I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Influence Central for Vanity Fair. I received product samples to facilitate my review and compensation to thank me for my participation.
I think all women understand and appreciate how much a body can change over time. My body has definitely seen it's fair share of change. I developed at quite an early age, and by the time I was 13, I was wearing a D-DD cup. Instead of the cute training bras with the pink bow in the middle that my friends were wearing, I was buying the "bras in a box". This was the early 90's, so my choices were white or beige and the cups were slightly pointed with bizarre seams down the middle. By the time I graduated high school, I was wearing a 34DDD and decided I wanted a breast reduction. At age 19, I went from a 34DDD to a 36C and although it was painful, it was AMAZING. Five years later, I lost about 25 pounds, but my breasts were still looking good thanks to my surgery. Now, over a decade and two kids later, things are not looking as great. Fortunately though, a good bra can make me feel like a new lady.
Your lingerie is the very foundation of your outfit. It has to fit well in order to enhance your body, otherwise no matter what you're wearing, you won't look or feel as good as you should. Your bra is actually one of the most important pieces in your wardrobe. It can make or break an outfit and leave you feeling either fantastic or frumpy. Despite this, 80% of women don't know if they're wearing the right bra size. I was one of them until I got professionally fitted by Vanity Fair last month. That number sounded insanely high to me at first, but then I thought about it and it wasn't so surprising since most women fluctuate in size and tend to put themselves on the back burner. As soon as my son needs something, I'm at the store immediately; but when I need something I continuously put it off because I just have so many other things to do. Sound like you too?
With ever changing metabolisms and bodies, you need to know how to properly select a bra that's right for you. But, how do you know it fits? You could get a professional fitting (which I whole-heartedly recommend), but you can also ask yourself these 7 questions to assess your fit at home:
Do you pass the 2 Finger Test? You should be able to slide 2 fingers underneath the straps and the band of your bra.
Are your cups full? Your cups should be full, with no gaps, puckering, or overflow.
Is the center of the bra against your chest? If there is a large gap of space, that means your band is too loose.
How does the bra fit on the CENTER hook? I'd always heard that when purchasing, you should see how the bra fits on the last hook so you can use the center and third hooks once the bra looses it elasticity over time. This isn't true! According to the team at Vanity Fair, the middle hooks are your best bet to achieve a great fit. Plus, you should be refreshing your intimated 2-3 times per year by adding a new piece here and there and retiring well used lingerie.
Are you getting maximum lift? Stand in front of the mirror with your arms by your side. Your breasts should be between your shoulders and elbows.
Is it comfortable? The bra should feel good. You should be able to move and not feel too restricted.
Does it pass the "top test?" When you put on your outerwear, does it look good. Your bra should enhance your body, so be sure you look and feel good in what you'll be wearing out.
As I've mentioned before, as a Vanity Fair ambassador I was able to attend a summit in New York City to learn more about the brand and how their styles are inspired by customers' needs so they can help them look their best and feel confident all day long. I learned so many things and was able to pick up these great tips about proper fit. I also got to select a few pieces of Vanity Fair lingerie, which I've been wearing for the past month. Of course, as soon as I got back from NYC I immediately went through my lingerie drawer to inspect the fit of my bras. I already confessed that I bought most of them 8 year ago (cue the shock and awe!), so I didn't have high hopes for most of them.
After wearing Vanity Fair Women's Beauty Back Back Smoother Full Coverage Underwire Bra for the last month, I can honestly say I've been missing out! This bra is absolutely amazing. The Beauty Back was designed to reduce the appearance of back bulge to give you a smooth look underneath your clothes. I was skeptical at first, thinking it would just push the bulge up over the top of the strap or below it, but it doesn't - it just gives you an incredibly smooth silhouette.
While I chose "Damask Neutral" so it would be invisible under any color top or dress, the Beauty Back is available in a variety of beautiful colors. The designers at Vanity Fair take inspiration from seasonal runway shows, so their lingerie is always on point with emerging trends and styles. I cannot wait to add more colors into my intimate collection.
I've also been wearing the Vanity Fair Women's Beauty Back Strapless Underwire Bra over that last month. Since it's so warm in Florida, I wear a lot of dresses with thin straps. Just like my Beauty Back Back Smoother Full Coverage Underwire Bra, it's strapless counterpart has been awesome. Thanks to the silicone grips along the bra's edges, it stays put. Seriously, this bra does not move! I can bend, lift my hands over my head, hoist my kids up and down all day, and this bra stays with me. It comes with a convertible strap which allows me to wear the bra 4 different ways (regularly with 2 straps, criss-cross in the back, halter style, or strapless), so no matter what I'm wearing, I can find an option that works for me. So, not only does this bra stay in place (which is a miracle in and of itself), it also has the back smoothing properties AND it's comfortable. My search for the perfect strapless bra is over.
