1. The best bra fitter is your mirror

It’s tough, but take a good look at the bra you’ve been living in before you shop online. If your breasts are overflowing the cups or getting squished or flattened; if your bra cups are wrinkled or gaping; if the band is or straps are always hooked and hiked to the limit; if your bra accents back fat or feels scratchy or stiff; if wearing your bra causes neck or shoulder aches … it’s the wrong bra! Your lingerie drawer may be packed with cute, pricey bras, but if they’re not working for your breasts, body and wardrobe it’s time to toss or donate and go shopping.

2. DIY measurements are simple

Store fitters seem to know mysterious bra secrets that we don’t. But really, finding your correct size takes no more than a sewing kit tape measure (use a length of ribbon or string and a ruler if you don’t have a tape). Start by wearing your usual bra and check tape placement in the mirror as you go. Measure the band size first by wrapping the tape under your bust where the band sits. Keep it level all around and taut (but not too tight) and round up to the nearest whole number. Next, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust. Round to the nearest whole number. Get your cup size by subtracting the band size from the bust size; each inch equals one cup size. If the difference in inches is 1 inch, you’re an A; 2 inches you’re a B; 3 a C; 4 a D; 5 a DD or E; 6 a DDD or F; 7 a G; 8 a H. Remember, this is just a general guide. Breast size after age 50 can fluctuate from weight gain or loss, bloat, hormonal ups and downs or even exercise (especially upper body weight training and swimming!). Don’t be surprised if your size is different than what you expected.

3. Trust online quizzes to solve problems

Don’t depend solely on bra measurements. Digital bra Q&As that analyze everything from breast shape and spacing to what’s wrong with your old bras are a great partner to measurements. They can diagnose bra problems and help you find better solutions. One of the most popular bras for women age 50-plus now are so-called T-shirt bras like the Paramour Women’s Peridot Lace Trim T-Shirt Bra in Mink ($22, target.com), the Soma Intimates Embraceable Perfect Coverage Bra in Mochaccino or Warm Amber ($44, soma.com) or the Lively The All-Day T-Shirt Bra in Toasted Almond or Jet Black ($45, wearlively.com, not pictured). Not all T-shirt bras are labeled as such, but all have smooth but shapely cups that are foam lined or molded. This makes a confident base for everything from tees to silky blouses and clingy knits or sweaters, and prevents nipple show-through. The cups may be underwire or be wire-free, and coverage varies from full cup to subtly sexy (but still practical) demi cups.

4. Know your “sister-size” bras, too

Finding a new bra can be confusing. Your measurements are a great guide, but our bra size isn’t necessarily set in stone. Sometimes bras you’re eyeing simply don’t fit well in your measured size. Perhaps the cups work fine but the band is too tight or too loose, or the band is OK but the cups are too small. This is where “sister sizes” can come into play. They jiggle the numbers and numerals to give you an equivalent size for a better fit. The general rule: If you need to go up a cup size, go down a band size; if need to you go up in the band go down in the cup. For example, I’m a 32C, but when the band on a new bra feels loose, I try a 30D, or if the band feels too tight, I try a 34B. For those women with one breast larger than the other, fit to the larger cup and add an insert (called a “cookie” or “cutlet”) to the smaller cup, or try a bra with removable pads and remove the pad for the larger breast. For in-between cup sizes (like when C is too small, D too roomy) try the ThirdLove bra brand, which offers half sizes — a real industry breakthrough.

5. Be guided by what you like and don’t like

Women 50 and older have decades of bra-wearing experience — good and bad. Not everyone is looking for the same thing. Always factor in your personal likes. Maybe you like a bra with a little less cup coverage like a demi or balcony bra. Maybe you prefer a front closure. Do you prefer cups that are lined or unlined? Premolded bras or seamed for extra shape or lift? An underwire or wireless bra? Perfectly smooth or a little fancier? Do you want a racerback or shoulder straps? Wide, thin or cushioned straps? A basic neutral color or trendier hue like blush pink or plum? Select a new bra with a combination of information and indulgence.

