Bra Intervention

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Where should you measure? What’s the deal with underwire? How does weight affect a bra’s fit? Every day, millions of women around the world are asking themselves these questions, among others. That’s because a whopping 85% of women are wearing the wrong size bra! Straps are falling off, cups aren’t providing support… and most women think it is normal for a bra to be unbearably painful. But there is hope; our guest today, bra expert Susan Nethero, is here to help.

Bad Bras: Busted

According to Susan, a woman’s breasts will change shape and size about six times in her life. Weight change, exercise, birth control, hormone replacement, pregnancy and diet can all play a factor in the variations. Without correct support, the weight of the breast pulling on the neck can cause diminished blood flow to the head, resulting in headaches and migraines. The effects of weight will also influence posture. The area of the back just below the neck base, is put under stress. When you try to lift the weight of the breast off the rib cage by shortening your bra strap, you then either get the back of the bra riding up or painful grooves in the shoulders. So although most women believe that the main support of the bra comes from the straps, this is not the case. Susan tells customers that 90% of support should actually come from the band. It should remain level around the body to eliminate a “back fat” bulge and allow the weight of the breasts to be distributed evenly.

Getting It On

Nethero believes there is a simple, 3-step test to make sure you are getting the best fit:

1. Bend over and build volume – bend over at the waist and pull on the front of the bra before fastening, making sure the bra is centered and weight is evenly distributed. Before closing, make sure the bra is snug, not tight, against your rib cage.
2. Level for support – Stand up straight and level the back of your bra to be about one inch lower than the front by adjusting the straps and pulling the back down.
3. Fill up for comfort – Ensure each breast is completely within the cup, with the cup seam on top of the nipple to prevent showing through. Move around and make sure the bra moves with you and doesn’t rub against your chest. If it does, tighten the band.