The EnVie Ultimate Guide to Measuring and Fitting a Bra

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEASURING AND FITTING A BRA

Are you tired of wearing uncomfortable bras? Does your current bra let you down and not give you the support and shape that it used to? Do you want to find out how to measure and fit a bra properly so that you get the perfect one for every outfit?

Well look no further - this ultimate guide has everything you need right here. Step by step, discover exactly how to measure your body size accurately and find the best bra for your specific body shape. No more soreness from bad fabrics or straps digging into shoulders - after reading this article carefully, say hello to comfort!  

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding a bra that fits perfectly, supports you correctly, and feels comfortable all day long. Remember, a well-fitting bra is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a foundation for your confidence and comfort.

MEASURE YOUR BUST SIZE FOR THE PERFECT FIT

Finding the right fitted bra starts with measuring your bust properly. We all know the never-ending struggle of finding a bra that fits just right. It can be frustrating and time-consuming, but fear not, the key to finding the perfect fit is measuring your bust properly. So, grab a soft tape measure, and let's get down to business!

Step by Step Guide to Measuring Your Bra Size

Step 1: Measure your Band Size

1. Find a Soft Measuring Tape: Stand in front of a mirror to ensure accuracy.

2.  Make sure you're wearing a non-padded bra or no bra at all: If your boobs are pendulous then you need to lift them up to where they would be if you were wearing a bra. 

3. Wrap the tape measure snugly around your ribcage: just below your bust under where the band of the bra sits. Make sure it's straight across your back and not riding up. Note the measurement, this is your band size.  If you get an odd number, round it up to the nearest even number.

Step 2: Measure Your Bust Size

1, Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust: Ensure the tape measure is level around your back. This measurement needs to be snug when you’re doing this.

2. Note the measurement: This is your bust size. Be sure to stand straight and don't forget to breathe normally for the most accurate measurement!

You now have your chest and bust measurements, which can help determine your bra size and ensure a comfortable and well-fitted bra.

Step 3: Calculate Your Cup Size

1.  Subtract the Band Size from the Bust Size: The difference determines your cup size.

• Use a bra size chart to determine your exact bra size. Different brands may have slight variations in their sizing, so it's always best to check the specific brand's size chart.
• You need to be aware that this measurement process won’t work on everyone.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Fitting Bra:

1. Know Your Body Shape

2. Try Different Styles

3. Always Check the Fit

4. Consider the Fabric

It's essential to measure your bust size regularly, as it can change due to weight gain, weight loss, hormonal changes, and pregnancy. When trying on bras, remember that not all bras are created equal, and the same size in one brand may not fit the same way in another brand. It's always best to try on several different styles and sizes to find the right fit for you. A well-fitted bra should feel comfortable and supportive without digging into your skin or leaving marks. With the right fit, you'll feel confident and comfortable all day long. Happy shopping!

ADJUSTING THE STRAPS & KEEPING YOUR BODY HEALTHY

Bra straps give an amazing amount of support to our breasts and can put a lot of pressure on the shoulder joint and cervical spine if they are too tight.   Get it wrong and inflammation of the tendons,  can turn into joint wear, back pain and arthrosis.  If they are too narrow they can cut into your shoulder area and constantly need adjusting.  If the weight is all on the bra straps and the back is not supporting you, then overtime this can result in permanent indentations.  If the straps are too slack or don’t have sufficient elastane to stretch adequately then they will constantly fall off your shoulders which is a constant irritant to say the least!  I recommend you buying the best quality bra you can afford and then you will have the best quality straps to give you the comfort you need.

Many of the larger bra sizes and manufacturers recognise this and because there is more weight in a larger cup size, now make wider, more comfortable cushioned straps that relieve the strain and help to prevent shoulder and neck pain.  Many big busted women understand how important a firm and well fitting support bra is to hold and shape the breasts. So, make sure the straps are adjusted to where they’re not too tight or too loose. Adjusting your bra straps is an essential part of ensuring a comfortable and supportive fit.