6. Test-drive new bras at home before removing tags

Sometimes you measure accurately and buy the right size and style bra, but something is off. Check the fit in the mirror. The right bra should fit perfectly on the loosest band setting, which is where you always start a new bra (only tighten the hooks as the bra stretches with washings and wear). The band should hug your ribcage and do most of the hold-up work … not the straps. Lift your arms over your head like you’re reaching for something. If your breasts slip out under the band your band size is too large. If you can slip one or two fingers under the band, it’s just right. Look at yourself sideways in a mirror. Your nipples should be midway between your shoulders and elbow for lift. The center of the bra should lie flat between your breasts — not standing away from your body, and the cups should hold your breasts with no excess pouring over the cup edges or sides (even in a demi or balcony bra style). Last, check the fit under a fitted T-shirt and your lowest top. If the cups look fake or pointy and if the bra shows at the neckline, it’s a return.

7. Full-bust, full-figure, full-coverage, minimizer and plus-size bras are different 

Retail sites now offer a large selection of bras in a wide variety of styles and price points for bigger busts and voluptuous bodies of every size and shape. However, the lingo for site categories is really all about body proportions — not weight. Full-figure bras are for curvy, robust shapes with a larger (DD+) cup and a larger (38+) band. Plus-size bras are sized for those who wear plus-sizes and a bra with a band size of 38+ but not necessarily a larger cup. So, to recap: All full-figure bras are plus-size but not all plus-size bras are full-figure. For example, a 40F would be a full-figure, plus-size bra, but a 40B would be a plus-size bra. Full-bust bras are designed for women with a small band size and a relatively much larger chest (for example, a 32DDD). Minimizer bras are designed to compress and reposition breast tissue and reduce breast volume (some claim by an inch), and they are found in larger-cup bras. Full-coverage bras can be any bra size and refer to styles with cups that completely contain the entire breasts. Yes, there’s some overlap, and with all-inclusive sizing becoming the new normal expect these labels to change. Search by bra size and stay tuned.

8. Comfy bras should still shape and support

Some of us have gotten into a bad habit over the last couple of years of wearing very soft “lounge” bras as all-the-time bras. While the stretchy straps, cups and bands are delicious to wear, don’t expect them to deliver the support of regular bras. They’re more for hanging out at home — not for wear under serious tailored or dressed-up clothes. They sort of function like support socks and provide the aah feeling usually associated with taking off a bra at night. However, certain brands and styles — such as the Bali Comfort Revolution Easylite Seamless Wireless Bra DF3491 in Nude, Warm Cocoa or Black ($48, kohls.com), the True & Co True Body Lift V Neck Bra with Soft Form Band in Mink ($58, trueandco.com, not pictured) or the Spanx Bra-llelujah! Lightly Lined Full Coverage Bra in Very Black or Chestnut Brown ($68, spanx.com) — have taken the comfort concept to another level with styles that provide more shape and oomph for mature breasts and sizable breasts, given features like foam cups or contour seaming for separation that blur the boundaries of work and weekend.

9. Buy a smart strapless bra

Those of us who want to wear a cold shoulder or off-the-shoulder sweater now and a strapless, spaghetti strap or one-shoulder dress when the weather heats up need a bra that won’t let us down. Be wary, some offer very little help for mature busts. The most useful strapless styles are sold as “convertible” bras with optional shoulder straps — with some capable of switching to a racerback, X-back or asymmetrical configurations. Instead of straight-across bandeaus that do nothing, head for a bra with a curvy top-line, amply sized cups that are lightly lined for shape, and silicone edges to help it stay put instead of slipping and sliding. Skip the restricting full shapewear bodysuit or corset.

