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Thursday, September 19, 2013

Common Bra Fitting Problems and Solutions

The following article describes the signs that signifies poor bra fit, the reason and the solution.
HerRoom is an online lingerie and men's underwear retailer based in Dallas, Texas. It was founded and is owned by Tomima Edmark, inventor of the Topsy Tail. HerRoom.com is the online destination for all things lingerie, offering dozens of name brands including Hanky Panky, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Spanx, Wonderbra and many more.  HerRoom.com also offers a wealth of information on sizes, fabrics, styles and fitting to ensure that our customers look and feel their best. A unique site feature include Tomima’s Tips. HerRoom.com founder Tomima Edmark offers her special brand of expertise on how to find and wear the right lingerie styles for every situation and body type. Information sources and image credits goes to the only women operated, number 1 online lingerie store


Bra Fitting Issues and Solutions



Bra cups puckerSymptom:The Bra cups pucker/wrinkles.
Reason:Your cup size is too large
Solution:Go down one cup size (e.g.: from a D cup to a C cup in the same band size) or tighten your bra straps.

Breasts are bulging out over the top of the braSymptom:Breasts are "bulging" out over the top of my bra cups.
ReasonYour cup size is either too small or cut too low for the size of your breasts.
Solution:Try going up a cup size (e.g.: from a B cup to a C cup) or choose a bra style that has more fabric in the cup for example, a full coverage cup rather than a demi cup or balconette cup.

One cup fits fine - the other cup puckers

Symptom:One cup fits fine - the other cup puckers.
Reason:One breast is larger than the other (very common condition).
Solution:Almost all women have one breast larger than the other. Sometimes the difference is noticeable (more than one cup size difference); most often it's not. No matter your size difference there are simple and easy solutions.
• Purchase breast enhancers and put one along the bottom of the cup of your smaller breast.
• You can purchase a bra with stretch fabric in the cup. The size difference will then be less noticeable and both cups will fit.
•Padded bras and contour cup bra will hide the size difference.
• Try adjusting the straps so that the larger breast cup is looser than the smaller breast cup.
• Purchase a padded bra with removable "cookies",
 and take the cookie out of the side with the larger breast.

Correct size, but breast tissue near underarm is falling outSymptom:Correct size, but breast tissue near underarm is falling out..
Reason:You have the wrong style bra.
Solution:Demi bra styles and other styles with smaller cup coverage are probably not for you. Such styles are more for women who don't need much bra support. Remember, not all bra styles will work on your figure - even if they come in your size. Instead, select a bra with taller sides. Large busted women with this symptom should consider going up a cup size. A larger cup will contain this additional breast tissue.

Some bras just don't look right
Symptom:Some bras just don't look right.
Reason:Not all bras do all things well. A full cup bra may look like it's strangling you. A demi cup may look too skimpy. Wide set bra straps might make your cups gap, padding may give you lumps and bumps. No one can wear all bra styles.
Solution:Assess your figure and see what category you fall into: petite, full figure, plus size, etc. 

Several Bra Sizes fit meSymptom:Several Bra Sizes fit me.
Reason:You have different bra sizes, because different manufacturers make your bras. Your breast size can change around your period causing you to need a different size bra. Or, you do not have clear and stringent bra fitting requirements for yourself.
Solution:• Bra manufacturers can call your cup size by different letters if your cup size is larger than a D. Find your Universal Cup Size and always find your correct bra size.

• Your bra size should be the same among one manufacturer's many styles

• Many women buy a bra style they like in two sizes - one size for regular days, and one size for period days. This is a great idea if you have significant breast fluctuation. Don't suffer during your 7 days by stuffing yourself into a bra that's temporarily too small.

• You need to fully understand what a good fitting bra looks like on you and not compromise. If a bra's fit, comfort and/or shape is not right, don't buy it
Underwires pop out of braSymptom:Underwires pop out of bra.
Reasons:• Your band size is probably too large. If your band is moving around your body, this friction wears down the casing covering your underwire and ultimately causes a hole for the wire to pop out. In a really bad fit, this hole can occur within a matter of hours.
• The fabric sewn over underwires inside a bra, called channeling, is sometimes made of cotton. Washing in hot water can shrink the channeling and force the underwire to pop out.
• The manufacturer may not have sewn enough stitches to close the underwire channel and the underwire has been able to pop out.
Solution:Try a smaller band size and a larger cup size (e.g. go from a 42D to a 40DD) and see if your bra stays in place better. Never wash your lingerie in hot water or put in a dryer. If your wire popped out due to a sewing error, it can be fixed with an alteration.

