Everything You Need To Know About Buying A Bra By Coral Turner, Coral Turner.

By Coral Turner, Couture Designer,

As a couture designer, the overall fit is what makes a garment look fabulous, however in my experience, a poorly fitting bra can often be found to be the culprit if this happy medium is not forthcoming. For clothing to look optimum especially if you are buying one of my exclusive jersey fashions, you have to have the properly fitted bra, it not only lifts your assets but your confidence also. Finding the right bra is not difficult; you just have to do your homework first. Once you now the basics you can determine your correct size and decide what kind of style you want. Correct fit is the most important aspect of a bra, not just for comfort, but also for the best possible support and overall look. Styles and fabrics are important, too. These needs can differ with your body type, personality and dress.  So ladies, take some advice from this couture designer who has been dressing women for over 20 years, this is all you need to know about getting a proper bra.

Measurement and Fit

Many women wear the wrong size bra. Don’t just guess and don’t go by feel alone; spend a few minutes with the tape measure and you’ll find bra shopping and fitting much easier. Be sure to measure in the right places to guarantee the best fit:

Band

Place a tape measure at the middle of your back and around the top of your bust. This your band width. Most stores carry bras with band widths from 30 to 40 inches around that have three different hook placements for wiggle room.

Bust

Next find your bust size by measuring around the fullest part of your bust (around the nipple) parallel to the ground. Bust size is accommodated through strap adjustment.

Cup

Determine your cup size by subtracting your band width from your bust size. The number difference between band and bust should range from 0 to 6 inches. This number than corresponds to the regulatory letter cup sizes (AA-DDD). 

Band width – Bust size = Cup size

0 = AA

1 = A

2 = B

3 = C

4 = D

5 = DD

6 = DDD

Coverage style

There are different levels of coverage, from total to scant, depending on your body, personality and what you’re wearing.

Full coverage

Offers the most possible coverage and support; best for full-figured and/or busty women.

Demi

Provides half the coverage of a full; better for smaller, slimmer women.

Multi-way 

This style has movable straps that can be manipulated to accommodate asymmetrical or “complicated” tops and dresses; perfect for halter tops, racer backs and one-shoulder tops.

Push-up

The push-up creates lift and cleavage when you want it; great for evening wear.

Wireless

Features no under wire, for comfort with flexible, light support; best with blouses and sweaters.

Fabric

Different bra fabrics behave differently under clothing. Some work better than others to complete your look. The rule of thumb is to match the bra material to the clothing material. A satiny bra, for example, will look more seamless and natural under a silk top than a cotton bra, which may cause the top fabric to cling and stick.

Cotton

Works best under other cotton tops (T-shirts) and linen blouses.

Eastern Promise

Satin

Best with like tight and/or clingy dresses, tops and sweaters like Olive, Cerise or Eastern Promise which are in my online collection.

Rosetta

Blends (nylon, rayon, etc.)

Works well with most all clothing fabrics including jersey fabrics that I use. If you need examples, Rosetta and Happy would work well with a blended fabric bra. 

Happy

Lace

Best for the bedroom; it often does disrupts the line of the clothing.

Whether you’re small, busty, perky or a little droopy, the right fitting bra is equally essential for all women. Ensuring the best bra fit will benefit you, both physically and psychologically!  Follow these tips, and you will look and feel great.  

Remember, I am happy to meet with you to design and create wardrobe for your holidays or for that special occasion that you have this summer.