10. Browse specialty bra sites

While major department stores from Target to Macy’s have seriously expanded bra selections, try specialized sites, too. Whether you end up buying a familiar brand or discover a new-for-you bra label, the info on lingerie sites can be a game changer. Full disclosure: While writing this column, my own DIY testing on five sites updated my usual size 32C bra to a 32D (and for one brand, a 34D). Here are my top go-to sites for women age 50-plus:

Source : aarp.org By : Lois Joy Johnson

Nursing bras for example, are worn to make it easier for mothers to breastfeed, and they do so without having to remove the bra, which also avoids breasts sagging. Breastfeeding is an important part of motherhood, because it is where newborns get most of their nourishment and immunity to diseases and illnesses from. Aside from that, it is a way for them to bond with their mothers and meet their emotional needs. For new moms, it will certainly be a struggle to decide on what the right maternity bra to buy would be. However, this article should provide you with helpful insights on what your options should be.

Maternity bras usually come in different styles to guarantee ease and functionality for nursing. There are four basic types, and each of them comes with their own advantages and disadvantages:

• With underwire. These bras are just like the regular ones you wear, except that they help you nurse better. They provide great reinforcement for your breasts, but, they can be quite uncomfortable. The underwire does not allow your breasts to breathe that much, and, if you wear something a size short, you might suffer through a bit of pain. Moreover, this kind of nursing bras puts too much pressure on the chest. This could predispose mothers to blocked ducts and mastitis.

• No underwire. These are clearly less suffocating than a maternity bra with an underwire, but, they will not hold up your breasts in the right way, therefore, promoting sagging breasts. It’s not usually recommended for well-endowed women who go through a lot of physical activity outside of nursing, as they might feel some discomfort in the process.

• Flaps. This particular maternity bra has detachable flaps covering the breast part, so mothers can feed their infants without having to go completely topless. They are perfect when going out, because mothers can discreetly nurse in public places with ease. Some are even designed to accommodate changing cup size, so, there would be no need for these shortly-used undergarments to pile up. They come wired or without a wire, and the flaps can be undone either from the top or in the middle. But, if you’re not used to wearing them, it may be hard for you to get them unfastened.

• No flaps. They usually have a more versatile built, so mothers can just pull one side and nurse. They are quite comfy, considering the material that’s used, and, they are less pricey, too. But, like maternity bras without underwire, they don’t provide substantial breast support.

There are some women who do not like putting on a nursing bra, because it makes them feel stiff and warm. But frankly, it’s all a matter of preference. Whatever you choose, just make sure that you always clean your nipples with lukewarm water before breastfeeding, to avoid contamination. Don’t reuse a nursing bra that’s not been washed, because that’s unsanitary. Also, don’t sleep with them on; otherwise, you’ll end up with sore breasts.

Finding the right fit when buying a big bra is an adventure in itself.

The process can also be very expensive especially if you buy the wrong size and have to buy again and again and again until you find something that actually fits and is comfortable.

Only waiting to do it all over again in another 6 months! Here are a list of 7 things you can look for in big bras to avoid the nightmare of buying the wrong bra and making the experience fun, sexy and friendly.

1. Learning how to wear a big bra 

The first thing to do is look at how you currently wear your bra is the back band vertical to the front band and is it located just under the base of the breasts. If so great you are wearing your bra correctly if not you have better adjust your bra so you know where to place your bra when you go shopping to get maximum benefit from the big bra design.

2. Does the big bra sit flat on your chest? 

In between the breasts at the bottom of the cleavage is almost the bottom of a bone called the sternum. The band that joins the two cups together needs to be sitting flat on the sternum to ensures that the idea of the big bra working from bottom up, is actually able to perform it’s job to support the breasts. If it is off the sternum this means that your bra size is too small and you need to go bigger!

3. Evaluating the cup size 

Be honest with yourself, if your breasts are spilling out of the cup it is obvious that the bra is too small for you no matter how sexy and comfortable it is. If there are wrinkles or grooves in the bra and gaps between your breasts and the cup this means that the big bra is simply just too big and you will need to go down some sizes to find the bra with the cup for you.

