As a bra fitter at Grail Bra Specialists in Athens, I see women of all shapes, sizes, and stages of life. One group that frequently comes to us is mothers. It’s no wonder! All of our bodies are constantly changing, whether as a result of aging, weight loss or gain, hormonal shifts, or a hundred other factors; however, the physical effects of pregnancy and nursing often cause tremendous and abrupt body changes that can affect the breasts especially. A woman who has worn the same bra size comfortably her whole adult life may gain, and later lose, a significant amount of breast volume in a relatively short period of time. So, where do you turn when your old bra isn’t working for the new you? Find a bra fitter! A professional fitter will help you determine your optimal bra size (which is more of a size range in reality, given that bra sizing is not always consistent,) and they can recommend styles that complement your body shape and suit your personal tastes. Since the best test of a bra is putting it on, be prepared to spend a bit of time in the fitting room trying out options.
Perhaps you’re unsure if your current bra fits you properly or not. Pain or discomfort is an obvious tip-off, but the signs aren’t always so obvious. If your bra needs constant readjusting, if your straps keep falling off your shoulders or the band creeps up your back, there may be a fit issue. The bra band is responsible for providing the majority of the support. It should be snug and level around your body, parallel to the floor. The cups should encompass your entire breast, which often extends as far as your armpit. If your bra has underwire, the wires should rest as flat as possible against your breastbone in the center of the bra, run directly under your breasts where they attach to your torso and lie flat against your ribs under your arms. The underwire should NOT be pushing into the side of your breast! Wire-free bras will not sit flat against the breastbone but should still have enough space to hold all of your breast tissue without overflow.
 |  |
A well-fitting bra can help your posture and reduce or eliminate an assortment of physical issues, from skin irritation to pain in the breasts, back, neck, and shoulders. It can make exercise more comfortable and improve the fit of your clothing. For many women, it also provides a confidence boost. Achieving a better fit may seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Moms especially have more important things to focus on than their bras! If this is an area in which you could use some guidance, we’re happy to take some of the frustration and guesswork off the table. Make and appointment or stop by, and tell us what you need. We’d love to help you find a better fit!
 |  |
Grail Bra Specialist is located at 1055 Gaines School Rd., Suite 110 Athens, GA 30605. You can visit their website at https://www.grailbras.com/ or give them a call at (706) 850-0387 Tuesday - Friday 10 AM - 6 PM and Saturday 1-6 PM.
