Tips for finding the perfect fitting bra

As I get older and mature, I realize that there are certain things on which I won’t compromise anymore. Like sleeping in a bed, using high quality sheets and drinking good quality red wine. In a way, comfort has become the basis for most of my purchasing decisions. Except for wine… That’s just a matter of sophisticated taste.

Another thing that I insist on is wearing high quality bras. Long gone are the days when I would walk into a lingerie store and purchase a couple of bras off the rack because they were on sale and looked nice. This has left me with bins full of bras that have barely been worn. Either they weren’t comfortable, didn’t fit properly or were the wrong cup size. I’ve always found it hard to find bras with a large cup size but with a small band; they just didn’t exist. So while I thought I was saving time and money, the exact opposite was true.

Now I don’t mess around. I insist on getting fitted before I buy and only purchase high quality bras. I may be spending a little more per bra but I’m not buying as many or as frequently. Besides, after three kids, my “girls” can use a little love and a lot of support. That’s not to say I don’t want great looking bras. I just want it ALL now and I’ve learned that it is possible.

I recently went to Hudson’s Bay for a bra fitting with a Wacoal consultant. I was impressed right off the start. Not only was the consultant extremely friendly and knowledgeable, she took her time explaining all of the different benefits and specialties of each Wacoal bra. Wacoal uses modern fabrics, innovative technologies, advanced manufacturing processes, and unique designs to meet the evolving needs of today’s women. She spent a lot of time providing me with several different types, shapes, fabric and coloured bras. If a bra didn’t fit properly, she found me one that did.

Wacoal bras are high quality at affordable prices and the sizing options makes it perfect for moms who’s bodies might have changed (me, me, me!). I learned a lot from my bra fitting appointment and here are eight of my favourite tips when bra shopping.

Tips for purchasing a perfect fitting bra

1. Get fitted before you buy! You should get fitted at least once a year or after any big changes including: gaining or losing 5+ pounds, if you start or stop an exercise program or if you get pregnant or have just given birth.

2. Go to a proper store. A store like Hudson’s Bay has a wide selection of bras and trained bra fitters on hand.

3. Know what you want to buy. Bra shopping can be overwhelming. There are so many options and choices, which is a good thing, but still, overwhelming. So come prepared. Are you looking for an everyday bra? A nice T-shirt bra? A sports bra? Or perhaps a strapless bra for your cousin’s upcoming wedding? (By the way, I highly recommend the “Red Carpet” strapless bra from Wacoal).

4. Put a shirt on it. Before you commit, try a shirt on top of the bra. You might not like how it looks even if everything else seems great.

5. Turn around. The back band can be very telling too when it comes to proper fit. There should be no gaping, riding up or bulges.

6. When trying on bras, place the back hooks in the middle clasps. Since bra bands will stretch over time, you want to ensure longevity by having the ability to use the outer clasps.

7. To know if you found the perfect fit, your bra must lift, support, contain and provide comfort.

8. Protect your assets. Take care of your bras post-purchase. Make sure to hand wash or wash in a protective casing. Always hang dry as the dryer will stretch out the fabric, fit and form over time.

This post has been brought to you by Wacoal, but the images and opinions are my own. For more information, please visit thebay.com