Bra fitting 101: How the right bra can change your life

When it comes to our undergarments we are making a number of mistakes. We are either wearing a bra that doesn’t fit properly, has been stretched out, or isn’t giving us our best shape. Since your undergarments are the foundation for your clothing, it is the first step to bettering your shape. I decided to sit down with bra expert Holly Hennan from Melmira Bra Boutique to get some answers.

Melmira is a long-standing Toronto institution for all of your lingerie needs. They take the time to work one-on-one with you, listen to your concerns and help accentuate your strengths. Pretty great right?

What are the common mistakes that you see women making?

The most common mistake I see is women wearing a band that’s too big in the back. This happens because there is a lack of options when it comes to bras. When you’re fuller in the bust a lot of women size up to get the room in the cup but then it’s too big in the back. Also, women believe it creates less back fat.

The truth is, if you can deal with the back being fitted, it has many benefits. There are health benefits because it’s taking the pressure off of your shoulders, thereby helping your posture. It also pulls you in on the sides, pulls you up, and makes for a better overall shape.

The second mistake I see is women constantly readjusting the straps on their bras. If the bra is fitted properly, the straps shouldn’t be going anywhere. This happens because if the back strap is too loose, it starts to ride up and the straps start moving around. Also, 50 per cent of women suffer from sloped shoulders. The solution: look for a center strap, this will prevent the straps from falling.

Do bras have to be expensive in order to be a good fit?  

No, bras do not have to be expensive to be a good fit. Technologies have changed and lingerie is constantly evolving. I think you need to ask yourself, “is what I’m buying worth the money that I’m paying?” Bras with big price tags tend to have high-end names attached to them, but it doesn’t mean that the foundation or the technologies are any better than a $50 bra. You need to consider comfort, fit, and how it makes you feel. Those are the three key questions.

So then what about longevity? How long should a bra last?

The answer to that is really another question. Do you have one bra that you’re wearing every day or do you have seven different bras that you’re changing all the time? If you have one bra then a fair time frame is probably a year. If you purchase a less expensive bra, you need to assume that it isn’t going to last as long as a more expensive bra but you should expect the same results as far as technologies in the bra. Think of a bra as an easy way to make your clothing look more expensive.

Also the care of your bras makes a big difference. We always tell clients that hand washing is by far the best. Fill your sink with cool water, separate lights and darks and hang to dry. If you are going to use your machine make sure you put the bras in a mesh bag.

 How many bras does the average woman need?

Every woman should have a smooth bra also known as a t-shirt bra, as it offers a clean and very round shape. They should have a really good seamed bra. Maybe you want to make it a lace bra for a little fun. A seamed and lace bra will out-shape a tee-shirt bra every time. A sports bra is key. So many women wear old bras for working out but your breasts need the most support when you’re working out, so having a proper sports bra will do wonders. If you can wear it, a demi cup bra is a fabulous bra to own. It’s a great shape with the least amount of bra but with the most definition.  Strapless is another essential and there are so many great ones in the marketplace. You don’t have to limit yourself because you think a strapless bra just won’t work for you.