
I’ve written about bras in the past (here and here). Recently a friend quoted me back to me: “Molly Bloom says there is a bra for every outfit, and this one isn’t it.” Bras have come up in conversation twice since then. People have questions about the bras. So for you dear readers, I pass on what I know about bras.
My favorite lingerie store in San Francisco is Alla Prima (they have two locations). They are masters at fitting bras. They’ll measure you and bring you different kinds of cup styles (and most women would benefit from a cup change). Alla Prima is a great place to start your new collection of correctly sized garments; you’ll pay a little more but it will be perfect, and you’ll wear it every day. Look for bargains in favorite brands online once you’ve set your size and style.
A few things about bras:
- The number on your bra is the circumference of your ribcage.
- The letter (or cup size) represents the number of inches fuller your breasts are than your ribcage. Measure the fullest part of your bust for this. If your ribcage measures 32 and your bust is 35, you’re a 32 C.
- Just because it fastens doesn’t mean it fits.
- The center part of your bra between the cups should be flat against your chest.
- Your boobs should not jiggle when you walk. Sorry, guys.
- Get measured every year.
- Bra sizes often change with weight loss or gain. Don’t just go up or down a band size; you may need a different cup size as well.
- Learn which straps, cup style, fabric, etc. are most comfortable and look for more bras with those features.
- Don’t wear a sports bra as an everyday bra. It mushes your boobs into a funny loaf shape and the fabric is usually too heavy to be inconspicuous under nice tops.
- You need to spend some money on your bras. Victoria’s secret is actually that her bras are poorly made and uncomfortable.
- Don’t put them in the dryer. The elasticity will go and the wires will poke through and then you’re just screwed. Hand-washed bras will last the longest.