Choosing the right bra size is so important that Oprah once dedicated an entire show to it. Most lingerie shops abroad also take the issue seriously. They are actual hire ‘professional bra fitter’ to help their clients. Yes, these are people whose job is solely to help woman hunt for the perfect bra for them. This is also partly because it is estimated that 80 percent of women worldwide are wearing the wrong bra size.  

If Shyam Maharjan’s experience from the Jockey Inner Wear outlet in Khichapokhari is taken into account though the scenario among Nepali women might be even worse. Like most of our local innerwear stores he too claims that many of their clienteles simply don’t know their exact cup or band sizes. Often, as salespersons, they have to guess the right size for them. 

As any woman in town can tell you, bra shopping can be tricky. Strangely enough, most bra stores don’t even have trial rooms. Too many of us have to rely on either the expertise of the seller or just trust that wrapping the straps around our ribs will help us with the right pick. So, under these dire circumstances, The Week brings you a guide to finding the right bra.

Know your measurements
Many believe wearing bras will never be comfortable and that we should just deal with the issues the best we can. Be it a band that slides up, straps that fall down, underwire that digs in, many women assume this is normal when the truth is it really isn’t. 

All of these problems and more are mainly influenced by whether your bra fits right or not. Yes, you don’t have to deal with these issues anymore. And your first step to overcome this problem is to know your measurements. We can’t stress enough how important it is to know your cup and band size.

The right way to get the measurements
Band size: There are many women who have smaller cups but require comparatively bigger bands or vice versa. So for the band measurements, measure your under bust using a tape measure. The tape should not be loose or binding. Exhale a deep breath to get the smallest measurement possible. The band size should be the closest higher number to your actual measurement. For example, a 37” measurement is a 38 band.

Cup size: While wearing a non-padded bra, stand straight with your arms at your side. Take the measurement at the fullest part of your bust. If you share these measurements at innerwear stores, they should be able to give you the right size bra.

However, do keep in mind that the size of bra cups may vary according to the country it was manufactured in. Similarly, the bust size, even among grown women, change over the years so it is recommended to take your measurements every now and then.

There is a right bra for every occasion
Just like there is no one all-purpose dress, there is no all-purpose bra. Different styles of bras have different fits and are designed for different functions. Knowing about them will certainly help make us the right purchase. Here is a list of bras every women should have in her closet.

T-shirt bras
T-shirt bras, also known as contour bras, are handy to say the least. These bras are designed to be worn under thin shirts to provide a smooth, invisible look. Since they aren’t lacy or textured in any ways, these bras are usually seamless in nature. Their simple style is intended to hide bulges, bumps, and wrinkles that are otherwise often visible through a woman’s shirt.

Adhesive bra
Also known as stick-on bras, they are typically made of silicone, polyurethane, or a similar material. These bras are best suited for attire that is revealing around the bust area or one that is backless. An adhesive bra is intended to provide a woman’s bust with the same support, cleavage enhancement, and lift as a normal bra would, while remaining invisible. These bras can be reused for a limited number of times or they are disposable, depending on the quality and material. There are several styles of adhesive bras that offer women a wide range of support and additional padding. 

Sports bra
As we all know, a sports bra provides strong, comfortable fitting support to a woman’s breasts during physical activity. Some women might consider this as a mere option but it’s actually imperative to wear this type of bra when you are going to exercise. You shall see and experience the difference when you do wear them. Sports bras really help reduce discomfort that women often feel during an intensive workout session. The bra also reduces possible stretching to fibrous tissues in the chest. These bras can be worn as underwear or as outerwear during training and are designed to absorb sweat as well. Though they may be expensive, it always proves to be a worthy investment.

Full coverage bra
These don’t only provide modest coverage, it enhances support in the most effective way. No wonder, they are highly recommended for bigger-busted women. This style of bra is designed to eliminate spillage by featuring bra cups that entirely cover the breasts. This also helps to create a smoother line under a woman’s shirt.

Here are some helpful guidelines from professional bra fitters at Victoria Secrets: 
•    The cups should not dig in, or be that noticeable under clothing. You should be able to fit about two fingers under the band. If they are digging in, go up a cup size. 
•    The center panel (gore) should be center, and usually touch your breastbone (not every style, but most). If it does not touch the breastbone, try going up a cup size. 
•    Always fit the band on the loosest hook. The band should sit horizontally across your back. It should not be riding up. If it rides up your back, go up a size.
•    Some issues may occur just because you are trying an incompatible style, but if a bra almost fits, try its sister size. This means going down a band and up a cup. 
 

 
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