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Heres the truth: You’re probably wearing the wrong bra size right now.
And for something you put on every day, thats an uncomfortable truth to accept.
I own plenty of ill-fitting bras from shopping trips gone wrong.
I’ve tried time and time again to find the right fit.
But it seems like every time I head into a lingerie store, Im a completely different size.
Finally, I was fed up with constantly adjusting my bra in the middle of the day.
So, I decided to visit another prothe bra whisperer.
Iris Clarke has been featured inThe New York Timesand named one of the best bra fitters in NYC byGothamist.
In her little Brooklyn shop, she fits women from sizes AA to M (yes, M).
I walked intoIris Lingeriewith high expectations.
Iris is a woman with a motherly aurasweet but tough.
There can be something so uncomfortable about taking your clothes off in front of a stranger.
But knowing Iris has seen many women in the buff helps calm any nerves.
She took one look at me in my 38E bra and declared it was the wrong size.
And I got the scolding I expected.
You have to look good in your clothing," she said.
“Wherever you go, you have to look your best.”
Iris disappeared for a few minutes and reappeared with the right fita 32DD.
No tape measure required.
After 30 years, I never measure.
Just one shot, and it works!
Iris explained how a tape measure can give you a false read because it lays completely flat.
It doesn’t account for the natural contours of the body.
Some people have a dent or curve in their back.
And some women have a deep dent [between the breasts], she said.
That affects the whole thing.
I have to read the body and go get the bra.
She put my arms through and asked me to bend over and shake.
I looked a little confused at first, but I did as I was told.
This is Clarkes technique for getting the breast tissue in the cups just right.
Every fitter Ive been to has a different strategy.
Some like to swoop, others like to lift.
Clarke was all about the bend and shake.
She then clasped the bra on the loosest hook.
She explained that you always want to fit a new bra on the third clasp.
Then, slowly work your way to the middle and tightest hooks as the bra stretches out over time.
Once I was settled in Clarke’s first pick, I could already tell a difference.
Surprisingly, the loss of six inches in the band didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.
My breasts felt more secure.
Next, she brought in a T-shirt bra by Fantasie ($74,nordstrom.com).
Iris and I both agreed that this full-cup style was a better fit.
Note: Iris confirmed that every woman has one breast that is a little bigger than the other.
It’s TOTALLY normal, and you always want to get a bra that fits the larger breast.
Finally, Iris requested that I put my dress back on to see the difference.
Iris told me that her goal is always to get the boobs up, if possible.
And finding the right bra expert is just as important as getting a good hairdresser.
You need a woman you’re free to trust.
Someone who will let you know that your breasts and a lace demi-cut bra are not compatible.
Someone who will support you just as much as the bra she recommends.
My view on lingerie shopping has totally changedand my 32DD breasts are much happier, too.
Grab bras in a few sizes just in case.Keep in mind that different brands have completely different fit guidelines.
Some brands make tighter back bands or longer straps.
So, it’s crucial that you know your equivalent or sister size.
For example, a 32C could possibly fit a 30D or a 34B.
And if that isn’t working, look for a sports bra (her favorite is byAnita Active).
Looking for an everyday bra?
Wear a T-shirt to really ensure everything lays smooth and your nipples aren’t on display through the cups.
She recommended changing up your bra every other day.
Dont wear the same bra for the whole week, she said.
Its good to change up so it doesnt stretch out so fast, and get two bras to rotate.
You also want to schedule a new fitting every six months.
And you’ve probably heard you should hand wash your nice lingerie, right?
Well, Iris said there is another way (hooray!
).
