Q&A: Are Retailers Really Hitting The BodyShape Sweetspot ?

There is a growing sentiment that clothes sizes don’t accurately reflect an individual’s body shape and proportions. Consequently retailers and brands are trying to develop fit guides that give customers added information to help them match styles and sizes to their own body shape. Through our combined experience of fitting lingerie, swimwear and denim, we know that many retailers who don’t understand the relationship between body shape, suitable styles and relevant sizes will buy and stock sizes and styles that certain body shapes are just never going to purchase. It is also very important to realise that the customer often really doesn’t understand their own body shape. Put any customer in front of a mirror and they will always see the part of their body they don’t like and buy clothes to compensate for it, rather than seeing the whole body shape.

This inevitably leads to a distorted view of their body shape. Rather than seeing the whole body, they’ll only see the area they dislike or focus on covering this (more than often leave the store without purchasing). By focusing on the whole body and looking at how the build, shoulders, bust, waist and hips work together FitQueens can work with any retailer and brand in creating a unique guide and offering for their customers.

Crucially a body shape has proportion characteristics and shape characteristics that match only certain styles and a surprisingly small range of conventional sizes. FitQueens success is based upon understanding the body shape categories that people fall into for lingerie, denim and swimwear; then their proportions between shoulders, bust, waist and hips. Only then do we look for suitable styles and lastly the garment size.

Our combined specialist knowledge and experience, gained from fitting and selecting underwear, swimwear and denim would help you to increase sales, reduce returns and only buy the sizes in a given style that match the true categories of Body shape. You really can do more with less. Customers at our recent FitQueens denim in store consultancy event were delighted with the match between their Body shape and styles and then size that really are made for them. Many find that they drop a dress size, because the selected styles match their true Body shape.Then they really are happy customers.

Tell us what you think. Do you think retailers should offer more information about body shapes? Post you answers below.

For more information about the FitQueens service for retailers and brands, please email fitqueens@gmail.com

A Treasure Trove of bras and memories

Here at Bra Sense, I see an array of bras which clients bring to show me on fit days. At a recent fit day, it was like the antiques roadshow. Judy had a lovely collection dating back 30 years with a story to tell about each one of the bras. Below, is Judy’s story about her treasure trove of bras and memories.

My name is Judy Hopkins and I live in Gloucestershire. Having breast fed my two daughters for a while without night bra support twelve years ago, I have recently noticed time and gravity affecting the said areas and was delighted to have a bra fitting with Sara a few weeks ago. Her advice was very helpful and timely: I want to look my best right now, as during the last six months I have been giving various talks and interviews about my first book, ‘Lucy’s Rainbow: A Journey of Hope.’ It is a true story about how I coped when my husband was diagnosed with leukaemia eleven years ago. He died four months later, leaving me to bring up two little girls as a single parent. It is an ‘easy to read’ love story with elements of humour and faith. I am thrilled that it is helping lots of people, whatever their situation. You can buy it on Amazon and read more on my website,

And now ……….. my collection

The 1st is a recent M and S number. I wear it when I feel like living on a ranch and a ‘grab your partners’ moment coming on. It has matching panties to complete the look.

I bought the 2nd in down town Walpole, in America, in 1983… nearly 30 years ago, to nestle under a beautiful flowing strapless bridesmaid dress. The bra is incredibly well made and very supportive. The sturdy cups have two overlapping very wide bands which mean I have no fear of being let down on the dance floor and can twist the night away.

Number 3 is in another league. It is a hardly worn  ‘La Perla’ bra which I have had tucked away for about ten years.  The quality is amazing. Wow! I just love feeling the material. The cup has two layers, outer lace over a plain textured and shaped under section.  I had no idea it was such a sought after bra but immediately felt it was special when I put it on ready to show Sara. I had kept it ‘for best’, in its beautiful gold box, but sometimes ‘best’ never comes, does it. Also I discovered from my fitting why I had hardly worn it …it doesn’t fit! I had guessed this when my parents gave it to me one Christmas, but didn’t like to tell them. Guess I thought I would shrink, when in fact the reverse has happened!

