Most frequently asked questions at
THE BRA LADIES BOUTIQUE

I Have been in the wrong bra size for so long. Where do I start?

You’re not alone! Over 85% of women are in the wrong bra size. The best thing to do is go get fitted. It’s free and you will get a quick lesson on everything you are doing wrong and an explanation regarding how easy the problem is to fix. Your individual breast shape will determine what type of bra will work best for you.

What type of breast shapes are there?

There are five different breast shapes. 

• Round – Breasts are as full on the top as they are on the bottom
• Shallow Top/Full Bottom– Thank you, breastfeeding and aging. The reality is as we age and/or feed our infants, we lose breast tissue. Most of our tissue ends up going south. 
• East/West – Most women do not even realize this is happening until they go for a fitting and compare their before and after images. Your breasts are no longer best friends. They have decided to give each other some space and part ways. 
• Pendulous – This is primarily due to aging. Very soft breast tissue. Carrying most of the tissue closer to the nippple line.
• Asymmetric or Uneven – Our breasts are not created equally. They are not “twins”.  Most women have two different sizes. This is something we never talk about. It’s an easy fix by simply adjusting the strap to the bra and making them even.

See our page on How to find your breast shape for more info about getting the best fit for different breast types.

What clasp do I hook my new bra on?

Your new bra should fit well with the hook being set into the first clasp.  A good bra will last and over time, it will mold itself to fit even better.  A good bra will “give” not “stretch” and eventually move to the second or middle hooks.

How do I wash my bras?

Don’t feel pressured to wash your bras on a certain time table.  You should only wash your bras if they have become unclean or have developed an odor.

Why does my band ride up my back?

One possible answer is that your bra might be too large.. The band should lay flat against your back and shouldn’t move.  You should be able to place two fingers in the space between your back and the band. No more..or less

Why do I get back fat with some bras?

Your band is too tight. You should be able to place two fingers in the space between your back and the band. No more..or less.

What does Scoop and Swoop mean?

It’s a term to describe the test to see how well your breasts fit the cups of the bra.  After you have been fitted with the right band, you should lift up your breasts one at a time and drop it into the cup. It should fill the cup. 

Am I wearing my bra too high?

Your bra should sit right under your rib cage. Check it out ..any images of a woman modeling a bra, it doesn’t matter how big or small their bra is, it will always sit under the rib cage and lay flat across their back.

What is the proper way to put a bra on?

Prepare for liftoff!   This is the recommended manner, but often, women put their bras on the way that they were first taught or in a manner that is the most comfortable.  Here is what we recommend – Place your arms through the straps, hold the bra to your breasts, then reach around and clasp the bra.

Why do my bra straps slip?

Your straps are providing too little support.  Another contributing factor might be that your band is too large.

Why does my bra strap dig into my shoulders?

All your support should be coming from your band and your straps equally. If you feel pressure from the straps, that means all of the support is coming from your straps and your band is too large.

I am getting ready for a medical procedure and looking for a bra to wear during recovery

Any correctly fitting soft bra style will work. If you are recovering, give your breasts a break and don’t wear a bra that utilizes an underwire. Bralettes are great for this situtaion.

I need a strapless bra but have no idea my size

Strapless bras are harder to fit. They often don’t seem to fit the size breast sizes that they claim too.. Our advice is to try going down one cup size and keep the band the same – but you really need to try it on!

Do I really need to wear an underwire – I hate them!!

Don’t be a hater, underwires can be tamed.  They can provide much needed support if they are selected properly. Don’t let one bad experience swear you off the species – it’s not like an old partner.  Bras do change!  If there is a medical reason that prohibits wearing them, then make the split a formal one and don’t look back!  If you desire or need the support an underwire can provide, finding the right style and size is a critical part of being comfortable.