Underwire is uncomfortable and poking under the armSymptom:Underwire is uncomfortable and poking my underarm.
Reasons:• The cup size is too small and places the underwire right on the tender breast tissue and too far forward on the body.
• The style of the bra is not providing a wide enough cup to support your breast.
• The design of the bra is placing the cups too close together.
Solution:Try going up a cup size and see if the underwire fits more comfortably (e.g.: 36C to a 36D). Or try a different style bra with fuller cup coverage and/or a larger center panel in front. A large-breasted woman can still experience poking on the sides, even in a bra that is the correct size. Therefore, she should look for a bra that has side support panels. These panels will push her breast tissue towards the front and away from under your arms. Also, if this problem is occurring with a minimizer, you should probably stop wearing a minimizer. A minimizer works by flattening your breasts and moving the tissue more under your arms and up your chest. Too much tissue under the arms will get in the way of comfortable movement.

Underwire is poking the armpitSymptom:Underwire is poking my armpit.
Reason:You are probably petite in build, and/or have a short torso, or have breasts that are high-set on your ribcage. Petite women have this problem because average bras are not made for women with short torsos. Therefore, the underwire is too tall and pokes into their armpit.
Solution:Consider a demi style bra, or a bra style with less cup coverage and thus shorter underwires. This shorter underwire should reduce poking. 

Underwires tip away from body between the breastsSymptom:Underwires tip away from body between the breasts.
Reason:• Your bra cups are not deep enough and/or the center panel is too narrow at its bottom.
• The underwire is not sitting in your "breast crease" and therefore is not laying flat against your chest.
• Your bra may be a minimizer.
• You have close set or "touching breasts"
Solution:Try on a larger cup size or select a bra with a different shaped center panel. Your breasts may also be unusually wide and not rest in underwires well. Consider wearing a Soft Cup / Wireless Bra. Minimizer underwire bras work by compressing breast tissue. One side effect is that sometimes the center wires tip outwards. Try another minimizer or forgo a minimizer all together. 

Can't find an underwire that fitsSymptom:Can't find an underwire that fits.
Reason:Your breast shape may not be suited for underwires. Some women have breast tissue that extends around their chest and under their arms. An underwire is going to press into breast tissue and feel very uncomfortable. This is known as a non-traditional Breast Crease.
Solution:There are many Soft Cup / Wireless bras on the market now.

Breasts are too bigSymptom:Breasts are too big.
Reason:• It makes it difficult to find a bra that fits.
• You just haven't found the right style bra. Wearing the wrong style bra that does not have proper support and does not elevate your breasts to their proper position will make you look heavier and bigger than you are.
SolutionFull figured women have way more options today. 


Same bra size as friend, yet can't wear the same bras
Same bra size as friend, yet can't wear the same bras
Symptom:My buttons keep popping open on my blouses.
Reason:Your breast projection in front is such that causes your buttons to be pulled apart and pop open.
Solution:This is the reason we have minimizer bras. A minimizer bra reduces your front breast projection. It’s like taking a mountain, and turning it more into a hill while using the same amount of dirt. Most minimizer bras can reduce your breast circumference by 1’ to 1-1/2”.

Same bra size as friend, yet can't wear the same bras
Same bra size as friend, yet can't wear the same bras
Symptom:Same bra size as friend, yet we can't wear the same bras.
Reason:Breasts are unique. Though two women may measure to the same bra size, one's breasts may be higher-set on their rib cage, spaced farther apart, or could have a wider back.
Solution:Understand your unique shape variations and learn what bra styles and bra features work best for you. 

Sagging Breasts-Before
Sagging Breasts-After
Symptom:Sagging Breasts.
Reason:• Your bra does not have enough support.
• Your cup fabric is too stretchy and flimsy for your breasts.
• Your band size is too large.
• You may also have heavy breasts that are becoming pendulous due to lack of proper support.
Solution:The apex of your breasts should fall half way between your elbow and shoulder. To get there, you need a bra with good support. Features of great supporting bras include a 3-section cup, support panels built into the cup, a band all the way around the bottom of the bra, and 3 or more hooks in the back. Avoid single layer molded cup bras. Going down a band size and up a cup size may also solve this problem (e.g. 38C to a 36D).

Rashes and redness under breastsSymptom:Rashes and redness under breasts.
Reason:Your cup is too small, your under wire is not in the breast crease, and your bra does not give enough support to lift your breasts off your rib cage. Consequently, your breast skin is overlapping and rubbing on your rib cage skin and irritation is occurring.
Solution:Increase your cup size until you find the right under wire that fits within your breast crease comfortably. Choose a bra that has a band on the bottom. This band will give additional support and insure your breast tissue does not come in contact with your rib cage skin. Select a bra with a supportive cup design such as 2 to 3 section cups, contains support panels at the bottom, along the sides and possibly all the way around your breast. Finally, consider a Soft Cup / Wireless bra with a band and good supporting cup design.

Stretch marks are visible running up and down the breastsSymptom:Stretch marks are visible running up and down my breasts.
Reason:Your breast tissue is breaking down because you are not wearing a bra, or are wearing a non-supporting bra. Breakdown of the breast tissue is causing your breasts to sag and creating stretch marks. This problem can occur on small- breasted women as well.
Solution:Wear a well-constructed, supportive bra during the day and a high impact sports bra for exercising. These stretch marks will never go away, but wearing supportive bras will reduce or eliminate further damage.