And lastly, the 4th comes from my mother, who could always be counted on for up to date fashion…second time around. This is possibly 30 years old but could be older. It has lace, plenty of adjustable straps, and is very well made.

By Judy Hopkins – author of Lucy’s Rainbow: A journey of hope.

3 Quick Tips to buying Shapewear

Good Shapewear should fit like a Herve Leger dress. In fact, good shapewear should make any dress or outfit look and feel amazing! So, here are our top 3 tips when looking for Shapewear.

Tip 1: Size – Always buy a size that fits your largest point, – not your smallest.

If the Shapewear is fitting over your waist and hips- make sure the size fits the largest measurement not the smallest. Shapewear doesn’t just have to fit the width but also the distance between the two points. This is why size is key.  Shapewear does stretch but overstretch it and it starts rolling up. Too small at the top or bottom edge, it simply creates rolls.

Hint.  if your shapewear is rolling down, the size is too small. Shapewear should stay in place by itself.

Tip 2: Quality – Don’t compromise on quality. Shapewear is about one garment having the ability to fit smoothly against the smallest and largest point of your bodyshape. Like many things quality is key.

Hint: Treat shapewear as a cost per wear item. Uncomfortable and you wear it once. Comfortable and you wear it time and time again.

Tip 3: Shape – Choose a piece that smooths your key areas. If you want it to slim your tummy, always choose a piece that sits above and below this area. A piece that smooths the tummy but cuts into your legs will show as a bulge elsewhere.

Hint: Always recognise your bodyshape and choose the right style. Always ensure that the shapewear sits above and below the area you are trying to smooth, whether tummy, waist or thighs. if the shapewear fits the hips, but too large aroudn the waist, its the wrong design for you.

Coming Up: Our top shapewear pieces for your shape

Author: Sara O’Regan Founder of Bra Sense Ltd  www.brasense.co.uk

Fitqueens love Norma Kamali Swimwear.

The Net-a -Porter newsletter has just arrived in our inbox with the latest swimwear designs from Norma Kamali. The collection uses Lycra and Spandex for the ultimate in stretch, control and shape.

There really is something for every shape. Our favourite pieces are:

The Snake Mio one- shoulder swimsuit by Norma Kamali

Key points: High leg, angular neckline

Ideal Body Shape: Athletic and small hourglass (Size 8/10)

This one shoulder swimsuit is outstanding. The diagonal striping adds curves to a straight figure, whilst the one shoulder detail and angular neckline matches your bust shape perfectly. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing or pair with wide leg trousers for the perfect boat to bar look.

The Jorge embellished cutout swimsuit by Norma Kamali

Key points: Low leg, cutaway sides, angular neckline

Ideal Body Shape: Athletic

For the ultimate show shopper which no other shape can pull off! The silver disk embellishments make it a poolside hit. Team with wide leg trousers or maxi skirt for a day to evening outfit!

Halterneck wrap swimsuit by Norma Kamali

Key Points: High leg, Nipped in waist, Triangular neck line.

Ideal Body Shape: Hourglass

Nothing screams old Hollywood glamour like this halterneck wrap swimsuit. Flattering neckline and high-leg briefs made it a win win choice for an hourglass. Cleverly combining high leg front and shaped back, this style will shape, smooth and lift the bum for most hourglasses. The clever folds accentuate the waist and your perfect waist to hip ratio.

 Tara reversible ruched bikini top by Norma Kamali

team with TeaJonny D high-waisted zebra-print bikini briefs by Norma Kamali

 or  Bill high-waisted bikini briefs by Norma Kamali

Tankini Key Points: Higher neckline, tummy control, expandable middle and bottom

Ideal Body Shape: Apple and Pear

The ruched tankini is ideal for pears and apples. The folds at the back allow the top to expand for the bust and/or the middle. The central ruching flattens the tummy whilst the overall design helps to separate the bust, waist and hips. For apples and pears, I’d avoid the matching skirt and choose the high waisted bikini bottoms or team with the zebra print bottoms for a smoother look.

