10 Bra Tips That Could Change the Way You Wear Bras!
We can can all remember what mom said: Start your day with breakfast. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Don’t watch television that close. Don’t read in the dark. Stop slouching!
Mom was always there — shouting at you as you walked out the door - or taking you aside to offer some important tidbit of knowledge – a genuine fountain of wisdom. However, when it came to bras, no one, including mom, shared any real tips when you were young. Am I right? So, we are going to change that and hopefully correct any mis-information you may have acquired through the years!
Here they are. You might want to share these with mom in case she missed them too!
1. Did you know about sister sizes?
Did you know your cup size varies based on your band size? A 34C is actually the same cup size as a 36B. Yes, it’s true. In the bra world they are actually called sister sizes and knowing this can help you fit and find the right bra to purchase.
SISTER SIZE DOWN: One actual size smaller than your current Band size AND one letter name larger than your current Cup. For example, if you wear a 34C, your Sister Size DOWN would be 32D.
SISTER SIZE UP: One actual size larger than your current Band size AND one letter name smaller than your current Cup. For example, if you wear a 34C, your Sister Size UP would be 36B.
HOW TO FIND YOUR SISTER SIZE:
When considering if you should you wear your sister size bra, the answer is not necessarily, yes, and certainly not for every bra. It will be according to the style and design.
2. Invest in a great strapless bra.
The right strapless bra, can be worn with everything! You should invest in the best strapless bra you can find. Besides the classic off-the-shoulder tops or dresses, a great strapless bra (like the Red Carpet Strapless Bra by Wacoal), will work with tank tops, sleeveless or boatneck shirts, sweaters - any fashion top where you really, really don’t want bra straps to show.
3. Shape matters.
Breasts come in many sizes and even more different shapes. So, to find a bra that fits properly, shape matters almost as much as size. Your breasts may be tear drop, bell shaped or athletic, to name a few. The shape of your breasts affects the style and size of bra that’s right for you. Check out our Bra Fitting Guide to learn more.
4. Check in on your fit regularly - it can change.
Generally speaking, your bra size changes about six times in your lifetime. That is six times! To be sure that yo are wearing the correct size, you should be fitted fairly often. Contact Sheila Sherbert at Sheila’s Sheer Elegance Lingerie or your local bra fitter, if you have a suspected breast size change to make sure everything’s properly supported.
5. There’s a right way to put on a bra.
Sounds really obvious, but it’s not. For a good fit, make sure you’re putting on a bra the right way. Don’t pull or stretch it when you put your bra on. You will distort the shape of the bra which will not make you happy!
6. Stack your bras.
Any bra with molded cups, should not have the cups turned inside out when you put them away in a drawer, or when you pack them. Stack your bras instead, lengthwise, in your drawer or suitcase. This way, they will retain their shape and keep a smooth silhouette.
7. Asymmetrical breats? Completely normal.
First, no one is completely symmetrical (not even super models) so all, that is to say, 100% of women have breast asymmetrical breast to some extent. If asymmetry really bothers you, however, you can try a bra with removable inserts like the B-Smooth Wire Free Bra with Removable Pads # 835275, the Amazing Assets Back Smoothing Push Up Convertible Strapless Bra # 854220, and wear one insert only to help even out the appearance of your breasts.
8. Don’t buy a poor quality bra.
Because you wear a bra probably every day, a good bra, the right bra, one that fits well really makes a serious difference in your confidence as well as your day long comfort. Invest in a few really great bras. Fortunately there is no shortage of high quality bras when it comes to bras made by Wacoal America! You get a great return on your investment. Plus, let’s face it, you also completely deserve it.
9. Hand wash. Absolutely.
To be honest, mom did tell me this, but I never listened. Hand washing is much safer than a machine washing and will extend the life of your bra drastically. If you still feel that you can’t hand wash, you should certainly use a lingerie bag in the washing machine - always. Most importantly, never, never, never put your bras in the dryer!
10. If you find a that bra you love - buy an extra one or two.
A bra that fits perfectly is a real find. It is like a favorite top or pair of jeans that you can’t do without. You should always have more than one. Backups are great. And, you will definitely thank yourself later.