Fit Fundamental: Wearing The Best Bra

Wearing the right fitted bra and shapewear is essential to wearing any dress. Almost 80% of women wear bras of incorrect sizes. I cannot say enough times how very wrong a poor-fitted bra causes your foundational piece to not flatter you best and can harm your breast tissue over time. Your garment underneath should fit effortless.

Nordstrom provides certified fit specialists in the lingerie department. Their band sizes range from 30 to 46 inches with cup sizes from A to J. There are two parts to determining your bra size:

• The band size, which is the measurement around the ribcage. If the number is even, add four inches—odd number, add five. Your band size is the sum of this calculation.

For example: 32 inches band size is 36 and 33 inches band size is 38.

• And, measuring the fullest part of your chest to the nearest whole number to get your cup size. Subtract your band size from your bust measurement.

For example: 40 inches (bust) – 36 inches (band) = 4 inches. The bra size is 36D.

The band size is the number part of the bra, while the cup size is indicated by letters.

Bras should be replace every 6 months because most good bras only have about 100 wears in them. Yes I know. . .lingerie can be expensive. After all, the purpose of a bra is not just to cover the breasts. It supports, lifts, shapes and holds them in place—often for hours at a time. In addition to being functional, a bra has to be comfortable and durable and besides all that, it has to be attractive! Most women should have at least four bras in their wardrobe, but ideally you should have seven, one for each day of the week. Never wear the same bra two days in a row. Bras need time to rest in between wears.

There are all types of bras to consider, whether it be soft-cup, demi-cup, plunge, racerback, or full coverage. Choose the right bra style for you.

T-shirt bra: This bra has a seamless contour cup that is designed to give a smooth appearance under tight or lightweight fabrics. It works for all body types and is the ideal comfort bra for everyday wear.

Underwire bra: This bra is known to give great shape, proper support and a lift to the breasts—ideal for larger breasts. Recent studies have linked the metal wire when the bra becomes old to breast pain, mastitis and allergies because of direct skin contact. Look for underwire bras made with plastic instead of metal. The underwire should sit snug against your chest.

Sports bra:  This bra should secure your chest giving a bounce-free fit. Your sports bra should not flatten your chest or rise up while exercising. It is ideal for an active woman.

Convertible bra:  This bra is perfect for versatility. The straps can be entirely removed or disconnected to transform the bra into a halter, racerback or even crisscross pattern for different wearing options.

Camisole bra:  This camisole comes with a built in bra. You have the flexibility of wearing the bra as a top under a jacket or with a plunging neckline on tops or dresses. However, this bra does not have great support for larger breasts.