The Bra Fitter Diaries: Why Your Bestie Hates Your Bra

We’ve been so lucky over our first seven months. The community’s response to Broad has been amazing! The absolute best is when a happy client brings her sister or mom or best friend (or sometimes, all three!) in for a fitting. We’re always thrilled to expand our band of Broads. There’s one little hiccup we’ve noticed in these cases though: people often recommend their own favourite bra for their friend, and when that bra doesn’t work out, they’re disappointed and confused. (Until we match their bud with another perfect fit, of course.)

I get why they might feel that way. I’ve been there, too! Like a lot of women, I get my full bust from my mom. So when she shopped at Broad the first time, I sort of thought she’d leave with the same types of bras that I wear. Spoiler: that is not what happened. We might both love to snack on raw potatoes* and sing in the car, but it turns out we have totally different needs and wants when it comes to bras. What makes one full-busted person feel good isn’t necessarily what does it for the next because full-busted or not, we’re all just people. Here’s what might get in the way of you and your bestie becoming bra twins:

Bibi, by Ewa Michalak

Minimize…or Maximize?

Some people prefer bras that make their boobs look a little smaller. Some people prefer a padded or push-up bra for a size boost. (Yep, even those with fuller busts!) And some people fall somewhere in the middle, preferring just a little lift and support. What makes one person feel confident and gorgeous might make the next feel really uncomfortable and not like herself.

Coverage

It’s important to feel comfortable and secure in your bra, and for lots of people this means full coverage and zero bounce. Others feel perfectly at ease in lacier, lower cut styles.

Rose, by Comexim

Shape

This has two parts, and I’ll use Sam and myself as examples. Part one is the shape or silhouette the bra creates. Sam loves a vintage silhouette – think very pointy – while I’m much happier wearing a rounder shape. Part two is body shape. Sam’s breasts are projected and mine are shallow, which means bras that are fantastic on her will never be a good fit for me and vice versa.

Look

Colourful, or neutral? Frilly, or simple? Very few people truly don’t care about the look of their bra. And sure, some bra wardrobes have room for a little of everything. But personal style definitely plays a part in bra shopping – it’s not just about fit, it’s about feeling good!

See what I mean? Even if two people had identical measurements, it’s super unlikely that their body shape and personal preferences would be, too. So let’s celebrate the differences instead!

*Listen, don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Sneaking a slice of raw potato with a bit of salt while making dinner is one of life’s greatest pleasures – after a perfectly fitted bra.