80% of women are wearing a wrong sized
bra!
Follow
these 6 simple steps, and you'll be able to decide if a bra
fits -- all you need is a mirror.
Fit Test #1: Check the Gore
·
What's the gore?
The gore is the center panel of an underwire bra -- the part of the bra that connects the cups in the front, between the breasts.
Not all bras have the same type or size gore, and some styles don't have this part at all. But if your bra has an underwire, then the gore will always be the part that's 'center front' -- and it should typically lie flat against your body.
The experts at Bare Necessities.com call it a Center Gore, and point out that it can be stretchy -- or not. According to the website, if the gore doesn't stretch, then the bra will be much more supportive. But -- it will also have a wider width measurement, which may or may not be right for your body type.
The gore is the center panel of an underwire bra -- the part of the bra that connects the cups in the front, between the breasts.
Not all bras have the same type or size gore, and some styles don't have this part at all. But if your bra has an underwire, then the gore will always be the part that's 'center front' -- and it should typically lie flat against your body.
The experts at Bare Necessities.com call it a Center Gore, and point out that it can be stretchy -- or not. According to the website, if the gore doesn't stretch, then the bra will be much more supportive. But -- it will also have a wider width measurement, which may or may not be right for your body type.
·
How to Check the Gore's Fit:
Move around -- is the gore rising up off your chest?
This is a common sign of an ill-fitting bra. The gore should stay flat against your sternum, even as you move around, bend over, or lift your arms up over your head.
Move around -- is the gore rising up off your chest?
This is a common sign of an ill-fitting bra. The gore should stay flat against your sternum, even as you move around, bend over, or lift your arms up over your head.
·
When the gore doesn't lie flat, the cups may
be too small, or the bra style may not be a good fit for your body type.
However, every 'rule' has exceptions.
"Minimizer bra styles tend to not rest against the breastbone, and this is fine," saysTomima Edmark, founder and CEO, HerRoom.com.
However, every 'rule' has exceptions.
"Minimizer bra styles tend to not rest against the breastbone, and this is fine," saysTomima Edmark, founder and CEO, HerRoom.com.
Fit Test #2: Check the Straps
·
Do your straps constantly slip off your
shoulders?
Your bra might not be the right style for your body type -- the straps might be too wide-set.
Women who are petite or have narrow shoulders often have this issue, and sometimes can't wear bras with wide-set straps.
Your bra might not be the right style for your body type -- the straps might be too wide-set.
Women who are petite or have narrow shoulders often have this issue, and sometimes can't wear bras with wide-set straps.
· Do your straps feel too tight?
The straps should fit securely, but not tight -- check for red marks or
indentations on your skin.
Your bra's straps are not solely responsible for providing lift and support -- that's a job for the back band and cups. They shouldn't feel uncomfortable, even if you wear a large cup size.
Your bra's straps are not solely responsible for providing lift and support -- that's a job for the back band and cups. They shouldn't feel uncomfortable, even if you wear a large cup size.
Fit Test #3: Check the Band
·
Does the back band ride up your back?
The band should lie straight against the middle of your back, parallel to the floor.
"It should lie below your shoulder blades," adds Tomima Edmark, founder and CEO,HerRoom.com.
If your band is riding up, then the band size may be too big.
The band should lie straight against the middle of your back, parallel to the floor.
"It should lie below your shoulder blades," adds Tomima Edmark, founder and CEO,HerRoom.com.
If your band is riding up, then the band size may be too big.
·
Is the band digging into your skin?
The band shouldn't feel so tight that it's uncomfortable. If it does, then it's too small.
It should be snug -- but not tight.
The band shouldn't feel so tight that it's uncomfortable. If it does, then it's too small.
It should be snug -- but not tight.
·
Another tip: If a new bra has an
adjustable back band with several hooks, it's best if it fits on the tightest
hook. You'll have room to adjust it, when it stretches out -- and all bras will
eventually stretch due to normal washing and wearing.
Fit Test #4: Examine the Cups
·
Are there any bulges?
Check the top edge of your bra cups for any signs of 'spillage'. Make you sure your chest doesn't 'bubble' over the top edge of the cups.
Check all angles, looking at your side view in a mirror. You shouldn't see any spillage there, either.
Tomima Edmark, founder and CEO of Her Room.com, advises, "Pick up your arms up to make sure your chest isn't falling out from the bottom of the cups."
What if you're wearing a sexy, revealing demi-cup style bra?
Bulges are still a no-no!
There's a difference between showing the top of your chest the correct way -- above revealing, demi-style bra cups -- and when your chest is bulging out the wrong way. The top of your chest doesn't need to be completely covered, but it should look flush with the part of your chest that's contained in your bra cups -- not bulging out.
