9 Top secrets – about your bra!

Let’s face it: when it comes to bras, we immediately think of a sultry model or sexy celeb oozing sex appeal and fitting perfectly into a bra straight off the catwalk. And yet, when you’re the one standing in front of the mirror, not everything always… fits.

“Most women aren’t correctly advised about their bra size,” says Mo Thoka, a professional bra fitter at Pandora Bra Studio. “Women often end up wearing an incorrect size that is either too tight or uncomfortable. Bras that are too small also result in spilling out of the cup, giving women the dreaded four-breast effect.”

So how to find your perfect fit? Pandora Bra Studio lets GLAMOUR in on all its secrets…

1 The lowdown on size

Eighty percent of women don’t wear the correct bra size. The perfect size is a combination of the correct cup size and width of your back as well as the most suitable style that offers you comfort.

2 The perfect fit

The back of your bra needs to fit securely yet comfortably in a horizontal position – this acts as the foundation to keep your bra in place while the straps help lift and position your bust. Remember to tighten your straps until they are comfortable, however, if your bra rides up your back, it could mean it’s too big.

3 Invest in yourself

Think of your bra as an investment in your self-image. A perfectly fitted bra is like a shaping garment, contouring your outline and enhancing your look. A good bra will lift your bust up and forwards, creating definition between your breast and stomach, and make you appear slimmer.

4 Uplift your experience

Wearing a bra should be a comfortable, uplifting (pun intended) experience. If you feel like your ribcage is about to burst, it means the band is not correctly fitted. When fitting a bra, raise your arms above your head and if it goes up with your arms, your bra may be too big or you have not adjusted it correctly.

5 Say goodbye to sneaky shoulder straps

A slipping bra strap could mean a number of things: your cup size is too big, your shoulders are slouching forward, your straps are adjusted incorrectly or you’ve bought the wrong bra size or style. Always check that your bra fits comfortably on both the first and second row of hooks as the garment will stretch over time.

6 Treat your girls right

No matter the size of your breasts, ensure they are placed properly into the cups with your nipple in the centre. If you’re bulging or puckering out of the cup, you need to go up or down a size.

7 Battle of the bulge

Want to get rid of the bulges that peek through a tight top? It’s as easy as wearing the correct cup size! The right cup will help smooth your appearance and get rid of bumps and lumps around the bra.

8 Stop tramlines in their tracks

If you find you have red welts or indentations on your shoulders and back from your bra, it means the band is not tight enough. The best solution is to move to a smaller size so the band fits snugly against your skin.

9 Put your breasts in their place

Just like some people have one foot slightly larger than the other, breasts can be different sizes too. If your breasts are slightly different in size, always fit for the larger breast.

How much do you know about what causes (and doesn’t cause) your breasts to sag? Check out these 8 myths and facts about sagging breasts.