Correct Bra Fitting (continued):

So now you need to find a shop in your area. Hit the internet, let your fingers do the walking and most effectively - ask a big, beautiful, well put together stranger where she shops. The stores exist. Find them. You may fall in love with the first store you find. Or not. But keep looking around even if you do find Kismet out of the gate. There is power in knowledge, after all. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time on these excursions as you may actually enjoy bra shopping for once. Some ladies like to bring a friend along, make a day of it. Also be aware of what day of the month it is. No closer than a week before your cycle (unless that is exactly the bra you are looking for) or the fit and your temperament may be all wrong.

One of the added benefits to these shops is being able to finally purchase matching panties! In fact, there are a few extras you might find to be necessities. Although the problem of straps digging into your shoulders should be much lessened by a properly fitting bra (straps should only have to carry 10-20% of the burden!) you may find that strap pads relieve you that much more. Extenders can be a blessing on days that you wish you had bought that ‘once-a-month’ bra. There are clear straps, fashion straps and convertible straps for strapless bras. For a streamlined look nipple covers come in handy. Voluptuous women might think extra padding is one thing they don’t need but most women are not symmetrical. Always fit the larger of your breasts and either tighten the other strap a little or purchase padding to fill any slack in the other cup. Most importantly, you will need to invest in a mild detergent such as Woolite to protect your new garment.

No one needs another chore added to their daily list but to protect your investment you should really make a habit of hand washing and air drying your foundation garments at the end of your day. Perfumes, lotions, sweat, and body oil can slowly erode the elastic. It takes only a few minutes and most of the time is in the soaking. Be sure to never wring or twist your garments. Rolling in a towel or just gentle squeezing is sufficient as it will drip dry anyway. If you absolutely have to use the machine, invest in a garment bag (found at many dollar-type stores along with that inexpensive mild laundry soap you‘ll need) or for bras with thick padding, invest in a bra washing ‘cage‘.Of course, use the gentlest setting with cold water. Always air dry. Electric dryers, even on the air setting, will destroy your bra in short order. In the end, hand washing may be easier than you think. Another bad bra habit to break right away is how you store them. After they are dry, reshape cups with your fingers and stack them. That’s right, no more folding them in half. It may take up a little more space but not much and the life expectancy of your foundation garment will be extended. And won’t your drawer look pretty with all your options laid out with care and respect.

Another reason to respect and care for your bras is the knowledge that they do not last forever. It is unrealistic to replace such an expensive item every 6 months as some suggest. However, you should be aware of the condition of each piece and know when the fit isn’t what it used to be. In other words, if you are on the last hooks and have been for a while then it is time to replace it. Your posture will no doubt be affected by your bra so comparing how you hold yourself in an older bra compared to a newer one may give you incentive. Once you know how different the look and feel of proper support can be you just can’t allow yourself to go back to a world of back pain and money wasted on ill-fitting clothes.