Vanity Fair offers a wide selection of sizes, including band sizes 34-44 and cup sizes B-DDD, and you can get them at many large retailers nationwide, including Kohl's, Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears. Considering all of their incredible features, these bras are affordably priced at only $38-40 each. Their panties (which I also love) are only about $9 per pair. I'm looking forward to adding more Vanity Fair products to my intimates wardrobe in the coming months. Be sure to stay tuned because I'll be bringing you some information about some amazing promotions in the coming weeks!
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heather mcfarland says
I have the hardest time with bras. They either dig in the sides, the wire makes it's way out and pokes or the cup makes my boobs look like I'm wearing a 50's bra.
Amber Ludwig says
I swear I don't have a correct bra size anymore!! Ever since I breastfed my son my boobs are weird and shrively lol!! Its like shoving loose skin into cups... pretty darn depressing!! This is great info to size myself instead of going to a public place to get sized lol!! I don't know if I can handle that embarrassment!!
Karen Giasson says
Very informative article. I wish they would make bras the same size across brands though.
Mia says
Good information. It can certainly be difficult to find the right fit.
yeng says
i know i'm not, i'll have to go get measured!
Libby says
34-44 A-DDD isn't a great range of sizes. The reason most women are wearing the wrong size bra is because they don't realize that sizes beyond this exist. They have been led to believe that DDD = ridiculously huge, and that simply is not the case. The Bra Band Project is a very interesting resource to see proof of this.
Another fitting tip: check out where the band is sitting on your back. It should go straight across - not riding up and not sagging down. 80% of the support in a bra should come from the band, not the straps. If you're wearing a band that's too loose (and this is one of the primary culprits in bad bra sizing), the support will simply not be there. Bratabase.com is a great starting point to make sure you're getting the right measurements and the right size.
Crystal Rogers Walker says
This is a good tip because I just found out after all these years I was wearing the wrong size bra and now I have the correct one it feels so much better
Kelly says
Finding the right bra size is really difficult. I think that manufactures use different sizing practices, and I have one breast that is larger than the other, making it even more fun 🙂 Thanks for the tips.
Marnie G (Derrick Todd) says
Really good tips. This is something that many women struggle with. Finding a bra that fits is harder than finding any other item of clothing. A good fitting bra can really make a huge difference in how you feel all day and also in how the outfit looks.
Melissa says
Ugh, bras! I spent so long hating bras until I was sized at Nordstrom. What a difference! I still obsess about back fat so if be interested to see how those fit. But like pp said, so many women need sizing beyond the mainstream ones available in most stores.
Kathleen Boss says
Thanks for these helpful tips! Especially after having a baby and nursing I had no idea what size bra should be wearing anymore. I'm definitely going to try these suggestions because I want to feel comfortable and look good!
Heather Eavers says
I need a new bra. But I hate how expensive they are!
Theresa says
I worked at kohls bra department for over a year and people really can ask for help and not be shy. They are willing to help you
Anne says
You made some good points with these steps, but there's no actual info. on how to get the right size to begin with.
Stacy says
I think I am wearing the wrong cup size. I have been buying the same size bra since high school. I should probably go get fitted to make sure I am wearing the correct size. I usually just buy bras at Victoria's Secret, but I really want a new strapless bra and the Beauty Back Strapless Underwire Bra sounds like a good one.
Rebecca W says
I didn't know my size until after had my first child. Before that I had be wearing the wrong size
Melissa S says
I recently purchased a Vanity Fair bra and really like it, I found recently I was actually wearing the wrong size. It is unbelievable what a huge difference the correct bra makes in your overall appearance.
Shannon Holmes says
Thank you for sharing this post and I think most of us are wearing the wrong bra..
Deborah D says
very informative
Shakeia Rieux says
I usually go get measured,but it has been a while so i know i'm not wearing the right size.All of my bras are the same size but some of them fit different on me
Kathleen S. says
I believe that I'm wearing the correct size. I had to move up a size since I've gained weight! 🙁 But the center does not sit flat against my chest. My band feels right though.. Maybe it's the way this bra is made.. in any case, I should buy some new ones. I also have the hardest time trying to persuade my daughter to get sized. She's so shy and embarrassed about her body, puberty and all! I try to be matter of fact about it, but she refuses to get measured.. *sigh* anyway!
Pamela Gurganus says
This is very embarrassing to admit, but I've not been wearing the right bra size! This post is very informative and helpful! Thank you so much for sharing!
Joanne Gregory says
I hate shopping for bras but at least now I can find the right size when I do.
