We’ve compiled answers to the twelve most popular lingerie and bra fitting questions.
Bra fitters and those in the lingerie industry get asked the same questions. They get asked them over and over. Good news: we’ve also got the answers! If you’ve asked yourself about how bras fit, where to buy lingerie, and what kind to choose, you’re not alone. Below are over 12 popular lingerie, bra, underwear, and bra fitting questions. They are the most asked questions. And, they have the answers!
1. How can I find my bra size?
This is perhaps the most popular question involving bra sizing. Bras come in a wide range of sizing, and finding the perfect size for you can be confusing. We’ve made it easy for you to finally find your bra size – or at least a bra size starting point.
Remember, if you go to a lingerie boutique or the intimate apparel department at a mall store, you can work with a bra fitter. You can fit yourself and shop for bras online. Or, you can double check the calculations from a bra size calculator or a fitter.
Once you’ve found your bra size, you can use the helpful info about that size to shop for bras. You can pick the size in each brand that matches your new size.
2. How can I tell if my bra fits?
Bras are like jeans. The fit varies on style, brand, and cut. You can’t just pick a size off of the rack, put it on, and be 100% sure it fits. There are some key elements to look for when trying on a bra with a bra fitter, at a bra shop, or even at home.
You can use these 6 Steps to Check the Fit of Your Bra when shopping for new bras. You can also use them when you’re re-checking the fit of your current bras at home.
Keep in mind, a well fitting bra is a comfortable and supportive bra. The size on your tag is a great place to start, and the way that it fits, feels, and functions is even more important.
3. Is it normal for more than one bra size to fit?
Yes! It is totally normal for more than one bra size to fit. In fact, it’s possible for the tags on your bras to read 9 or more different sizes, and each one can fit. Your bra size is not a strict math equation. It does not fit all brands, styles, or materials.
The best bra size for you can change based on your body. This includes your current measurements, body shape, age, and breast consistency.
The bra style matters too. For example, plunge and full coverage bras fit differently. Lastly, the brand matters. There is no consistent sizing system across brands.
Other factors play into the final fit too. For example, the materials used to make the bra matter. Bras made with very stretchy elastic fit differently than firmer bras.
Even the country in which the bra was made matters! Many countries use different sizing methods for the band, and the cup.
That’s why some basic bra sizing and fitting knowledge can help you choose the best bras. They will be in whatever sizes work best for you.
4. Can I really find a strapless bra that stays up?
Good news: yes you can! It’s a common myth that a strapless bra will inevitably fall or slip down. Wear the right size and find a style that suits your figure.
Then, you can find a strapless bra that stays up and in place. In fact, there are strapless bras for more sizes than ever before!
Use the guides below to shop some of the best and most supportive strapless bras. They work for just about every bra size, including full busts, petite busts, and average size busts.
- The best strapless bras for full busts (up to H cup!)
- The best strapless bras for petite busts (both padded and unlined)
- The best strapless bras for average busts (for women shopping for cup sizes B-DD)
5. What is the difference between a molded, contour, push up, and padded bra?
When it comes to choosing a cup style, American women tend to go for a molded bra. In general, a molded bra is a bra that keeps its shape or has a formed cup to it. It then “molds” your breast tissue to its shape.
Molded bras can be firm or flexible, seamed or seamless, smooth or decorative. They can also have padding or push-up.
It’s a myth, though, that all molded bras will add volume to your bust. Typically, bras that add volume are padded or push up bras. There are many different kinds of push up bras, and most are, indeed, molded. Some have removable padding, some are thicker than other bras, and many are a plunge shape.
There is a whole world of molded bras to explore! Try a few for yourself and see if you like the shape, support, and style.
6. Are thongs actually comfortable?
Believe it or not, thong underwear CAN be comfortable. Some may argue that the thin back of a thong feels like a “constant wedgie”. But, it’s also a great way to avoid visible panty lines (VPL) or to show off a favorite asset. In addition, some women find thongs more comfortable than other underwear. The preference is up to you.