4. Finger test 

The bra is designed to work from the bottom up not from the top down like most women assume. This is vitally important for busty women to understand when buying a bra that it does not need to suffocate you. Instead you should be able to easily run your finger under the bottom band of the bra and still have some slight resistance to movement of the finger. If you don’t the bar is either too tight or not tight enough.

5. The strapless test 

Try the straps on for about 10-20mins then pull the straps off to the side and see if you have any red marks where the straps where. If you do the straps are providing too much support and need to be loosen. Loosen the straps and see if the bra still feels the same.

6. The Under-wire Poke

The under-wire is a popular choice among busty women as it provides more support in their big bras however every women hates getting the poke from the under-wire. To ensure this does not happen make sure the under-wire sits just under the base of the breast and runs smoothly under the armpit towards the back If it pokes the inside of your arm it’s too small, if it pokes up in the arm pit your bra is to large. Adjust your size accordingly and try again.

7. The sitting test

Try sitting down and performing activates like typing or what you might do at work, does the bra feel much different is it still comfortable. If it’s uncomfortable look around for another one.

You don’t want to leave the beloved top in the shop because you just don’t have the right bra! Gals, you need to spend some time getting your boobs the proper support! If you’re going strapless this summer, then these tips will helpful in finding a strapless bra that fits well.

Getting measured should be the first thing. Many women think they are properly sized, but when was the last time you verified it? Have you ever had your bust size measured by a professional? It is particularly important that you know your precise bra size when buying a strapless bra as it must fit properly. If you are unable to have a private fitting in a boutique why not ask a member of staff at your preferred lingerie store if they would measure you? It will take five minutes, but it can help you to avoid much of the hassle of finding a bra that really fits your body well.

You need to buy your bras in person. When you order a pair of pants, t-shirts, dresses–even shoes, you know if they don’t fit you can return them. One of the most disheartening purchases, are the pretty bras you ordered that don’t fit as well as you had hoped. Not only are you out of the money you spent on it, but that pretty new bra is just going to taunt you every time you open your dresser drawer. When considering strapless bras, this is especially true. Bras are frequently not returnable! Girls, don’t take this risk! It’s essential you shop for strapless bras in person. How can you tell what you will look like wearing it? You don’t know how it will look with a particular dress. The strapless bra might be annoying because of the type of grip it has. You can only know these things if you’ve tried out a bra yourself. Thus, don’t waste money on a strapless bra which does not fit well. Wear it before you buy it!

Select a well-made, quality, bra with no straps. Before wearing a strapless dress you should wear a well supported bra made for such dresses, so that it looks the way you want it to. Without proper time and research, you can’t expect your bra to give you the necessary support all day. You need to buy bras that are made of high-quality materials from well-known brands. Opt for a bra which has a good shape and thick material. Strapless, seamless bras are something you should stay away from, no matter what. These just don’t look right! You will be happy that you spent the extra money on a bra that actually fits you and will see you through for a few years.

You need a strapless bra with rubber in it. It does not require straps for support, instead it relies on a rubber edging to grip the body and prevent the bra from moving. Rubber is a major component of a good bra, and it’s definitely something that can’t be overlooked. A correctly fitting strapless bra usually has soft rubber running around the top and base edge of the bra for extra comfort. If you want to make sure that the strapless bra that you want to buy will fit well, check to make sure that it has enough rubber and that the rubber isn’t uncomfortable.

The adhesive bra is normally only available up to a C cup, mainly due to the fact that they are completely strapless and the only support is from the material under your breasts that sticks to your skin, any cup size larger than a C cup is normally to big to be supported properly.

One of the most popular types is the NuBra, which was developed in 2002. In essence it is two silicone pads, joined together by hooking system. These two silicon pads stick to the body underneath the breasts, according to NuBra these bras should stay adhered to the body for up to six hours with out any issues or loss of comfort. With out any shoulder straps or back straps, these types of bras are amazingly comfortable to wear.

adhesive strapless and adhesive silicones are the most ideal choices when wearing slinky and very revealing outfits. With just cups held securely by adhesives, they are almost impossible to detect under clothing. With the silicone’s real-like look and feel, it would even be difficult to tell if a bra is worn – an excellent solution when you need to put on those off-shoulder dresses, plunging necklines and backless tops.