Bill ruched halterneck swimsuit by Norma Kamali

Key Points: Circular cup design, low leg, tummy control

Ideal Body Shape: Apples and Pears

What makes this collection so different is that the ruching appears at the back and front. This will allow the suit more movement at the front – making it easier to fit over your wider areas – ideal for apples and for pears, whilst still fitting your smaller area.

For pears and apples, the cup design lifts and enhances the bust shape whilst the longer length rushing creates a smooth silhouette by balancing your bust and hips.

By Sara O’Regan – founder of Bra Sense Ltd

For more information about the Bra Sense Swim Fit or the Bra Sense Bra Fit please email

sara@brasense.co.uk

www.brasense.co.uk

Swimwear shapes for your shape!

Summer’s here ………. and it’s swimwear time again. What do I like? What suits me?

The absolute Golden Rule is to make sure you know your shape. It’s the foundation for making the right decision and choosing the right swimwear for you.

Swimwear is one of the harder things to fit, because like bras and denim, it is fitted to our shape in our size. Elastane allows the fabric to stretch over the widest points and fit against the smallest points. Swimwear is probably the only garment we have that has to fit over the bust, waist and hips! It needs to fit both the smallest and widest part of the body.

Over 60% of us will probably be a different dress size at the top compared to the bottom. Swimwear doesn’t just assume a certain size for the bust, waist and hips,  but also the proportion of those sizes relative to each other and the distance between the bust, waist and hips. This is where knowing your shape matters, because your shape is what determines those proportions. An hourglass will need more stretch at the back for the bottom shape than an athletic build, even if they are the same label size. So any one size 10 swimsuit won’t fit an athletic and an hourglass shape. If we look at the bust again, we know from past blogs that the bust isn’t just about volume but also about depth. So again, an athletic and pear can have the same bra size – but need different styles. The same is true of swimwear. The depth of the bust in relation to the actual volume is different between the shapes. Use the swimwear designs below as your shape guide for each of the different body shapes.

Apple:

As an apple, the widest point is around the middle of the body. This is likely to be where the swimsuit narrows for the waist area. Fitting to the widest point means a larger size is required, but this means that the bust, waist and hips are sitting in the wrong place within the swimsuit making the narrowest points of the swimwear fitting over the widest points of the body – and vice versa!

What we recommend: Apples are better choosing a tankini or a swimsuit that has stretch around the middle.  With a tankini, choose a fuller style so that the tummy is automatically taken into account, meaning the correct size for your shoulders and bust can be worn. Ensure the fullest point of the bust is sitting in the correct position – giving you maximum lift and support, matching the width of your bus to your hips. By wearing with a deeper brief such as a full brief or maxi brief with a lower leg you’ll create a smooth and controlled silhouette. 

 

Golden Rules for Apples : Aim to balance the bust and hips first. Use patterns and small folds of fabric to draw the eyes up to the bust and away from the body! Necklines are key for this. Avoid triangular shaped necklines as they sit the bust lower. Deeper briefs which hold the tummy in and avoid creating rolls are

Pear shape:

Pear shaped girls are generally larger on the bottom than the top. Pears are looking for swimwear to enhance the bust shape and create an hourglass silhouette by matching the bust width to the hips. Top shape and bottom shape are again key for a pear.

What we recommend: Steer clear of triangular shaped cups in bikinis swimsuits and tankinis. This will make the bust look smaller and the hips bigger by lowering the bust and reducing the width.  Look for tankinis, bikinis or swimsuits that lift the bust and have a definite fullest point – just like bras. Choose tops that have the shoulder straps at the outer part of the cup. This makes the top half look wider and in proportion with the hips. For bottoms, avoid short styles and string bikini bottoms. Choose a fuller style that elongates the legs, slims the hips and remember – make sure the lines do not dig in at the sides or around the middle! Folded briefs are great for pears meaning you can sit  the line exactly where you need it without it digging in.

