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Bras. I have said it before, and I will say it again, I believe that most women have a love/hate relationship with them. Bras can transform how you look and feel in any outfit. They can give you that curve you want or side rolls you don’t. They can make you feel like you are sultry bad a** or a real-life Teletubby. They can give you confidence in the bedroom, or body dysmorphia. These contraptions hold a lot of power.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the no-bra movement. Personally, I LOVE that women are taking autonomy over their own bodies.
What you do and don’t do with your body is completely your choice.
For me, I go braless 75% of the time. Over the years, I have managed to find clothes that support me without having to add an underwire. For the other 25%, I’m clasping away.
I started wearing bras when I was 9…yes 9. Therefore, I have 20+ years of intimate experience. I have done the whole measuring in person a bit more times than I can count. I have worn push-ups, bralettes, and stick bras. I even tried the frontless, backless, strapless bra. Yep, that’s a thing.
Over the years, I have learned a thing or two. I want to share this practical knowledge because honestly, it’s really freaking difficult to find what works. Let’s get into some size-inclusive bra tips and tricks.
How to Properly Measure for Your Bras
Before you begin, what you wear, or don’t wear, is very important to the accuracy of the measurements. If you have breasts that are “small” or sit high, then measuring topless is great. If you have breasts that are “large” or sit low, a non-padded bra would be the best. Why? If you have larger or lower hanging breasts and try to measure, your measurements will not reflect what your breast will be like in a bra.
Using a measuring tape, measure around your back and under the bust. Make sure the tape is in a straight line. You want the tape to be snug, but not tight. This measurement will give you your band size.
While topless or wearing a non-padded bra, measure around your body at the fullest part of your breast. This measurement will give you your cup size.
How to Buy Your Bras
Buying a bra that fits well, is easy if you know how to go about it. Whether you are shopping in-person or online, checking out the store’s sizing chart is essential. This will tell you if the store carries bras suitable for your body.
It is important to remember that every store is different. In one store you may be a 42D, but in another store, you may be a 42DD. It just depends on the bra. It has nothing to do with you or your body.
I would like to tell you that with accurate measurements and a deep dive into the sizing chart, you will always buy a perfectly fitted bra, but I can’t. Some bras just fit awkwardly, and you will never know until you try them. I suggest buying a few bras with the expectation of some misfires.
Most companies have a great return policy, just be sure to familiarize yourself prior to checkout.
How to Know if the Bra is Fitted Properly
A bras goal is to support, not manipulate. It should feel comfortable, but not constricting. A bra should not slide around but sit in place even when sitting or standing. The straps should lay softly on the shoulders and the band should wrap snug, not tight, around the body.
How to Take Care of Your Bras
Okay, I have to be honest, I slip sometimes in the “caring for bras” department. I wash them 1-2x a month and literally shove them into my drawer. Have you ever heard the phrase “do as I say, not as I do?” Apply that here.
How to Store Your Bas
If you want to keep the shape of your bra as long as possible, you want to store them without manipulation. I suggest either laying them flat or hanging them in the closet with their back hook clasped.
How to Wash Your Bras
First things first, it is important to have the proper supplies. You need a mesh garment bag for machine washing and delicate laundry detergent such as Woolite.
Time to pick your cleaning method. You can either hand wash or machine wash.
Fill a sink or tub with cool water and a few splashes of detergent. Allow the bra(s) to soak for about 15 min. Rinse and gently ring out the excess water. Hang to dry.
Using the mesh garment bag, wash and dry the bras on delicate. You can add in your other delicate items to fill the load.
5 Bras Every Woman Needs
This is going to be your go-to, everyday bra. Typically smooth and of a solid color, your t-shirt bra should be able to go under your t-shirts or tightly fitted tops seamlessly.
This is a bra with straps that go in an X formation. You can also grab some bra converting clips from Amazon or your local drug store. A racerback bra is perfect for tops that show your shoulders. They help prevent your straps from poking out.
This is a bit tricky. If you have breasts that are “small” or sit high, a standard strapless bra should work with no problem. But if you are like me, and your breasts are heavier and sit low then going with boob tape will be your best option. This is because the weight of our breasts is too much to hold in a standard strapless bra. Our breasts will just push down the bra and cause a lot of pulling and swaying. You can also opt to go braless with nipple pasties if you are comfortable.
This is a bra without cups or underwires. This bra is amazing for those times you desire comfort and support. They are also great to sleep in if you prefer to wear a bra to bed.
This is a bra that fits you, gives you confidence, and adds a bit of sexy to your life. It may not be a bra you use every day, but when you do wear it, you feel like that sultry bad a**.
Expert Bra Tips & Tricks
- Red bras work well under white shirts, not nude.
- Your bra may stretch over time, so buy a bra that fits well while it’s on the first or second hook.
- If a store does not have your size, try buying your sister size. Sister sizes are a group of bra equivalents. For example, if your standard size is 42D then your sister sizes would be 40DD or 44C. Another example is if your standard size is 40B then your sister sizes would be 38C or 42A.
- When putting on a bra, bend and pull your breast up into the cup. This will ensure that they are in the cups properly.
- If your bra has removable cups, always remove them before washing. This will help maintain the shape of your cups.
With that in mind, it’s time to shop!
