Bra-fitting Locations

Finding a Bra-fitting Location

Finding a bra-fitting location may be as easy as making a phone call or as hard as making quite a few calls. The key here is patience because while a store may say they have a salesperson to help you, it's important to find out how much experience that person has at fitting women's lingerie. Some ways to make this part of process easier is to:

• Call around -- Many larger department stores such as Nordstrom, Macy's or Victoria's Secret or smaller upscale lingerie shops may have a bra-fitting expert on staff. Call ahead to find out what hours they are available.
• Word of mouth -- Girlfriends talk about almost everything and that includes lingerie. Find out where your friends purchase their bras and if they were fitted properly. Then go together and make a girls-only shopping trip of it.
• Newspaper -- Once or twice a year, major department stores advertise lingerie sales (buy one, get one half-off deals) and usually host bra-fitting experts. Your local newspaper should advertise these sales and events.
• The Internet -- Check with your favorite bra manufacturer online to see if they are hosting a bra-fitting expert.

Time for a New Bra Size

Experts say a woman should be fitted for a new bra size between six and eight times during her adult life because as her body changes, so do her breasts. Also a good quality bra will last between six months and one year. There are several situations that warrant a fitting. They include:

• During and after pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Weight loss
• Weight gain
• Engaging in an exercise program
• Any type of surgery that increases or decreases the size of your breasts

You can also tell if you need to be re-fitted if your bra is too small or too big:

• The cups of the bra don't hold your breasts fully and comfortably
• The shoulder straps are either digging into your shoulder blades or keep slipping down
• The bra band is riding up your back
• The front of the bra is not lying flat against your breasts

Measurements

Once you have realized you need a new bra size and have found an appropriate bra-fitting location, three key measurements will be taken:

• Under your armpits
• Across the widest part of your chest
• Under your rib cage

The bra-fitter will take these measurements and introduce you to a variety of bras that will fit your size. One thing to remember is that not all styles will fit every woman. Plus-size women or those with larger breasts will have different choices than smaller breasted ladies.

Frequently Asked Questions

A properly fitted bra should be comfortable on your back too.

Don't forget to bring a pen and paper for questions that may arise. Some of the more common concerns asked during a fitting include:

• What is the best way to launder a bra?
• What is the best way to put on a bra?
• Where are your breasts supposed to sit?
• Is underwire necessary?
• Will breasts implants make a difference in how a bra fits?
• How do you know if your straps are adjusted correctly?
• What type of bra should you wear?
• How often should you be measured for a new bra?
• How many bras should you have in my wardrobe?

Bra-Fitting Locations on the Internet

If it just impossible to find a bra-fitting location near you, there are ways to do it at home. Many Web sites offer bra size calculators and guides to help you determine your best fit:

• International Bra Size Calculator accepts measurements in inches or centimeters and your size will be calculated and displayed in 10 bra size languages including French, Australian and Japanese.
• Lily of France has directions and a calculator available to determine your bra size. You can then shop from its online store for the perfect bra.
• Maidenform offers an easy calculator and size chart for customers to determine their bra sizes.
• HerRoom.com has a lot of information regarding bra-fitting, sizes and styles that are flattering for all women.

A Final Thought

Some lingerie manufacturers hire the bra-fitting experts you find in some retail stores. In these cases, they may strongly suggest you purchase one brand over another, even if it may not be the right bra for you. Remember, you are the final judge as to whether a bra fits and is comfortable.