The adhesives that hold the cups are really strong and will stay on even hours of activities and is even water resistant. It is designed to be safely used on the skin regularly. Washable, reusable, easy to clean and maintain, the cups are truly wearable, convenient and practical. They come in a wide selection of shades to blend in with any dress and are even reasonably priced. The little extra cost versus regular brassieres is just a little price to pay for all the advantages you can get from wearing these adhesive bras.

Earlier and original versions, such as the Braza Bra which is still available today, of the adhesive bra where material pads that actually stuck to the body, with adhesive tape. While they worked fine and did provide support for your cleavage, removing the tape was known to be a bit painful, also a lot of women with sensitive skin reported irritation during and after use of these products.

Very Important points to note when using adhesive bras:

• Do not use the bra immediately after showering.
• Do not use the bra if you are after applying any lotions, cream or oils to the area, till they have been fully absorbed by the skin, as these products will inhibit the adhesion of the bra to the skin.
• Follow individual manufacturers instructions to the letter, if this is not done correctly many women have said they have had issues, likewise if the manufacturers instructions are followed to the letter no problems have been experienced.
• Once applied correctly humidity or sweating normally has no effect on these bras.

Since these are completely user adjustable and positionable, they can give lift and in case of the silicone padded bra a larger look to the bra. These can be ideal breast enhancement bas for C cup or less, especially for special occasions when your outfit would benefit from a completely strapless bra, while still enhancing your cleavage.

And we might not really ever spend that much time thinking about how often we should be washing our bras or just how long we should wait before we chuck them out and pick up a new lingerie set.

But we probably should be thinking about all those things, including assessing our bra application technique.

Yes, there is a right and wrong way to put your bra on.

And it’s all down to the hooks.

Clare Robertson, Head of Innovation at Panache Lingerie, said : “When buying a bra it should be comfortable on the middle or the loosest hook, but never on the tightest due to the elastics relaxing after wearing.”

She continued: “When you buy a new bra it may take a little while for it to settle into your body. It’s always a good idea to wear your bra on the loosest hook when it’s new so after a while when your bra starts to loosen a little, you can move to a tighter hook and your bra will stay comfortable for longer.”

So if you want to make those expensive underwear sets (and the cheap ones, to be fair) last longer make sure you live by this top tip.

But the faux pas isn’t the only thing shortening the shelf life of your undies.

You also shouldn’t be wearing your bra one day after the other.

This also loosens the elastic more rapidly, meaning it will quickly lose its shape.

While this is all good for preventing wear and tear, we do still need to chuck away our bras way more often then most of us do.

Source : OK

There’s also the situation where you’ll find yourself picking up a bra in a size that you’re pretty sure isn’t the right one because it has such pretty lace detailing and you know you can make it work….

Yep, we’ve all been there.

Bra sizes can change often, due to weight gain or weight loss, or even the time of the month.

You can’t bank on wearing the same bra size forever and your size will also differ between brands.

Here are some of the signs that your bra doesn’t fit properly.

1. The bra strap rides up at the back and feels loose around the body.

2. There’s a gap between the front centre of the bra and your body.

3. The under-wiring digs in, especially under your arms.

4. Your bust bulges out over the top of the cups.

5. The cups look too baggy or there is a gap between the breast and the cup.

6. You took a chance and guessed your bra size .

7. The middle part of your bra doesn’t lie flat – this should always be the case .

If you do think you might be wearing the wrong size of bra, you absolutely need to go and get yourself measured.

It might seem like yet another thing to add to the already extremely long to-do list but it will be worth it in the end.

For the purpose of this feature, I decided some expert advice was necessary and spoke to two women who are extremely knowledgeable in this particular field.

Julie Mercer, Lingerie Expert at M&S explained that there are four things that should be on the checklist for the perfect bra fit.

