Frequently Asked Bra Fit Questions
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When measuring yourself for a bra, you will take two measurements: One around your ribs and the second around the fullest part of your bust. This works best while wearing your least padded, best fitting bra.
Your underbust measurement, in inches, will be your band size, and the difference between your underbust measurement and around-bust measurement will determine your cup size. For every 1 inch your around-bust measurement differs from your underbust measurement, you will increase your cup size by one.
*Please note that Bra Fitting is an art, not an exact science. The measurement is not always 100% exact and these measurements are just a starting point. It becomes more difficult to compute accurately as the size increases, particularly for people that have a larger underbust measurement and a smaller cup size. This measuring technique is to be used a strong guideline only.
See Forever Yours Lingerie’s Bra Size Calculator if you need help determining your bra size from your measurements. -
Most often, people measure too loosely under the bust and buy a bra with the band much too big. Due to the relationship between the band and cup sizes, this leads to an inaccurate cup measurement as well. Make sure that the tape measure is snug around your ribs. If you are firm around your ribcage, there is less need for a tight measurement and vice-versa. A loose band leads to slipping and digging straps, back riding up and achy breasts.
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You’re welcome to reach out to us for advise on measuring at home! Once you order your size, there are 4 simple things you can check to ensure that your bra is fitting you properly:
1) The band should be snug, the back level with the front, and parallel to the floor. Ensure you can get a clenched fist between your spine and the back hand. If your band rides up your back throughout the day, the band is too loose.
2) The straps should rest comfortably on your shoulder, with enough room for 2 fingers’ width to fit between the strap and the top of your shoulder.
3) The cup should encompass your entire breast, with the underwire sitting against the sternum and behind of your breast tissue under your arm. Make sure that the underwire is on the ‘root’ of the breast, or the spot where your breast leaves your body and not any lower.
4) The cup should be deep enough to contain the whole breast, without having the breast tissue bubble over the top of the cup, which will create a visible line underneath a shirt.
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It is recommended that there should at least 3 bras in your collection. To get the most life out of your bra, it needs to rest for 1-2 days in between wears, so that the elastics can return to their original shape. Your bra should be hand washed every 2nd-3rd wear, depending on your body oil, products you use on your skin and level of perspiration. Ultimately, the more bras you have, the more you have to rotate between wearing, washing, and letting them rest.
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This depends on several factors, including how often you are wearing it, how long you wear it for each day, what you’re doing in your bra and if you’re providing recommended wash and care. The average life of a bra is up to 6 months to 1 year, but some can last much longer! If you are wearing it all day every day without rest rotation, around 6 months is when you will need to look into a replacement. If you have a physical job or wear it 18 hours a day, you will find that you will need to replace them more often. The more bras you have to rotate between, the longer they will last. Ensure that you are hand washing your bras and laying them flat to dry for added longevity.
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Unfortunately, no. All bras have the possibility of fitting differently, even if they are made by the same manufacturer. A bra size will often vary between different brands, styles, fabrics, dyes, or cut. Regardless of size, not every style will be right for your breast tissue or breast shape. Even the same style in a different colour can fit differently, as the way the fabrics are dyed can change the way the bra fits.
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The number of hooks on the back of your bra does not always determine how much support the bra has. Many full support bras have multiple hooks in the back, especially in the larger cup sizes. This is because when more support is required, a wider band with more surface area, more evenly disperses the pressure you feel across the back. It feels much more comfortable, and secure, across the back. Ultimately, the number of hooks you have on your bra depends on the brand, style, or size.
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If you find that the straps constantly slip off your shoulder, it is most often because the bra is too loose in the band. When a bra is worn in a larger band size, the entire structure of the bra is too wide for your body, including the placement of the straps. However, some people have narrow or sloped shoulders leading to this frustrating issue. If you have been properly fitted for a bra and are wearing the correct band size, there are a few things you can do to try to help prevent your straps from slipping off your shoulder:
1) Try a bra with straps that are further inset on the shoulder, rather than having the straps sit wide on the shoulder. This is often called a kicked-in or U-Shaped Back. Avoid balconette styles, as a characteristic of these bras is having wide set straps.
2) Opt for a convertible, strapless, or racerback bra style. These bras allow you to cross the straps in the back, bringing them closer together in the center, and helping to keep them in place on your shoulder. Many bras (like the Elomi Matilda) have a “J-hook” option that bring the straps together on the upper back.