Golden rules for pears: Avoid triangular shapes- these will not support the bust once lifted. Aim for a brief shape that fits above your widest point without digging in.

Hourglass Shape:

Hourglasses can have great fun with swimwear. Bikinis, tankini’s and swimsuits all flatter the hourglass shape! Ensuring the bust part has enough volume is key. Hourglass shapes are all about balance. Create the balance between the hips and bust and then outline the middle and waist. Necklines are key – look at the examples below.

What we recommend: As an hourglass, it is almost impossible to fully cover the bust so avoid swimwear that cuts straight across the bust.  Why? Because your breast actually extends up to your decollage area. Strapless styles cutting straight across sit the bust lower on the body, making your bust smaller and your hips bigger rather than lifting you up and out! Whatever style you choose – remember your golden rules:

Golden rules for Hourglass: Choose a triangular cup style cup with volume in the cup. Opt for a higher leg bottom with enough depth and stretch to sit at the bottom of your back. Tie side bikinis look great from the front but usually aren’t deep enough to be flattering from the back. Avoid shorts and low rise bottoms. They’ll be too short at the back.

Athletic Shape:  

If you have an athletic shape triangular bikinis, monokinis and cut away sides are made for you! Summer is your season! Athletics have a slender shape. Use the design of the swimwear to create the curves! You are the one and only shape that can really wear the low tie bikini bottoms and the triangular shaped tops which the high street is full of! Look for low rise bikinis, tie sides to emphasise the hips and triangular cup shapes and straps coming in to the body to add curve to the bust and draw the eyes up to it. Steer clear of rouching and frills – this will draw the eyes away from the clean lined look and hide your sleek physique. With a large proportion of swimwear designed for your shape – this really is your season!

Golden rules for athletic: Think flatter cup shapes – you need the coverage rather than the fullness.

For more information on the Bra Sense Personal Bra Fit or the Bra Sense Personal Swimwear Fit to find your key shapes and sizes, please email service@brasense.co.uk

Author: Sara O’Regan – Founder of Bra Sense Ltd

www.brasense.co.uk

Bra size after weightloss …………. it’s all about the shape!

What do you do about your bra fit and size after weight loss? It must have changed, but if you don’t get it right, you’ll look the same old you and not the new you that you’ve just become. Figure and shape don’t lie, as we all know.

There’s that word again ………. Shape! How will my size alter after weight loss is a common question and the answer is that your volume may have changed, but it will accentuate your true shape!  

 You see, our body form, shape and proportion are as much a part of us as our height, build and profile. We need to recognise them, especially after a weight loss programme.

Bra size isn’t just about the old band and cup size measurements, but proportion, which is the size of the bust in relation to the back size  and the shape and size of the bust in relation to our physique, build and body profile. So, in our formula, a 38E, 42F in the right design for your own body are an expression of the relationship between physique, proportion and  the bust itself, bust in relation to back size. It’s about all of you, much more than two simplistic measurements.

The Daily Mail today showed pictures of Pauline Quirke having lost 6 stone on the Lighterlife diet and she looks amazing! A number of my clients have also lost significant amount of weight using this diet as well as Weight Watchers, Slimming World etc and here I try to explain about bra sizes after weight loss.

 

Pauline Quirke looks amazing

 

A client went from a 40Efit2 to a 34Dfit2. Her size appears to have changed significantly – a 40E to a 34D yet her fit shape (proportion) didn’t – she’s still a fit2. As her fitshape didn’t change, neither did the bra style that she wore. The same style worked in a 40E as it did in a 34D for the customer. Why is this? As a fit2, the bust and the breast form are in proportion – think of a tennis ball cut in2. The back as well is in proportion with the bust. So as the weight comes off, the sizes drop , but always in proportion with each other. When you recognise shape rather than size, the change is dramatic.

