7 things you need to know when shopping for a new bra. Our in-house secrets to self-brafitting.

A perfect bra? One that makes our cleavage look gorgeous while providing appropriate support for our breasts. Finding one is easier said than done, and as you probably already know,  the road to absolute comfort can be long and frustrating. A bra that slips away from the shoulders, digs into the skin or causes spillage just to end up in the washing basket as soon as you get home is far more likely. How to avoid it then? We gathered all of our brafitting knowledge into a one compact guide to make sure that bra horror stories become a thing of the past. 

 

1. Band is the foundation of proper support.

Cups model and hold the breasts, but it’s the band that carries the majority of the weight. That’s why it’s extremely important to get proper measurements. A well fitting bra is going to stay on even if you take the straps off, some don’t even have any straps at all, like our [model stanika bez pasków]. To measure the band, run a measuring tape right under the breasts and along the back. It should be tight, but comfortable - bands are stretchy. If you need to, round the number down. If the bra holds at the same level both at the front and the back and doesn’t move on it’s own, the mission is completed and the band size you have chosen is correct. 

 

2. Master your actual size as well as the “sister size”

As with the majority of garments, size charts of various brands or collections may differ. If you find out that the bra you like doesn’t fit in your normal size, see if the sister size will work. What is it exactly? It’s what happens when you alter one of the parameters up or down, to find the perfect combination of the band length and cup size. Rule of thumb is this: if you increase the band, reduce the cup. For example, 75D can be replaced with 70E or 80C. If you wear 75C daily, it might turn out that 70D or 80B will fit you just fine or even better. 

 

3. Our bodies aren’t all symmetrical. If you’re breasts are of different sizes, it’s normal and we know how to deal with it. 

Often times one breast is larger than the other, and it’s nothing to be worried about. Asymmetry is natural! If the difference is significant and makes it hard on finding a perfect bra, we suggest that you select a bra based on the larger breast. It’s easier to add, than to subtract - the other cup can be filled with padding. Take a look at our https://loveandhateofficial.com/products/black-push-up-plunge-bra-chance - thanks to removable padding it works great with breasts of various sizes.

 

4. If the shoulder straps are digging in, the cups are likely too small

Although it might be a surprise to you, shoulder straps are only there to pull the cups close to the body. That’s why strapless bras are a thing, but just cups with no sides are just a temporary solution for some more revealing stylizations. If your shoulder straps are digging in, it likely means that your breasts are too big for the cup, which pulls the straps in too tight. Your shoulders will thank you if you select a bigger cup next time.

 

5. Shoulder straps are tout like a bowstring

Another reason why your shoulders might be in pain is too loose of a band. If the band doesn’t provide with proper support, shoulder straps are going to have to carry all that weight by themselves, and you will feel that. Take a look in the mirror - if the straps are very tight, but the band moves around when you do, it’s either too large or too stretched out to work properly. 

 

6. The mystery of centre gore and the cup size

Centre gore is the eminence grise of bras. Often unmentioned, buy being a key part to the bra anatomy it connects the cups and stabilizes the construction. It should sit tight, but comfortably against the skin. If you see that it’s too loose or comes off the skin, consider selecting a smaller cup.

 

7. A few words about the fastening

Looser doesn’t equal more comfortable, unless we’re  talking about sweatpants or hoodies. Loose bras should always be avoided. Proper band length is a priority - if not selected properly, the bra just won’t do it’s job. Appropriate band can be recognized by sticking your fingers under the cups. You should only be able to pull away an inch or so away from the body.  o ensure the longevity of your bra, we suggest that at the beginning you fasten it using the first clasp, then when you suspect that it might have stretched, switch to clasp number 2 and 3. Doing it this way should get another few months out of the bra.


And remember - bras aren’t made of diamonds and they don’t last forever. There will be time when you’ll have to say goodbye to your favourite one too. 

Even if you give them proper care, most bras last a 100-some washes. Longer, if you handwash them, but even then at some point they’ll become too worn out to give you any substantial support. Pay attention to signals such as straps starting to slip away or the band making it’s way up your back. If you notice those, it’s time to go shopping. 


In our collection you will find a variety of bras, including classic lace ones, quirky bras with straps and lingerie for special occasions or everyday use. 

https://loveandhateofficial.com/collections/bras