Bra fittings can be a nerve-wracking process, especially if it is your first experience. You’re standing in the fitting room in your bra—usually with bright fluorescent lighting which highlights every lump, bump, and skin flaw—while a stranger flits around discussing what’s good or bad about the bra you’re wearing. It’s no wonder so many people hate bra shopping! However, you can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety about your bra fitting experience by following these “Dos and Don’ts” designed to help you feel comfortable and happy with the process.
Do realize the fitting room is a judgement free space. A professional fitter is not there to criticize the old bra you wore, your weight, your skin, your hair, your anything. They are strictly interested in how the bras fit and how to improve. If at any time the fitter makes you uncomfortable, leave or contact the manager. If you are male, trans, or non-binary, do research or call the shop in advance about their policies. Most specialty stores are warm, inclusive spaces, but “most” is not “all.” Your safety and comfort should be your and their top priority.
Don’t come for a fitting after a meal, especially a big one. Your body will feel bloated, and if you ate a meal high in sodium (*ahem* most of my meals *ahem*), you may be retaining water. The bands of the bras will feel uncomfortably tight even if they are the size you should be buying, and the prospect of staring at yourself in the mirror becomes daunting.
Similarly, don’t get fitted while you are menstruating. Unless you are buying a bra specifically for that time of the month, do not get fitted because your band and cup size measurement may be larger than what you would need for everyday wear.
Do plan on getting fitted when you are relaxed, in a good mood, and have plenty of time. Depending on how crowded the store is, you could be there thirty minutes to an hour, and if you are rushed or stressed, you will be less inclined to try on multiple bras and be more critical of what you do try.
Do leave behind anyone who isn’t interested in being there during the fitting. Your good mood counts for nothing if the person you brought with you is bored, uninterested, or impatient. If possible, do leave young kids at home, and only bring partners if he/she/they feels comfortable sitting in the lingerie department and giving opinions.
To streamline the process, do write down what you need and want in a bra. Take into account not only what you need in terms of your wardrobe (an abundance of light colored shirts will translate to more flesh-tone bras) but also what you want the bra to give you, e.g., full coverage, cleavage, side support, etc. If you tell a fitter “no preference,” they will show you lots of different styles when the focus should be narrower. Furthermore, do either wear or bring a sample of the clothing you turn to frequently to ensure what you buy will work for most of your clothes.
However, don’t be inflexible with what you need or want and listen to the advice of the fitter. Higher cup sizes and specific tissue types often eliminate some styles, meaning you may need to compromise to find a bra that fits. For example, many people want foam cup bras for wearing with tee shirts, but frequently the breast tissue does not fill the cups properly and falls to the bottom or center of the cup. Sometimes, it’s better to buy silicone nipple covers and opt for a bra that does not utilize a molded foam cup.
Don’t swear off a bra by how it looks on the hanger. Some bras have great hanger appeal but work for only a few people whereas other bras are less visually interesting but exceed your expectations.
For the fitting, do wear the bra that fits you the best. The better a bra fits you, the easier it is to quickly determine your size and what will work for you. In some cases, a few minor tweaks is all you need, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about what the fitter is doing and why it is important. The more educated you become about how bras work and what styles suit your shape, the more pain-free future purchases are.
Do bring a basic tee shirt or tank with you. When you’re staring at yourself in the mirror in only a bra, it can be difficult to tell how much lift you are receiving and if you like how the bra looks. Because tee shirts are less forgiving, they let you see your new silhouette so you can decide if the bra is right for you. Additionally, if you’re buying a bra for a special piece of clothing, do bring it with you. This is particularly true of formal wear or costumes because they often have distinctive neck and back lines which require unique solutions.
Don’t wear perfume or use makeup on your chest. Makeup can stain the bras, and perfume can leave a lingering scent, which can irritate the next person who tries the product.
Finally, do have fun! Bras and intimate apparel shopping can be a rewarding experience. So much of what we wear is designed for the outside world to see and needs to be cultivated to the various facets of your life. Intimate apparel is for you, so you get to decide what you love and enjoy without worrying about how others perceive it or you.