 

Another example is a client who had lost 3 stone before coming for a fit. She had been fitted before coming to me but it was her size rather than her shape that they looked at. She was wearing a 32GG, which was actually being fitted for the apparent volume of the bust as it naturally sat on the body rather than the true proportion and therefore size. She was in fact a perfect fit2 – and a  perfectly in proportion 36Efit2 once the bust was lifted back into the correct position! In effect, a tennis ball cut in half on a soft rectangular back.  Not big busted, just in proportion.

 

 After weight loss the bust loses volume(flesh). Unfortunately the skin doesn’t reduce as quickly as the volume with large weightlosses. Shape of the bra becomes crucial. The diagram above shows the different roles a bra plays for the different fit shapes. Each shape loses weight in a slightly different way but the shape and proportion always remains the same. This is why it is extremely important that you bra works with your bust shape.

Always ensure you are acheiving the Perfect Fit by following  3 golden rules after weight loss:

1) The bra is lifting the fullest point of the bust back into the centre of the breast form. If not, your bust will appear larger and lower than it actually is and you’ll lose your defining shape.

2) The line edge of the cup is running parallel to the top of the bust – not cutting into it. This ensures the bust is being lifted correctly and there is no overspill on the bust.

 3) The cup has the correct volume. Again, ensures that all of the bust is fitting neatly into the bra, fitting your overall shape.

 

There is no reason why your bra should not sit comfortably, position your bust at the centre of your upper body form and give you the smooth line that the right style and size for your shape will deliver. Accept nothing less, especially given all the effort you’ve made to lose weight.

The same is equally true about your hips and bottom half of the body.  What it all boils down to is that the best way to clothe yourself is to flatter what nature has made you. Believe me, it’s always miles better than trying to be someone else – it never works.

Watch out for us and discover more when we start talking about Swimwear, which always demands that you get it right for you or look ridiculous. There are no hiding places in a swimsuit or bikini, so let’s get it right.  

 By Sara O’Regan

Founder of Bra Sense Ltd

The Bra Sense personal fit is available across the UK. Please email service@brasense.co.uk for more information and for a list of our events.

 

Why is underwear the foundation to any outfit?

The true fullest point of the bust is the same as the intended fullest point of any fashion top. That’s what makes us look at our best or not. This point is always halfway between the elbow and the shoulder, which is what  the design points of fashion clothing do expect. Miss that point and nothing will look right and we’ll make compromises, that cannot possibly work, because they miss the point.  So, we’d better be ready with our foundation, ensuring we reflect our natural best. The alternatives are always worse, so don’t kid yourselves.

Underwear, Bras, shapewear and indeed swimwear equip our body to be the foundation to any outfit. Fashion expects a proportionate foundation. Why? Because clothes are designed according to shoulder, bust, waist and hip size. Tops aim to fit on the shoulder, then become narrower for the waist and then slightly wider for the hips. What we don’t always realise is how important the bust position is!  If the bust is sitting 1/2  inch lower than it should, clothes will appear too small. Chosing a larger size will drop the bust, waist and hips lower down the body, making you look larger than you actually are. So let’s get it right! Below you can quite clearly see the points and how precise they actually are.

Top by Kettlewell Colours

The bra’s role is to move the fullest point of the bust back into the centre of the breast form. Below, you can quite clearly see the fullest point, in the centre of the breast form, halfway between the elbow and shoulder.

Dream Tisha by Le Mystere - sizes 32-44 C-H in Black and Nude. Available from http://www.brasense.co.uk

So ………… I can talk and talk and talk about what a difference it makes but lets see what it really looks like

A 38Cfit2 strapless bra by Le Mystere. The fullest point is now in the correct position meaning the bust, waist and hips all sit correctly.