1. Underband

The underband should be horizontal across your back. It should be snug but with enough room to fit two fingers underneath it

2. Wires

The wires at the front should sit flat at the breastbone between your breasts

3. Cups

Your breasts should be fully enclosed in each cup and there should be a smooth line where the cup ends

4. Straps

The bra straps should be secure, but not tight. If you drop the straps, the bra should stay in the same place.

Julie also explained that the department store offers an online  ‘Bra Fitting’ calculator as 23% of women hate having to go for a bra fitting.

With that in mind, there’s no excuse not to find out your ideal bra size as all you have to do is visit the M&S website although if you’ve never been measured, or it’s been a while, your best bet is to have a professional do the hard work for you in person.

Mairead Fullam, Personal Shopper at Debenhams, shocked us a little by revealing that 70% of women are wearing the wrong size of bra.

Speaking about the bra fitting services available at the department store, Mairead explained that the service is free and available in every Debenhams store.

She advised:

“Lingerie can be a little overwhelming when you have so many styles and shapes to choose from but our fitters can also talk you through trends , colours and explain everything from balcony to plunge to multiway and full cup. Wearing the right underwear can make or break an outfit”

There’s so much more to consider like what shape works best for you and how to recognise common problems that arise from wearing the wrong bra.

Source : Her

Ok, so you can always go braless, but that wouldn’t give you the support you need, would it?

For the party season, you will need a wardrobe of bras to go with your party dresses. Different dress or top styles demand a different type of bra to look best.

Do away with the straps

The first you should get for party wear would be a strapless bra. That bra would go well with your strapless dresses, halter tops, and even your strappy tops. With a strapless bra, you need not worry about your straps showing.

For a better cleavage without padding, go for a bra that fastens in front. This is because a bra that fastens in front pushes your breasts together giving you a better cleavage.

Sheer clothes with nude bras

Next, if you are going to wear a sheer dress, get a bra that is in your skin tone. A nude bra as close to your skin tone as possible A white bra if you are very very fair, a black brown if your skin is very black, a chocolate bra, or a peach bra, whatever is closest to your skin tone, in a simple design that disappears on your skin..

Take advantage of the versatility of convertible bras

If you want the support straps offer in your bra under your party dress, get a bra with removable straps. A convertible bra that can be worn with virtually any outfit would be ideal. Not just your party dress. If you wear a dress with a criss cross back, simply adjust the straps of your bra so you get a criss cross bra that gives you the full support you want, while hiding the straps beneath your dress. If you are going to wear a halter top, then adjust the bra accordingly.

Go backless

What do you wear when it comes to a backless dress? You could go braless, and risk sagging. Droopy breasts aren’t sexy. You could wear a very clever bra that does not need any support at the back. A backless bra would do the trick.

Boost your cleavage

Finally, if you want to show off extra cleavage in a cleavage revealing dress, that is where you bra comes in really handy. Just wear a push up bra. Alternatively, you could stuff in a sock, tissue paper or even a shoulder pad into your regular bra to get the cleavage you want.

so getting the correct push up bra is not any longer concerning going and choosing anybody but instead lots of things need to be taken under consideration for the same.

Tip 1:

The very 1st and the most important tip is to make a decision on what reasonably push up bra you wish. lots of people including most ladies assume that there’s only one kind of push up bra in the stores .  but in fact that is not true ! the idea for getting the push up bra comes all the way down to simple reason just ask yourself : do you wish one with juts a bit lift or one that shows lots of cleavage? answer that question right and half the way to choosing the perfect push up bra is already done.

Tip 2:

The second tip If you are trying it on for the first time, always try and get fitted by an experts. Most of the major brands have specialty stores with well-trained employees so this can be not much of a problem. just in case you already know your size and fit, then you can forget this step.

Read : Step by Step : Your Guide To Learn How To Measure Your Bra Size Correctly

Tip 3:

The third tip is making some research. just try and try research before you go out and purchase. although you have seen a specific brand that you simply like, return home and 1st do a bit research on it on-line. Most of the net retailers like Amazon for example have nice reviews otherwise you will do a quick search around for your bra reviews and then you have to take your final decision.

