According to statistics, 8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra- shocking, right?! I remember getting measured at a department store in my teens and being absolutely stunned when I measured a 32DD and the bra I was wearing was a 36C. As soon as I put the right size bra on, I saw an instant improvement: my chest was lifted, my posture was more upright and my curves were more prominent than ever; I was ecstatic!

In that moment I realized the importance of a well-fitting bra. Not only did my clothes fit better, I felt better. My confidence was through the roof, not having to pull and tug on my bra all day, adjusting straps and back closures more times than I could count.

With brands like Vanity Fair here to support us all with some of the most innovative bras available, there’s no excuse for a bad-fitting bra.

Below are my tips to ensure you have the perfect fit:

1.  BAND CHECK

Your band should sit straight across your back, parallel to the floor. If it slips up or down, you’re wearing the wrong band size or you may need to tighten it. If it’s still too loose after adjustment, you probably need to go down a band size (and possibly up a cup size).

2.  SMOOTH CUPS

Your breasts should fit comfortably inside the cups of your bra. If you experience spill over or bulge on top or under your arms, you need to go up a cup size. If your breasts don’t fill out your bra’s cups, it’s too large and you need to go down a cup size.

3.  COMFORTABLE STRAPS

Straps work with the band, providing approximately 10% of overall support. If your straps still fall down after adjustment, the band and/or cup size is too big or your bra’s lost its elasticity. If you experience straps digging into your shoulders, chances are your band is too big, forcing your straps to do most of the work. 

4.  UNDERWIRE TEST

The underwire of your bra should fit comfortably against your rib cage. If it’s poking you, you most likely need to go up a cup size and/or band size. If it’s gaping, you may need to go up a cup size and/or down a band size.

 

Need a new bra? Vanity Fair is offering a BOGOGO promotion: Buy One, Get One (free), Give One- at Macy’s through 10/16 and Sears through 10/29. When you buy a bra for yourself, you get one free, plus Vanity Fair will donate a bra to support a woman at Dress for Success, an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence. You can also participate online at vanityfairlingerie.com With your help, women who reach out to Dress for Success when looking to secure a job or achieve their goals will not only receive professional attire from the organization, but they’ll also receive the proper foundation for that outfit– a brand new bra from Vanity Fair. Over the past three years, Vanity Fair has donated 100,000 new bras to the organization with the belief that “the right bra can truly change a woman’s life by giving her a fundamental foundation and a renewed sense of self-confidence.” As an ambassador for Vanity Fair, I I’m honored to be a part of this program and I couldn’t agree more!

Thank you all so much for sharing a part of your amazing lives in last month’s giveaway- myself and the entire Vanity Fair team were moved by each and every story. Lori Mangum, please contact me to claim your prize for yourself and a friend!