Issue 147

Suits you madam...

23rd October 2006

Club52% are worried that 70% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. That's why they and Emma Bartlett, Women's Officer, organised a special bra fitting service to come here on the 11 October. Charlie Duff discovered the importance of wearing the right sized bra.

On 11 October, a free bra fitting service in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness was provided for female students by Marks and Spencer. Emma Bartlett, Women's Officer declared the event a success. "It was a really good run up to the Pinkathon." She added; "We found that 70% was actually an accurate figure, which is worrying, but getting yourself fitted is quick, easy and free, so it's something that can be easily rectified."

According to Emma, wearing slightly the wrong size, or perhaps simply not wearing it right is very common, in particular, wearing a back size that is too big, or a cup size too small.

Dawn Lewis was pleasantly surprised by the experience. "At first I was a little nervous about having myself measured, but it was really quick. Although I was only a little bit out on which bra size I was wearing, that little bit has made a big difference!"

Rhian Ballard was also pleased. "I'm really pleased with how well this bra fits. It looks great under my clothes." Trying on a bra with clothes you're likely to wear it with before you buy is essential to make sure you choose the right one.

The assistants at Marks and Spencer pointed out that getting a bra fitted is not something that needs doing once or twice in a lifetime, saying, "People don't realise that they need to be measured regularly."

The reason for this is that a bra size changes whenever a woman might put on or take off weight, and even individual menstrual cycles make a difference – some women may need to wear a different bra size at different times of the month.

Getting measured isn't the only way of fitting a bra, particularly for the more voluptuous. Bravissimo, the lingerie company for bigboobed women, don't believe that tape measures work. They use a three point perfect bra guide instead. Firstly, a back strap that is level, does not ride up and is firm and comfortable. Secondly, the wires at the front should be flat against the ribcage and should not poke out or rub and finally, the breast should be fully encased in the cup, regardless of style, and there should not be gaps or bulging over the sides or top.

Different styles and manufacturers will mean slightly different cuts and sizes too, so trying bras on (and lots of them) is essential before buying. Wearing the right bra size is very important, for aesthetic as well as health reasons.

A good quality, well fitting bra in a style that looks great can be a huge confidence boost and can help improve posture. Poor posture is a leading cause of back pain, but an ill-fitting bra can also mean the weight of the breasts becomes spread unevenly, causing trapped nerves and neck, shoulder, middle or low back pain.

Emma added "Wearing the right bra size is important for students now, as it will help you look and feel better in later life."

Wired bras are not advised for women under the age of 17 as there may be some damage done to the sensitive tissue at this stage. Unwired are also recommended when pregnant and breast feeding for the same reason and whatever age or time of life, a bra should be removed before sleep.

New bras should be worn at first on the longest hook, until the elastic gives with wear and washing, which is when it may need shortening.

As to how long a bra could be expected to last, a few months to less than a year is most common, especially if they get washed in a washing machine. Ideally, women should be getting fitted that regularly anyway. Hand washing, careful handling and adjustment, as well as wearing the right size should help keep a favourite bra going for as long as possible.

Dawn suggested that girls should make a day of it. "Go with friends and combine getting fitted with a girly lingerie shop!"

Emma was keen to point out the health benefits of wearing the right sized bra. She explained; "Getting measured regularly is a big part of being breast aware. Getting to know your breasts will help early detection of breast cancer."

Charlie Duff