Bra Fitting Tips by Catherine Légaré

My name is Catherine @stit.chstitchstitch and I am a lingerie expert, bra fitter, and seamstress. I’ve created Stitch Stitch Stitch, which is my consultation company for anything design related. I offer my bra fitting services, alterations for clothes, product development, and local production. Today on GLW, I’ve filmed a little segment with @jenniwelsh.film, sharing 5 of my best bra fitting tips and knowledge about lingerie! 

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Where to start…

Get fitted. 

Most women wear the incorrect bra size and this is why it’s primordial to get fitted properly by an expert. There are a lot of different factors that can influence changes in your bra size. 

To list a few: 

• – Aging 
• – Weight Fluctuation 
• – Pregnancy 
• – Hormones 
• – Inflammation 

So on and so forth! This is why it is very important to reassess your sizing every 6 months to a year. Your bra shouldn’t feel uncomfortable- and if it does, something is probably off!

Find what bra you’re looking for. 

Bras are specifically designed to respond to a certain need. All breasts are different, and not all breasts of the same cup size are exactly the same shape. Here are some questions you should ask yourself that will help you find what you’re looking for: 

• What kind of support do you want? 
• Are you more into bras with wires or wireless/bralette styles? 
• Do you prefer soft cups or foamy/padded ones? 

Always keep in mind that comfort is key. When you buy a bra, you need to make sure that you’ll reach for it when you see it in your drawer.

Try, try and try! 

The correct size may not fit properly in bras made by different manufacturers or in bras of different styles (even if they’re the same brand!) which is why it’s very important to try your bra on.

Wear a plain and tight white t-shirt when you’re bra shopping. We call it the t-shirt test: it’s going to show you everything that might be wrong with the bra you’re trying on.

Bra sizes will change from one company to another. Don’t get fixated on the size- an A cup isn’t necessarily small, and a D cup isn’t necessarily huge! The cup and the band are going to work together. Going up or down in a band size is a 2-inch circumference adjustment while going up or down a cup size is a roughly 1-inch adjustment. Keep in mind that bras don’t last forever: the band will stretch (a lot) over time and this is why it might not fit you as well as it did when you bought it. We tend to hold on to bras for too long, providing us the comfort of a loose band but disregarding the support that our breasts need!

Check list 

– Which hook should I hook it on? 

Your bra should be hooked on the loosest when you start. Your bra will stretch over time, but this allows you to add more longevity to the garment. If you buy a bra because it fits snugly while on the middle hook, you’ll only have one more hook to adjust as it stretches with wear and washing. You should always begin on the loosest hook, so that you can hook it tighter as it gets worn in. Try to avoid buying a bra where the best fit is while hooked on the bra’s tightest setting. 

– What about the band? 

The band has to be tight. You have to keep in mind that it will stretch with time and wear. The band has to be snug and parallel to the floor, in the front and in the back. Your bra shouldn’t move around. If the band size is too big, your bra band will be riding up and your breasts will be falling out from the bottom of your bra. This is a really common problem, and this is why most women are annoyed with bras: they have to readjust the fit all the time because the band is moving around and not providing the necessary support. Well, it shouldn’t. Try to lift your arms when trying it on- this is another test that will help you figure out if your band is snug enough. 

– How about the straps? 

They should lay flat on your shoulders- no digging. They should not be tightened all the way at the beginning- just like the band, they will stretch out prematurely and you will have no option to tighten them more once they have. The support and lift comes from the band, so tightening the straps too much should not be necessary. 

– Check the fit on your sternum. 

The center panel between the cups of your bra should sit firmly against your sternum. Depending on the shape of your breasts, a wider or narrower design on this panel may fit more comfortably to your body. Try different styles to see what works best! 

– What about wires? 

They shouldn’t poke your breasts or sit on top of them. They should be resting firmly against your ribcage and sternum, not floating or cutting into your breasts.

Washing 

Wash your bra properly. Lingerie is made of very delicate fabric and the best option is always hand washing. You can use either a special lingerie detergent or even baby shampoo! There are a lot of options on the market for what soap to use, but just be mindful to not use something that’s going to be too harsh. Hang to dry and voilà! 

Another tip: Don’t wear the same bra everyday: your bras need to rest for the elasticity to return after a day of wear. This is why women who have one good bra end up wearing them out so quickly. Make sure that you have a couple of dependable options in your drawer to increase each of your bras’ lifespan! These are my go-to bra fitting tips; I hope that they shed light on some of your interrogations. Just remember that getting fitted will only improve your life, and that undergarments are the foundation of a well-fitting outfit! 

Let me know in the comments what topics you would like for us to cover regarding all of your lingerie needs!