The most important thing you will ever read

OK, I am probably exaggerating but please, stick with this...!

Raise your hand if you love beautiful underwear?!  But are you splashing your cash on the right size?

I wrote this post when my blog was just a baby but I feel it needs another outing.  This was primarily inspired after seeing some girls tweet Laura (lollipop26) about what happened when she went to get measured recently.  It just shocked me that so many women are still scared of getting measured.  Let me reassure you:

You do NOT need to take your bra off!!!

During my gap year before University, I trained in a House of Fraser lingerie department and gained so much knowledge about underwear that I think really needs to be passed on.  We all love reading fashion blogs but no outfit can look fantastic without a proper foundation.  

However, even in today's day and age, a worrying proportion of women still wear the wrong bra size without even realising.  The scary reality is though - if your bra doesn't fit right & doesn't support you properly, you're breasts will probably sag.  Scary thought??

Don't worry...help is at hand!

The art of a perfectly fitted bra all centres around 3 basic factors: 

1) THE BACK BAND

This is the band that runs horizontally around your rip cage and is truly the most important part of the bra.  It is where you get all your support from and therefore prevents the dreaded sagging.
This band should be TIGHT.  And by that I mean - you should only be able to pull it out 1 inch or so, when on the LOOSEST hook.  Any more and it is TOO BIG.

Obviously, as you wear the bra, it will loosen over time and that is when you move to the next hook. When you are on the tightest hook and can pull it out more than an inch or two ... you need a new bra. If you wear a bra day in; day out - expect it to have a 6 month life span.

It may seem strange at first with it so tight but you will get used to it; I promise!

2) THE CUPS

Your breasts should be fully encased in the cups with the centre piece flat against your breast bone. This is common sense but how many times have you seen a woman walking down the street with the 'four boob effect'?! If your breasts spill over or the centre piece is coming away from your body?  Go up a cup size.

(Horrible bra but the best example I could find)

Also, check the bra wire is not cutting into your breast tissue at the side - this is another sign that the cup size is too small and usually the main cause of discomfort. 

3) THE STRAPS

Many women believe that this is where you get your support from.  This is however not the case, with the band providing the support - hence why a correctly fitted strapless bra can be as supportive as one with straps.

Primarily, on the loosest setting of the straps, you should only be able to stretch them up 1 inch or so - as with the back band.  Then tighten them as you wear the bra in.

If your straps always fall down or you always need to tighten them, it means the weight of your breasts are not getting support from elsewhere.  You therefore probably need to go down a back size, up a cup size or both.

In general, the most common mistake women make is believing to be bigger in the back and smaller in the cup.  I for one, before my training, believed I was a 36DD.  I now know, that for my frame (size 12) a 36 back is far too big.  I was actually a 32F.  Did it feel weird and tight at first? Very.  But now I have got used to it I realise how baggy my bras were before.  Now my tops fit better, I stand straighter and my back does not hurt anymore.  All because I am getting the correct support from that trusty firm back band - it really is your best friend!

Just try now - reach around and pull the band of your bra out.... How far can you stretch it?? More than an inch or so??!  Go get yourself measured girl!!

The general rule of thumb is, if you need to go down a back size, go up a cup size and vice versa.

For example...

36DD = 34E
34E = 32F
 
The assistance of a trained lingerie fitter is invaluable though.  Please don't just rely on this tip - get measured by a professional.  Even if you are sure of your size, it won't harm to check...and it will always be free!  

EXTRA HINTS

• Steer clear of M&S and La Senza - I have never been fitted right in these stores.  In M&S, the women just looked at the bra (36D) and said it was OK.  As a company that many woman put faith in, that is just not good enough.
• Don't rely on the tape measure - I never once used one when working.  All bras are sized and manufactured differently and for this reason you cannot purely go on a measurement.  Trying bras on and looking how they fit is the most effective method.
• NEVER put a bra in a washing machine or a tumble dryer.  The force and heat will probably cause the wire to pop out and not only cause you discomfort but reduce the life span of your bras.  Always hand wash and air dry!
• Don't assume once you get fitted, that will be your size for life.  Hormonal fluctuations can cause us to change size and just the sheer difference in bra manufacturing can mean varying sizes.  As a general rule, always take advantage of the changing rooms and qualified staff to ensure you leave with a great fitting new bra.

Now what are you waiting for?!  Go and get fitted...then treat yourself to some beautiful new lingerie!

xxx