SOME women find bra fittings an awkward experience. Baring your bra to the fitter and finding a style which suits you and fits properly can feel a bit out of your comfort zone.
On top of that, we're always being told most women are wearing the wrong size, so it's no wonder we can feel a bit clueless about bras, even though we wear them on a daily basis.
So we asked Tori Crisp, garment technologist at Figleaves, to answer the questions you've always wanted to know about bras.
How often should I get measured?
It's important to ensure you are wearing a correctly fitting bra, so I would recommend checking at least every six months.
Check the fit of even relatively new bras, as they can become less elastic over time. If you have lost or gained weight, check your fit more regularly.
How can I tell if my bra fits properly?
When wearing a correctly fitting bra, the centre front should sit flush against the ribcage but without digging in and your breasts should fit securely in the underwire. The cups should fully encase your breasts with no spilling out or sitting away.
The straps should sit comfortably on your shoulder, with the majority of the support coming from the underband. It should be snug, supportive and sit level without riding up.
Are underwires bad for you?
Breast health is vital and therefore wearing a bra that fits correctly is extremely important. Underwires should follow the shape of the breasts but should not sit on the breast tissue.
During pregnancy, breasts are constantly changing shape and if you choose to continue to wear an underwire, it is recommended to change to a flexi-wire which is more flexible than a normal underwire. Most importantly, regularly check your bras are fitting correctly.
When should I throw old bras out in favour of new ones?
Most bras contain elastane, a material that stretches over time. This is why it is recommended to have a few bras on the go, rather than wearing one bra three days in a row. It is also recommended to fit on the loosest hook and eye, as this allows the wearer to tighten the underband when the bra is becoming worn.
Washing can help revert the fabrics back to their natural shape, but over-washing can cause the opposite effect.
With regular wear and washing, a bra can last six months.
Is it bad to sleep in a bra?
It is not recommended to sleep in a bra, as the underwire may move, damaging breast tissue and restricting lymph nodes.
There are a number of sleep bras available, which are soft but give a supportive feel. Hidden support nightwear is also a great alternative, as they will often have built-in shelves to help support the bust when sleeping.
Can I wash them in the washing machine and keep them looking good?
In order to keep your bras at their best, it is very important to follow the care instructions on the care label.
If the label advises the bras to be machine-washed, I'd recommend putting them in a delicates bag to stop them getting tangled up with other garments. Ensure they're washed on a low delicates setting with mild detergents designed for delicate fabrics.
