BRA TIPS

How to wear bra correctly?

Assuming that you have already selected the tightness of the bra's back strap, when putting on a strapped bra, regardless of cup size, after first slipping the straps over your shoulders, lean forward at at least at a 90 degree angle to your legs. Then affix the back strap around your back and fasten it. Wiggle yourself slightly from side to side to get yourself centered in the cups and then stand up. This will place them firmly into the bra cup and assure they are where they are supposed to be. This is really important because otherwise you will not get the support they need and the whole purpose of wearing a bra will be defeated.

Strapless bras are put on in much the same manner, but it is vital that the back strap is placed exactly where it is supposed to be before it is fastened. If you are are still not perfectly fitted into the bra, you probably did not lean forward enough, the back strap was adjusted too tight or too loose (many women may have to try a different tightness when putting on a bra this way) or you have the wrong size, shape or cup size bra. Still, practice putting the bra on in this manner several times before making any final judgments.

Quick Fit Tips

Replace your bras every six months. Most bras get worn out from laundering and wear after about six months. Check your bras occasionally for signs of wear and tear like stretched out straps and/or underwires that poke, which signal that a bra is ready for retirement.

A truly supportive bra that fits properly will fully encompass (but not necessarily cover) the entire breast regardless of the design. Classic signs of an ill-fitting bra are the 'double-bubble' effect – when you're pouring out of the top of the bra and 'side spillage' – where you're pouring out of the sides.

For optimal comfort and support, the back wings (Back wings are the strips of fabric, which extend from the outer base of the cups and secure in the back.) of your bra should be comfortably anchored at or below your shoulder blades.

If you're bulging out of the top of your bra, first make sure you're wearing the correct size then check to see if the cup type you've chosen is too shallow for you. The shallowest cups are demi (as they are not intended to cover the entire breast) and padded (the padding takes up some of the space in the cup), so if you're consistently noticing the bulge, you should opt for non-padded, full cup bras.

If your bra straps constantly fall down, you are either wearing the wrong size or your bra straps are worn out and have lost their elasticity. Either way, without properly fitting straps you're probably not getting all of the support you need. There are a few options to correct this issue...

If you're experiencing pain in your neck and shoulders, you need a supportive bra, which evenly distributes the weight of your breasts. Comfort strap bras do just this and have the added bonus of lined straps for optimal comfort.

If you're seeking more cleavage, opt for a push up bra with adjustable enhancement like removable cookies (small removable pads). You can up the cleavage ante by choosing a push up bra with a low center gore and angled demi cups.

If you'd like to minimize your assets, choose a minimizer bra, which can reduce the appearance of the bust by up to one-cup size.

If you'd like to create a smooth silhouette under even the thinnest fabrics, opt for seamless bras in a sleek fabric like microfiber. T-shirt bras are a wonderful option all year around; they're specifically designed to be virtually invisible under clothing.