Everything you EVER needed to know about your Bra

Is the back strap of your bra riding in-between your Shoulder blades?

Your straps so tight they are digging into your shoulders, or are they so loose their falling off?

The Wire digging into your arm pits?

Do you have to constantly adjust your cups & straps?

Bra's are one of the most important things, yet it's also the most looked over when it comes to the Details of fashion.

Not only Is it important to be wearing the right bra with the right outfit, but its also really important for your health. The wrong bra can create problems with breathing, your posture and soreness to your back and shoulders.

The wrong "support", wont support and the wrong fit can make you look out of proportion. 

 Below is absolutely everything you need to know about finding the right bra!

Sizing:

Online shopping is fast becoming the easiest way to access shops that we unfortunately don't have here.
When it comes to Bra shopping online, the numbers and letters are all different and most sites don't "translate", Always check the Sizing chart before you order.
The correct Size means the correct bra for your body,
get the size wrong and you wont be comfortable at all!
I made a sizing chart for you:: :D
{This chart is not linked, feel free to save it to your computer.}

Fitting:

This is the most important Part!!!!!

If you don't feel comfortable having a random at Bra's & Things or Myer Touch your boobs, This is wear the best friend or the boyfriend comes in handy. But if you do it at home. Measure twice, Cut once...or something like that...

{Step One} Measurement (A:

Keeping the measuring tape parallel with the ground, measure around your bra directly under your bust ( Underneath the wire) after expelling all air from your lungs - You want this measurement to be as small as possible.If you wind up with a faction, Round it to the nearest whole number.

{Step One} Measurement (B:

Standing straight, with your arms at your side, measure at the fullest part of your bust (Lay the measurement tape onto your nipples,while wearing a non-padded bra {You don't want to add any mm, cm etc}) making sure the measuring tape is parallel with the ground
Round all fractional measurements to the nearest whole number.

Then Subtract your band measurement (A) from your cup measurement (B).

Generally, for each inch in difference, the cup goes up by one size. 

Example:

Step 1: 34" under measurement +4" = 38" band

Step 2: 40" over measurement

Step 3: 40" - 38" = 2" or Cup "B"

Your size would be 38B

If The Difference Is:	Your Standard Cup Size Is:
0"-1/2" (1.3 cm)	AA
1/2"- 1" (2.6 cm)	A
2" (5.1 cm)	B
3" (7.6 cm)	C
4" (10.2 cm)	D
5" (12.7 cm)	DD * or E *
6" (15.2 cm)	DDD * or F *
7" (17.8 cm)	G *
8" (20.3 cm)	H *
9" (22.9 cm)	I *
10" (25.4 cm)	J *

Yes, it's tricky! 

Yes, It needs to be done.

As previously stated, If you cant be bothered, Bra's & Things, Myer, David Jones, Lesenza & most good Under wear stores train their customer service personal to do this fast & without fuss.

The Bra Wardrobe:

The T-Shirt Bra-

Pretty self explanatory, Here's a basic rule; If it has lace on it and your literally wearing it underneath a T-shirt (or T-shirt material) DON'T!

The idea of a T-shirt bra is that it undetectable beneath a T-shirt, Usually it will state this on the label but generally the best T-shirt bra's are the plain cotton ones, like the one shown.

The "Everyday" Bra-

Personally I'm not the type to walk around my house with out a bra, The only time I don't wear one is in the bed and in the shower, but if I'm staying home, cleaning, doing nothing ( and i wont be seeing another soul) Then my "everyday" bra it is! This generally doesn't need to look like anything. Just as long as it gives you the support you need.

The Sports bra-

This is an important one to have,as well as the usual support and fit requirements, that every bra should meet: The correct Sports bra is even more important!

Whatever your exercise or workout routine entails you need to be properly supported. Especially if your bigger breasted. Running for 40mins will feel like 2 hours if your constantly adjusting your Bra and its not supporting you like it should.There are sport bra's that cater for your body in specific area's depending on the activity your doing so defiantly check them out!

The Convertible Bra-

Every single girl on this planet needs a convertible bra; no matter what size you are!

there is nothing worst then seeing a girl wearing an amazing strapless dress, but no bra which intern means that unless their super human, at some point in the night you will be able to see her nipples. *Shakes head*

the easiest way to avoid this is with a fantastic Convertible bra.

