Simply Fit All Ways: Bra Basics

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about bras but didn’t know who to ask!

Why is a properly fitted bra so important? The breast is not a muscle, it is delicate glandular tissue. Whether large or small, it needs to be properly supported, especially as we age. A proper fitting bra is a necessity for the large-breasted woman and can improve posture, overall appearance and self-esteem for all women. The right undergarment plays an important part in how your clothes fit and look on your body.

What is the proper positioning of the breasts? The proper position is midway between the shoulder and elbow.

How do I find the right bra? Start by seeking the advice of Simply Fit All Ways. We will first take the correct measurements, and then address individual figure concerns, lifestyle needs and your personal style to recommend bras for you to try on.

How long does a bra fitting take? The entire process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and a thorough fitting should never be rushed! A comfortable setting is key to a positive bra fitting experience, and staff should go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and at ease. A good bra fitting should provide knowledge, insight and self-awareness so that you leave the store with an improved confidence.

What can the right bra really do?

Smooth and shape breasts, giving a sleeker line that enhances clothing

Support breasts comfortably, improving posture and easing discomfort from headache and back pain

Make breasts appear smaller, giving the body a leaner and taller appearance

Lift and support breasts, giving a more youthful appearance

Make breasts appear larger and fuller, adding shapely curves

What is a ‘bra wardrobe’ and why do I need one? A bra wardrobe ensures that you have the proper undergarments to enhance different styles of clothing and different activities. A bra wardrobe consists of styles chosen from five categories:

Seamless gives a smooth, rounded shape under knits

Seamed gives a more defined shape that helps fill out darts, enhances tailoring and improves fit under blouses, jackets and dresses

Strapless or Convertible are appropriate under strapless garments or those that are backless, have halter necklines or spaghetti straps

Sexy feminine gives figure-enhancing curves under low-cut garments

Specialty items are the ‘extras” that round out the wardrobe and are chosen, as budget permits, simply as desired or as a fashion trend

Sport gives support under active and exercise wear. (Sports bras should be replaced as often as athletic shoes because intensive wear, perspiration and laundering causes them to wear out quickly.)

It’s time for a bra fitting when…

You can’t wait to take your bra off at night!

The wires hurt - the band is too small or the bra sits too low on the ribcage

The wires poke on the side – a larger band or cup size is needed

The middle front rides up away from the body – cups are too small

The shoulders hurt – more support (smaller band and larger cups) or a style with wider or padded straps is needed

Straps fall off the shoulders – the straps need to be tightened or have lost elasticity, or shoulders may be sloped, requiring a bra with straps closer together at the back

The band rides up – it’s either too big or has lost elasticity

– Liz Wigod

Liz Wigod is a professional image consultant, personal shopper and certified personal trainer in Boulder County, Colorado. She also is available for wardrobe consultation and seminars. Contact Liz through her company Simply Fit All Ways (303) 358-2750 or liz@simplyfitallways.com

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