If tops are too small on the bust and pull ............. check your bra shape!

To show you how accessories also fit differently …………..

Again, once the bust is sitting in the correct position, the body instantly looks deeper and slimmer!

Swimwear requires you to use foundation garment fitting and fashion all in one! So let Fitqueens help! Keep reading and following us to find which swimwear shapes will work for you and why shape more than size really is key!

Author: Sara O’Regan, Founder of Bra Sense Ltd

Wizard Jeans Denim Clinic – A Great Success!

Sam & Sara – FitQueens (above) Wizard Jeans Denim Clinic – Fenwick Brent Cross.

Well we definitely caused a buzz in the classics department on level 2, Fenwick Brent Cross, offering customers a bespoke denim fitting service using Wizard jeans.

My first customer of the day was a lady of 85! Just goes to show you’re never too old to wear jeans! Our mission was to proove to customers that “Shopping for your shape” is key when buying jeans. Customers loved the attention of the fitting service and said it really was the only way to buy jeans successfully. The lucky customers got  free alterations on the day and a £10 voucher if they bought two pairs! The event boosted Wizard Jeans sales by 100% on the day!

If you would like a FitQueens fitting service for denim, bra’s & swimwear in your store please get in touch.

A Good Service, Good Jeans – Job Done!

It’s been a crazy week of promoting.

With only four day’s to go before the Wizard Jeans Denim Clinic we’re really excited!  We know how great the fit is on these jeans and once you get in a pair you won’t want to get out!

Our aim is to get you in a pair of jeans specifically for your body shape and show you how the Wizard Jeans look, fit & feel. There’s no hard sell as the proof is in the jeans.

The beauty of the Denim Clinic is that the denim experts will guide you through the styles and suggest tops, jackets & accessories to go with your new jeans.  If your new jeans need taking up we will be able to pin & offer an alteration service for your purchase.

The good news is that at the event if you purchase a pair then you will get £10 voucher off your next pair of  Wizard Jeans!

Enter a free draw at the event to win a pair of  Wizard Swarovski jeans worth £195! below.

The fittings are on a first come first serve basis so come early and put your name down on our list and we will give you a time slot.

Looking forward to meeting you at Fenwick Brent Cross, Classics department, 2 Level on Tuesday 24th, 11am -3pm.

Don’t forget to bring the shoes you wish to wear with your jeans!

Sam x

Teenage bras – When is the right time to start wearing a bra?

Last weekend, four people – three mums and one dad – came with their young daughters to Bra Sense for a first bra fit. The daughters were embarrassed and uncomfortable about their first bra fit. So, we’ve put together some helpful hints and tips about first bras.

What to Consider

Some girls want to wear a bra, others may find the subject embarrassing and want to avoid it for as long as possible. Peer group pressure can often play a part, too. Every girl is going to differ as growth and development is unique to each person.

The first thing to consider when looking at whether it’s the right time for your daughter to start wearing a bra is your daughter’s own feelings towards it. Often, mums who want to do the best for their daughters start introducing the subject of wearing a bra earlier than is necessary or desirable. For dads, the subject can be even more difficult.

The Cropped Top

As an introduction into bra-wearing, it is advisable to go for a cropped-top-style bra at the very beginning. Under clothing they look like vests or cropped tops and are not obvious. These are available throughout the high street and provide a good first solution. They will also help your daughter to become accustomed to wearing something on this part of her body. Cropped-top-style bras provide modesty and enough support in the early stages of development, without emphasising the bust.

The starter bra

As your daughter’s bust size increases and you both feel it is necessary for your her to move on, you will find there is a good variety of starter bras or teenage bras available.

Teenage bras differ from adult bras. Although they may have the same band size and cup size, the design will be slightly smaller. Generally: reflecting that the bra will be being matched not only to the bra size but also to the height and build of teenagers – which will be different to an adult.

