According to Oprah, 80-85% of all women in the US are going about their lives each day wearing the wrong size bra. Seriously, ladies, that is a lot of us. So I got curious: am I one of the clueless masses that is wearing the wrong bra for me? While black Friday shopping with my younger sister, which in Jersey is a seriously dangerous, dog-eat-dog venture, I decided to find out.
I am not sure what possessed me to have a bra fitting on the busiest shopping day of the year, but it happened. The Victoria’s Secret employee I asked to do the deed had a pink tape measure around her neck and looked reliable, if not a bit frazzled about the huge mess everyone was making of the displays. To my vague horror, she did it right in the middle of the selling floor, first measuring under my chest for band size, than across it for cup size. She proceeded to hand me two bras, both push-ups (I guess I looked like I needed it…). One was a 34A, which is the size I usually wear, and one was…a 32B!!!! At first I thought it was a mistake, and I told the woman so. She informed me that both were technically my size. Apparently, as a rule of thumb, a woman can go up a band size and down a cup size or down a band size and up a cup size. It is a matter of preference. I eventually decided I like the size I wear now – the smaller band size seemed uncomfortable. But realizing that a B can fit me – which it actually did rather well – was a proud moment in my small-chested life. The salesperson told me that she sees a lot of women wearing the wrong size, but most frequently a wrong band size. I asked if she suggested measuring yourself, and she wrinkled up her nose. You can, but its best to leave that to the professionals. Especially since its free.
I also learned that there is a correct way to put on your bra. Who knew? According to O magazine, if you bend forward and put on your bra that way, it will be better centered and your breasts will be “evenly distributed”. Also make sure that the straps are adjusted correctly – you don’t want them falling down or digging into your shoulders. Then make sure to “tuck” them enough that you avoid the awkward double-boob effect. I tried these strategies and, though the bending over part was kind of weird, I found that it was kind of effective. I didn’t have to adjust the bra afterwards – it was already in the right place.
Last in my quest for the perfect bra, I looked at where to get your dream negligee! I asked some of my friends and peers to help me with size-specific tips and favorites in terms of types and brands. I learned a lot – we Bucknellians love Victoria’s Secret, Target, and regardless of size, going braless when no one looking – or even when people are! Here is what your fellow students suggest:
A Cup:
Everyday/casual: I love the Victoria’s Secret “Wear Everywhere” demi bras. The underwire is kind of thin so it is not itchy or too much for me; I don’t need a lot of support. Sports/Working Out: I get the stretchy Champion Seamless bras that you can buy at Dicks. I don’t like ones with the tight elastic at the bottom – I don’t need it and it is confining. I need to be able to move when I work out!
Lounging: I am very into bralettes right now. They usually just have some thin elastic at the bottom and are lacy and pretty. The ones from Honeydew intimates are the absolute best. I get them at Madewell.
Going Out/Partying: Push up! I don’t like the super crazy ones that feel like you have a pillow strapped to your chest, but I need something. I have one that is filled with gel-type stuff and it is great and feels natural.
Formal: I have the Victoria’s Secret Invisible Uplift bra. It is basically two silicone cutlets that are sticky. You stick them right on your breasts (don’t worry, they are not so sticky that is hurts to peel them off). The silicone gives some extra size and you can stick them further apart and then fasten them in the middle for extreme push-up effect. They are strapless, backless, clear, and smooth so you can literally put them under anything. I also often go braless, especially if the dress is corseted. I can get away with it cause I am so small on top.
B Cup
Everyday/casual: Body by Victoria is the best bra ever! I wear it for basically everything.
Sports/working out: Nike.
Lounging: Braless. Nips are in!
Going out/partying: Body by Victoria as well. I love them.
Formals: Definitely a push-up. I have one from Aerie that I like a lot.
C Cup
Everyday/casual: Victoria’s Secret Body
Sports/working out: I have neon colored ones from Target. They are fun and they work!
Lounging: A sports bra or nothing.
Going out/partying: The Victoria’s Secret Lacy push-up
Formals: A strapless bra with extra no-slip tape. I’ve also learned that if you go a size down, it helps keep ‘em in!
D Cup and Up!
Everyday/ casual: I wear anything from Aerie, just not a push-up for everyday. Also, I am all about Victoria’s Secret – they have lots of bras without padding, which is a plus for people like me who would like LESS boob, not more!
Sports/working out: Target has really good ones.
Lounging: I don’t wear one. After all, isn’t lounging a time to get comfy??
Going out/partying: Sometimes a push-up! I mean, if you’ve got it, why not? It is nice to be eye-catching at a party. Or I just wear nothing.
Formals: That Victoria’s Secret bra that is for multiple uses – with the detachable bra straps. I normally choose to go braless when possible in dresses, no need to make the boobs look any bigger! I want to be classy at fancy events, so out-of-this-world cleavage is not ideal.
*Try the low back multi-way bra – it has clear, detachable straps and a super low back!
photo sources:
http://www.brokelyn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bra-pile.jpg
http://fashion-products.womendiary.net/wp-content/uploads/Bra-Shopping-C…