Last week I was invited to Fenwick Colchester for a lingerie fitting, where I learnt that I was one of the 80% of women who are wearing the wrong bra size!
The 34Cs I had been wearing for years were not my bra size at all! I am in fact a 30DD, but in most cases – due to brand sizing – I’ll need a 32DD.
This came as quite a shock as I had always considered DD a pretty ample bust size, along the lines of Katie Price or Kim Kardashian – the default cup for glamour models and breast augmentation desires… Certainly not the rather deflated and somewhat saggy boobs I now possess! Another reason for my shock is that I used to wear DD in my early 20s when my boobs were pretty big due the contraceptive pill I was taking at the time. In fact, I used to wear a ‘minimiser’ bra as I was overly self-conscious about by busty chest!!!
But DD isn’t massive at all, in fact it’s fairly standard these days. The fitters put me right on this, explaining that most bra brands start their sizing at a D cup. They also told me that they very rarely fit ladies in anything smaller than a D cup.
The lingerie fitting at Fenwick Colchester was conducted in a very personal, efficient and sensitive manner.
My lingerie fitter, aside from measuring around my chest, did the measuring mostly by eye and experience. She asked me about the style of lingerie I prefer and fetched a selection for me to try on. She pretty much got it right from the outset; bringing a set from Triumph consisting of a t-shirt bra and matching short-style knickers. It was an instant hit – the bra fitted like a glove and I felt lifted, supported and comfortable.
We tried a few more lingerie sets, also by Triumph, and I settled on another bra and knicker set – in nude – a colour lacking in my underwear drawer but really essential when wearing white.
Ladies, I totally recommend you to have a lingerie fitting! I had been wearing the wrong size for years! It’s not surprising either as the last time I was measured was some 9 years ago after I had stopped breast-feeding my daughter! Of course my boobs and body shape has changed since then – duh!!!
Like Fenwick Colchester, most department stores offer bra fitting as a complementary service – so what’s to lose! If you are fearful of the intimacy, let me assure you – you don’t have to strip off in front of anyone like you did in the old days! At Fenwick Colchester, the fitters are incredibly experienced, discreet and considerate. They are used to dealing with sensitive situations. Fitting women post-surgery is common, but incredibly delicate. And there are often tears of emotion from women who are joyous and thankful at finally finding a good-fitting bra.
It’s also worth noting that at Fenwick Colchester, you can recycle your old bras which get sent to charities in Africa. Along with helping small businesses in Africa, your unwanted bra donations will also raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Research.
Here are some tips my fitter shared to ensure your bra fits correctly:
- Bra straps should be able to stretch away from the shoulder no more than 2 inches
- The front part (called the bra bridge) should lie flat against your body
- The underwire should not sit on any breast tissue
- You should only be able to fit 2 fingers under your back strap
- The band should sit parallel to the cups (not rise up your back)
- Fasten the strap on the first hooks; as you wear the bra it will loosen over time so you will eventually need to fasten it tighter
The correct-fitting bra really does make a huge difference – both in how you feel and the shape it provides under clothes. There’s nothing worse than seeing that double-boob effect under a top, or bra straps cutting into flesh… In the right bra your clothes will fit and look better, you’ll stand taller and you’ll feel amazing – I certainly can tell the difference in my new 32DDs!!!
So when was the last time you got measured? Are you wearing the correct size bra? I’d love you know your thoughts and experiences… please leave a comment below.
Fenwick Colchester gifted me a lingerie set – but all opinions are my own.
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