Here's How to Adjust Your Bra Straps Correctly:

• Start by putting on your bra. Make sure the bra is centered and the cups are covering both your breasts properly.
• Adjust the band of the bra. The band should be snug around your ribcage but not too tight. If the band is too loose, it can cause the straps to fall, and if it's too tight, it can dig into your skin.
• Adjust the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps should be adjusted to the point where they're not too loose or too tight but feeling supportive. If the straps are too tight, they can dig into your skin, causing irritation or pain and often over prolonger use cause indentations in the shoulder area. If they're too loose, they may fall off your shoulders. Adjust the straps until they sit comfortably on your shoulders. Getting the straps right is very important and can make all the difference between a cup that fits or doesn’t.
• Check the position of the bra cups. The bra cups should be positioned correctly, covering your breasts fully without any gaps. If the cups are too small, they can cause the straps to dig in or fall.
• Ensure that the back of the bra is positioned correctly. The back of the bra should sit parallel to the ground, without riding up or bunching. If your straps are too tight it can raise the back of your bra and this will not give your breasts enough support.
• Check the placement of the straps. The straps should be adjusted so that they sit flat on your skin without digging in. If the straps are too tight, they can dig into your skin, causing pain or irritation. If they're too loose, they may fall and not support at all.
• Make sure that the straps are adjusted evenly. If one strap is tighter than the other, it can cause discomfort or uneven support. Adjust both straps until they feel even and comfortable.
• If your straps are too wide and keep falling off your shoulders, then it’s worth considering a smaller back size if this is comfortable. The straps on a narrower back will not be set as wide.
• If you continually have problems with straps slipping off your shoulders, then it may be worth considering a different design as there are now many bras that have the back of the straps much closer to the centre of the bra and sit on the shoulder area much easier. There are also bra covers made of silicone which can be used to encase the bra straps and then they become non-slip.
• You can also find many sports bras, particularly the Anita Active bras are made with sliders on the straps that give a very firm hold and are designed not to budge or slip when working out.
• Its also worth considering how much stretch there is in your straps. A good quality bra will have lots of stretch and support and the staps will feel very comfortable.  When there is not enough elastic in the strap it cannot do its job as well and will constantly need adjusting.
• Test your bra by moving around. Do some stretches, raise your arms, and move your upper body. Check if the straps are still comfortable and supportive. If not, make further adjustments until you achieve a perfect fit.

Remember to adjust your bra straps regularly, as they can become loose over time. Adjusting your bra straps correctly can help to prevent pain, irritation, and discomfort. With the right adjustments, you can feel the full benefit of a supportive bra, without any distractions.

CHECK THE CUP SIZE

Make sure you have enough room in the cup to breath - let's have a real talk about cup size. It's not just about getting the right letter, but also ensuring the cup itself is fitting properly. You want to make sure that you have enough room to breathe comfortably, but at the same time, your cup shouldn't be baggy or loose either. It's all about finding that perfect balance. If you need a firm bra then you will be used to a firm fitting, alternatively if you wear a bra in a stretchy fabric it’s a much softer fit and you may be used to that too.  So, the next time you're trying on a bra, take a moment to check the cup size and make sure it's just right for you. Have a look at our check list below, ladies you will thank me, and be one step nearer finding the perfect fitting bra!

Checking the cup size of a bra is essential to ensure a comfortable and well-fitted bra. Here's how to check the cup size:

• Put on the bra and make sure the band is in the correct position on your ribcage.
• Look in the mirror and check for any gaps or bulges in the cups. If you see gaps, it may mean that the cup is too big, and if there are bulges, it may mean that the cup is too small.
• Check the position of your breasts in the cups. Your breasts should be centered in the cups, and the cups should fully cover your breasts without any spillage.
• If you are wearing an underwired bra its worth checking that the bottom of the cup is full.  When I am fitting, I often find that there is excess fabric at the bottom of the cup just above the underwire and if this is the case you can scoop your breast into the cup and the gap should fill giving you a much more accurate fit.
• Check for any wrinkling or puckering in the cups. If you see any wrinkling or puckering, it may mean that the cup is too big or too small.
• Take a deep breath and move around. Make sure that you have enough room to breathe comfortably in the cups. If you feel restricted or uncomfortable, it may mean that the cup is too small.
• If you are not used to wearing a bra in your right size you may feel a little restricted when you’ve been fitted into the right one!  A great tip is to keep it on for 5-10 minutes and then you shouldn’t be able to feel that you’re wearing it.  On the other hand if you can’t wait to take it off and you’ve got any marks from the bra you can be certain that it’s the wrong size.
• If you're unsure about the cup size, try on different sizes to see which one feels the most comfortable and supportive.
• Remember that cup size can vary depending on the brand and style of the bra. Don't be afraid to try different styles and sizes until you find the perfect fit.
• Again, strap adjustment can have a lot to do with the perfect fitting of the cup.  If you are unsure the cup fit is correct or the cup is wrinkling a small adjustment to the straps can make an enormous difference.
• One thing that always makes my day is when one of my customers asks if she can keep the bra on and I have to get the scissors to take the tag off for her! It’s a great indication of the perfect fitting bra.

