Girlfriends: Finding a Bra that Fits

October 9, 2009 Most women find bra-shopping tedious and uncomfortable. But rushing through the lingerie department and buying the same style and size you always wear, is not the way to go about getting the right bra. You may be like most women who are wearing the wrong size bra, says Tiffany Aschenbrenne, a fit expert from Vanity Fair (www.vanityfairlingerie.com). Sure signs of an ill-fitting bra include poor posture, sagging breasts, pinching, and unsightly bumps underneath your clothes, she says.

"Finding the right size bra will not only provide comfort and secure support, it will literally transform your outer appearance," Tiffany adds. "If you start with a good foundation underneath your clothes, it will permeate to the outside making you look and feel well put-together."

You can get some personal pointers from Tiffany and other fit experts at a special even on Monday, October 12 at the Sears State Street store (www.sears.com). Vanity Fair Fit Experts will help you find the right fit and style for your body. The free Bra-Fitting event takes place from 10 am to 2 pm on the second floor of the sears store at 2 N. State St., Chicago. Customers will receive a $10 Sears Reward Card just for trying on a Vanity Fair Bra during the event. Plus, spend $50 or more in Vanity Fair Intimates at the event and receive a free monogrammed towel wrap (while supplies last). The event will feature beverages, snacks and live DJ entertainment.

FIND A BRA THAT FITS
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, October 12
Sears
2 North State St., Chicago

How to Find the Perfect Fit

To find out if you're buying the right size bra, Tiffany Aschenbrenne of Vanity Fair has these tips:

You'll need:

  • A flexible measuring tape
  • Your favorite bra (one you think gives you great shape and feels comfortable)
  • A mirror

Step One: Measuring your band size.

a. Put on your favorite bra.

b. The first measurement to take is around your ribcage, just below your breasts.

c. Look in the mirror to make sure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor. The position of your tape measure is important. If you have the tape too high, your measurement will be too large; too low and it will be too small.

d. When you take these measurements, round to the closest whole inch, either up or down.

e. Bras come in even band sizes. If the rounded measurement you come up with is an even number, add 4 inches. If the rounded measurement is an odd number, add 5 inches.

f. The result is your band size. Example: 31" + 5" = 36" band size.

Step Two: Measure your cup size.

a. Continue to wear your favorite bra, but for this measurement make sure to stand up straight and keep your arms at your side.

b. Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust so that it is just touching, not binding or tight.

c. Round up or down to the nearest inch.

d. Now, subtract your band size measurement from your cup size measurement to calculate your cup size. Example: 36" – 33" = 3" difference.

e. The chart below shows you how to determine your cup size.

Difference/Standard Cup Size
0" – ½" AA
½" – 1" A
2" B
3" C
4" D
5" DD or E
6" DDD or F
7" G
8" H
9" I

How will you know when you've found the perfect fit?

You will not feel any underwire pinching and your bra will feel comfortable and supportive. Finding the perfect bra fit takes patience, but the way you will look and feel once you have found it will be worth all your effort!

Vanity Fair Styles Featured on WLS & at the Fit Event at Sears

Body Caress™ Bra Style #75335
Features and benefits:

  • Softest bra ever!
  • Comfortable, convertible straps
  • Buttery soft against your skin
  • Matte finish for a smooth look under clothes
  • Underwire

Fits You Perfectly® Bra
Style #75306
Features and benefits:

  • Invisible edges mold to your shape to fit you perfectly
  • Invisible support sling for a perfect lift
  • Underwire

Body Sculpt Bra
Style #75222
Features and benefits:

  • Reshapes your assets for a slimmer appearance
  • Beautiful soft sheen fabric with sheer mesh detail on straps and center front
  • Molded, contour cups provide shape and full coverage
  • Invisible side sling for added support and shaping
  • Non-stretch adjustable straps
  • Underwire

Body Elegance® Bra with "Age Defying Lift"
Style #75370
Features and benefits:

  • Uplifting support for a youthful profile
  • Micro-backed shoulder straps stay in place
  • Lace wings backed with silky fabric for softness and durability Underwire

For more information, visit www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?keyword=vanity%20fair%20bra

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.