If you’re like most women, you dread the day you have to go bra shopping. Women have mental lists of reasons why to not shop for bras: they’re expensive, they don’t like to shop for themselves, and they don’t have the time or the patience to try on every bra in the store, or just can’t find the right fit! Frustrating? There’s no avoiding it-sometimes you need to buy a new bra-and that doesn’t mean when the wires are poking you through the fabric! Knowing when to get a new bra is essential to helping you keep bras that are comfortable and shapely. Here are a few reasons you may be in need of a new bra-now.
1. If Last Summer was the last time you bought a bra. Bra shopping can be expensive. It can be easy to spend $50, $75, or even $100 on a bra, but there are plenty of bras for under $30 as well! Think of it this way, if you can spend that money on a mani/pedi or a couple of movie tickets, you can definitely spend it on a bra!
2. A Special Occasion. Do you have a wedding coming up? A ‘formal’ dance maybe? There are certain occasions you may need to wear a strapless or ‘convertible’ bra-essential to every woman’s wardrobe!
3. Great News! You’re Pregnant! You may not need a maternity bra just yet, but expect to grow a couple of sizes during your pregnancy. Even women with small breasts will eventually need a bra with underwire for support during pregnancy. Taking care of your breasts during pregnancy and nursing, with good bras, can minimize post-baby sagging. Look to brands such as Bali, Playtex, and Calvin Klein for comfortable pregnancy/nursing bras.
4. Your bra just doesn’t fit right. If your bra is stretched, the back strap rides up, you’re constantly adjusting, or you’re embarrassed to wear a tight-fitting shirt-you need a different bra. Be honest with yourself first-Do you wish you were a C cup, but are really a B cup? Or what if a DD is just too small for you? Your bra should support and shape you, without restricting you. Your bra should not be loose in any way when you stand up straight. Don’t be ashamed to check out full-figured or plus-sized bras for the right fight. If you wear t-shirts often, a good seamless bra is essential. Again, stop stressing about your size! Get a bra that is going to be comfortable.
5. Your bra’s best friend is your washing machine. Remember this-bras should be hand-washed. Most of us don’t have the time, but in this case, do yourself and your bra a favor a get a lingerie bag! Bras that are machine-washed/dried need to be replaced much more often than ones that are gently hand-washed.
6. Underwire poking at your skin. The underwire in a bra should lay flat against your skin, underneath the breasts. If you feel the underwire poking through the fabric, you need a new bra! Find yourself adjusting the underwire back to its proper position throughout the day? It’s time for a new bra.
7. Holes in your bra. If your bra is in any way torn, this is a sign it needs to be replaced. Think of it this way, a bra with holes in it can tear completely at any moment. What will you do then?
8. Your bra is not the same shape and does not have the same support as a new bra that is the same size. This is especially true for sports bras. If you hold up your existing bra to a new one of the same size and it does not look the same, you’ve worn it out! Champion or Adidas are good brands for sports bras.
9. You have gained or lost weight. Your breasts are made up of, mostly, fatty tissue, so when you gain or lose weight, it may make a significant change in their size-assuring you a new bra. Whenever you gain or lose 10 pounds, you should get fitted for a bra to ensure you are buying the right size for your body.
10. Ready for a New Look? You don’t have to wait until your old bras are ripped and torn to get a new one! Have fun with it! If you usually wear plain cotton bras, try printed, sexy, lace bras for a quick pick-me-up. You may discover a whole new bra-world for yourself!
Bra shopping shouldn’t be frustrating. If you happen to find a bra that fits you “like a glove” you may want to but a few in case they’re discontinued! Have fun with your bra shopping, but remember, a good bra should be comfortable and should support you-it should not be a nuisance. Happy shopping!
