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.

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 under wires

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.