FAQS
As lingerie experts, there are questions we are often asked by women searching for the perfect fitting bra. Of course, we always recommend a professional bra fitting, but here are some hints that may help you the next time you go shopping.
How often should I have a bra fitting?
We suggest women should ask for a professional fitting every time they buy a new bra. Bra size can be affected by changes in your own body size, and can also change depending on the style of bra you are looking for. Bendon offers free bra fitting services through its national retail stores.
^ back to top
What effects can an ill-fitting bra have?
Many women wilfully ‘booby trap’ their own breasts by squeezing them into bras that are too tight, or letting them loose in bras that offer little support.
Wearing the wrong size bra is something up to 70% of Kiwi women do, leading to bra crimes that include the “four breast syndrome”, where cups runneth over and cause unsightly bulges, and the “saggy baggy’ look where the bra bunches unflatteringly at the top. A bra that rides up is also a sign that it is not fitting properly.
As well as affecting appearance, wearing the wrong sized bra can potentially cause problems with the skin, back and posture, as well as obvious discomfort to the breasts. A professional bra fitting is your best protection against both common bra crimes and potential ill effects.
^ back to top
How are bra sizes measured?
Bra sizing is based on body size, measured around the base of the bust, traditionally expressed in inches, ie 10=32 inches, 12=34 inches, 14=36 inches and so on. The cup size corresponds to the fullness of the breasts, from A, B, C upwards.
^ back to top
What needs to be taken into account when a bra is fitted?
As well as your chest and cup size, it is also important to take the shape of the breasts into consideration. Breasts can be full or shallow in shape, or sit close together or far apart on the body. Breasts that are full have a naturally rounded shape both above and below the nipple. In this case, special attention must be paid to the top section of the bra cup to ensure it doesn’t cut in. Breasts that are shallow carry the fullness from the nipple down and need firm support and a gentle boost in order to avoid a silhouette that resembles a ducks bill.
Breasts that sit close together often deliver great cleavage but may need a bra that gently separates in order to avoid a mono-bust look. And finally, breasts that sit far apart or tend to hide under the arms are referred to as having ‘East to West’ swing. The solution for this is to look for bra cups that have side slings, ridged or lined lower cups and side boning. This will provide greater forward projection and a more natural rounded profile.
Generally, the larger the breasts, the more support and structure you will need in a bra.
^ back to top
How do bras differ?
Bras differ in fit according to their style, cut and even the type of fabric they are made from. It’s like shoes or jeans – you may wear a couple of different sizes depending on the brand and style. With bras, for example, you may need to go up a cup size if opting for a balconette style bra which has a demi-cup rather than a contour bra with a fuller cup.
^ back to top
What is the correct way to put on a bra and how can I tell if it’s fitting properly?
When trying on a bra, remember that the bra should fit well when done up on the middle hook, which is called the fit hook. The remaining hooks are to give flexibility for any future figure changes. Remember also that the back of the bra provides the main support, so should sit snugly against the body. If it rides high at the back, the bust will be correspondingly lower at the front and not adequately supported.
The correct way to put on a bra is as follows:
- Loosen the back straps, slip straps over shoulders and lean forward from the waist to fill the cups properly.
- Do the bra up on the middle hook.
- Straighten up and adjust the straps.
Always consider the clothing you want to wear with the bra and the look it will give your breasts under clothing. Bras are designed to give shape to the breasts and, while a natural rounded profile is now the most sought after shape, there are still some bras that offer a more pointed profile.
^ back to top
Buying a first bra
Buying your first bra can be a rather daunting experience. However Bendon lingerie has professionally trained staff that are experts at finding the perfect bra for each person. Buying your first bra can also be very exciting as there is a huge range of styles and colours available. As your breasts will still be growing, it’s especially important to get fitted every time you buy new bras, as your first size is unlikely to be what you will stay.
^ back to top
Why do I need a sports bra?
Sports such as running, aerobics and tennis are great for fitness, however these activities can be tough on your body, particularly your breasts.
Breasts are composed mainly of fatty tissue, held up by slim bands called Coopers ligaments. Repetitive bounce can stretch the Coopers ligaments – and they won’t bounce back resulting in permanent breast sag.
Finding a sports bra that best meets your requirements for comfort and support means choosing one that accurately fits your bust size, matches your activity level and offers you a soft feel with moisture-wicking performance.
And thank goodness – sports bras aren't what they used to be. Gone are the days of boring beige with straps that you just want to hide. Bendon Sport has given new life to the sports bra market – totally redefining sports underwear – to deliver advanced technical performance, and high-octane fashion styling.
^ back to top
When should I purchase a maternity bra?
During pregnancy, your breast size alters, becoming bigger and heavier. Breast changes begin in the first trimester of pregnancy, and most mothers outgrow their pre-pregnancy bras right along with their non-maternity jeans. If you're buying new bras during pregnancy you can choose to buy nursing bras. These may not fit immediately after birth, when your breasts are swollen, but they'll fit at some point in your breastfeeding career.
When your breast size settles down, usually after the second week, purchase additional bras that fit well.
^ back to top
It is suggested bras are replaced every six months, however if cared for correctly they will last longer. It’s important that bras are replaced when they start to wear out to ensure you are still giving the correct support.
Buy a new bra when it starts to ride up in the back, wrinkle in the cup, or slip off your shoulders. These are all signs of irreparable stretching and fabric weakening.
Bras should be washed at least every other wearing. Body oils can do even more damage to the fabric than soap and washing.
For the best results when caring for your lingerie, wash all lingerie in a lingerie wash bags – available at Bendon Lingerie stores. These bags are designed to protect your garments during washing and drying cycles. It is also vital you follow the care instructions printed on the internal labels of the garments.
- Do up the hooks first
- Hand Wash or Gentle Machine Wash in a lingerie bag
- Wash dark colours separately
- Line dry
- Do not tumble dry
- Non-chlorine bleach if needed
- Do not iron
- Do not dryclean
^ back to top