For years I walked around wearing a 34B bra, and thought that was it. And like most of my friends, I thought one day after kids I would get a lift and maybe increase a cup size....well then I moved to Texas and somehow I increased to a 34DD. They do say everything is bigger in Texas right?!?! 

Anywho....a few years back I thought my sister-in-law was a little crazy when she told me she got fitted for a new bra. Questions ran through my head, but really I didn't understand why would you need to get fitted. Why you need to pay someone to tell you what band and cup size you need....You go and try on a few bras, find the one you like and go home right?  

Well, after two years, my sister in law finally convinced me to get fitted, so as a graduation gift she took me to The Bra Box here in San Antonio. As I was sitting in the changing room I still had no idea what to expect;  I honestly thought they would tell me what I already know. I ended up walking out with a 32G bra and I will never look back. 

My back hasn't been hurting as much since wearing the correct size, my shoulders do not have groove marks from ill fitting straps and my shirts/dresses lay so much nicer. I also do not feel myself constantly rearranging and feeling self conscious as I have in the past. I highly recommend getting fit by a professional (no not all Victoria Secrets bra fitters actually know what they are doing, although some do!)!!

Bra Fitting Tips: 

If you're not in the market to get professionally fit quite yet, here are some tips that you can do the next time you go to buy a bra to help!

• Bras fit differently, so you may find that you fit into a 34F as well as a 32G. This is normal - this also means that you should try on every bra you buy to ensure the fit is correct. 
• The support for a bra comes from the band - so start here. Fit the bra initially on the loosest setting so that you can tighten the band as the material stretches over time.
• The band should sit parallel to the floor and not ride up. You can raise your hands above your head to check for fit here. If the band rides up, it may be too big, and if it feels uncomfortably tight, it could be too small.
• For underwire bras, the gore (the center piece joining the two cups) should lie flat on the center of your chest. If it’s floating off your body, your bra may be either too big or too small, or you may just need to try a different style or brand.
• There should be no spillage or cutting into your sides or the top part of your chest when it comes to your cup. Gaping means that you need a bigger cup size or a smaller band size. Baggy or wrinkled cups mean that a bra is too big. Spilling over the top and sides is a sign that a cup is too small.
• Use the “scoop and swoop” technique. Once you have a bra on, lift a breast with your hand from the side, situating it in the cup and above the underwire, and then tuck or smooth the top of your tissue into the cup to let it settle.
• Because a person’s breasts can be of unequal size, my bra fitter suggested fitting based on your larger breast when trying on bras, so that you aren’t spilling out of a cup.
• There is a correct way to put your bra on. Either place your arms in the arm holes and clasp around your back OR place clasp on the front of your body and turn until the cups are in front DO NOT flip the bra up, you should be able to slide your arms in the arm holes with no flipping. Both these tips will ensure longer lasting bras and wires. 
• Finally, when washing and drying - never place your bra in the dryer and never hang it to dry. Lay your bra flat - the weight of the water will stretch your bra. 

Do you know of a great bra store in your town? Comment below with what town and the name of the shop!!