Why is a convertible bra better then a strapless?

That's easy, convenience and value for money! it's like 6 bras in one!!!!

The Big important thing to remember with a convertible bra is that it needs to support you with straps AND without!

The "Sex" Bra-

Pretty right?

Here's the basic rundown on bras like this:

Wearing them under a T-shirt = No.

These Bra's Have one main purpose: To look sexy. You can figure the rest out I'm sure ;)

In saying that, Yes it should still support you.

Lingerie Care:

Travel-

Introducing the Brag-The bra bag.....(get it? hehe) 

This adorable little look-a-like is a padded travel case for you padded bra, Keeping it in shape and minus the wrinkles.They also come in a bigger size's-"Buxom" for bra's sized D & up.

I don't know why it has  handle but, its cute, so who cares, if you have a matching set they have a matching bottom case for your delicate pants too!

Want one?:: http://www.thebragcompany.com/

Washing-

Avoid washing your bras in a washing machine, especially top load washing machines. If it's possible, hand wash your lingerie in cold water or have it dry cleaned,I know it's a pain but your lingerie will have a longer and happier life.

For washing you should use a delicate soda-based fabric wash, You can also use mild shampoo or hand soap, But buying a lingerie specific detergent is recommended.

Most importantly get a wash bag for your intimate apparel, these are available from pretty much everywhere that sells a bra. Wash bags cost only about $5-$10 depending on the quality they are great for keeping your lingerie's delicate fabric from getting ruined. 

Drying-

Tumble Drying your Bra's is not a good idea.

Neither your Bra, your other clothes or your Dryer will Thank you.

The heat & tumbling can damage the bra fabric, under wire and cups padding, it can also damage your other clothes and the dryer itself if the wires come loose from the bra fabric.Tumble drying can also cause your bra's to loose their shape early.

 Natural Hang drying is definitely the best way to dry your lingerie, Take a page out of Carrie's book and hang them over your shower rod.

If your like me and you forget that your favorite strapless bra is dirty 2hours before you need to leave for that important night out, Your trusty blow dryer is your best friend. ( just be sure to hold the nozzle of the Dryer 5-10cm away from the fabric to avoid burning)

 Storage-

• Hang them in the closet on a hanger. This keeps the cup's rounded,and doesn’t allow for any messy pile up situations in the drawer.
• Put them in your drawer. Do the hooks up in the back and fold them neatly. Putting them in color coordinated rows also helps when you are in a rush and have to find the perfect match for your outrple; text-align: left;"> Stann style="color: purple;">The “Sunny Side Up” method. Stack your bras "good side up", one on top of the other this makes sure that the cups keep their round shape.DON'T INVERT THE CUPS:This creates little tiny wrinkles in the padding and the material which will eventually show through the bra fabric and then your shirt.

What your Bra should 'NOT' do:

What's wrong with these Photos?

The Black bra:

Don't her boob's look miserable?

She's sagging for 3 reasons.

1. She hasn't been fitted. 
2. The width (or b measurement) area is either too loose or too tight and the back strap is riding up her back, and sitting between her shoulder blades, which then puts all the weight on the material in the cups- which intern stretches the straps and the cup material. 
3. She has no support in a pad-less bra

The White bra:

Pain, Oh the pain!

1.  10000% Too tight! The Straps are digging into her shoulders and the under-wire is digging into her armpits, OUCH!
2. Introducing the Woman with 6 boobs!!! The cup size of this bra is way to small, her breasts are spilling out over the top and are trapped underneath the under wire. Oh i seriously feel bad for this model :(

Britney:

Oops she did it again! 

( I'm so sorry but i just couldn't help it!)

1. Poor Britney,Shes is not wearing the right cup size, which is giving her 4 boobs.
2. Shes wearing Lace underneath a T-Shirt. See what I mean. T-shirt = T-shirt bra.

'Back' bra:

1. Her width (or b measurement) Is too tight! Which is giving here underarm boobs.and shoulder boobs.
2. her straps are too tight, and digging into her shoulders.
    

The wrong "support", wont support and the wrong fit can make you look out of proportion. 

Getting fitted and wearing the right bra for your body type, is extremely important to your health.  

Please Get FITTED, and continue to get fitted every year!!!