8 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Buying A New Bra
Is it time for a new bra? Now and then, there’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a brand new lingerie piece that makes you feel incredible. After all, every woman out there deserves to feel her best in every single thing she wears. And yes, that 100% includes her underwear and lingerie. Still, before you go ahead and buy yourself a new plunge bra or longline set, you have to make sure that it’s totally right for you. So, here are some all-important questions that you should ask yourself before buying new bras:
1. Are you sure of your bra size?
Your measurements are seriously important. If you’ve never been fitted for a bra, if your weight has changed, or if it has been more than a year since you bought new bras, it’s time for a bra fitting. You may not realize it, but your bra size can change over time. Everything from shifts in your hormones, weight changes, and just natural body alterations can mean that your size is different. Failing to get measured on a regular basis could mean that you end up buying the wrong bra size. Not only is that a waste of your hard earned cash, but it will also look ill-fitting and feel even worse. A bra fitting can help you get on the right track.
2. Do you know your bra sister size?
Here’s another tricky thing about buying bras: Your bra size may vary from brand to brand. That in itself can make finding the right one even harder than it would otherwise be. Luckily, understanding your ‘sister size’ could be the answer to your problems here. While you already know what size you’re measured at, you may not understand what other sizes could fit. For example, someone who wears a 34G may also fit a 32GG or 36FF. Another example? Someone with a 36c bra sister size could wear either a 34D or 38B. For a helpful list of bra sister sizes, head over to our chart here.
3. Does the bra flatter your breast shape?
It’s not just the measurements of a bra that you need to consider when buying lingerie. You should also think about whether a bra style suits your breast shape. In truth, every lady out there is unique and will have her own shape. The more you experiment with different styles and cuts, the better you will understand whether a certain type of lingerie is the right move for you or not.
4. Does the bra suit your current wardrobe?
Remember, a bra is more than a mere piece of underwear — it’s an integral part of your ever-growing wardrobe. When it comes to buying a bra that suits you, you should consider whether it suits the clothing that you already know. Think about the colours you tend to wear as well as the various cuts of your clothing. We all have our staples that we tend to wear on a regular basis, which means that we can guess what style will be best for them.
Related: Why Don’t I Wear The Same Bra Size In Every Brand?
Parfait Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra P5351 in Cameo Rose | Parfait Matilda Contour Plunge Padded Bra P5311 in Bisque | Parfait Lucie Unlined Wire Bra P5202 in Barely Pink | Parfait Carole Unlined Wire Bra 3202 in Desert Flower
5. Are you shopping for bras for everyday wear or a special occasion?
There are two types of bras in the world (actually, there are a whole lot more, but stick with me here!). There are the bras that you wear on a day-to-day basis and those you keep for special occasions. For example, you may choose t-shirt bras for your daily wardrobe but go for something a little more lacy for events and the like. Equally, you may find that having a strapless or racerback bra suits the dresses you wear for nights out, but you don’t want to wear them every day.
6. What do you like about it?
Look at the bra you’re about to buy. What is it that you adore about it? You should be able to reel off a whole list of things here, from the colour to the style of it. If you can’t, there could well be a problem. When it comes to treating yourself to fabulous lingerie, you need to fall head over heels in love with each and every piece. Otherwise, the question is, what is the point in buying it at all? Take the time to really look for something you want. You deserve to feel your best in every bra you own.
7. Is there enough support?
Support is a big deal when it comes to bras. You absolutely need to make sure that the bra you choose gives you as much support as you need. This is especially important for women who have large boobs, as they will naturally need a little extra support in this area. And if you’re also looking for the ideal sports bra, you need to ensure that the one you choose keeps your breasts firmly in place without being uncomfortable.
8. Have you tried something new here?
Do you tend to stick to what you know when it comes to your bra style? All too often, we just pick the same style of bra again and again because we’re too afraid to try something new. Well, perhaps it’s time to change your ways! Finding a new style or playing around with different patterns could be just the thing that you need. After all, it never hurts to freshen up your lingerie identity now and then.
Before you get your next bra, go ahead and ask yourself these questions. You’ll be so glad that you did!
Related: How Many Bras Do You Actually Need?
Parfait Ellie Contour Plunge Bra P5081 in Black/Nude
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!