Bra Shopping Tips: How To Shop For Supportive Bras
A supportive bra can be hard to find. Fortunately, we’ve created a guide to help you shop for supportive bras. Read on for everything you need to know!
A bra fitting is key
Bra fittings are an important part of bra shopping. Before buying new bras, we always recommend getting a bra fitting first. A bra fitter can solve many (if not all) of the most common bra fit issues and hand pick bras for you to try on. Getting help from a bra fitter makes sense if you’re struggling with finding supportive bras. They’re trained to determine your bra size and help you find bras that suit and flatter your breast shape.
It’s recommended to get a bra fitting every six months, especially if you only go bra shopping once or twice a year. You’ll also need a bra fitting if your weight has changed as a change in weight can lead to a change in your bra size. We also suggest getting a bra fitting if you’ve recently become pregnant or had a baby (congrats!) as your bra size and bra style needs (hello wireless bras and bralettes!) can change with these life events too. Of course, birth control and menopause may affect your bra size as well as your period, though we don’t recommend getting a bra fitting during the menstruation phase of your cycle as the water retention in your breasts can alter your breast size temporarily (often by increasing it).
Related: Ask A Bra Fitter: What Are Bra Fittings Like?
Get to know the different bra styles
Now that you know your bra size, ask yourself what exactly you’re looking for in a bra. Do you want a bra that centers and separates your breast tissue without adding any bulk? Are you looking for a t-shirt bra with a little padding that will lift your bust? What about a supportive strapless bra that stays in place all day long? From unlined wire bras to push-up bras and plunge bras to strapless bras, we’ve seen all of these bra styles at one point or another. But the best bra for you will depend on your breast shape, breast root, bra size, fit preferences, style aesthetic, budget, and purpose, of course.
Maybe you’ve been wearing the wrong bra size or wrong bra style all along. Now’s your chance to find the bra that fits the way you want it to. This could be a padded bra, a wireless bra, a bralette, an unpadded bra – the options are truly endless. By getting to know the different bra styles (and trying them on), you’ll have a better idea of what does and doesn’t work on your body. And with a bra fitter by your side, you’ll have an expert opinion on what you should buy and what should go back on the rack.
Shop in store whenever you can
For most women, bra shopping is a lot of trial and error. With your bra size being more of a guide than a set number, you never know if a bra will fit when it’s on the hanger. When it comes to online shopping, you can’t try before you buy. We always recommend shopping at a local lingerie boutique for new bras and only reserving online shopping for brands that you’re already very familiar with. No one likes the hassle of returning things that don’t fit. Save yourself the time and extra effort and let a bra fitter at a local lingerie store take care of bra fitting and bra shopping for you. You can thank us later!
Related: How To Find A Local Lingerie Store You Will Love
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!