It's important to note that cup size alone is not enough to determine the perfect fit. The band size, strap adjustments, and position of the bra cups are all equally important in finding the right fitted bra. Take your time to check the cup size and ensure it's just right for you. With the right fit, you can enjoy all-day comfort and support.  You know when you’ve got it right as you can’t feel you’ve got it on!

HOW SHOULD I PUT MY BRA ON?

Once you have measured and adjusted your bra, find out how to put it on properly. Once you've got the right size and adjusted the straps, it's important to know the proper technique to avoid discomfort and ensure that you’ve got proper support. Some women find it easier to loosen the straps fully so you can slip the bra on over your head like a T-shirt and then re-adjust the straps when the back is fastened. I feel this is a personal choice and not necessarily recommended but can help particularly if you have difficulty getting in and out of clothing.  Then, reach behind your back and clasp the bra on the loosest hook, adjusting the straps as needed. It's as easy as that! So next time you're getting dressed, take a few extra seconds to put on your bra correctly and feel confident and comfortable all day long.

Putting on a bra may seem simple, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure you're doing it correctly. Here's a detailed guide on how to put on a bra:

• You may wish to loosen the straps: Before putting on the bra, loosening the straps can make it easier to slip into the bra.
• Slip the bra over your head: Place your arms through the straps and bring the bra up to your chest, just like putting on a T-shirt.
• Adjust the cups: Make sure the cups are positioned correctly over your breasts. Your breasts should be centered in the cups, and the cups should fully cover your breasts without any spillage.
• Clasp the bra: Reach behind your back and clasp the bra on the loosest hook. This will give you room to adjust the bra as needed and as the bra gets looser with wear and tear it will make the bra last longer for you as you can tighten up the back as the elastane fades.  If you feel it’s a better fit to fasten on the middle hook-and-eye then this is fine also as you can tighten up the bra onto the third hook-and-eye when the fabric starts to relax.
• Adjust the straps: Tighten the straps to a comfortable level. Make sure they're not digging into your shoulders, but not so loose that they're falling off. The straps should be snug but not tight.
• Check the fit: Take a moment to check the fit of your bra. Make sure there are no gaps or bulges in the cups, and your breasts are fully supported without any spillage.
• Adjust as needed: If the bra is too tight or too loose, adjust the straps or the band until you get the right fit. Remember, it may take a few tries to get the perfect fit.

By following these steps, you'll be able to put on your bra correctly and ensure you're getting the support and comfort you need throughout the day. Don't rush the process, take your time to adjust the bra until it fits perfectly. A properly fitted bra can make a huge difference in your daily comfort and confidence.

NEED A SNUGGER FIT?

One way to ensure a snugger fit for your bra's under band is by adjusting the hook-and-eye closure. Start by clasping the bra on the loosest hook to allow for adjustments later on. If the under band feels too loose, move to the next set of hooks and see if that provides a better fit. If the under band feels too tight, move to the outermost set of hooks. Ideally, the under band should fit comfortably on the last or middle set of hooks.  If you are fastening on the tightest hook then it’s a good indication that you should choose a smaller back size.

