An uplifting experience

“Choosing and wearing the right-sized bra is important to support your breasts properly as you develop, go through changes such as childbirth, and as you get older,” says Vicki Owen, owner of Mystique Lingerie in Shrewsbury.

“A poorly-fitted bra can cause shoulder, neck and back tension, as well as uncomfortable bulges around your breasts and upper arms. It is so worthwhile asking for an experienced fitter to help you select the most comfortable fitting bra for you.”

“While lots of women may be the same size their breasts will differ greatly and therefore it is important to take great care when choosing a bra and brand,” added Vicki.

“It is worth investing in a good bra because you will see a difference in what shape you are and how comfortable you feel. We have had many a Trinny and Susannah moment in here when women are simply delighted with the difference the right bra can make.

“And you should always re-measure after having a baby, losing or gaining weight, and following the menopause - this way you can be sure your breasts will always be properly supported.

“Some women even differ in size during their period because their body changes shape and they can gain weight. One of the key areas where women get it wrong is across the back because they could be a 34 but an F cup.

“It doesn’t work to just take a tape measure around your back and across your chest. We are so experienced here now we can do it just by looking at a woman in her bra and then trying on different styles.”

SHOULDER STRAPS: “Straps should fit closely to the body without cutting in, and lift the breasts so that they sit on the chest wall, and stay in place when you raise your arms above your head,” explained Vicki.

CUPS: She added that cups should be filled by the breast without any areas of loose fabric, or any breast bulging out of the side or top, and also be high at the sides to cover the breast.

WIRES AND BANDS: “Wires should fit flat on the breast bone and support the underneath and side of the breast without digging in or gaping. And front and back bands should lie close to the body and be at the same level.”

Nicola Jewell, from Shrewsbury is co-owner of the Nice Cream Company Ltd on Wyle Cop
Size: 34E

Nicola arrived at Mystique wearing a bra her mother had bought her for Christmas but admitted that the last time she had been measured she was three sizes bigger than she thought she was.

“I got quite a shock then and I am expecting a shock this time because I have put on weight since I was measured last,” said Nicola.

“I like shopping for bras but being bigger, comfort is often a priority for me and while I don’t like too much padding, or need it, I like the bra cup to be made of thick material. But I do think it’s important for women to be measured because I know only too well you can be wearing the wrong bra for your size.

“Often my size can change during the month and I have different bras for different times of the month.”

Vicki’s verdict: Nicola actually has done quite well. She is wearing a bra that suits her and is a good fit. I think she is probably a 34 across the back although she is closer to a 35 so she could wear a 36 in certain styles if it made her feel more comfortable.

“But because Nicola has lovely fullness higher up she can wear a balconette bra and look really sexy and fantastic. Often bigger girls can wear these half-cup styles so I am going to get her to try one of those on.”

Nicola’s reaction: I love the balconette bra and would never have thought of buying that style. It looks great and I am going to get one today.”

Emma Croall, from Shrewsbury, runs Shrewdshop - a personal shopping service based in Shrewsbury.
Size: 34B

Emma also arrived at Mystique wearing one of her favourite bras but said she was really intrigued to see if it was the right size.

“I am always advising people how important it is to have good underwear but I know there are all kinds of factors which can alter your size from breast-feeding to gaining weight,” said Emma.

“I do like to invest in good underwear because it can have such a dramatic effect on making the clothes you wear look so much better.

“But I think many women can sometimes lack the confidence to go along and be measured properly but I think going to somewhere like Mystique, which is independently run and friendly, can make so much difference.

“It is also good to make the most of the professional help that is available in Shrewsbury to make sure you get it right. Like other women I want to feel comfortable in my bra.”

Vicki’s verdict: Again Emma is wearing a bra which fits quite well but I think she could be more comfortable in a 32 but going up a cup size to a C.

Emma tried on two different makes of bra in a 32C including a Marie-Jo which was a perfect fit.

“I think this would be a better size for Emma and the design of the Marie-Jo means that the cup fits her much better because it doesn’t catch at the side of her breast.

“It just emphasises how worthwhile it is to go through a tried-and-tested method when you are measured for a bra because different styles and makes, as well as sizes, suit different women.

Emma’s reaction: I am so glad I came to be measured. I used to wear a 32C but I had thought I had changed in size. The second bra I tried on fit like a glove. It was really comfortable and very interesting to see what a difference a different make of bra can have on how it feels.”