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Keep Your Breasts Healthy: How to Buy a Better (More Supportive!) Bra

“Eighty percent of the women who walk into my store are wearing the wrong size bra—and they don’t even realize it,” says Dan Koch, owner of Town Shop, a New York City bra-fitting emporium. Here, his expert tips on finding the perfect bra.

Be strap savvy
The thicker the shoulder strap, the more support it gives; this is crucial for full figures (D cup and up). Also, straps should be adjusted to stay put without pressure or cutting.


Get the right cup
A bra’s cups should completely contain the breasts and fit smoothly, with no bulges at the top, sides, or bottom. The ideal bra is one with molded cups; they’re the least visible underneath clothes, and they offer the most support.

Don’t ignore seams. They actually provide a lot of support.

Test for fit. Proof of a good fit? When you sit down, the position of your bra doesn’t change.


Look for gaps
The center of the bra (the piece that connects the two cups in the front) should lie flat against the breastbone, without leaving a gap between the torso and the bra. If it protrudes in the center, the bra is too small; try a larger cup size.


Check underwires
They should relieve shoulder stress from bra straps by adding support below the breast. Also, they should fit to the rib cage and not cut into breast tissue.


Watch your back
The back strap should be completely straight and rest at or below shoulder blades for maximum support. If it’s riding up, the bra is too big. If it feels tight, 75 percent of the time a larger cup size is needed, not a larger bra.


Last Updated: July 16, 2009
Filed Under: Mind and Body
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Comments (13)

The following content represents the opinions of Health.com users. It is not editorially reviewed for medical or factual accuracy. It does not constitute medical advice. See your doctor for medical advice.
  • gretchen von bergen

    Please send me info on the bras in the May issue. I would like the name of the maker of the example with the most lift. Model # too please. I think it was 3rd or 4th from the left in the pictures of a variety of bras.

  • JUDY

    I AM LOOKING FOR THE HEALIEST BRA TO WEAR, TO ALLOW THE LYMP’S DRAIN WELL. I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO SHOP. THANKS

  • Betty J Campbell

    I am 70 year old, suffering w/chronic RA, losing weight, and very dry skin, I am in need of help with these problems, if you can.

  • mehek

    i wud like to knw how to increase the size of the breast.,i am not intrested in any cosmetic products available in the market.is there any natural way or any exercise.does bra changes the size?

  • renee

    is there a great sight to order bras??? I’m a 32D DD or 34C and can’t seem to find sexy bras that fit me! HELP! :)

  • Becca

    Very informative, thanks for the tips!

  • Beth Brooks

    To whom it may concern:
    I would like some info on what bras are the best for a person who wears a 38DDD you know the best support and lift. Could you send me the May issue of your paper possibly.

    Sincerely,
    Beth

  • MARIA L. NIETO

    I wear size 40C, can you recommend the right brand size.
    thank you.

  • Kaded

    i’d like some help please…. i’m not even 20 yet and my boobs are like really big…. the last bra i bought was 38DDD that bra was a bit pointy in the front. do i need to get a new size of bra? i would greatly appreciate your help…..

  • Jani

    i’m 14 and my bra size is 34C. I was wondering if that’s a healthy size to have, especially at this age because alot of girls I know are B cups?

  • Sabrina

    i am a 32B and i want to increase my cup size.. could anyone tell me what should i do? i dont want to do any surgery.

    ———————–
    Face Anti Wrinkle Wrinkle Reviews Anti Eye Wrinkle

  • Kelly

    What is the best bra for support and lift for size 38/40DDD? I have been trying many and can’t seem to find the best one. Also, need one for exercising as that is very difficult to find support when working out. Thank you.

    • Jerrilyn Moe

      Kelly, I have the same problem. Would you please let me know what you find out? Thank you!
      mema4@centurytel.net

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