things you didnt know about bras

At 35, I thought I already knew everything there is to know about bras.

During a recent store visit and chat with a bra specialist at Etam, turns out, I am still as clueless as my 14 year old self.

So for the sake of all the women out there, I'd like to share with you some things you might still not know about bras.

Let's begin with the most common misconception of all:

BAND SIZE DOES NOT EQUAL TO CUP SIZE.

This has been repeated over and over again and yet 8 out of 10 women are still wearing the wrong size!

Wearing the wrong size will not only make your breasts sag in the future, they also do nothing to compliment and flatter your outfit.

This might have been forgivable in the past when there weren't many options available yet. Blame it on local undergarment manufacturers who produce bras that only go up to a B cup.

Ridiculous really. But I have a lot of friends who wear a 36B despite being a 34C because they don't know where to get  C cups with small band sizes.

It's not cool to have your boobs sticking out in the wrong places. Makes you look bigger than you actually are.

YOUR BRA SIZE IS NOT SET IN STONE

Yup, just because you're a 32B in Brand X doesn't mean you're also a 32B in Brand Y. Cup size is relative and depends on the brand so it's always important to fit and know personally what the right size feels and looks like.

This is where going to a reputable lingerie store sets in. Everyone needs to visit one of these stores at least once a year and get measured by a fit specialist to determine what your size really is and which type of cup suits the shape of your breasts best.

Yes, not all cups are created equal just like not all breasts are created the same.

NOT ALL CUPS ARE THE SAME.

There are two types of nipple positions, one that points upward and one that points down. Similarly, boobs also come in a variety of shapes: pointy, round, full on top, full on the bottom, etc. and there's a right type of cup for every shape and size.

SO WHICH CUP STYLE?

Depends on your outfit really but your safest bet would be full coverage bras. They look best with clothing and keep your babies in place so you don't get those awful lumps at the top that are better known as "muffin tops". Only go for a demi or plunge if the style of your blouse demands it.

YOU ARE MEANT TO USE THE LAST CLASP ON A BRAND NEW BRA

Reputable brands use high quality materials to ensure that your bra keeps it shape and lasts a pretty long time. But of course over time, all kinds of fabric stretch.

So to prolong the life of your bra even further and not stretch the fabric unnecessarily, you're supposed to use the furthest clasp and consequently adjust through your bra's lifetime.

ie. as the fabric looses elasticity, go tighter.

 

MIND THE GORE

The gore is the center of your bra where both cups meet. This should lie flat against your body without any gaps in between.

THE BAND SUPPORTS YOUR BREASTS, NOT THE STRAPS

Straps are there to add just a little bit more lift but it's actually the band that supports the weight of your breasts. Letting your straps carry most of the weight might result in poor posture because your boobs will be pulling your back forward causing you to slouch.

IT'S OK TO SLEEP WITH A BRA ON.

Especially if your cup is larger than a B. Women with bigger cup sizes who sleep with their bras on may delay the sagging process. Just make sure it's a non-wire.

YOUR ENTIRE BOOB SHOULD FIT COMFORTABLY IN THE CUP

This is key. No bits and pieces sticking out anywhere.

And lastly, my most favorite of all...

ITS NOT YOU, ITS THE BRA

We all have back fat! That's a fact no matter how skinny you are, YOU HAVE SOME SORT OF BACK FAT. Maybe only super athletes are spared but regular women like us usually pack some extra weight on our backs just because it's so hard to properly work out that area.

Okay that's a given.

BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT WEARING THE RIGHT SIZE BRA CAN ELIMINATE THIS PROBLEM? Yesss! I have been plagued with this for years until a fit specialist at Etam measured me and made me try on their PureFit bras. Voila, instant back fat elimination. In it's place was a beautifully sexy and seamless image. I still can't believe it myself but it's true.

I suggest you visit them and try these on as well. You'll be amazed.

See that??? I still can't believe that's me.

Now that we've established those points, its time to:

BEND, CLASP AND SCOOP!

The proper way to put on your bra is to bend at the waist, clasp it at your back, stand up and scoop your goods into the cup. Your underwire should not dig into your skin. And your entire boob should be in the cup, no side boob beneath the wire.

For a full demo, check out my snapchat: sarahtirona

JUST KIDDING! Haha, these photos are as far as I can go, for a proper demo and fitting, I suggest you visit the Etam Boutique in SM Aura.

Hope this post helps, share with your friends and go bra shopping together! :)