A bra that fits: Finding your perfect size
Updated: 2006-03-24 11:39
Bra straps: Straps should be adjusted to give support to the bust without
cutting into the shoulders. If the straps are falling down, you may not be
filling up the  cups. Try a smaller cup size.
Underwires: All pressure should lie
on the underwires to support the breasts without digging in at the sides.
Underwires lie flat against the chest. If the underwire is standing away from
the body, suggest a bigger cup size. Underwires should completely surround the
breast tissue to provide support.
The center piece -- and underwire, if the
bra has it -- should lay flat against your chest. It should not shimmy up onto
breast tissue or dig into your skin. So should the underwire, if the bra has it.
Troubleshooting tips
Common bra problems and solutions:
The band in back rides up. Any one of
three tricks may work: If possible try fastening the hook on a tighter
enclosure, go down one band size, or loosen your bra's shoulder straps.
Loose or wrinkled cups. Go down one cup size.
Breasts spill out of cups.
Try a larger cup size or choose a bra style that offers more coverage through
the cups.
Red strap marks. Try loosening the bra's straps. If that doesn't
work, you can pad your bra's straps or try a more breast-supportive bra, one
that doesn't require the shoulder straps to do all the uplifting.
Falling
straps. Try tightening the straps. If you have a problem with perpetual falling
straps, you may want to try a different style of bra, such as a T-back, U-back
or r acerback style.
One of your breasts is bigger than the other.
(Note: If this is you, relax. Most women are a bit asymmetrical.) Fit the cup to
the larger breast, then tighten the strap a bit on the smaller side to
compensate. Or, have your bras custom-made.
Large-busted? Go with an
underwire, full-coverage bra, which are made to completely cover the breast .
Not only are full-coverage styles more comfortable for the full-figured, they
are more flattering. Look also for wide straps, which are less likely to offer
uplift to heavy breasts without digging into skin.
Small-busted? If you'd
like to look bustier, try a padded bra, a cleavage-enhancing bra or a demi bra
which can lift breasts and enhance cleavage.
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