How To Find A Properly Fitting Bra in 2021
Happy #FitTipTuesday! Over the years, I’ve talked A LOT about properly fitting undergarments through my blog, videos and in-feed posts. Since there are always new faces around here (hi + welcome), I figured it’d be beneficial to revisit a few bra fitting tips, resources that I have created and best practices for finding a properly fitting bra this year in the midst of a pandemic.
Do I really need a bra fitting?:
To reiterate all previous posts, nothing will perfectly replicate an in-person bra fitting experience. Finding that perfect fit is like finding your perfect match. Bra fitting is a professional skill, they have the understanding and product knowledge to determine your size and shape. Spoiler: no online quiz or targeted social media advertisement can do that. While measurements are a helpful starting point, they don’t disclose everything. You and I could have the same measurements on paper but have completely different needs when it comes to a bra style. Unsure if you need a fitting? Here are a few quick questions to determine if whether or not your bra fits:
Does the center wire lay flat in between your breasts?
Is the band snug and parallel to the floor?
Is all of your breast tissue fitting inside the cup? (no gaping or spillage)
if you answered no to any of the above questions, you need a bra fitting.
Is getting dressed a hassle because of your bra?
Do you think about / constantly have to adjust your bra throughout the day?
Do you have marks on your shoulders once you take your bra off?
Have you become pregnant, nursed or had a significant change in weight?
Has it been more than a year since your last fitting?
if you answered yes to any of the above questions, you need a bra fitting.
It doesn’t have to be this way! I’m here to help. So, what does a properly fitting bra look like? You can use this post, this post, this post and this post to cross reference your current bras to get more of a visual. Maybe your bras fit but they’re not comfortable or the right style for your shape. Regardless of your answers, if you have determined that you are in need of a better fit I’m happy to recommend a few options for you.
BRA (WEARING 34G UK), MORE COLORS HERE | PANTY (XL) | BUTTON DOWN SHIRT (L)
How to get fitted:
OPTION 1 | IN STORE FITTING
I will 100% always advocate for you going to a local specialty shop (you can use a store locator here and here) or a Nordstrom (NOT Nordstrom Rack) for a proper fitting. The fitters should have professional training experience and the product knowledge to help you determine what is the best style for you. Many local speciality shops and Nordstrom’s are offering contactless fittings where you go in for a fitting, show the fitter what you’re currently wearing and they bring you new styles to try on (all while remaining at a comfortable distance). They should instruct you how to properly put the bra on (see: the scoop and swoop method) and help you determine which styles are right for you in a no pressure to buy environment. In the rare (but possible) situation that your bra fitter isn’t very knowledgable or helpful, I encourage you to try another location or fitter. Whatever you do, don’t give up.
Here is a video on why Soma, Victoria’s Secret and Cacique are NOT fit-focused retailers approved for bra fittings and why I don’t feel comfortable recommending them to you.
WHILE THIS IS YOUR BEST OPTION, I completely understand THAT an in-person fitting may not be possible for you at the moment. Luckily, I HAVE TWO MORE Solutions FOR YOU.
OPTION 2 | VIRTUAL FITTING
While I have not personally experienced a virtual fitting, many members of my Properly Fitting Bra Club Facebook group have and have had some success. To my understanding, you may be required to use a soft tape measure to provide a starting point for the virtual fitting. You may set up a video call to chat with the fitter on to determine your current fit as well as your wants / needs in a bra. From there, they may make recommendations on what styles and sizes to try. This may require some trial and error to purchase / return a few styles to try out. If so, be sure to refer to the scoop and swoop method when trying on bras at home. If you’ve had a virtual fitting, I’d love to hear your experience (good or bad) in the comments below.
SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL FITTING: NORDSTROM | WACOAL | LOCAL SPECIALTY SHOPS (each store may vary, refer to the store finders here and here to call and determine their abilities)
OPTION 3 | DIY AT-HOME FITTING
This option is not for the faint of heart. While I’m confident in your abilities, please know this will take a commitment of education and trial and error on your part. First, I would recommend educating yourself on proper fit, as mentioned above. Spend some time reading the resources provided above and watching my Instagram highlights on my profile, specifically Bras! and #FitTipTuesday.
Once you have a good idea of what a bra is supposed to look like, you can use a soft tape measure to measure yourself as a baseline/starting point. Remember, measurements are not foolproof — they are just a starting point. Bare Necessities and HerRoom have calculators that may help you find the range of brands and sizes worth trying. Figleaves also has some great information on their site. Something to consider as if it wasn’t already confusing enough, different brands run on different sizing charts. Be sure to be aware of what sizing you are purchasing, The Lingerie Addict had a great post on international sizing, here’s a chart from her site that you can refer to below:
If you plan on ordering a bunch of styles to try, I’d recommend Prime Wardrobe on Amazon. You can choose up to eight items and only pay for what you keep with easy returns and exchanges. A few of my favorite fit focused retailers on Amazon are Elomi, Freya, Fantasie, Panache, Chantelle and Wacoal.
When trying on at home, be sure to scoop and swoop! This dramatically changes the fit of the bras. Feel free to utilize me (via DM or email, preferably) or my Properly Fitting Bra Club Facebook group if you need help troubleshooting or are unsure what to order next. The gals in my group are incredibly supportive (no pun intended) and helpful.
Give me more bra info:
In case you don’t feel overloaded with information at this point, feel free to check out more of my undergarment related blog posts below!
MATERNITY + NURSING bra GUIDE
MY FAVORITE EVERYDAY BRAS
HOW TO WASH YOUR BRAS
CURRENT WIRE-FREE / LOUNGING BRA FAVORITES
TIPS FOR FINDING THE PERFECT STRAPLESS BRA
MY CURRENT SPORTS BRAS ON ROTATION
I know this is a lot of information but hopefully it provides some clarity on properly fitting undergarments and best practices for getting fitted right now. I look forward to hearing from you, sharing more tips and welcoming you to the Properly Fitting Bra Club (if you’re not already a proud member). Feel free to leave any questions or suggestions below. Thanks for reading! xx CMK