Bridal Fitting Advice

LingerieBrides spend a lot of time finding the perfect dress for their Big Day and it is equally important to find the best suited and fitting lingerie to compliment the dress.

Not only does the underwear need to fit perfectly, it should sit well with the dress and help to create the perfect silhouette.

Here are some tips to help you avoid a dreaded VPL and find the best suited lingerie for this important occasion.

Bra Fitting Tips

Firstly you need to make sure you are wearing the right size bra, your bra size will fluctuate with any body weight changes which often occurs in the lead up to the Wedding day, so follow this simple guide to help you find the right size for you.

Finding your Bra Size

There are two important measurements you'll need to know to figure out your correct size - the Band measurement and the Cup measurement. The Band measurement represents the numeric portion of your bra size - the 36 in a 36c. The cup measurement will be used to determine your cup size - the letter C in the size 36c.

Step 1 – Measuring your Band size
  • Measure under your arms, high on your back, around the top of your chest. If this measurement is an even number, then this is your band size. If this measurement is an odd number, then add 1" to determine your band size. Record that number, you'll need it for step 3.
Step 2- Measuring your Cup size
  • While wearing your favourite supportive, comfortable bra, measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust. Record that number aswell.
Step 3 – Calculating your Bra size
  • Subtract your band measurement from your cup measurement; each inch represents a cup size. For example: if your band measurement is 34" and your cup measurement is 36", then the difference between these measurements is two inches, and you'd wear a B-cup.

General Tips for a Perfect Fitting Bra

  • The centre front of the bra should sit flat against your body, if it doesn't, then your cup size is likely to be too small and you need to try a bigger cup size ie if you have a D cup bra, try a DD size cup.
  • If you experience itching or red marks around your bra area, the band size of the bra is often too small/tight for you, you might also need to adjust the straps for a better fit
  • If you see red marks around your straps, then the straps are too tight. You should be able to comfortably fit a finger between your shoulder and strap. Make sure your bra straps are long enough for the bra to be fastened low, at the point where your back narrows. When you try your bra on, make sure the straps are at the longest length and then adjust them accordingly for the perfect fit. Your straps are an important support for the breasts.
  • Your bra band size is too big if your bra rides up your back and you need to go for a smaller back size.
  • Your bra band should feel tight and firm, with enough space to insert two fingers under the back band and one under the centre at the front.
  • If your breasts spill over your bra cups, then the chances are you need a bigger cup size…try the next one up. Your breasts should sit comfortably in the bra cups and you don't want to see the sides of your breasts bulging outside of the bra cups
  • When you buy a new bra, make sure that it fits properly on the loosest hook, as you might need to tighten it with wear.
  • Do stretch out your arms when you are trying on a bra to see if it feels comfortable.

We recommend Charnos’s Love Affair and Cherub collections for Brides, which offer some carefully constructed pieces to compliment figure skimming dresses in classic, feminine fabrics.

Do try your bridal lingerie on with your dress, before the big day.

There is a good selection of strapless and backless bras, to suit particular dress styles and likewise there is a great selection of different style knickers - thongs, French knickers and classic briefs to suit most dress styles.

A garter is always a great finishing touch to your ensemble.

Visit the website for further fitting advice and lingerie collections - www.lafemmefatale.info

La Femme Fatale are pleased to offer Guides for Brides visitors a 15% discount if they quote BRIDEGUIDE on their online orders.