What to look for when buying a new Bra

So, you need a new bra.  Here is a quick list of things you should think about when shopping for a new bra. Many bra challenges are caused by an ill-fitting bra and of course you heard this before I’m sure … most women are wearing the wrong size bra. 

Can’t get the right fit with other bras? 

In order to get the right fit, it is important to wear the correct size. But first, you must measure yourself or be fitted by a certified bra fitter. One of the first things you need to know is … your size or at least your numbers. You need to know your band size (34, 36, 38) and your cup size (a,b, c, etc.). Once you know your size, or at least your numbers, you can start the processing of choosing …   

 

To measure, 1) start by taking your midriff measurement (below your breasts) and record this number. (This is the band number - the number that you say before the cup size.)

2) Then take your bust measurement (across the apex of the breast where the nipples are). This gives you the measurement you will use to see which cup size you are. Depending on the style of bra, you make take a different bra size for different styles. When you have these two numbers, write them down, noting which is band size (step 1) and which is the measurement for bust (step 2). 

When you look at a bra size chart. Find your band size (left column in our bra charts), and then find your cup size (look horizontally across the chart to the right of your band size) and see which bra size for that style is appropriate for you. When you see there could be more than one option, choose the smaller band size if you like a snug fit; choose the larger option if you like a bit of give. Our Size Chart has a video demonstration.

Our bras are available in sizes 28A to 44KK. Pink, Black, and Beige. Our Tab bras have a medical license, so if you have a doctor's prescription, your third-party health plan might reimburse you (check before purchasing).

What is important in a bra?

You need to decide what you want the bra to do. Do you want a bra that gives you full support? (our Diagonal Seamed Bra & Vertical Seamed bra are especially great for that). Or maybe you simply want a comfortable bra? (Tab bras). Do you wear a lot of T-shirts? (Seamless Bra). Do you mind your nipples showing? (Seamless Bra). If you have had surgery and you are wearing a prosthesis, you may want a pocket bra to keep it in place (Diagonal Seamed Bra). In any case, decide what type of bra you want and ask for help if you are unsure (I do free bra fitting sessions by Skype and Zoom book a fitting: https://ottawabraclinic.com/book-a-bra-fitting) or call 613-400-9101 (Ottawa).

Do your straps keep falling down? 

If your straps usually fall down, you need to pay particular attention to the straps.  With the law of gravity, if the girls are heavy, they may tend to stretch out that elastic and then you may encounter shoulder, neck and back pain. The first thing that usually goes in a bra is the elastic in the straps. Try and get a bra with durable cotton straps so they won’t be as likely to stretch and go out of shape plus they will stay up especially if you have a larger bust.

Our bras are designed for optimal support and have wide comfortable straps made of cotton.

Does the underwire in your bra pinch and poke you? (Our bras don't have underwires, we rely on great design instead.)

If you don’t like the pinching or poking that often goes along with the underwire, get a bra without underwire. If you are like most women, you are most likely wearing the wrong size bra (usually wearing a bra that is too large for you) and if the bra is too large for you, the underwire is too large for you too. A bra that is designed to fit a size 40 also has an underwire that is suited for a size 40. If you measure yourself and find you are only supposed to be wearing a size 36, that is 4 inches too big for you and the larger underwire can actually pinch and poke your lympth nodes and compromise your lymphatic drainage system under your arms.  To avoid underwire, a shelf type bra will provide optimal support and comfort without compromising the lymphatic drainage system. 

Does your bra ride up? 

If you prefer a bra where the band does not ride up, you need to go lower in the band size than you may be used to. The bra will usually “give” a tad with time but your body can usually absorb some of the snugness that goes along with the tighter fitting band width. A snugger fitting band will sit lower on the back and the weight of the breast (especially if you have a fuller bust) will be more evenly distributed across the mid to lower back instead of on the shoulders and neck.

Our bras have 4 hooks in the back (instead of 3) for extra band support for cup sizes E and larger cup sizes. With a proper fitting band, less weight is put on the straps for support.

Do you have puffiness under your arms?

Perhaps you like to wear a minimizer bra because you want to hide the breasts.  The issue here is when you wear a minimize bra, the breast tissue must go somewhere … and that somewhere is … under your arms. It is healthier to keep your breast tissue in front where it is supposed to be and to do this, get a bra with directional guides and this ensure good circulation too. 

Have you had surgery or perhaps you have skin irritations?

You may want a bra with a pocket for your prosthesis or filler, and with cotton next to the sensitive breast tissue. Our Tab Diagonal Seamed bras have a hidden pocket in each cup so there will be no movement of the prosthesis or filler should you need it. 

Potential coverage by your third-party health plan

MEDICAL DEVICE LICENSE granted by Health Canada:

CODE 87 - Orthopaedic

CODE 79 - Post-surgical

Find the bra you need - comfortable bras are possible: 

Our Bras:

• ORTHOPEDIC
• POST-SURGICAL
• NURSING
• SPORTS
• EVERYDAY & SPECIAL

SIZE CHART PAGE & VIDEO

Questions? 

I am happy to say you can find a comfortable bra with optimal support, no underwire, no elastic in the straps at the Ottawa Bra Clinic and right here on obconline.ca. Call me today to discuss your bra challenges and I will see how I can help. 613-400-9101
 
Michele Bourque, Certified Bra Fitter / Owner
Ottawa Bra Clinic (OttawaBraClinic.com & BraClinic.ca)
T. 613-400-9101 (not toll-free) / Email: ottawabraclinic@gmail.com