Vladimir Sukhachev /
I’ve always cherished my bust as one of my most cherished assets. Now, at 40 and having nursed two children for a cumulative two and a half years, I hold them in even higher regard. Like many, I had a handful of (let’s be honest, just two) go-to bras that were passably comfortable, so they became my go-to choice. However, after a professional fitting, I came to understand just how misguided my favorite bra really was. While others tout the confidence-boosting power of a perfect lipstick or a fresh haircut, for me, it was the right bra that made all the difference—and then some.
Pearl Mueller, Chantelle fit specialist
The fitting session lasted about 20 minutes and was far more enjoyable than I anticipated. Instead of viewing it as a chore, I recommend scheduling it as a treat—perhaps after a mammogram!—or even as a girls’ outing. Just like hunting for the perfect pair of jeans, finding the ideal bra fit is a meticulous endeavor (with a plethora of choices to consider!), but the experts truly know their craft. In the dressing room, I was startled to realize how poorly my everyday bra was fitting: the band was excessively loose (likely stretched from years of use), and there were clear gaps at the top of the cups. Chantelle Fit Specialist Pearl Mueller was incredibly well-informed, and she shared three straightforward tips that significantly improved the fit of my bras and my wardrobe.
Mueller advises, “If there’s excess room at the bottom of the cup, avoid pulling the wire over the breast tissue—it can actually exacerbate the fit issue.” Instead, she suggests, “Gently grasp the top of the cup and shake it slightly to allow gravity to help position your breasts correctly.”
I tested this technique while trying on various styles, and it was nothing short of magical. Everything seemed to fall into place seamlessly. Discussing fit, I mentioned that I had entered wearing a 32E. Mueller swiftly pointed out that the gaps were due to a band that was too large—and that many of us actually need to go down a size in the band and up in the cups.
It may sound like a woman’s arithmetic, but it’s effective. I left the store in a 30G and felt more sleek, elevated, and supported than ever before. (The transformation was so profound that I discarded my old ‘favorite’ bra without a second thought.)
Mueller explains that when trying on bras, the band should be comfortably tight on the loosest hook. “As the bra stretches with use,” she notes, “you can move to the tighter hooks to maintain a secure fit and prolong the bra’s lifespan.” Since I tend to invest in high-quality bras, which can be on the pricier side, I found this tip particularly helpful in extending their longevity and maximizing my investment. For tips on proper care, check out our guide here.
You’re familiar with the pesky “double boob” issue where your bra cuts into your chest? It’s always been a problem for me. Mueller taught me a quick fix: point your index fingers down and, with both hands, swipe from the center of your bra out toward your armpits (it’s known as a gore, who knew?). This move redistributes the tissue into the cups, smoothing everything out instantly. I tried it, and it worked wonders in an instant. It’s an incredibly simple solution I wish I’d known about years ago and will now incorporate into my daily routine.
