Experts reveal the secret to buying perfect underwear

Publish Date
Friday, 10 February 2017, 9:47AM
Photo / Getty Images

Photo / Getty Images

Many of us will be familiar with the relief that comes with taking your bra off at the end of the day - however, experts say this shouldn't have to be a relief.

Lyn Lewis CEO of Journelle and Teddies for Bettys founder Ashley Kelsch have revealed their little-known tips for selecting the perfect (and most comfortable) bra every time.

Speaking to Brit+Co the lingerie experts recommend following these simple tips to avoid pinching bra straps and gaping cups forevermore.

USE THE SCOOP AND SWOOP METHOD

Many of us will be familiar with the idea that once we have our bra on it is necessary to lift and pull the breast forward to reposition it in place.

However, close attention should be paid when trying on a bra the first time as to how the breast sits after using the so-called "scoop and swoop" method.

Ashley Kelsh told Brit+Co: "The underwire or mold should hit just below your underarm and all your breast tissue should be pulled forward".

If you notice any skin escaping from the front or sides of the bra then it is likely you need the next size up.

PAY NO ATTENTION TO CUP SIZE

Few of us will mention our chest measurement when recalling our bra size and will refer to ourselves as a certain cup.

But, according to experts, this is where you are going wrong when bra shopping with cup size redundant when it comes to the perfect fitting.

Lyn Lewis explains: "The breast-tissue-mass of a woman wearing a 32D is equivalent to the breast-tissue-mass of a woman wearing a 34C and a woman wearing a 36B".

This is good news for those who have a common bra size and struggle to find a style in their measurements - simply alter the size according to Lewis' guidance above.

DIFFERENT STYLES = DIFFERENT SIZES

There is no one size fits all according to Kelsch who says that different styles of bra and where you purchase them could alter what size you need to buy.

She explains: "Some brands are made for full cups and would swallow a woman who doesn’t have a lot of breast tissue on top or on the sides."

She adds that this rings true for different styles of bras such as a balcony or sweetheart neckline.  

FIVE CHECKS FOR THE PERFECT BRA FIT

Bluebella founder Emily Bendell says that most people tighten the straps on a bra to make it feel more supportive. In reality, it's the band that does all the work. 

"The band is really doing 90 percent of the supporting," she says. "It's important that the band, not the straps, are very firm. 

There are five key checks to the perfect bra fit:

1. Underband – should be parallel to the floor and secure enough that only two fingers can fit under the elastic

2. Centre front – should sit completely flat against the sternum

3. Side wire – this should be flat against the ribcage and never digging into breast tissue

4. Cup capacity – breasts should sit fully into the cup without any spillage

5. Straps – these should be adjusted to just fit two fingers on top of each other, which will give the right pressure for your shoulder.

- Daily Mail 

 

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