The importance of wearing the correct size bra

The Facts:

According to recent press, the majority, up to 80% of woman, are wearing the wrong bra size. Usually the back size is too large and the cup size is too small. Women often wear the wrong size, as they are not sure what the bra should look and feel like.

Once they do, they will in future know whether a bra is fitting them within seconds. It is also worth noting that one style of bra may be perfect for one woman and totally wrong for another, even if they are the same size. Different styles should be tried to find the most suitable one.

Wearing the wrong bra size can cause many problems including:

• Neck ache
• Shoulder ache
• Back ache
• Skin irritation caused by straps digging in
• Irreversible damage to ligaments can cause breast pain and sagging
• Wires can stick into the breast tissue, causing unnecessary pressure and discomfort

A well fitting bra will lift the bust and create a better posture and a smooth silhouette under clothing. It will also make the posture look better and give the lady more confidence

Panache Lingerie's Bra fit guide to achieve the perfect fit

Bra sizing

Fitting the bra:

The hook and eye should be fastened securely but comfortably on the middle setting. Whether the bra is fastened at the back or fastened at the front and moved round to the back, the lady should always bend forward and make sure the wires are positioned under the bust. She should then stand upright and move the breast from the underarm if necessary so that it is inside the wire. She should then part the bust at the centre to make sure the centre front of the bra is sitting correctly between the bust. Then the straps should be adjusted so that they are firm, but not too tight.

The bra is fitting when:

The underband is firm, but not uncomfortable.
The breasts are totally encased within the wire, which should sit flat against the body. (The wire should not sit on the breast tissue).
There is no bulging at the underarm or the neck edge
The straps are comfortable.
There is no wrinkling on the cups.
The arms are lifted and the bra stays in place.

Trouble shooting:

If the underband is riding up, the back size is too big
If the underband is on the loosest setting and is uncomfortably tight, then the back size is too small.
If the straps are digging into the shoulders, they are supporting too much of the weight of the breasts and so the underband may not be giving enough support. A smaller back size may be needed.
If the cups are wrinkling and there is space at the top and the sides of the cup, a smaller cup size is needed.
If the wires stand away from the body at the centre front and dig in at the underarm, a larger cup size is needed.
If the bust is bulging over the cups at the neck edge and/or the underarm then a larger cup size is needed.
If the cups lift away from the chest when the arms are lifted, then either a smaller back size and/or a larger cup size is needed.

If one breast is bigger than the other:

It is quite common for a woman to have one breast bigger than the other. Sometimes there is only a slight difference, but sometimes there is a cup size difference. It is important to fit the bigger breast so that it is encased by the wire. The straps can be adjusted so they are looser on the larger side and tighter on the smaller side to achieve the best fit. Once the correct bra size has been found, it is a good idea to try a t-shirt on over it to make sure the shape looks supportive and smooth with no bulging.