6 mistakes you make when buying a bra

Even though it is completely delightful (and totally on trend) to go through life without a bra, it is sometimes quite handy to safely store the girls away. However, this is a more challenging task than you might initially think, as 81 percent of women wear the wrong bra. EIGHTY-ONE! I personally belong to the club of wrongly purchased bras. I can't wait to throw it in the corner at the end of the day once I've tried it on. That feeling of freedom is indescribable, isn't it? I certainly didn't expect that this would be my situation at thirty when I begged my mother eighteen years ago for a trip to Hunkemöller to buy big-girl bras for my tiny AA cup, but here we are: lost in a world of poorly fitting bras that you want to deal with as little as possible. To help you out, I've listed the six most common mistakes when buying a bra so you can finally find your perfect match once and for all.

Not measuring your size regularly
Did you know that your bra size can change if your weight fluctuates by about 2.5 kilos? Due to changes in your weight and hormones, this means you should have your bra size measured at least once a year. You can do this yourself with a handy calculator, or you can get advice in a lingerie store. Just keep in mind: bras from different brands usually fit a bit differently, so take that into account and always try on your bras before you buy them.

Skipping the bounce test
Yes, you heard that right. The bounce test is essential when buying a well-fitting bra. Put your bra on properly (this means leaning forward so that the breast tissue falls nicely into the cups) and jump up and down a few times. Sure, it looks completely silly, but it will definitely save you from buying the wrong bra. A study by the University of Portsmouth Research Group in Breast Health has shown that even with a small A cup, movement occurs in the breast tissue, so testing the support using this method is recommended for everyone.

Buying a bra that only fits on the tightest hook
Always buy a bra that fits well and comfortably on the loosest hook. This way, you have room to move to the tighter hooks as the bra stretches from washing and wearing. The band should not feel loose; the golden rule is: you should be able to slide two fingers underneath. This is a very important aspect since about 90 percent of the support of a bra comes from the band.

Choosing the wrong style for your breast shape
Many women forget to pay attention to the shape of their breasts when choosing a bra. Do you have full, round breasts? Then opt for a bra with a full cup. Balconette bras work better for smaller breasts. Women with sagging breasts benefit most from a bra with a bit more padding in the lower part of the cup to lift the breasts and make them look fuller.

The straps digging into your shoulders
No matter how big or heavy your breasts are, this fate should be avoided by everyone. If the straps of your bra dig into your shoulders, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the size or fit. Look for wider or padded straps for this issue.

Not washing your bra enough
Okay, this isn't a problem you encounter in the store, but you get this tip for free: wash. that. bra! Not washing your bra enough contributes to its wear and tear because dirt, oils, and sweat from our skin affect the elasticity of the bra and the materials. It's best to wash your bra between each wear, especially if you have oily skin or sweat a lot. So make sure you have a few of your favorite bras at home so you never have to miss it.

Here's how to wash it properly: make sure to fasten the hooks first, place it in a closed laundry bag, and wash it on a delicate cycle with mild detergent. Then let your bra dry on a drying rack.

Source: Hello Giggles