Checklist for Buying the Perfect Bra
I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it 100 more times — I don’t do anything without a list. That includes shopping for the perfect bra! I know — I’m kind of nuts. But being prepared when making any kind of purchase is so helpful and makes your life so much easier — why not try it?
A good-fitting bra is arguably the most important garment in a woman’s wardrobe. Lucky for me my good friend, Jené Luciani, happens to be a bra guru and is willing to share her list for buying the perfect bra.
Bra-Buying Checklist
by Jené Luciani
Here are The Bra Book’s top ten tips to finding the perfect bra.
1. Choose a store that has a wide selection of bras and trained bra fitters on hand, like Frederick’s of Hollywood. Measure yourself first as a guideline, especially if shopping online.
2. Go to the store armed with a list of what you need and plan to buy: i.e., two nude bras, two black bras, one strapless, the best sports bra, one bra without underwire for comfort (this will vary from person to person). Remember: nude goes under nearly everything.
3. Be aware of your body type so you know what bras to look for. For example, if you are more of a top-heavy “apple,” you likely will be looking for fuller coverage bras, not demi-cups.
4. Wear or bring a thin t-shirt to the store so you can see what each bra looks like under the sheerest of circumstances.
5. Be open-minded about your size. If you’re surprised (or disappointed), remember that size is just a number (and a letter!). The proper fit of the bra is the most important part.
6. Wear a different size. If you’re in a bind and there’s a bra that you really love but they don’t have your size, it’s usually OK to go up a band size and down a cup size – or vice versa.
7. Don’t be afraid to put the bra on and face yourself in the mirror with a critical eye. If you see any gaps, spillage, digging in, or other signs of poor fit, it’s not the right bra. Turn around and look at the back as well. The back band can be very telling too when it comes to proper fit.
8. Don’t forget to pick up some bra accessories, too, so you avoid any faux pas! Breast petals and double-sided tape are always good to have on hand.
9. Don’t get stuck in a size rut. Write down the date of your visit and be sure to plan another one six months to a year later (our sizes fluctuate due to weight gain, hormonal changes, aging and other life changes so it’s important to get fitted at least once a year!) Our bras also need to be replaced every 6 months to a year due to wear and tear so it’s a good rule of thumb.
10. Be sure to properly care for your bras! It’s best to hand wash but if you must put in the washing machine, make sure it’s encased in a protective garment bag. Always air dry – never put your bras in the dryer!
J
ené Luciani is a celebrity style expert, author of The Bra Book (BenBella Books, 2009) and regular Life & Style Weekly and Today Show contributor, to name a few. You can find out more about her by visiting www.JeneLuciani.com and get more of her tips by visiting her blog, Jene’s Jems.
Good post on how to shop for a bra. Thanks for listing some tips on how one might make this process easier.
Thanks so much for reading! Glad you found it helpful!
Decent blog post, I will be checking back again persistently to look around for refreshes.
Thanks for creating a great list. Good information that all women should have when going shopping for a bra.
Thanks so much for your comment! Glad the list will come in handy! Appreciate you reading the blog and sharing it!
Terrific info! I have been searching for something like this for a little bit now. Thank you!
Do you people have a facebook fan page? I looked for one on twitter but could not discover one, I would really like to become a fan!
Yes — here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/ListProducer
Zoe…thanks for ur awesome comments!!!! It’s the Strap Mate 🙂
Yeah! Thanks for the tip. I figured you’d know exactly what I was talking about : )
Early developers learn bra trix early on. This is simply a matter of survival. I love this list. Jené Luciani, you are fabulous. Thank you. Two things:
1. I’d like to add that I keep tags from bras that I know are perfect (fit perfectly, function perfectly, are super comfy, last well, etc). Often my favorite brands will keep their most popular styles for years. I keep the tags in my bra drawer, in a little zip lock baggie so they are easy to find when new bra day comes. Size, etc. all there. Most of these bras, once you have style and size, are available online and save a ton of time. That’s for when I want bra basics. It is a yearly ritual, and I’m so boring I get the same style and size but all the colors. For FUN stuff, however… I keep a very open mind and go out and have fun! There really are some stunning bras out there, and wearing them can make you feel like a Goddess.
2. There’s some clever little bra-helper devise that helps hold straps in place when wearing a top or a dress that has the sort of straps that follow the bra line (hard to describe). I have a green maxi dress for Spring but would like to have at least the option of wearing a bra with it, but I don’t want the straps falling to the side. I know I’ve read about these clever little strap holders somewhere but for the life of me I can’t remember the name… I bet you know what I’m talking about(?)
Thanks so much!
ZOE