Another way to check for a snugger fit is by assessing the position of the under band. The band should be level and parallel to the ground. When I’m fitting, I notice so often that the bras women arrive in are rising at the back.  If this is happening to you then the band /back size of the bra is too large, or the fabric of the bra has lost its elastic.  It needs to anchor firmly across your back in order to hold the weight of your breasts in place.  On the other scale if your skin is puckering or forms a pleat in the centre then the back fastening is too small for you.  My advice is not to make an immediate decision but to fasten the back and wait for a short while as what initially seems tight, in a few minutes time can feel very comfortable.  A great example of this is every morning when I put on my Anita sports bra, it seems very constricting then a few minutes later I don’t feel I have it on! If the band is riding up or down, it’s a great indicator that the band is too loose or too tight. Make sure to adjust the straps accordingly as well, as this can affect the fit of the under band.

It's important to note that every person's body is different, so what may feel like a snug fit for one person may not be the same for another. Take the time to adjust your bra and find the right fit that feels comfortable and supportive for your individual needs. By checking for a snugger fit, you can ensure that your bra provides the necessary support and stays in place throughout the day.

Bras do ‘settle down’ after a few weeks of wear and tear and washing, so I would say it’s better to have them on the tighter side but above everything else they do need to comfortable!  We all know a bra that’s uncomfortable will be overlooked for our favourite and stay at the bottom of our underwear drawer and sadly not get used very often.

TEST FOR WIRES

To test for wires in a bra, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, the wires should be positioned directly beneath your breasts and should follow the natural curve of your rib cage. You should not feel any pressure or poking sensation from the wires, but instead they should lay flat against your skin without digging in. The wires should not be too tight, but also not too loose, as they should offer support without causing discomfort. A good way to test the wires is to lean forward and adjust them so they lay flat against your chest. You can also try lifting your arms to ensure that the wires don't shift or move out of place. If the wires feel uncomfortable or are digging into your skin, it may be a sign that you need to adjust the bra size or style. Ultimately, finding the right bra with comfortable wires that fit snugly is essential for a comfortable and confident wearing experience.

We have thousands of different bra underwires here at EnVie and often match up underwires for customers who have lost theirs in the washing machine or when they have snapped!  All bra underwires are different in the thickness, the material used, wire or plastic coated and the spring in the wire.  You will find that underwires used in swimwear are much firmer than in lingerie as they have a tougher job to do supporting in the water when you are active.  Underwire bras are usually softer as they are designed to be worn all day long and need to be more comfortable.

SHALL I CHOOSE WIRED OR WIREFREE?

Many of my customer ask should I try a non-wired bra?  Again, it's very personal choice and dependent upon so many different things. It’s true that since lock-down comfort has been high on our agenda and is very key to our lifestyles and I believe that’s not going to change.  We all know as well that only our comfortable bras get worn, you will find all the uncomfortable ones tucked away at the bottom of your lingerie drawers.

Consequently, many manufacturers adjusted their ranges to suit demand and you will now see so more non wired bras, bralettes and seam free bras available so we can concentrate on comfort which I a great plus. 

LET'S TALK ABOUT MASTECTOMY

While I am discussing underwires I would just like to cover a little about post mastectomy bras.  Women who have had mastectomies are advised not to wear underwired bras, particularly if you have had silicone implants fitted to replace your breasts.  There are many reasons for this, but the key one is that once you have had a mastectomy and implants fitted many of your nerve connections are severed and you can loose feeling in your breasts and if the bra underwires come loose they can cause great damage to your skin and implants that you will not be aware of it.  Some women who have had mastectomies, like myself choose not to wear underwired bras at all whereas others wear them for shorter periods of time or special occasions. 

When healing is complete women may wish to wear underwired bras, infact Anita make an underwired prostheses for that exact reason to create the shape many women had post mastectomy.  It is good that we have a choice over many shapes and everyone has a different take on this, it’s great to see so many options for us all post mastectomy.

SUMMARY

With the right measurements and adjustable straps, you can find the perfect bra size for your body type. Ensure the cups fit snugly against your bust and are comfortable when worn. I have so many ladies visting me that have red marks from the bras they are currently wearing and dints in their shoulders from the straps.  If your bra has been fitted right then this should not happen.  You can also test for wires to ensure they are in the correct place and sit flat against your skin without digging in.

Now that you know all the steps to measure and fit a bra, you can feel confident going out with a great look! With the right tools to help guide you, there is no reason you can't look beautiful in any bra style!

I do hope this guide helps every women struggling to find the perfect fitting bra but please do remember that we have over 30 years experience and are just a phone call away!

Jane

Envie Lingerie