Bras. They come in a multitude of colors, styles, sizes and materials.Yet, sadly, most women walk around with a floppy sack of material supporting their assets. Why? Because the grand majority of women don't have the slightest clue about finding a properly-fitting bra.
It's true, bra-fitting wisdom isn't something females are born with, and not everyone is bright enough to realize what they really look like in the mirror.
I concocted a list of tips for finding the right bra, although every woman should really visit a bra specialist--not someone in the department store bra section or Victoria's Secret--someone who has been working with bras for a very long time and specializes in them.
1. As with all clothing, don't obsess about the size tag. Every brand fits differently, and many styles within each brand may also fit differently. The key is to try on as many styles and brands as possible to find the correct one.
2. Pull on the straps. If they are very stretchy, they won't lend to good support. Even if you have small breasts, you still want support--or you'll really be needing it when you're older.
3. Push on the cups with your thumb to see how stretchy they are. As with the straps, the stretchier the material in the cups, the less support you'll be getting. Another thing about stretchy cups, is they won't give you as nice a shape as something a little firmer might.
4. When trying on a bra, the band should sit comfortably in the middle of your back. If it hikes up, the bra is too small. If it slides down, the bra is too big.
5. Adjust the straps properly when trying on a bra. The only way to gauge if it really fits is to try it on like you're getting ready to wear it.
6. Beware fancy fabrics. A super-lacy bra may look pretty with nothing atop it, but the lace will definitely show through once you put on a shirt.
7. Padding is nice in bras, depending on what size you are. Women wearing a C-cup or larger really should NOT have padding in their bras.
8. Larger women should opt for minimizer bras that shape the breasts, support them and pull them up.
9. Severely molded cups are nice, but not always. Check the shape in the mirror (from the front and side) to be sure you don't have torpedoes or round balls sitting on your chest.
10. ALWAYS wear a bra. I don't care who you are, what you think your breasts are like, or what the outfit you're wearing is. There is no excuse not to wear a bra. Other women can tell you're not wearing one. Some men can also tell. And when you get older, gravity will really take over--no matter how small you were when you let it all hang out.
11. Large women should watch out for strapless bras. They may say "maximum staying power" or whatever, but they don't always live up to those promises. Try moving around a lot when trying on the bra to see if it will stay up. If not, try to find something with clear straps.
12. If you have small breasts, your bra straps should not cut into your shoulders. Try unloosening the strap a little to see if the indentation grows smaller. If not, try a different bra.
13. While florals, bright colors and rhinestones are oh-so-appealing on bras in the store, they may not always go so well under your clothing. For the majority of your bra wardrobe, go for nude- and beige-colored bras, a few whites and a few blacks. Once you have your neutrals, then you can go bananas with flashy brassieres.
14. If a bra is uncomfortable, it doesn't fit well. Move on to something else. A bra should never be uncomfortable. Ever.
15. Facts of life: There are always more choices in the bra section for smaller-breasted women. Bras made for small breasts are usually not very supportive, and brim-full of padding. Going to a lingerie or bra store is the best bet for the femme in need of a good bra collection, without incurring undue stress in her search.
16. As for bathing suits, small-breasted ladies pretty much have the pick of the litter. Just make sure the shape the suit gives your breast is as natural as possible, and that your top is supportive and sturdy--you don't want to become exposed in public. For large-breasted women, Calvin Klein now has a line of bathing suits (bikini and one-piece) with underwire bras built in, all the way up to 38DD. Dillards also has a large collection of suits in bigger sizes and with more supportive choices.
