Have you ever had a professional bra fitting? When I did an informal poll of the My Side of 50 readers, it was split about 50/50. Half said they had been professionally fitted and the other half said they had not. I have to admit, it’s probably only been in the last several years that I’ve started to get professionally fitted and I can’t tell you what a difference it makes! When I was buying bras on my own, I had the size and fit all wrong! I was recently invited by Soma Intimates to get a professional bra fitting at their store at The Woodlands Mall in Texas. Here is my Bra Fitting Guide with things you should look for when getting a professional fitting.
This post is sponsored by Soma Intimates. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Bra Fitting Guide | More Than Just the Measurement
When getting fitted for a bra, most of us know to measure around our rib cage under our breasts where the bra hooks. And then to measure around the fullest part of our breasts. There are all kinds of calculators online that will help you determine “your size” from these two measurements. But did you know that the SHAPE of your breasts also determines the size and type of bra you should wear? That’s why getting a professional bra fitting can be such an asset in getting the most comfortable and flattering bra.
Getting the correct measurements is only the first step. At a professional bra fitting, the specialist should also:
- Ask what type of bras you are looking for. Strapless, racer back, underwire, t-shirt?
- What do you not like about your current bra?
- Examine how the bra looks on you. Does the gore (the part between the cups) lay flat against your chest? Do the cups cover your breasts or do they spill out on the side? Do the straps dig into your shoulders?
- After looking at the bra, the specialist should ask you to put on a shirt to see how it looks under clothes.
My Complimentary Professional Bra Fitting at Soma Intimates
Maranda was the trained bra fit specialist who worked with me at Soma Intimates. She did everything she was supposed to do. She asked me what type of bra I was looking for, measured me, listened to my concerns, brought me options and adjusted where needed.
The first step was getting measured. I know that for some women, modesty is an issue and they may be uncomfortable being measured by someone else for a bra. In the privacy of the dressing room, Maranda gave me the option of being measured with or without my shirt on.
Then she asked me about what type of bra I was looking for. What my concerns were. About my lifestyle and the types of clothes I wear. I answered those questions for me, but also for all of you. Because prior to my fitting, I asked YOU what YOU hated about your bras! Here are the answers and the solutions Maranda had from the Soma Intimates line:
Bra Fitting Guide | My Straps Dig Into My Shoulders
Stunning Support Full Coverage Bra– This underwire bra has wide set padded straps that make the fit very comfortable through the shoulders. I tried this on and was amazed at the difference a little padding in the straps makes!
Bra Fitting Guide | I Hate UNDERWIRE
I wear a 36DD and always wear underwire bras, which I don’t find to be very comfortable. I really didn’t think I had another option. But I did! The Enbliss Wireless Bra! Full coverage, super soft fabric and no wires.
I couldn’t believe the support I received from this wireless bra. And when I put my shirt on over it, I looked like I lost 10 lbs! In the Enbliss Wireless Bra, I am every bit as lifted and supported as I am in my underwires!
Bra Fitting Guide | My Bra is So Uncomfortable I Take It Off the Minute I Get Home
That’s me. And since I work at home, I usually don’t wear a bra. Which is no big deal unless company or the UPS guy shows up unexpectedly! Enter the Enbliss Wireless Bralette. It’s kind of like a sports bra, but it is not as binding. Super soft and comfortable. Although at a 36DD it did not provide the support I would need to wear it out in public, it is the perfect around the house or sleep bra for me. And it does provide enough coverage so that I am appropriately attired if someone stops by the house unexpectedly!
Bra Fitting Guide | Bras That Irritate Post Surgery
One of my readers shared that post-radiation, she found her bras to be very irritating to her sensitive skin. Soma has a whole line of post-surgical bras including those with pockets for those women wear prosthetics after a mastectomy. These bras are soft, comfortable and pretty!
Bra Fitting Guide | BACK FAT That Shows Through My Shirt!
You have to try the marvelous Vanishing 360 Bra.
My Soma Purchases | Bras and More
The two best bras for me were the Enbliss Wireless Bra and Enbliss Wireless Bralette.
And much to my surprise I also purchased SHAPEWEAR! The Vanishing Edge High Waisted Brief. This beautiful panty is so light and is the most comfortable shapewear I have ever put on.
I also stocked up on Soma’s Cool Night’s Short Sleeved Sleep Shirts. I have worn these for years! They are so light and comfortable to sleep in and when the night sweats hit, they DO keep you cool. They wash beautifully and keep their color and shape for a long time. They also have pajamas in this line that comes in the same fabric.
Has it been a year since you had a professional bra fitting? Or have you never had one at all? Stop by your local Soma Intimates and get one. You will be so happy with the results!
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Dreaded bra shopping made less daunting, thank you!!
Margot – so glad you found the post helpful!
It’s amazing that there are so many great options now for this, Cathy!!
And I think one of the problems is we get stuck on the size. I don’t have scientific proof, but I think that each brand can be different in their sizing. So it helps to have someone helping you with this. And I just had a fitting lately too—funny how my size has changed over the last 8 years!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I agree – I think different brands on just about everything fit a little different. And with bras, that is why it’s so important to get measured and not rely on what you THINK your size is!
Hi Cathy!
It sounds like you had a great bra fitting experience. I don’t wear underwire either, it has always bothered me. i wear a similar style to the enbliss bra and it is very comfortable and supportive. Nice detailed post and pretty bras! it does make a difference when you find the right one and size!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Jess – I have had professional fittings for the last couple of years. Am always amazed when I get fitted and get new bras how much better they make me look!
On another note, I forgot.. I would love to try their Cool nights, as good ole Meno and the night sweats are NOT fun!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
That is all I wear! And they wash beautifully and last forever and are super soft!
I really need to do this and I think we have one of these stores in our mall! I desperately need some new bras.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Carrie – do it! Soma has great bras!
Those look like great bras Cathy. I hate underwire. I have some bras from Third Love that I love wearing, just got them recently and no underwire, but yes shape and measurements are important! Soma has come out with some nice bras and id love to try their Cool Nights line too for the night sweats!
Nice review Cathy!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Those Cool Nights pj’s & night shirts are a must. I bet I have 8-10 of the night shirts. Won’t wear anything else to bed.