Do Find Your Fit
What aspect of your life after breast augmentation are you most excited about? For many women, the best part is being able to go into a store, try on a new bra in a bigger cup size, and show off their new shape. But remember that even if your new implants are meant to make you a size “D,” you may not necessarily be that size in every bra you try on. Your new bra size depends on many factors, not just the size of the implants you chose for your plastic surgery. Your breast shape, the amount of existing tissue you already had, and the width of your ribcage can all affect your new bra size. Before you go out on a bra shopping spree, keep in mind these do’s and don’ts of bra shopping.
Not all bra brands fit in the same way. There are so many different brands to pick from, and though a “C” cup may fit you perfectly at one store, a similar bra at another store may put you at a “D” cup instead. You may not know exactly which size to buy, so measuring your new bust at home can give you a good starting point.
How to Measure at Home
Since 80% of your support should come from the band, not the straps, it’s important to find the right band size. Find your band size by placing a tape measure around your chest where your bra band usually sits. Say you get a number between two other numbers, like 28 ½ inches. Round the number to the nearest inch (in this case, 29 inches). Then add five to it if it is an odd number, or four if it is even. Using our example, your band size would be 34 inches.
Next, determine your cup size by measuring around your chest at the fullest part of your bust, then subtract this number from your band size. The number remaining will correspond to your cup size. For instance, two is a “B” cup, three is a “C” cup, etc.
JustBreastImplants says these 5 things will also tell you if your bra fits correctly:
- The center gore of the bra sits flat on your sternum
- The band is firm, (you can fit two fingers under the back and pull out slightly)
- Your breasts fit in the cups without any breast bulging out
- The straps are not digging into your shoulders
- The underwire does not sit on your breasts on the side or in your cleavage
If your bra rides up in the back or is so tight it’s uncomfortable, it does not fit properly. These pictures from BreakOutBras can help you pinpoint if your bra is working properly for you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help After Your Breast Augmentation
Confused and not sure if you measured right while you were at home? Sizing professionals are there to help! Not all lingerie stores and staff are created equal. Some of the more well-known stores don’t always give you an accurate size or the best fit. Check out local stores around your area where you’ll probably find greater expertise and a more personal touch. Keep in mind these tips from BraTheory when you see a bra sizing professional:
“A professional bra-fitting, when done properly, will involve a good amount of nudity. The bra-fitter will also be coming into your personal space, offering bras and assisting you as you try them on. All of it is to help you find the best fit. You can think of it as a doctor’s appointment that is mildly uncomfortable at first. However, just because someone’s there to help you, doesn’t mean that you can’t put a foot down and establish your boundaries. If your fitter’s hands are too cold—let them know. If you don’t want assistance in adjusting—let them know. If you want them to knock before coming in—let them know. You deserve an experience that is comfortable for you. Be confident in stating what you need, and a good fitter will understand.”
You went through a lot of work finding a plastic surgery practice and surgeon who you felt comfortable with for your procedure, so don’t settle for a sizing professional you don’t like. If you’re not having a good experience or don’t particularly like the way the fitting is going, don’t feel bad about leaving the store. Sometimes no matter how well a professional is trained, they can get your size completely wrong. That’s why it’s so important to start out with measurements at home so you have at least a ballpark figure for your new bra size.
Do Shop Around
Before your procedure, there may have been a particular bra brand and style that you swore by and loved. But now that you have a new figure, it may be the right time to experiment with different brands and styles. It’s so tempting after breast augmentation to buy lots of underwire bras, since they can really accentuate your new curves. However, you may want to try out soft-cup or wire-free bras until you’re completely healed. You should wait for your doctor to OK underwire bras before you start wearing them.
You’ve already invested in your new breasts, so invest the time to visit multiple stores. Go shopping on a day when you can try on as many bras as you want without rushing. Write down the brands and sizes in which you feel most comfortable. Try different styles, such as strapless bras, racerbacks, push-ups, T-shirt bras, demi bras, sports bras, etc. This list from the Today Show highlights the 9 best bras every woman needs in 2019, with a variety of styles and products you could try. Ultimately your bra should be comfortable and fit your body right, so pay close attention to the way the bra fits you. Don’t be afraid to leave a store empty handed if you really don’t like anything you tried on.
After Plastic Surgery: Do Try On Clothes Over Bras
Bring a few tops you really like from your closet, like a favorite T-shirt or a button down you wear often to work, to see how the bra looks under your shirts. Often a bra can look really good on you in the dressing room, but then show through every shirt you own because of its dark color or unique style. You should purchase at least a few bras that are practical as well as beautiful.
Don’t Skimp On Your Purchase
You want a high-quality bra after breast augmentation? You’re probably going to have to pay for it! Bras that are well-made should last longer and support you more beautifully so you won’t have to replace them as often. These tips on how to put on your bra from BreakOutBras can significantly extend its life:
- Put your bra on by pulling the band down and hooking it on your back instead of hooking it in the front. A new bra should fit snugly on the loosest set of hooks. You can tighten the hooks as you break in the bra, maximizing its lifespan.
- Adjust the straps. Put your arms through the straps and tighten them to your desired fit. Properly tightened straps will shape the sides of your breasts, creating a smooth, rounded profile.
- Do the scoop. Be sure the underwire is directly under your breasts where they meet the ribcage. Place your thumb on the underwire to hold it in place. Reach across your body and scoop your breast tissue from the side of your body into the cup. The more you can scoop in, the better your bra will fit, feel, and look.
Many bra manufacturers recommend you hand wash your bras and let them air dry to make them last as long as possible. Though it can be a pain to not just throw them in the washing machine, a $80 bra that looks fantastic on you is worth the extra hassle.
A New Bra Can Make All the Difference
After your plastic surgery, you deserve a bra that will beautifully shape and lift your breasts. You deserve to feel confident and fantastic in your new body! Whether you just go out and buy new bras, or splurge on a whole new wardrobe, celebrate your newfound confidence today!