Introducing fashion columnist Breid Mc Daid, who tells us why going for a bra fitting is a must for our bust.
Hi everyone. My name is Breid Mc Daid. I am a 26-year-old fashion enthusiast and qualified personal stylist from Creeslough, in Co. Donegal, now based in Dublin.
My love of fashion has been instilled in my character from an early age, and I am extremely excited to see what opportunities this new venture brings.
Bra Fittings Unfolded
Ok ladies, I’ve got a question for you all. How many of you out there have never got fitted for a bra?
Admittedly up until a few years ago I was one of those people who never got properly fitted for one. I’m not sure why but there seems to be a stigma set around this topic, and considering the importance of the practice, it’s one that needs to be abolished, and fast.
Did you know that 8 out of 10 Irish women are wearing the wrong bra size? A startling statistic in itself! I have jotted down some points to make you aware of signs that show you may be wearing a bra that does not meet your sizing requirements. Here’s what to look out for:
- The centre front of your bra is lifting.
- Your bra strap is digging into your shoulders, leaving you with mild marks.
- Your bust is bulging out of the top or sides of your cup.
- Your bra moves up your back.
- Your bra underwires stick out at the front or under your arms.
The Initial Bra Fitting visit, what’s involved?
First of all, there seems to be a common misconception that you need to take your bra off to engage in a bra fitting.
I completely understand why this prospect would heighten feelings of discomfort, however I’m glad to let you know this is not the case and most definitely not essential.
The lingerie advisor simply measures under your bust to get the width of your chest (i.e. 30,32 etc.). They will then go on to measure around the fullest part of your bust, over your bra, to get an indication of cup size required (i.e. A,B,C….G etc.). This simple and fast process is all that is required to get the initial measurement.
From there the advisor will move on to ask you what type of bra you like to wear, i.e. full cup, balcony etc.
With our ever-growing busy lifestyles, it could be a case of choosing not one style, but many, as unfortunately ladies, this most definitely is not a case of ‘one size/size fits all’ I’m afraid.
First of all, both a white and black bra are lingerie necessities in my opinion. I mean nobody wants to see traces of a white bra underneath that beloved LBD or vice versa.
A strapless bra may not be deemed a necessity, however it can act as a saviour when those unforeseen circumstances arise.
Supportive sports bras are becoming ever more popular with the surge of fitness love now everywhere.
Now remember, not all of these styles have to be picked up all in one go, just get yourself to the appointment first and take it from there. Marks & Spencer’s, Menarys in Letterkenny, and Mc Elhinney’s Department Store in Ballybofey all offer excellent bra fitting services. Book an appointment to feel and notice the difference.
When should you check your bra size?
As our bust size changes for many reasons throughout our lives; age, weight fluctuations, contraceptive use, pregnancy, post pregnancy or following surgery, it is recommended that you make this appointment a frequent one, every six months is advised.
I hope this feature was of some benefit to you, and as always, thanks for taking the time to read. To see more of my fashion related posts, head over to styleyourstory.ie/blog. You can also find me on Facebook at ‘Style Your Story’ and on Instagram @style_yourstory.
Sincerely yours,
Breid at ‘Style Your Story’ xx
The Author