Center bra panel does not rest on your sternumSymptom:The center of my bra does not rest on my sternum.
Reason:• Your cup size is too small.
• Your bra is a minimizer or a soft cup style and these bra styles tend not to touch your sternum.
• You're not wearing your bra correctly. 
Solution:Re-arrange your breast tissue in the cup and see if the fit improves. If this doesn't solve the problem, try on the bra in the next larger cup size (e.g. go from a 42D to a 42DD). If your bra is Soft Cup / Wireless and you're large breasted, the center panel will probably not touch. This is okay. Minimizer bra styles also tend to push away from the sternum. If you're large breasted and have touching breasts, your center panel will probably not touch your sternum. Better bra style choices would be bras with little or no center panels, and plunge bra styles.

Center bra panel has a gapSymptom:Center bra panel has a gap.
Reason:• Style of bra does not work with your figure.
• You have splayed breasts.
Solution:Try a different style bra , have the bra altered, or select a bra style more fitting to your breast separation.

ra rides up in backSymptom:Bra rides up in back.
Reason:Your band size is too large.
Solution:Try hooking your bra on a tighter setting and loosening the straps. If this doesn't work, your band size is too big and you need to buy a smaller band size (e.g.: from a 36C to a 34D- when you go down a band size, you need to go up a cup size to maintain the same cup volume).

Bra rides up in back and my bra size is correctSymptom:Bra rides up in back and my bra size is correct.
Reason:• Your torso does not get narrower at the waist and in fact might be wider.
• Your breasts are large and heavy. Both these body characteristics predispose your bra back to riding up.
• You have curvature of the spine which makes it difficult for the bra back to stay in place.
Solution:Make sure your bra back has the leotard back strap styling, is wide - 4-or more hooks along your back closure, and wide elastic sewn along the bottom edge. Also, when you put on your bra, make sure your bra back is pulled down under your scapulas or shoulder blades - this will also help to better anchor your bra back in the correct location. Other bra options include backless bras which have lower back designs, posture bras because they have large backs and no back closures, and front closure bras because, again, there are no irritating back closures.

Bra is uncomfortable - cutting and pinching with every movementSymptom:I always have back fat bulges in my bra.
Reason:As we age, the skin on our back becomes soft and fluffy. Since a bra causes pressure to provide support, the look of back fat arises.
Solution:The more back coverage a bra has, the less back fat you will have. Thin straps and thin back only exaggerate back fat.Bras with a leotard back claim to also reduce the amount of back fat. But, the best way to reduce back fat is to wear a shapewear camisole or torsettes shapewear over your bra. Either one of these solutions will greatly help reduce or eliminate your back fat.

Shoulder Straps keep falling off shouldersSymptom:Shoulder Straps keep falling off shoulders.
Reason:• If tightening the strap is not working, the problem could be that your cup size is too big - You're not filling out the top of your cup (probably because you have shallow upper breast fullness and this is causing your straps to slide down your shoulders.
• You are using bra extenders which move the bra strap placement closer to your shoulders’ edges.
• When putting on your bra, you are not making certain your bra's back is pulled down and under your shoulder blades.
• Your band may not be tight enough or a size too large and the straps in the back are thus too close to the edge of your shoulders.
• Your bra style could be the problem -wide-set straps are very popular, but if you have small or sloping shoulders, this style is not for you.
• Your bra straps are attached to a ring either in front or back. This ring allows your straps to swivel and thus contribute to them falling off your shoulders.
• You were born with narrow or sloping shoulders.
Solution:Here are several solutions:
• Try your bra style in a smaller cup size or select a different style bra with straps sewn closer to the neck
• Look for bras that have center pull straps – straps sewn directly above the cup’s apex rather than over towards the side.
• Look for bras where the straps are sewn close together in the back; also called kicked in or set-in straps.
• Racer-back bras and leotard back bras are great solutions for falling straps.
• If you're using bra extenders, remove them and buy the bra in a larger band size and one cup size smaller to maintain the same cup fit. those bra extenders are placing your straps farther apart and exacerbating strap slippage.
• Go down a band size and up a cup size and see if your bra fits better.



Shoulder Straps dig into shouldersSymptom:Shoulder Straps dig into shoulders.
Reason:Your bra is not giving you enough support, so your shoulder straps are being forced to do too much work, or your straps are too tight or too narrow. Straps should carry no more than 10% of the breast's weight.
Solution:If you drop your shoulder straps off your shoulders, your bra should stay in place. If this is not the case, your band size is too large and you should go down a band size and up a cup size - if your cups fit correctly (e.g. from a 42D to a 40DD or 40E). Bra straps should never create dents in your shoulders; straps should carry only minimal breast weight. A wider bra strap is also a good idea for breast sizes larger than a D cup. Buying a bra with a band in its design under the underwires will give you the greatest support – if your band size is also the correct size.

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