So….you’re pregnant. Things are growing, moving, expanding and changing. Your breasts have most likely taken on a life of their own by now (especially once you pass the four month mark). As important as it was to get properly measured for a bra before, it’s even more important now for comfort and support. Here are a few key tips to know when it’s time to move on (in size) and move up (in fit).
Need to go up in size? Here’s when you know it’s time:
- If the bra is not laying flat at the center gore (between the breasts) then it’s time to go up a cup size.
- If you’re spilling out over the bra on top, or over the sides, time to go up a cup size.
- If the band is too tight around the rib-cage (especially now with all of the pregnancy indigestion), go up a size in the band. This will affect the cup size, so it may be a bit of trial and error to decide if the cup and band increase or just the band at first.
- If your padded or demi-bras are looking too full in the cup, it’s time for a more full-coverage bra (even if you’re small busted). The cups may start to runneth over, not a good look for anyone. A little molding is nice for coverage, but a single or double lined bra will allow more room for expansion.
How to measure for your new bra size (all you need is a tape measure):
-Put on the best basic bra you have; nothing padded or push up and not a sports bra.
-Stand in front of a mirror and hold the tape measure around your rib-cage just under your bra line (evenly all the way around). That is your band measurement. If it’s an odd number, round up one. This is measurement 1 (for example you get a 34).
-Move the tape measure up to the fullest part of the breast (crossing over the nipples), still holding it evenly all the way around the body. This is measurement 2 (for example you get a 38).
-For each number difference between measurements 1 and 2 (we have four between 34 and 38) count up a cup size from A (so we have A, B, C, D). Our person would be a 34D.
-This number isn’t always exact, and size fluctuates between brands, but it’s a great place to start the try-on process.
The key is to understanding that your breasts will continue to grow until at least month seven. You may need to buy a few new bras. That being said, you don’t have to make a big financial investment. Pick bras that are comfortable (cottons and microfibers are nice) without too many seams or too much embroidery (which may cause irritation). Once you’ve gotten to month seven or so, and you just don’t think you’ll get any larger, it’s ok to start buying maternity/nursing bras. This way the investment won’t be as painful since you can wear them through the end of the pregnancy and for months after having the baby.
There is no rule that large size bras or nursing bras need to be ugly either. If a little polka dot or pink stripe is what will make you feel happy, then you deserve it! Pretty bras are something I always LOVE.
By Jenny Altman
Style Expert and Chic Executive Officer of ILOVEAGOOD.com