Michele Ash says
Thanks for the Fantastic Review on 7 Steps To See If You Are Wearing The Correct Bra Size! I know that my bras are not the correct size! While I was reading your review, I was checking out my bra as well! The middle of my bra is really far away from my chest! I know I should get measured to make sure that I can purchase a correct sized bra! I know that they will measure you at Boscov's and we do have a Boscov's charge card! Now that I know what I must do, I've got to get Tim (hubby) into taking me there because the charge card is in his name! Thanks so very much for sharing your fantastic review, the pictures, and your personal and professional information on 7 steps to see if you are wearing the correct bra size with all of us! I honestly do appreciate it very much! Thanks again! Michele 🙂
Hannah C says
Finding the right bra is really difficult for me. I know I'm not wearing the right size. Ugh, it's so frustrating! I know I have to get measured.
Jeanna Massman says
I have probably never had a bra that fit me perfectly so I am happy to have some guidelines to help me!
Nicole Opfer says
Thank you for this article! I know once I'm done breastfeeding baby 2 I need to go and get re-sized. You are right...a great bra makes you feel like a million dollars!
Robin Creager says
I can never find the right size bra...but thanks to you I not only learned how to size myself for the correct fit but also where to buy my size at. Thank you so much!
Nataile Brown says
I got properly fitted a couple of years ago at Victoria's Secret and it made such a difference. These tips are perfect! I didn't wear the correct bra size for years and it's so much more comfortable and looks much better now that I do. These Vanity Fair bras sound amazing too. Love the grip on the straps. I need one with that too. 🙂
Mandy says
Like other posters have said, I too have problems with wire coming out (usually in the center). Very frustrating!
Mandy says
Like other posters, I always have trouble with the underwire coming out. Maybe these tips will be helpful in alleviating that!
Linda Mannst says
Thank you for these tips. I am in need of some new bras so I will be checking out Vanity Fair
Shannon Holmes says
Thank you for sharing these tips with us. I hate bras and it is hard to find a good one.
Sue E says
Finding a bra for yourself or your kids, etc. is a JOB!! I knew about the no lines from the bra showing up on the you're clothes that your wearing. I find sport bras comfortable - with no wires, etc.
rochelle haynes says
Thanks for sharing this i can never find the right size bra
Dana Rodriguez says
I have the hardest time finding bras that fit..swimwear too! This is a great article!
Rosanne says
We women who have had post mastectomy reconstruction need help with this too.
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
I know mine do not fit right. With being preggo, nursing for 16 months, getting preggo again not too much later, and still nursing kiddo #2 at 20 months old.... my chest is just an old work horse and so are my sad bras! haha!! I try to change sizes with the transitions, but its changed so much in the last 5 years, its been hard to find something that fits great, is good for nursing, and is comfy (I find the underwire very uncomfortable). These are great tips!! I definitely need to find something better once my stinker weans.
Tatiana B. says
Good info! I remember the women at VS telling me the same thing about the loosest hook...I also don't buy new bras 2-3x a year though, either! That's some serious money!
Didi K says
When you're a 42-44 DD it can be almost impossible to find comfortable bras that make the girls look good lol
Michele Ash says
Thanks for the Tips on seeing if you are wearing the right size bra! I know that I'm not! I have to get measured and haven't quite gotten there yet. I know that I need new ones because I've been wearing the ones I have for years and years now! Thanks so much for sharing all of your tips and your personal and professional opinions with all of us! I truly do appreciate it! Thanks again! Michele 🙂
Krystal Waters says
I've had trouble with finding a bra that fits and is comfortable at the same time since I was a teenager. I need to be fitted so that I know which correct size to buy for sure.
Jane Ritz says
I can never find a bra that fitis and is comfortable. I will try your fitting directions.
Sarah L says
I do need to get a bra fitting. Never had one and I can tell I should.
Dianne Mumpower says
I love your tips for checking your bra fit at home. I too have put off, forever, having my bra size calculated by the professionals. The older I get, the more I realize that I should have done this a long time ago. I want to wear the great bras that make a woman look so much more than a cheapo that you can pickup anywhere for $5 or $10. But I refuse to invest in the best until I have a proper fitting. I'm buying cheapos in size 50 DD, so I don't think Vanity Fair is going to be able to help me. But maybe one day. Thank you for this post. I truly enjoyed reading it and can definitely relate!
patricia delgado says
I was definitely not wearing the right size bra, thanks!
Marnie G (Derrick Todd) says
There is a huge difference in how a bra fits from style to style also. It is important to get a style based on your needs whether it is support, back smoothing, underwire, etc.
rachel p says
I'm still wearing my nursing bras all the time. I desperately need new bras...so thank you for pointing me in the right direction. I'm plus size too, so this is great.