Every woman has to do it eventually, so just why is finding the right bra so tricky? We all learn the basics of measuring for our band and cup size once we hit puberty, but every woman who’s ever spent all day adjusting falling straps, pulling up a falling strapless version, or squirming uncomfortably knows that those basic numbers don’t tell us nearly enough to get the right fit. So other than going to see a professional fitter, what can we do? Easy— learn the right way to fit one ourselves. The experts at Bras ‘N’ Things are here to walk us through the process.

HOW TO FIT A BRA CORRECTLY

1. The Band
   
   
   Did you know the band of your bra should supply you with 80 percent of your support? It’s true! So fitting it correctly – snug, but not too tight – is super important. It should lie across your back in a straight, horizontal line aligned with the bottom of your cups. If it rides up, you have the wrong size! You should also be able to comfortably run your fingers under the band all the way around to your underarm area. Always try on a bra with it fastened on the last row of hooks. As your bra wears and stretches to your body, you can move the fastener in to the inner rows to keep the same good fit.
2. The Straps
   

   Getting those straps right can be tricky! You don’t want them so loose that they fall off, but you also don’t want them so tight that they leave marks on your shoulders. Check them by running your fingers along the inside of them, and adjust as needed until they’re at a firm but comfortable length. Remember that while the band is providing most of the support, your straps will still be providing 20 percent of it.

3. The Cups
   
   
   The most important part of cup fit? Getting the underwire positioning correct! Check it on both sides and make sure it sits against the chest exactly where the breast flesh finishes. The sides of the bra shouldn’t ride too high under your arms, and the center of the bra shouldn’t pull away from the chest. Once you have the underwire under control, check the cups themselves. They should be full – no gaps or flapping fabric – but without any flesh spilling over the edge.

Ultimately, the most important thing to check and to remember? How it feels! As she says in the video, “If it looks good and feels good, it is good!” Try different styles to find the one that works best for your body type, and move and jump around in it to make sure it can handle your crazy life just as well as you do. Once you find the right bra, you’ll be able to handle even more! Watch the video to see these fitting steps in action, and then go shopping to find your truly perfect bra. Have you ever had a professional bra fitting before?