The top four elements to a proper fitting bra!  Keep these in mind while bra shopping and analyzing the fit of your current lingerie collection.

a. First, clasp the band on the loosest set of hooks.  When at this position you should only be able to pull out the band approximately ½ inch from your back before feeling strong resistance from the band.  This is an incredibly important element to a supportive bra because the support stems directly from the snug band.  If you are relying on the straps to hold up the breasts this can cause strain on the shoulders and your bra will not be doing its job.  The band must be tight (often tighter than you are used to) in order to provide adequate support to the breasts.

b. The next element is the underwire.  This is one of the most important aspects of fit because improper fitting underwire can create a very uncomfortable feeling and often deters people from wearing a bra with enough support.  The underwire should lay flat against the chest bone in the center and then go all the way around the breast tissue.  If you press in on the sides of the underwire (under your armpits) it should not press into the breast tissue at all, but be completely cupping everything.  If the underwire is not laying flat in the center or completely cupping the breast tissue, you must go up only in cup size (not band size) to achieve the perfect fit.

c. An obvious problem that may occur with different bra styles is when the actual material at the top of the cup is pressing into the breast tissue and creating a lump when worn with a tightly fitted top.  This should not happen if the underwire is completely cupping the breast tissue, but alas the human body is never completely the same from person-to-person.  Often this issue can be relieved by simply loosening the straps and releasing the tension against the breast tissue.  However, if it is still a problem, moving up in the cup size until it disappears will work as well.

d. Finally, the straps must only be tight enough to not fall off of the shoulders.  If the straps are putting pressure on the shoulders, they are working too hard and more of the support needs to be transferred to the band as mentioned before. 

Please feel free to contact your Adore Me stylists for more personalized assistance with bra size measurement and proper fit at 1.800.433.2367 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (EST).