If you’d like to try thong underwear and doubt its comfort, try one or two of The Most Comfortable Thongs first. Give thongs a try and see what happens. You may just open your whole world up!
7. How can I hide my nipples?
In the United States, it’s often taboo for a woman to show her nipples. It’s also common for her to cover up the shape of her nipple from showing through a top or blouse.
Women often choose based on where they work. They do it to avoid unwanted attention or for modesty. Molded bras can often offer built-in discretion. But, some are not thick enough to cover your headlights.
Alternatively, some women may not like the shape or fit of a molded bra. In that case, I highly suggest investing in a pair or two of nipple covers.
The styles available today range from totally seamless, flesh like material to over the top decorative and fun! Some are adhesive and will stick to your skin. Some can slip into your bra without glue.
Wear a seamless, neutral tone to be discreet. Or, wear sequin pasties to channel your inner burlesque dancer!
8. Does anyone make pretty bras for full busts?
You bet! Women who wear a cup size larger than a DD often complain that “no one makes pretty bras in my size!” And for many years, this was true. Now, several brands design and manufacture supportive and stylish bras for DD cups and up.
In fact, you can find beautiful colors and pretty lace in bra sizes F (or DDD cup) all the way up to an N cup size. Get to know the brands that make F Cup Bras and Larger like Tutti Rouge, Panache, Elila, and many more.
Bonus: many of the brands included also make supportive cup-sized swimsuits up to K cup! That means style and support at the beach and by the pool, too.
9. Does period underwear actually work?
One of the biggest trends in underwear fashion includes a special function! Period underwear is meant to be worn during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
It ranges from fully replacing tampons or pads, to being worn in addition to them. It can also just make that time of the month fun.
Explore brands like Thinx, Luna Panties, Dear Kate, and more. They’re just the tip of the period underwear iceberg. They often have added benefits. These include sweat and odor absorption, and fun colors. They are also good for yoga.
The results vary on both your intended use, and your flow. But all in all, I suggest giving period underwear a go!
10. How can I shop for bras online?
Getting fit in a bra boutique is a great way to shop for bras, but it’s not the only way. You’re in luck if you live in a remote place. Or, if you simply hate shopping for bras in crowded stores.
Bra shopping online is easier than you think! Use this guide for How to Shop for Bras and Underwear Online. It will take you to the best online lingerie shops.
It will give tips on picking a bra size. It will give advice for making sure your bra fits when it arrives.
11. Is it ok to put bras in the dryer?
No! The way you wash your bras matters. And the dryer is the worst for your bras. The high heat from a dryer will ruin the elastic in a bra, and can cause underwires to break or to poke out. It’s always best to air dry your bras by hanging them up or laying them out to dry.
In addition, it’s best if you can wash your bras by hand, too! Just soak your bras in delicate wash. Then, rinse and hang them to dry.
This will help them last longer. If you can’t hand wash, make sure you use a delicate cycle and very gentle soap.
Read the Five Easy Steps to Wash Your Bras. Also explore the Most Useful Lingerie Care Items. It has a list of the best soaps for washing bras, ideas for hang drying, and fun gadgets for washing your delicates.
12. Why do my underwire bras poke?
If you’re asking why your underwire bras poke or dig in, it could be a fit issue. Wearing a bra in the right size is a great start.
Then, it’s important to explore some style options. If the pain is in the middle of your chest, you can opt for a bra with a different center gore – usually lower.
And if it’s under your arm, look for an underwire that is not as deep. Test the underwire when you try on bras. Feel if it’s very rigid or more flexible if you’re very sensitive. Alternatively, you can try a bra without an underwire.
If you’re asking why your underwires poke out of your bra, it could be how you care for your bra. The way that you wash, store, and wear your bra can all cause your underwire to break or poke out.
The good news is that a broken underwire is usually preventable. Taking good care of your bras will help them last longer. It will keep you comfortable longer.
