Vladimir Sukhachev /
I’ve always cherished my bust as one of my most endearing attributes. Now, at 40, and having nurtured two little ones for a cumulative two and a half years via breastfeeding, I’ve come to admire them even more. Similar to many others, I had a couple of bras that I deemed adequate, and they were my go-tos. Nonetheless, after scheduling a professional fitting, I came to understand just how incorrect my beloved bra actually was. While some might say a stunning lipstick shade or a fresh haircut can bolster confidence, for me, the right bra—specifically the Norah Comfort Underwire Bra in black—was the real confidence-booster.
Pearl Mueller, Chantelle Fit Specialist
The bra fitting process lasted roughly 20 minutes, and it was far more enjoyable than anticipated. Instead of viewing it as a duty, I suggest treating it like a pleasure (perhaps post-mammo) or a girls’ day out. Just as selecting the ideal pair of jeans involves a process (with numerous options), so too does finding the perfect bra fit. The experts truly know their trade. In the dressing room, I was startled by the realization that my daily bra was far from ideal: the band was excessively loose (perhaps due to years of wear), and there were noticeable gaps at the top of the cups. Chantelle Fit Specialist Pearl Mueller was immensely knowledgeable, and she imparted three straightforward tips that significantly altered how my bras—and clothes—fit.
Mueller advises that if there’s excess room at the bottom of the cup, avoid pulling the wire over the breast tissue as it can worsen the fit. Instead, she suggests giving the top of the cup a gentle shake to allow gravity to help align the breast tissue correctly.
I experimented with this technique while trying on various styles and was amazed at how effectively it worked. Everything seemed to fall into place and appeared seamless. During our discussion about fit, I mentioned wearing a 32E. Mueller swiftly noted that the gaps were due to an oversized band and that many of us actually require a smaller band size and a larger cup size.
This concept may seem like a feminine calculation, but it’s effective. I left the fitting wearing a 30G and felt smoother, more elevated, and more supported than ever before. The transformation was so dramatic that I discarded my old “favorite” bra.
Mueller recommends that when trying on bras, the band should be snug yet comfortable on the loosest hook. “As the bra stretches over time,” she explains, “you can adjust to the tighter hooks to maintain the fit and extend the bra’s longevity.” Since I usually invest in high-quality bras that are on the pricier side, I found this tip particularly useful for extending their life and maximizing my investment. For tips on how to care for them effectively, see our guide here.
You’re familiar with that aggravating “double boob” look when your bra slices into your chest? It’s a common issue for me. Mueller taught me a quick fix: point your index fingers down and, with both hands, swipe from the center of your bra (known as a gore, by the way) outward towards your armpits. This movement redistributes the tissue into the cups and smooths everything out instantly. I tried it, and it made a world of difference in an instant. It’s an incredibly simple solution I wish I’d known about years ago and will definitely use daily.