This is a common fit mistake that may be hard to spot at first, but try on different style bras until you know how to spot a bulge.
If you wear a large cup size or have a full figure:
It may be easier to spot a bulge if you put on a form-fitting T-shirt over the bra you're trying on. You can also feel the top of your T-shirt to make sure your chest -- and the spot where your bra cups end - are a "smooth slope" -- not bumpy and lumpy.
Any bulges or 'spillage' are signs that you need a larger cup size. If that doesn't work, you may need a more full-coverage style, or a bra that's designed for plus-sizes.
Check the top edge of your bra cups for any signs of 'spillage'. Make you sure your chest doesn't 'bubble' over the top edge of the cups.
Check all angles, looking at your side view in a mirror. You shouldn't see any spillage there, either.
Tomima Edmark, founder and CEO of Her Room.com, advises, "Pick up your arms up to make sure your chest isn't falling out from the bottom of the cups."
What if you're wearing a sexy, revealing demi-cup style bra?
Bulges are still a no-no!
There's a difference between showing the top of your chest the correct way -- above revealing, demi-style bra cups -- and when your chest is bulging out the wrong way. The top of your chest doesn't need to be completely covered, but it should look flush with the part of your chest that's contained in your bra cups -- not bulging out.
This is a common fit mistake that may be hard to spot at first, but try on different style bras until you know how to spot a bulge.
If you wear a large cup size or have a full figure:
It may be easier to spot a bulge if you put on a form-fitting T-shirt over the bra you're trying on. You can also feel the top of your T-shirt to make sure your chest -- and the spot where your bra cups end - are a "smooth slope" -- not bumpy and lumpy.
Any bulges or 'spillage' are signs that you need a larger cup size. If that doesn't work, you may need a more full-coverage style, or a bra that's designed for plus-sizes.
·
Are there any gaps inside the bra cup?
Check the part of your bra where the strap attaches to the cup.
If there's any extra room, or any wrinkles on the outside of the cup, then your cup size is too big.
Check the part of your bra where the strap attaches to the cup.
If there's any extra room, or any wrinkles on the outside of the cup, then your cup size is too big.
Fit Test #5: Is the Underwire a Good Match for your Body Type?
·
Does the underwire feel comfortable as you
move around?
The underwire should lie flat against your skin, without moving away from your body.
If it doesn't, you may need to try a different brand, bra style, or band size. Underwires are made in different lengths, and each type gives cups a different shape curve, depending on the bra's style and brand.
The underwire should lie flat against your skin, without moving away from your body.
If it doesn't, you may need to try a different brand, bra style, or band size. Underwires are made in different lengths, and each type gives cups a different shape curve, depending on the bra's style and brand.
·
Do you feel the wire poking near your
underarm?
"This is a common issue among shorter women, because the wire is too long for your body type," says Tomima Edmark, founder and CEO, HerRoom.com.
A smaller cup size, or smaller cup style, such as a demi-cup, will have a shorter wire and may fit better.
"This is a common issue among shorter women, because the wire is too long for your body type," says Tomima Edmark, founder and CEO, HerRoom.com.
A smaller cup size, or smaller cup style, such as a demi-cup, will have a shorter wire and may fit better.
Fit Test #6: Check the Overall Look
·
Does your chest look like it's pushed too
close together -- or too far apart?
Your band size may be wrong, or the bra style isn't right for your body type.
Your band size may be wrong, or the bra style isn't right for your body type.
·
Is your bra forcing your chest to extend
beyond the sides of your torso?
This is a common fit mistake, which causes many women to look top-heavy.
Check a mirror from all angles to make sure your chest is in line with the sides of your body. Your chest should only extend out in front of your torso, not from the sides.
If you realize you have this issue, you'll be amazed at how much thinner you'll look the second you find a bra that fits better. (Check yourself out in a form-fitting T-shirt -- it'll be easier to notice the difference.)
This is a common fit mistake, which causes many women to look top-heavy.
Check a mirror from all angles to make sure your chest is in line with the sides of your body. Your chest should only extend out in front of your torso, not from the sides.
If you realize you have this issue, you'll be amazed at how much thinner you'll look the second you find a bra that fits better. (Check yourself out in a form-fitting T-shirt -- it'll be easier to notice the difference.)
The
Bottom Line
Now that you know some of the tips and tricks the experts use to assess a bra's fit, bra shopping will undoubtedly be less stressful -- and more fun.
Just remember -- don't ever trust the size on a tag, and don't settle for anything less than a perfect fit.
Now that you know some of the tips and tricks the experts use to assess a bra's fit, bra shopping will undoubtedly be less stressful -- and more fun.
Just remember -- don't ever trust the size on a tag, and don't settle for anything less than a perfect fit.
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