How To Stay Body Positive While Bra Shopping
Bra shopping can bring up a lot of feelings, that’s for sure. After all, you’re faced with the task of stripping down in a dressing room and trying to find undergarments that not only fit well but make you feel good about yourself. Or, if you’re shopping online, you’re forced to make blind guesses about what styles are going to work for your body and be the most flattering. We’re big advocates of body positivity, and as such, we can’t think of a better time to really hone in on your efforts in this regard than when you’re bra shopping. But certainly, it can be a little easier said than done.
So, how can you stay body positive while you’re bra shopping? Here are our top tips:
Get fitted by a pro
The reality is, if you haven’t been fitted in the last six months to a year, you may not be wearing the right bra size. But don’t stress! A fitting can actually be a super body positive experience if you go about it in the right way. The important thing to remember is that your bra size does not define you. However, it does matter when it comes to finding undergarments that help you to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
You can get a fitting done at many local department stores as well as independent lingerie boutiques. Note that you’ll likely get a little more one-on-one attention during your fitting at a small boutique.
Only shop with body positive companions
Want to bring someone along on your bra shopping excursion for a little moral support? It can help to have another person there to be your cheerleader and offer their opinion in the dressing room. However, be careful who you bring, as bra shopping can be a vulnerable and intimate experience. Whether it’s a girlfriend or your sister, your shopping companion should be someone you know will never make a comment about your body. They should be someone who is body positive themselves.
Related: 7 Things You Learn When You Find A Bra That Fits
Find the right store for your needs
Wherever you choose to go shopping for bras, you’ll definitely want to get a sense of what brands they carry ahead of time. For example, if you’re full busted, you’ll want to be sure they stock lingerie lines that make bras above a D cup for a truly body-positive fitting experience.
Don’t be afraid to call ahead and speak with the staff about your shopping goals. You can give them your size (or estimated size) to get a sense of how much inventory they have that would meet your needs. You can also use this opportunity to book a fitting — that way, you can get fitted and shop for new bras all in one session.
Focus on the feel
Many of us tend to hone in on how a bra looks. Of course, we want bras that are aesthetically pleasing. But more important than that is how the bra feels (and fits). Besides, how are you supposed to stay body positive if a bra digs into your breast tissue or the band creates back bulge? For every bra you try on, focus on how it makes your body feel. Does it make you feel at ease? Does it make you feel confident? Does it make you feel sexy?
Be sure to be open-minded when working with a fitter, too. You might go shopping with a very specific style in mind, but give consideration to other styles she suggests. Oftentimes, you’ll end up surprised by how much better they make you feel. After all, a fitter does this for a living — she has a wealth of knowledge about what brands, shapes, and styles work best for different body types, so be sure to leverage that expertise to your advantage!
We’re firm believers that bra shopping should be an enjoyable experience. And it definitely shouldn’t conflict with your body positivity efforts. Heed the advice in this guide to ensure that shopping for bras boosts your self-acceptance as opposed to hindering it.
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!
