Do you remember the first time you went bra shopping? If you’re anything like us, it was an embarrassing experience, and you probably almost cried a few times. Although things are different now, shopping for bras is still far from simple! So we’ve put together a little guide that we hope will help.
Know Your Numbers
(image via south lake style)
And by “know your numbers,” we mean know your measurements. Most women wear the wrong bra size simply because they’ve never had a recent (or ever) fitting. We know that “fitting” can sound a little intimidating, but all it entails is getting measured directly under the bust and across the fullest part of your chest. Ensuring you buy the right size bra is just as important as buying the right size shoes.
Quality Over Looks
Don’t get us wrong: Cute, cheap bras are great for special occasions. But for every day, you’ll want a bra that’s comfortable and made of quality material. These can be more expensive, but having a quality bra that will last a while is worth every penny.
Support System
(image via everydae)
Most of us probably associate a garment’s comfort level with how loose it fits, but your bras are different. But most of your bra’s stability actually comes from how well the band fits you. A good rule of thumb is that if you can fit two (and only two fingers) under the band, you’ve got a great support system.
Under the Wire
Another core memory we have is the first time we felt a very unfamiliar poke in our ribcage, just to find out our underwire was stabbing us. Underwire discomfort comes in many forms. For instance, if you experience an underwire digging into your breast, you probably need a larger cup size. If you notice that your underwire is cutting into the skin below your breast, it could be your band size that’s off. Many brands are now leaning toward wire-free bra options that give you the same support but less discomfort.
So Fresh, So Clean
(image via the list via shutterstock)
No judgment from us if you wear the same bra for a week or more without washing it, but that’s not recommended. In fact, it’s wise to wash your bra after every four wears. Washing your bras by hand is ideal, but many can also be machine-washed. Just make sure you’re using the delicate cycle and gentle soap – and never put them in the dryer! To avoid the extra frustration, washing your bras in a netted laundry bag keeps the hooks from snagging other garments and prevents the machine from compromising their shape.