A Tale of Two Bras

WhatIWore: For a woman who seems to know a lot about fashion, I know surprisingly little about bras. I was a late bloomer who didn’t really need a bra until I started college (hello freshman 15!) Prior to my pregnancy, I wore a 34B or C and support wasn’t such an issue for such small ta tas.

Then I became pregnant and everything changed. I was warned my bra size would grow, but I had no idea how much! I’m sort of embarassed to admit that I’ve gone the past year completely lacking in support. It’s kind of like you don’t know how bad something is until it’s good! I just added a new bra - the One Fab Fit tee shirt bra from Maidenform (today’s post sponsor!) and I’ve finally found the right size. It makes a huge difference in how I look!

 

A couple of tips that have helped me: 

1. The apex (or fullest part) of your bust should fall between your shoulders and elbow. 
   
2. You want a cup size without overflow. Find that by measuring the fullest part of your bust and subtracting the measurement right beneath your bust. My measurements are actually 37-32, which would be a 32DD on paper, but after trying on a variety of sizes, the 36 was actually most comfortable. This is why you should try on a bunch of different sizes! 
   
3. The band of your bra should be horizontal around your entire rib cage. I’ve found on my less supportive bras when I shorten the straps to lift up my bust, the band also pulls up which means… get a more supportive cup! 
   

 

So as I said before, I used to be a 34B and now I’m a 36DD. I’ve nursed my son for 14 months and I expect (hope!) to go down to a 34D when all is said and done. But you need to fit your bra for the here and now, so even if it’s only worn for a few months, I know the proper size will benefit me.

Here’s a side by side of the style of bra I had been wearing a lot of on the left and my new Maidenform One Fab Fit bra on the right.

I’ve always gone with soft bras because I actually like being a little smaller on top and don’t want padding to appear larger. That said, I’ve realized some soft shaping can really help comfortably lift up your whole rack. And that creates more space in your torso which means you look slimmer! 

In these photos, I’m wearing Maidenform’s One Fab Fit bra available at Kohl’s. Big thanks to Maidenform for sponsoring this post and helping me find the right fit!  I was sent this bra and others and those that aren’t my size will be donated to local women in need.