This is especially critical when it comes to buying sports bras, as you’ll obviously be sweating more in them. Sports bras that are made with moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics and have such details as mesh panels offer the most breathability.

Separation is very key in terms of preventing chafing as well (because you’re trying to avoid having your breasts rub together). So be sure to choose bras that have separated cups, and a center gore that is well suited to how your breasts are set on your chest. For example, if there’s barely any space between your breasts, you’ll need to seek out a bra with a much narrower and lower center panel (plunge bras tend to be excellent in this regard) to ensure it lays flat and keeps your boobs apart. However, if your breasts are wide set with more space in between them, you’ll need a wider center gore to effectively separate your breasts.

Remember

Another thing to keep in mind for keep chafing at bay is keeping your skin dry.

Applying some baby powder near your bust line can be very effective. Or, you can use an anti-chafe product such as Body Glide (or good old Vaseline) to the skin near the seams and band of the bra for some lubrication, which will make friction less likely.

Chafing is no fun for anyone, that’s for sure. And you certainly shouldn’t have to worry about your bra causing you any pain or discomfort, whether you’re on a long morning run or just doing errands for the afternoon. Keep the tips outlined in this guide in mind and you should be able to enjoy wearing all your favorite bras totally free of chafing.

Related: Here’s How To Tell If A Bra Fits

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!