3) Try a Strap Doctors. This product is made from a soft silicone that envelopes the straps, warms to your skin temperature, and effectively keeps the straps in place on your shoulder. -
Neutral colours (beige, tan, mocha, blush) are your best bet. Choose something that is the closest match to your skin tone. If you want something a little sexier than beige, try a light pink or red bra. Yes, you read that right - a RED bra! Depending on the undertones of your skin, a light pink or “true” RED bra will disappear underneath a white shirt. Regardless of your skin colour, a white bra will always show through a white shirt because the colour does not blend with your skin, and the bra will be highlighted underneath your shirt.
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Unfortunately, most lingerie manufacturers only make seamless or moulded bras up to an H cup. This is mainly because moulded or seamless bras are not considered to be full support bras, and they often do not fit a larger breast as well as a seamed bra. Seamed, or cut and sewn bras, are designed to provide maximum support - the bottom panel lifts the breast, the side panel brings the breast forward, and the top panel contains the breast in the cup. In contrast, a seamless bra has only one preformed shape that you can try to fit your breast into. If you need a full support bra but want a smooth look, try a bra with flat or inverted seams as these are nearly invisible underneath most clothing.
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After any fluctuation in size, it is always best to be freshly measured, and ideally try on a few bra styles to be sure of your size. When this is not possible, you can adjust the band and cup sizes in a way that will provide a comparable fit. This is called sister sizing and is generally safe to use within a specific brand or style. Each size has 2 sister sizes, one on either side of the band size.
There is a direct relationship between the band and cup sizes. If the band increases but the letter stays the same, the cup will in fact be larger and vice versa. The sister size rule is built on the premise that any changes to the band size result in similar changes to the cup size. If the band size is too small but the cup is fitting well, you will need to try one band size larger and decrease the cup by one size to make up for this difference.
For example, let’s say you are wearing a 36F. The 36 band size is too small, but the F cup fits well. So, logically you would go to a 38F, right? Nope! As the band size went up to a 38, the cup also increased in size, which would make that 38F fit in the band, but it would now be too large in the cup. We suggest trying a 38E (or 36DD, whichever comes before the F cup in the manufacturer’s size range). The sister size to the 36F is 38E because it fits the same in the cup but is larger in the band than the 36F.
This also goes the other way! If your band is too loose but your cup fits well, you decrease the band size by 1 size and increase the cup to account for this. (36F would then become a 34FF or 34G, whichever cup size follows the F cup in that particular brand).
If the band fits fine and only cup needs to be adjusted, there is no need to adjust the band and just increase or decrease the cup accordingly. -
Most likely, you are wearing a bra with a band size that is too loose for you, and tightening the straps too much to compensate the loss of support. This is the most common mistake that people make when buying a bra. Make sure to buy your bra snug enough so that the back stays level with the front. There should enough room to fit a fist in between the band and your back, but not so much room that you can the bra away from your body considerably. Especially if you only have a couple of bras to rotate between wearing, your bra should be snug so that it does not stretch out too quickly, resulting in the band riding up.
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If the bra is comfortable and fitting you properly, it does not matter if you are in a non-wire or underwire bra. If you choose an underwire bra, your breasts will have more lift and separation; however, you can achieve good support with either option. For non-wire bras that provide a beautiful shape, and comparable support to an underwire bra, see the Royce Maisie Bra or Goddess Alice Softcup Bra!
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Our suggestion would be to try a bra that is made primarily of a natural materials, such as cotton or modal. We also offer a natural bamboo product called Wick ‘em, which rests under the band of your bra, helping to wick moisture away from your body and create a barrier between you and your bra.
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Bra manufacturers make several styles that are a part of their basic collection, but seasonal collections are made for a season to keep their offering new and exciting! Manufacturers make every effort to continue producing their clients’ favourite styles; however, it is not always possible to do so. Styles are discontinued by the manufacturer when they are unable to source the same fabrics or lace, the style has high return rates, or the style does not sell as well as other favourites. Often the manufacturer will try to produce something similar to replace the discontinued style, and we may be able to suggest a comparable fit.
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Forever Yours Lingerie makes every effort to ensure our product range offers both quality and affordability. Our bras typically start around $59.99 and can go up to $200+. So why pay more? Like a good pair of shoes, a good bra is an investment, and it comes down to quality, comfort and fit. It should be both comfortable and supportive; after all, you are wearing it all day!
The two main reasons that some products are more expensive, are:
1) The materials used and construction of the garment, are of a high standard of quality. Brands like Empreinte perform extensive testing to their fabrics (such as colour fastness in different environments, durability of the elastane and more) to ensure the longevity of their products.
