La Femme Fatale Lingerie brings you professional bra fitting advice from the Director of the company, Katy Bensley, whose career has included working in professional fitting and sales at Playtex Wonderbra.
As many as 8 in 10 women wear the wrong size bra, so chances are the bra you're wearing at this very moment isn't your correct size. A properly fitting bra is not only comfortable- it's truly flattering. The perfect bra can lift, separate, accentuate, minimize or maximize – all you have to do is find the right one. Your quest for the perfect bra begins with the perfect fit and La Femme Fatale provides professional bra fitting advice to help you do that.
Katy offers the following tips to help women find the right size bra which is comfortable and flattering. There are many makes and styles of bras and it is important to look at a good selection to establish the perfect fit. We work with lingerie labels that are renowned for their comfort and fit, amongst them are brands like Beau Bra, Fleur T, Princesse tam tam and Charnos.
The below Measurement guide is a good start to help you find your perfect bra size. Use a good mirror and it is best to measure your size without wearing your bra.
Finding your Bra Size
There are two important measurements you'll need to know to figure out your correct size - the Band measurement and the Cup measurement. The Band measurement represents the numeric portion of your bra size - the 36 in a 36c. The cup measurement will be used to determine your cup size - the letter C in the size 36c.
Step
1 – Measuring your Band size
Measure under your arms, high on your back, around the top of your chest.
If this measurement is an even number, then this is your band size. If
this measurement is an odd number, then add 1" to determine your
band size. Record that number, you'll need it for step 3.
Step 2- Measuring your Cup size
While wearing your favourite supportive, comfortable bra, measure loosely
around the fullest part of your bust. Record that number, you’ll
need it in a sec.
Step
3 – Calculating your Bra size
Subtract your band measurement from your cup measurement; each inch represents
a cup size. For example: if your band measurement is 34" and your
cup measurement is 36", then the difference between these measurements
is two inches, and you'd wear a B-cup.
General Tips for Fitting
We spend time choosing the perfect dresses and outfits, so we should be spending time choosing the right bra set. Sizes can slightly differ by lingerie manufacturer, so it is important to try on your lingerie and find your perfect bra size and also use your own judgement with fit.
A common problem with bras, is that people are wearing bras where the cup size is too small and the bra is too loose around the body. Your Bra cup size relates to the A,B,C, D. DD etc- your breast size and the back/ band size is the 30, 32,34, 36, 38, 40 inch etc part of the bra measurement.
Find yourself a good mirror to look out for the following :-
- If the fabric is baggy on the cups, the bra cups are too big for your size so go down a cup size. With fabric that creases around the nipple area, try going down a back size for a more snug fit.
- The centre front of the bra should sit flat against your body, if it doesn't, then your cup size is likely to be too small and you need to try a bigger cup size ie if you have a D cup bra, try a DD size cup.
- If you experience itching or red marks around your bra area, the band size of the bra is often too small/tight for you, you might also need to adjust the straps for a better fit. If the band size is too small, go up to the next band size ie from 34” to 36”.
- If you see red marks around your straps, then the straps are too tight. You should be able to comfortably fit a finger between your shoulder and strap. Make sure your bra straps are long enough for the bra to be fastened low, at the point where your back narrows. When you try your bra on, make sure the straps are at the longest length and then adjust them accordingly for the perfect fit. Your straps are an important support for the breasts.
- Your bra band size is too big if your bra rides up your back and you need to go for a smaller back size. Check in the mirror that your bra band is the same level all the way round.
- Your bra band should feel tight and firm, with enough space to insert two fingers under the back band and one under the centre at the front. Your dress size is a good indicator of the band size you need, ie. if you are a size 12, then you are unlikely to need a 36-38 bra band size but most likely a 34 band size or a size 8-10 dress size would normally mean a 30-34 back/band size.
- If your breasts spill over your bra cups, then the chances are you need a bigger cup size…try the next one up. Your breasts should sit comfortably in the bra cups and you don't want to see the sides of your breasts bulging outside of the bra cups. With Underwired bras, the underwire should sit directly under the breast, there should be no gap between the breast and the underwire of the bra cup. The underwire should not be digging into the breast, this means it is not a good fit for you.
- When you buy a new bra, make sure that it fits properly on the loosest hook, as you might need to tighten it with wear.
- Check what your bra silhouette looks like under a fitted T-shirt. This will make sure that you get a smooth line with no bulges.
- Do stretch out your arms when you are trying on a bra to see if it feels comfortable.
- Remember changes in weight can also lead to changes in bra size. Do check your bra size regularly.
If your bra doesn't fit snugly when you receive it from us, just let us know and we can arrange for you to try another bra size and promptly send you another one. We want you to find the perfect bra.
Email us at sales@lafemmefatale.info with your feedback/queries on Fitting.
Caring for your lingerie
Follow the care instructions on your garments. Ideally wash your bra after wearing it a couple of times with a non-biological powder or liquid to stop the elastic and Lycra from rotting. Laundry nets are excellent for washing all bras in, as they help retain the bra shape.
European Size Conversions
Please
be aware that European sizing runs slightly smaller than American sizes.
Useful Lingerie Jargon
Chemise /Babydoll– Otherwise known as a short nightgown or negligee. It is a sleeveless, loose fitting top or a bra with sheer material attached with lengths varying from just under the breasts to derriere. A babydoll usually comes with a matching G-string or pant. They are great for nightwear or to lounge around in. One of our best selling lines and a favourite with the men too!
Balcony/ Balconette Bra – Similar to a half cup bra, this bra type covers just over half of the breasts and adds a sexier, luxurious shape to the bust line.
Underwired bra – This Bra type comes with a thin wire sewn into the lower portion of the cups – giving added support. Great for larger bust sizes.
Push up bra – Made famous by the Wonderbra! The cups are designed to add to the bust size and give a more attractive cleavage. The padding is usually removable.
Boyshorts / French Knicker – This design covers the bum in a very flattering style. They are very comfortable and look sexy at the same time.
Thongs /G string /Tanga – These are made from a narrow piece of fabric and attached to a band around the hips. Sexy and relatively revealing.
Camisoles /Camis – Designed to wear under shirts or suits, covering the bust to the waist. Very fashionable and often worn as outerwear.
For professional bra fitting service or queries contact us at sales@lafemmefatale.info.
Other websites we recomend CYC – THE PERFECT SHIRT
THE ULTIMATE MADE TO MEASURE SERVICE WITH THE LOOK YOU WANT
CYC The Custom Shop, a World famous name in shirt making, is now in the UK.
Our expert consultants measure you for the perfect fit and offer you a great choice of styles, fabrics and colours.
We can come to your home or office, or you can visit us at our Canary Wharf showroom.
The high quality shirts, for men and women, are delivered just two weeks after the fitting.
Visit www.cyccustomshop.com or phone 0207 0388057 for more details. |
