When getting a proper bra fitting, it can be exciting when your new size is revealed and support is found. Though a good fit does not stop at just a size. Not every woman will fit perfectly into one particular bra shape. For example, if a petite woman chooses a Balconet shaped bra with wide underwires and wide set bra straps, even in her correct size the fit may feel off. On the other hand, a woman who has a wide breast root, will not get a good fit from narrow underwires. The trick is to first find your bra size by getting properly fitted at a boutique that specializes in this. Some shops offer special orders and you can find your fit that way. If you can easily pull the bra band away from your body more than 2 inches, you know you are in the wrong size, or the bra has lost its support. Try our "Find Your Bra Size"page at www.goldenpearlingerie.com
After you have found your size, it's time to try on bras. Your fitter will have a good idea on the shape you'll need based on your body type, though no test is better than trying on. Once you have found the right size and underwire shape, you'll be amazed at the comfort.
Here I have defined underwire shapes by letters they resemble. These are just examples, and underwire shapes are not always clearly seen when looking. Though you may now understand why specific lingerie brands or styles do not suit your particular shape. Believe me, there is an underwire shape for you!
Basic Underwire Shapes-
The Wide "C"- Balconet or full cup bras
made for wide breasts
The Half "C" - Demi or Plunge bras
made for wide or narrow breasts
The Tall Narrow "U" - full cup bras
made for narrow breasts
The Short Narrow "U" - Balconet bras
made for narrow breasts
The Tall "J" - Plunge bras
made for wide or narrow breasts
So how do you know if you have wide or narrow breasts? You may have never thought about it, but you want the underwire to follow the natural shape of your breast root. The breast root can start at the underarm, in this case is usually wide, or on the front of your torso which can result in a narrow root. If the underwire sits on top of your breast tissue, you definitely need a fitting and possibly wider underwires. Underwire that sits on top of breast tissue is painful and can cause health problems, please do not put your body through this. If you feel that the underwire sits too far back on your torso, you could try narrow wires. When the underwire painfully pokes your underarm or sternum, I'd recommend shorter wires, like those in a plunge bra. Lastly, if breast tissue is falling out of the sides of your cup (near underarm, or at center), you may want taller wires, like in a Balconet.
These are all common bra fit issues that many women deal with everyday, but you should not settle for an ill fitting bra. Your bra should make you feel lifted and confident! Check out the pictures for examples of underwire shapes and experiment with these different styles to find what suits your beautiful body!