2)The garment has been manufactured using skilled craftsmanship and has undergone rigorous quality control testing. These garments are designed in a developed country, and often many components, or the whole piece, is made in developed countries as well that ensure fair wages and good quality of life to their employees. Some luxury brands, such as Prima Donna, can require up to 50 pieces to make one bra and have over 100 years of expertise in their production.
So the next time you are in a fitting room and are hesitant to try that bra that’s marked at $100... compare it to the bra that’s marked at $49.99. Look at the details on the more expensive bra - the finishing, the quality of the lace, the feel of the fabrics. Consider the thought that went into giving you the best comfort and fit possible - the anatomically shaped band, the cushioned underwire, the gently tapering straps... Try it on and notice how much better it feels. Also, break it out by cost per wear and you’ll find it’s less than your daily Frappuccino! -
Most likely, the cup is too small for your breast. The underwire in your bra should be large enough to encompass the entire breast; this means that the end of the wire should be sitting somewhere close to your underarm. If your wire is digging into the side of your breast, it is probably because the underwire is resting on your breast tissue instead of further back and against the side of your body. Use this rule with caution, because if the wire is too far back, this can also be uncomfortable. Even if you are wearing the correct size, some brands have a very high wire under the arm that can be uncomfortable on the wrong body type. If you have a short torso, avoid brands such as Panache or Elomi, which have a very high underwire.
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This is one of the most important bra fitting rules. To achieve breast separation and the best support, the wire of your bra should be sitting right up under the base of your breast and flat against your sternum - not on top of your breast tissue. If the underwire does not sit flat against your chest, the wires can twist from the pressure and there is an increased likelihood of the underwire poking through the wire casing and coming out. Some people with very full, or close-set breasts, can have a hard time getting the underwire to sit flat against her chest. In this case, try to get the underwire as close to the correct position as possible, by either trying a style with a very strong underwire (like Elomi, Goddess, Panache, or Empreinte), or by trying a style with a low center gore (like the Elomi Kim or Sculptresse Roxie).
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This could be attributed to a few different things. Redness from a snug fitting bra is normal! Just like socks that leave marks around your ankles or pants that are snug fitting I the waistband, bras can leave redness and indents on the skin. Pain, redness and bruising however can be caused by an ill-fitting bra or a bra that is much too tight. Even when you are fitted by a professional, it’s not until you get home that you realize it isn’t right for you. If your properly fitted bra is uncomfortable, which sometimes happens, you should consider trying a different style. Not every bra style is going to be right for everyone’s body shape. Your bra should never be painful, but please do keep in mind that anything worn against your skin for a long period of time will leave a red mark (ie. pant waistband, panties, etc.)
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The best way to put on a bra, to make sure that your breasts are positioned correctly, is as follows:
1) Place your arms through the straps, positioning the strap at a comfortable spot on your shoulder.
2) Gently place the underwire (or underbust band if it is a softcup) under the base of your breast. Reach back and hook the bra band closed, gently pulling it down until it is level with the front of the bra.
3) Reach into the cup with your opposite hand, lifting your breast on an angle, up and towards the center of the bra. Repeat on the other side. This is an important step to positioning your breast correctly, and should be done every time you put a bra on.
4) Gently smooth your breast away from the center panel with a finger.
If you find it difficult to reach behind you to do up the hooks, you can do the hooks up on your abdomen and gently spin the bra around, so the cups are at the front. Please note that this is not ideal, and it can put additional strain on the underwires.
Maternity and Nursing Bras
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Yes! You can continue to wear your bra until your breasts start to grow, or you no longer feel comfortable in your old bra. If you are at the point where you feel like you need a new bra for the remainder of your pregnancy, you should try to find a transition bra - something in a lower price range, with lots of stretch to accommodate your comfort during growth. There is no need to try to find a bra that is specifically labeled as “maternity”.
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You may not need a specific bra for pregnancy, so don’t invest in one unless you need one. Some women find that they need a transition bra if they grow a lot during their pregnancy, or are finding their old bra uncomfortable. If you are looking for something to get you through until you have your baby, look for something that is comfortable and stretchy, but still gives adequate support. Many women choose to wear a comfort nursing style for the last 2-3 weeks of their pregnancy, and about 1-2 weeks after baby is born, until their milk is regulated. Comfort styles, such as the Original Bravado Nursing Bra, are designed to provide comfort and moderate support, while stretching to accommodate your changing shape.
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Most likely, yes. Many women find that their breasts increase in size during and after pregnancy, and they may also become firmer as your breasts starts to produce milk. Unfortunately, no one can say how much your breasts will change size, as this is something very individual. Try to think of how your breasts changed during and after your last pregnancy - or, if this is your first, ask your mother how much her breasts changed.
