How to choose the right size Bra and Jeans
Image via WikipediaOf all the items of clothing we wear, it’s most difficult to get a good fit in a bra and a pair of jeans. And yet it’s the fit of these two garments that can make or break any look. Wear the wrong-fitting bra and you, and the rest of the world, will know about it. Unsightly bulges from too-tight straps, or a bust that seems to have fallen six inches, are just two of the lowlights from wearing an incorrectly-fitting bra. The same goes for a pair of jeans. You might be able to get away with a pair of slacks that are a little loose around the waist, but it’s very noticeable if there’s anything not quite right with the fit of a pair of jeans. So how do you ensure that you’re wearing the best fit in both these items?
Your Bra
Industry experts estimate that up to 80 percent of women wear the wrong size bra. There are a number of factors that can affect a woman’s breast size such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and aging, so it’s important to measure your bust regularly in order to ensure you’re wearing the right bra size. In order to determine your bra band size, measure round your ribcage directly under your bust and add five inches. For your cup size, measure around the fullest part of your bust, preferably while wearing an unpadded bra; the difference between these two measurements determines your cup size: a difference of 1 is cup size A, 2 is cup size B, 3 is cup size C, 4 is cup size D, and 5 is cup size E.
When trying on a bra, adjusting the hooks and straps is the key to finding the best fit. The back of the under-band should fit straight across your back, anchored just below your shoulder blades and should not ride up. The clasp on the back of the under-band should not be able to fix easily onto the last set of hooks as this means that after time (and washing) the bra could become loose. The shoulder straps should be adjusted to give a firm but comfortable lift to your bust, and you should be able to run a finger smoothly under each strap. You should also be able to easily slip a finger under the band at the base of the cup. The surface of the cup should appear smooth: if your bust overspills then you need a bigger cup size. Always check how the bra looks under an item of clothing to ensure that there are no visible lines or bulges.
There’s now a wide range of bra styles to suit every occasion — from seam-free bras, which can be worn under any item of clothing, making them ideal for everyday use, to push-up bras which emphasize your cleavage for those special occasions when you perhaps might want a slightly more “showy” appearance!
Your Jeans
Given the huge array of styles (not to mention washes) jeans now come in, finding the best fit might not be such a challenge. Anyone who’s been wearing jeans for a while will have an idea of the style (or styles) they like — and don’t like. Some of the more popular styles currently available are boot-cut (slight flare from the knee falling over the foot); low-waist (worn lower at the waist than the standard fit); standard fit (usual jean shape — fits comfortably to the body); and skinny (fits very tightly to the body; although you can probably disregard the skinny style if you’re over 30 and unlikely to ever buy a pair of jeans in a size smaller than 6 again!).
Never buy jeans online, unless you don’t mind returning them (perhaps more than once). When trying on a pair of jeans, there are a few simple tests you can run them through to see if they’re the right fit… Sit down in your jeans to see how they feel. While most jeans will feel comfortable when standing, this might not be the case when sitting. Bend over and touch your toes (or at least aim for them!) to see how your jeans fit around the waist; they shouldn’t pinch your skin or restrict your breathing. Jeans that are too tight around the waist — as well as being extremely uncomfortable — can lead to the appearance of unsightly bulges around your midriff (conversely, jeans that are too loose around the waist can also look unattractive). Make sure you try your jeans on wearing the shoes or boots you’ll be wearing with them once you’ve bought them; you don’t want to buy a pair of jeans that are too short or too long in the leg. And lastly, do your jeans hide the bits of your body you don’t particularly like while emphasizing the bits you do? Congratulations, you’ve just found a great fitting pair of jeans!
Take a little more time when buying a bra and a pair of jeans, and with these tips in mind you should be able to get the best possible fit. And knowing you look (and feel) the best you can will be well worth those few extra minutes spent in the fitting room.
