How to find the perfect bra, according to experts
Consider these tips next time you go bra shopping.
Because people have been looking for comfort for the past two years, bras have taken a bit of a backseat.
But now that things are opening up again around the country, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many are refreshing their wardrobes -- and that means buying new bras.
While there are plenty of options on the market, experts agree that understanding what the best bra for you is can save you time and money.
Undergament educator at HurrayKimmay.com and founder of Bra Confidence & Comfort course Kimmay Caldwell told "Good Morning America" the best way to find a bra that fits is to work with a professional to get fitted.
"Great bra fitters are like expert mechanics," said Caldwell. "As the bra wearer, there are some key things you need to know, but it's often more efficient and less stressful to go to a pro."
Caldwell said learning how bra sizing works and doing basic "bra math" can help you understand how to use bust and underbust measurements to calculate your two starting bra sizes.
"Those measurements are just numbers and give you a great place to start, but bras are similar to jeans, they all fit differently depending on the cut, the material and the designer," she said. "So, knowing how to tell if your bra fits is the most important thing."
If you can't go to a professional, several lingerie brands have free online tools like style guides and sizing charts that you can access from anywhere.
How can you tell if your bra fits properly?
Soma Intimates' director of technical design, Alison Wier, and director of design and innovation for foundations, Vanessa Collins, shared with "GMA" that sizing around is key as your bra should sit level all the way around the body and not lift up at the back.
Bra fit tips, according to Soma Intimates pros:
- If your bra is lifting, you may want to consider going down a band size. The goal is for your bra to feel snug, but not tight and you should be able to run a finger under the band.
- If your bra fits on the middle hook, it's perfect, as it means you have room to loosen or tighten it slightly.
- Cups should fit smoothly with no gaps or digging.
- The center front should lay flat against your ribcage. The underwire should not poke, pinch or rest on your breast tissue. Adjust your straps so they stay in place and sit comfortably. They should not dig into your shoulders.
When should you replace your bras?
If you're wondering when its the right time to replace your bras, Caldwell, who has fit thousands of people ranging from cup sizes A-N for the past 16 years, advises that it comes down to several important factors, including how many bras you own, how you wash them, what size they are, how you store them and how you put them on.
"Bras have a big job to do, and they work harder for my clients who wear a much fuller size," she said. "There is a lot more pressure on the elastic and structure of a bra that is supporting a very full size than one supporting a petite size."
If you need a rule of thumb, Soma Intimates professionals recommend you replace your bra every six months or every 180 wears, and you should have at least 3-5 on rotation. Wier and Collins also said that perspirations can deteriorate the bras' elastics, so you may want to avoid wearing the same bra two days in a row.
"I believe that bras are a wonderful self-care opportunity, and understanding how they fit and function helps people to make a loving decision about what they put on right over their heart each day," said Caldwell.
If you're ready to update your lineup of bras, "GMA" has curated a helpful shopping list of some of the best picks you can buy and behold now. Scroll ahead to see and shop these uber-amazing underpinnings.
By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Wireless Bra
This fan-favorite style is ultra-soft, wireless and features contour cups for a natural shape.
- $29.99
- $48
- Soma Intimates
Warner’s Cloud 9® Wireless Contour Bra 1269
"I'll say a lot of my clients and followers are loving the Warner's Easy Does It collection because they are so comfy," said Caldwell. "They are wire-free and the Cloud Nine Lighty Lined style has built-in cups that won't roam around."
- $26.65
- Warner’s Cloud 9®
Elila Stretch Lace Underwire Full Coverage Bra
Caldwell recommends Elila for amazing full-figured and full-bust options. "This style is gorgeous and extremely supportive with an underwire, a power mesh back and stretch lace cups," she said.
- $54
- Elila
Classique Post Mastectomy Front & Back Closure Bra 732 -34B - Black
Perfect for post-mastectomy surgery, this bra has pockets that have a special extended design to accommodate prostheses breast forms.
- $34.88
- Classique
360 Perfect Coverage Front Close Bra
The Vanishing Back 360 collection smooths your front, back and sides for a no-line look under T-shirts.
- $58
- Soma Intimates
Unlined Perfect Coverage Bra
This unlined bra gives beautiful shape, lift and support with no padding. It also is available in sizing up to H cups.
- $60
- Soma Intimates
AirSupport Bra High Support, C–DDD Cups
Feel comfortable and confident during your next workout with this high-support sports bra. It features an internal support system that molds to your body as well as injectable foam that gives you flexible, breathable support.
- $98
- Lululemon
Bra-llelujah!® Mama Nursing Bra
This bra is perfect for nursing mothers. It features clip-down cups for easy, one-handed access, 4-way stretch, a pad pocket that helps nursing pads to stay in place and more.
- $58
- Spanx
One Smooth U Ultra Light Shaping Underwire Bra 3439
Available in a wide variety of colors, this top-rated bra has a sleek design that's equal parts smooth and supportive. Use code SCORE for savings.
- $21.24
- $44
- Bali
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