• the shoulder straps will be shorter
• the cups will be slightly smaller in depth, and
• the band will not be as deep

Most large brands and retailers offer starter bras. The Naturana range offers well-priced bras that extend into designs for the physically bigger-built teenager.

How to measure for a bra

There are two measurements that are traditionally used:

1. The band or under-bust measurement (Picture A), for example 30 inches, will convert to a bra size 32.
2. The around-bust measurement (around the fullest part of the bust – Picture B) will be greater than the band measurement. How much greater will convert to the cup size.

 
For example, if the under-bust measurement is 30, giving a bra size of 32 – and the around-bust measurement is 32 – then this will convert to an A cup size: in other words, a bra size of 32A.

Were the around-bust measurement to be 34, the bra size would become 32C. The under-bust or band measurement is around the back and under the arms and meeting at the front, directly below the bust.

The around-bust or cup measurement is the same, but higher up on the back and around the fullest part of the bust.

Getting the right fit

It is important when your daughter is fitted for her first bra to make sure that the band is level all the way round. This is what actually lifts and supports the bust – not the shoulder straps. Sit the bra at the front of the body, directly beneath the bust and follow the line of the bra round to the back. The bra will, in fact, sit in the two narrowest parts of the body so will not move once it is in place.

It is worth the effort to ensure that the band is level all round in a line directly beneath where the bust starts to protrude from the body. If the band size is too large, the bra will ride up at the back, causing the bra to fall forwards at the front. This causes women to mistakenly lift the bra and bust by shortening the shoulder straps. The effect is to cause the woman’s posture to change by dropping the shoulders in line with the bra – which is unsightly and uncomfortable, as well as unhealthy.

The band size is usually approximately two inches greater than the underband measurement, for an average bra with average stretch in the band.

Ideally, the bra should be clasped on the middle set of hooks. This allows for stretch of the bra as well as your daugther’s growth. To check it is right, it should be possible to run your forefinger underneath the band all the way around, suggesting a close supporting fit that is not too tight or too loose, confirming that the band size is correct.

The cup needs to cover the breast form, enclosing all the bust.

Which style of bra?

 Wire-free or soft cup

For starter bras, it is recommended to choose wire-free (sometimes known as soft cup), rather than underwired bras, which use a U-shaped wire, sewn into the bra cup.

When the bust is starting to develop, the body is growing, the rib cage is developing and a wire-free bra avoids the issues of underwires digging in or chafing.

This Missy First Bra by Royce, available from Bra Sense, is ideal.

Sports

For larger teenagers who find teenage bras too small, a sports bra is a recommended option. These are again wire-free, discreet and reasonably priced. They look very similar to cropped tops.

Also worth considering are tops or vests that have a shelf-bra built in.

Underwired

As teenagers develop, they will inevitably want to wear underwired bras. Underwired bras offer shape, support and the majority of fashion bras out there are underwired.

When selecting an underwired bra, it is important to check the fit of the underwire. The underwire should fit around the breast form.

The shape of the underwire differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. This is why one 32C isn’t the same as another 32C in underwired bras. Check the underwire is fitting properly around the breast form at the sides and front. This is the golden rule when wearing underwired bras and where confusion over sizing stems from.

It is strongly recommended that girls avoid underwired bras at the outset. It is important to wait until the bust has started to develop and the outline of where the bust is really forming can be seen. The emphasis is on waiting for the breast form to show itself fully, which will indicate where the underwire should sit.

Why are so many women wearing the wrong bra size?

Bra fitters frequently find that many women don’t actually know how a bra should fit them – and this is something that stems from their teenage years. Teenage girls ascertain their size, and tend to increase it by a cup size as they get older. The most common fitting error is to select too large a band size and too small a cup size, for example, a 34B rather than a 32C.

There is no such thing as “your bra size” as it will change from brand to brand. Shape is always the key!

For more information about our fitting service, please email sara@brasense.co.uk

Article by Sara O’Regan

Director of Bra Sense Ltd

sara@brasense.co.uk