Tip 4:

The fourth tip is to make a decision wherever to shop for. just in case you’ve got a local store that you simply extremely trust then make your purchase there. however my suggestion would be to always purchase from on-line stores like Amazon. Not only are they the cheapest and offer the best deals, however they have free shipping and return policies also. choosing the best push up bra becomes more easy if you choose to buy from there.

Tip 5:

The fifth and final step is to after all wear the bra regularly. lots of ladies simply wear it once then forget about it. I suggest you would be to try it with many kinds of dresses then decide which one it goes best with. this can allow you to experiment with varied kinds of push up bras as well as totally different dresses for various occasions.

1. If Last Summer was the last time you bought a bra. Bra shopping can be expensive. It can be easy to spend $50, $75, or even $100 on a bra, but there are plenty of bras for under $30 as well! Think of it this way, if you can spend that money on a mani/pedi or a couple of movie tickets, you can definitely spend it on a bra!

2. A Special Occasion. Do you have a wedding coming up? A ‘formal’ dance maybe? There are certain occasions you may need to wear a strapless or ‘convertible’ bra-essential to every woman’s wardrobe!

3. Great News! You’re Pregnant! You may not need a maternity bra just yet, but expect to grow a couple of sizes during your pregnancy. Even women with small breasts will eventually need a bra with underwire for support during pregnancy. Taking care of your breasts during pregnancy and nursing, with good bras, can minimize post-baby sagging. Look to brands such as Bali, Playtex, and Calvin Klein for comfortable pregnancy/nursing bras.

4. Your bra just doesn’t fit right. If your bra is stretched, the back strap rides up, you’re constantly adjusting, or you’re embarrassed to wear a tight-fitting shirt-you need a different bra. Be honest with yourself first-Do you wish you were a C cup, but are really a B cup? Or what if a DD is just too small for you? Your bra should support and shape you, without restricting you. Your bra should not be loose in any way when you stand up straight. Don’t be ashamed to check out full-figured or plus-sized bras for the right fight. If you wear t-shirts often, a good seamless bra is essential. Again, stop stressing about your size! Get a bra that is going to be comfortable.

5. Your bra’s best friend is your washing machine. Remember this-bras should be hand-washed. Most of us don’t have the time, but in this case, do yourself and your bra a favor a get a lingerie bag! Bras that are machine-washed/dried need to be replaced much more often than ones that are gently hand-washed.

6. Underwire poking at your skin. The underwire in a bra should lay flat against your skin, underneath the breasts. If you feel the underwire poking through the fabric, you need a new bra! Find yourself adjusting the underwire back to its proper position throughout the day? It’s time for a new bra.

7. Holes in your bra. If your bra is in any way torn, this is a sign it needs to be replaced. Think of it this way, a bra with holes in it can tear completely at any moment. What will you do then?

8. Your bra is not the same shape and does not have the same support as a new bra that is the same size. This is especially true for sports bras. If you hold up your existing bra to a new one of the same size and it does not look the same, you’ve worn it out! Champion or Adidas are good brands for sports bras.

9. You have gained or lost weight. Your breasts are made up of, mostly, fatty tissue, so when you gain or lose weight, it may make a significant change in their size-assuring you a new bra. Whenever you gain or lose 10 pounds, you should get fitted for a bra to ensure you are buying the right size for your body.

10. Ready for a New Look? You don’t have to wait until your old bras are ripped and torn to get a new one! Have fun with it! If you usually wear plain cotton bras, try printed, sexy, lace bras for a quick pick-me-up. You may discover a whole new bra-world for yourself!

Bra shopping shouldn’t be frustrating. If you happen to find a bra that fits you “like a glove” you may want to but a few in case they’re discontinued! Have fun with your bra shopping, but remember, a good bra should be comfortable and should support you-it should not be a nuisance. Happy shopping!