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To measure yourself for a bra when pregnant, first follow the same steps for fitting yourself for a bra. To accommodate for growth during your pregnancy, add two inches onto your ribcage measurement. Wear your pregnancy bra on the tightest setting, so that as your ribs expand throughout your pregnancy, you will be able to loosen the band as needed. The cup should have some room in it to allow for growth, but not so much that the bra is visibly too large underneath a shirt. If you need assistance to determine your bra size, check out our online Bra Calculator or contact us at customercare@foreveryourslingerie.ca or at 604-532-1933.
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Whatever you feel more comfortable in! As long as the bra is fitting you properly, you can wear either style. If you choose to go with an underwire style, make sure that the cup is not too small, or is just fitting you. If the cup is too small, or will become too small quickly, it may start to dig and pinch the side of your breast, at the underarm. When pregnant, it is always best to make sure your bra has a little bit of room for growth.
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We recommend wearing a comfort or sleep nursing bra, like the Original Bravado Nursing Bra, about a month before you are due. This bra will see you through your delivery and the first 1-2 weeks after giving birth, as it has lots of stretch to accommodate your changing shape. It is common for the size of your breasts to increase dramatically after your birth, and you are going to need something to bridge the gap until your milk supply is regulated enough to invest in a supportive nursing bra.
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Measure yourself the same that you would a regular bra, as per our Bra Fitting Guide. Remember to take into consideration whether or not you are full, or have nursed recently, and adjust your size accordingly. If you have just nursed and are not full, leave a little bit of room in the cup, to grow.
Sports Bras
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In comparison to an everyday bra, an athletic sports bra has a much higher level of support, structure, and bounce control. Usually, sports bras are also made with technology fabrics, designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, and wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you cool and dry during exercise. Excess breast bounce causes irreversible damage to the ligaments in your breast, causing your breasts to lose their firmness. The level of support one needs in a sports bra, is dependant on the activity: Light support, moderate support, and high support.
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Your breasts are supported by ligaments and skin. Ligaments and skin will stretch over time, and with excess impact and stretching. The best way to help prevent this, is to always wear a proper fitting bra, and reduce the bouncing caused when exercising, with a structured athletic bra. Wearing a sports bra will also eliminate the breast discomfort or pain most women feel when they exercise.
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The level of support you will need from your sports bra, is dependent on the level of activity you are doing, and the size of your breast. The higher the stress or the larger the breast, the more support is required. If the activity is running or participating in high impact sports, a bra with maximum support will be required. If the exercise is still high activity, but with less jarring motion, a moderate or medium level sports bra should be a good fit for you. If you are walking or cycling, a light support sports bra should suffice.
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Absolutely! Breast tissue can be affected by lack of support, no matter the size. If a sports bra is not worn during activity, the end result is always the same - the tissue will break down and the breast will start to sag.
Bra Alternatives
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The usage of any breast lift tapes varies from product and brands, please check the individual product description. It is generally recommended not to wear the product for more than 8 hours. Please check out our bra accessories page for the tapes we carry.
Don't forget nipple covers when wearing breast lift tapes, as it adds extra layer of protection to your nipples when removing the tape. -
Unfortunately, the adhesive tape itself is not reusable. My Perfect Pair Kit includes 2 pairs, and Booby Tape is a 15-foot roll which is suitable for 5-15 wears, depending on breast size. Lots of room for some test runs to get the application down pat!
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Definitely! We recommend Booby Tape as you can use as much as you need to feel secure in your outfit. The tapes are designed to be breathable and stretchy to mimic skin, but strong to withstand the wildest of nights. With proper skin preparation and application, breast tapes are designed to hold the heaviest of breasts.
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All our breast adhesive tapes are hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. Everyone reacts to products differently however, and removal can be quite painful if not done properly. If you're unsure if it's suitable for your skin, snip off a test patch from the product and apply it to the area of skin you'll be applying the tape. Leave it for 24 hours to ensure that there is no reaction before proceeding with a full application.
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Absolutely! Most are made with medical grade adhesive and tested to ensure longevity of wear. Please refer to the individual product page description if it is water and or sweat resistant.
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Pasties or also known as nipple covers are STRONGLY recommended when using breast lift tape as it adds an extra layer of protection during tape removal. Most breast lift tape does not come with nipple covers and need to be purchased separately.
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Each brand recommends a different procedure for removal. Follow the directions closely and carefully to avoid skin tearing or discomfort. It is recommended to apply oil of any kind (baby oil, vegetable, coconut etc.) to the tape, as well as to the skin as the tape is being gently pulled away from the skin. Slow and steady wins the race!