Finding the right fitting bra is often essential to achieve that perfect, comfortable fit and look. We have put together some helpful hints and tips to help you achieve the perfect bra. This is designed as a guideline, the most important thing to remember is how the actual bra you are trying feels rather then what the tape measures says as bras often differ in fit depending on the manufacturer.
Bra Measuring Guide
A - To find your band measurement.
With a bra on, measure around the body directly under the bust making sure
the tape measure is flat. If you measure and even number, add 4 inches. If
you measure an odd number, add 5 inches. This is your band size. Please note
half inches should be rounded up.
I.e. If you measure 31 inches add 5 inches - 31 + 5 = 36”
B To find your bust measurement.
With a bra on measure from the sternum to the spine, across the fullest part
of your natural breast. Multiply this measurement by two. This is your bust
size. To find your bra size: Subtract your band measurement (B) from your
bust measurement (A). This is your cup size. I.e. If your B measurement
comes to 38 subtract you’re A measurement 36. This gives you 2” difference.
Therefore your size is 36B.
Difference between Back & bust measurements
(Inches) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Cup Size AA A B C D E F G
Useful hints and Tips to the perfect fit
1. The strap around your body should be firm but comfortable. When you
stand side-on at a mirror, the strap that runs around your body should not
ride up at the back at all, and should be horizontal.
2. The bra should sit closely to the body at the front and in between the
breasts evenly.
3. Your breasts should be enclosed in the cups and you should have a smooth
line where the fabric at the top of the cup ends and meets your bust. You
shouldn't have any bulging over the top or sides of the cups.
4. Always start on the middle hook. This way you can let it out if it
becomes tight at the end of the day and tighten it up as the bra stretches
over time, giving you more wear.
5. It’s important to adjust the shoulder straps from time to time to make
sure that they’re not too loose.
6. When you've put on a bra, you may need to lean forward and adjust your
breasts to ensure they are in the cups properly.
Problem Solving a Poor Fit Bra
Here are some of the most common reasons for an ill-fitting bra and how to
solve it!
Your breasts are bulging out of the top or sides of the cup and your bust
looks lumpy under clothes
The cup size you are wearing is too small. Your breasts should be totally
encased in the cups. You need to try at least one cup bigger.
Your bra rides up your back and moves around as you move. Or your breast
slips under the band when you move your arms
One of the most common mistakes is to wear back sizes that are too big. The
strap around your body should be a snug fit, it will only move around if it
is too big. Try one back size smaller. But REMEMBER you will need to go up
in the cup 1 size too.
The cups are wrinkling at the top and/or sides Make sure you lift yourself
into your bra.
If there is still wrinkling this is usually a sign that the cup size is too
big so try one cup size smaller.
The prosthesis is moving to one side
The most common cause of this is that the band size is too big. Try one size
down in the back and one size up in the cup.
Benefits of a Mastectomy Bra
1. Discreet pockets to hold your prosthesis securely, giving you peace of
mind knowing that it won’t slip out or show over the top of your bra
2. Supportive, adjustable straps will help to restore you body posture which
can be affected after a mastectomy. Some styles have wider straps to
alleviate any tension or cutting in on the shoulders3. Wider underband to
keep the bra securely in place and help stop any riding up
4. Deeper cups for comfort, support and cover
5. Exceptional quality material to ensure you get the best fabric that will
last and keep its shape longer
Tips for Fitting a Prosthesis
When trying your new prosthesis we recommend that you wear a proper mastectomy bra and check the following points carefully:
1. Your prosthesis fills the bra cup properly and is neither puckered nor
over stretched
2. The underarm section is filled to the same extent on both sides
3. Your breasts are in even alignment
For further information or to view the full collection of Nicola Jane
Mastectomy lingerie and swimwear please visit
www.nicolajane.com
Or call us for a FREE catalogue on
0800 081 212
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