So You Hate Your New Bra. What Now?
You bought a bra. Hurray! Except, now that you’ve worn it a few times, you don’t like it. It felt good in the fitting room, but it’s uncomfortable in real life. It’s a sad story, I know, but it doesn’t have to be your story. Here’s how not to hate your new bra.
Prevention
There are a couple of things you can do to catch the problem before you even leave the store.
Test out that bra! I’ve written about movement tests before. It’s like when you go shoe shopping. You take a couple of laps around the store before you buy, right? So move around in that bra you’re trying on. Stretch, bend, sit…It’s also a good idea to consider where and when you’ll be wearing your new bra. Is it for work? Think about what your work day is like: any positions or movements that come up a lot or that you’re in for a long time? Test the bra for those, too.
Speak up in the fitting room. Bra fitters can seem like magical bra whisperers, but there are limits to our powers. We can’t feel what your body feels, so you’ve got to tell us! Don’t be afraid to let us know if you’re not sure about something – you don’t have to have a definitive reason and you don’t have to know the solution. We’re not going to think you’re difficult or a diva. Fitting is a team effort!
Correction
Extenders: simple, yet oh-so-effective.
Prevention’s great, but what about when it’s too late? Sometimes you can fix a so-so fit.
Try an extender. Your bra band needs to be reasonably snug to do its job, but you might need time to get used to how that feels. Wearing an extender on a new bra can tide you over until the band relaxes enough to wear the bra as-is.
Come by for a fit check-up. Tell your fitter what’s wrong and ask her to take another look. She may be able to make adjustments to improve your comfort, or recommend alterations to improve the fit. Sometimes it’s as simple as loosening the straps. Sam’s even gently reshaped the underwire on some bras. You’ll never know unless you ask!
Wash your bra. When you buy a new bra, it can be tempting to wear it right away, but it’s always a good idea to wash it before that first wear. Washing removes starch from the fabric, softening itchy lace and easing a too-firm band.
We want you to love your bras, or at the very least feel good wearing them. If you’ve brought home a bra that you’re not sure about, don’t give up! You always have options.
