It’s easy to overlook updating one of the most essential pieces in your wardrobe—your bra. When you’ve been wearing the same few for a long time, it’s natural to forget how a properly fitting bra should look and feel.
Take a moment to review the bras you currently own and see how they measure up to my ten essential bra fitting facts below. These guidelines will help you determine if it’s time for an update and ensure you’re getting the comfort, support, and confidence you deserve.
- Bra Band: The one that goes around your back should be firm, not too tight. This provides a big portion of the support to your entire breast tissue.
- Bra Straps: These should be firm and not digging into your shoulders. This can cause undo strain to your shoulders and/or back.
- Bra Underwire: This must encompass your bust and sit outside your breast tissue.
- No Spillover: Breast tissue should not spill out over the top of the bra cup as it the cup should sit flat against the chest wall.
- Bra Center: The center of the bra should sit comfortably against your sternum, separating breast tissue so they sit apart from one another.
- Minimal movement: The underwire should not move forward or upward when you raise your arms above your head.
- Staying Put: Your breasts should sit in place even when you release the straps and they're down & off your shoulders.
- Nipple Alignment: your nipples should be sitting exactly half way between your shoulder line and elbow.
- Bra Options: It’s best to have 3-4 great quality bras you can alternate on a day to day basie to give the fabrication a chance to rest & be restored. To give the elastic time to recover it is best not to wear your bra on consecutive days.
- Bra Longevity: Your bras should last anywhere between 12 & 18 months depending on wash care. Find the latest bras from the best brands here at Muse Intimates!
Another factor that affects your bra’s longevity is body salts and natural oils, which can cause wear and tear over time. To help extend the life of your bras, avoid wearing the same one for several days in a row—rotating them gives the fabric time to recover and stay supportive.
Additional Bra Care Facts: Heat is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to breaking down the delicate fabrics in your bra. The best way to care for your bras is to lay them flat to dry after washing, instead of the dryer.
For storage, hang your bras over a clothes hanger with the center gore resting on the hanger. This prevents the straps from overstretching and keeps them from getting crushed in a drawer, while also allowing them to air out between wears.
And most importantly, the right bra should feel so comfortable and supportive that you hardly notice you’re wearing it at all. That’s the true sign of a perfect fit.
When you're ready, come see one of our bra fitting experts here at Muse Intimates where we will assist you in finding that right fit!