7 things worth knowing before you choose new lingerie. Our tips on what to look out for to get the right bra fit.
The perfect bra is one where a sexy neckline goes hand in hand with comfort and effective support. It lifts your mood and gives the woman wearing a well-fitted bra a real boost of confidence. ‘What is essential is invisible to the eye’, and the road to this perfectly fitted wardrobe piece, usually hidden under clothing, can be long and often full of wrong choices. Discomfort, straps annoyingly slipping off your shoulders, breasts spilling over the cups - these are just a few of the reasons why, as soon as we get home, we want to take off an ill-fitting bra straight away and never put it on again. To avoid the stress of badly chosen lingerie in future, discover 7 things that will help you find your way around the world of comfortable bras on your next lingerie shopping trip. Our advice will certainly help you make the right choice.
The underbust band is the foundation of good support
The cups shape the bust, but it's the underbust band of a well-fitted bra that is responsible for as much as 90% of its support. The underbust measurement is therefore extremely important, and a well-fitted bra stays in place even if you slip the straps off your shoulders. Measure precisely and fairly snugly, right under your breasts, then round the result down to find your size on the chart. If you choose a band that's too small, the underwiring will dig into your breasts, while a band that's too loose won't give the whole bra enough support. A correctly chosen band keeps the bra at the same level at the front and back, without shifting on its own. That's the best sign that the band-fitting mission has been perfectly accomplished and your underbust size is right.
Your true size and your bra's so-called ‘sister size’
Same size on the label, but the style you've chosen doesn't quite fit? Unfortunately, different styles in the same size but with a different cut can vary slightly, even though they share the same measurements. If, while shopping, you find that a bra in your usual size doesn't fit, we recommend trying the same style in a sister size. Here's a tip: this is a size in which each of the bra's measurements changes by one step down or up. The sister size rule helps you find the ideal combination of band and cup size.
The rule goes like this: if you go up a band size, go down a cup size. For example, 75/D can be replaced with 70/E or 80/C. If you usually wear 75/C, you may find that 70/D or 80/B work just as well and help you fine-tune your bra size.
No body is perfectly symmetrical. If your breasts differ in size, that's completely normal - and there are ways to deal with it!
Often one breast is larger than the other, and there's nothing to worry about. Asymmetry is natural and quite common when it comes to our bodies. If the difference is significant and makes it hard to find the right bra, we suggest fitting your lingerie to the larger breast. In this situation it's easier to add than to take away - you can fill the other cup with an extra bra insert.
If your straps dig into your body, your cups may be too small.
This may surprise you, but the only job of the straps is to hold the cups close to your body. That's why strapless bras are commonplace, while cups alone without side panels are only a temporary rescue for very revealing outfits. If your breasts are pressed too hard by the edge of the bra and spill out of the cups, they can put extra strain on the straps and make them too tight. Your shoulders will certainly thank you if you choose a bigger cup next time.
Straps as taut as a bowstring
When the straps are working too hard and are very tight, it's a sign that the band isn't providing enough support for the whole bra. Look in the mirror - if the straps are taut and the band moves around freely on your back or at the front, it's too loose or too stretched for the bra to work as it should. In that case, don't blame the straps - go for a bra with a smaller band.
The mysterious centre gore and cup size
The secret of a well-fitted bra is the central element known as the centre gore. This small part of the bra joins the cups at the front and stabilises the whole structure. It should sit flat (but not tight) against your body. If you notice that the centre gore is loose or stands away from your body and the straps slip off your shoulders, you should consider choosing a smaller cup size.
Here's the catch - a few words about hooks
It often seems that looser means better and more comfortable. That may be true when it comes to tracksuits and hoodies, but bras that are too loose should be avoided like the plague. The right band size is a priority - if it isn't fitted precisely, the bra won't do its job. You'll know the band length is right if you can pull the part that holds the cups under your bust about 2-3 fingers away from your body. To help the band of your bra last as long as possible, we recommend fastening a new bra on the loosest hooks at first. If after a while it starts to feel loose, move to the second and then the third set of hooks. This simple rule is the key to a long life for your bra.
Bras aren't forever. One day it will be time to say goodbye, even to your favourite...
Even with the greatest care, a bra wears out after about 100 washes. You can slow this process down with gentle hand washing, but no matter how well you look after your favourite lingerie, sooner or later you'll have to part with it. Look out for signs such as slipping straps or a band that rides up. They mean your bra is no longer doing its job and it's time to go shopping. In our collection you'll find a wide range of classic lace bras, fashionable strappy bras, and lingerie for every day and for special occasions.
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