the bra book

the bra book

online adviceonline advice

online adviceonline advice fitting advicebra tape™

the bra book

the bra book

online adviceonline advice

online adviceonline advice fitting advicebra tape™

THE

BRABOOK

YOUR GUIDE TO THE PERFECT FITTING BRA

At Target we want women to say ‘YAY for Lingerie’ and ‘Hello to a great fit!’ It’s all about looking good and feeling great in comfort, quality and style everyday.

Most women are wearing the wrong size bra; resulting in a bra that is uncomfortable, non-supportive and unflattering.

Buying the right bra should not be difficult, it just requires a little time and some basic knowledge. This booklet is designed to help you select, fit and care for a great fitting bra.

A GREAT FITTING BRA IS ONE OF THE BEST FASHION INVESTMENTS YOU CAN MAKE!

At Target we realise your time is precious. We have designed the layout of our bra department to make it easy for you to find the bra you want. Bras are displayed in categories that are clearly marked in store to help you find your way.

YAY FOR STYLES THAT SUIT YOUR NEEDS!

Underwire Gives the uplift, separation and support for a firm but natural look. Flattering for a softer bust.

Sports Sports bras are specifically designed to provide extra comfort and support by reducing breast movement. Choose from low, medium and high-impact styles.

Wirefree Designed to be supportive without underwires. Offering superb comfort these styles traditionally have a deeper diaphragm to provide support.

Pushup Bras that deliver that little bit of OOMPH! Additional padding enhances the bust and increases cleavage.

Strapless A strapless bra is a great choice when wearing a strapless halter or assymetrical neckline (fashion item).

Maternity Wear a wirefree bra during pregnancy and switch to a drop cup style close to birth. Underwire bras should be avoided during pregnancy.

Post-surgery Target’s post-surgery styles are designed to be flexible; to suit a range of needs. Discreet internal pockets accommodate a range of prosthetic options.

First This range of bras is specifically designed for girls making the switch from kids’ under wear to their first real bra with cup sizes.

A woman’s breast size will vary over time.At Target, we recommend that you check your measurements yearly to ensure that you’re wearing the correct size bra.

You can choose to be fitted by one of our friendly Bra Fitters or alternatively if you prefer to measure yourself we have developed our own special BRA TAPE®.

You can easily determine your body and cup size without having to refer to size charts. The BRA TAPE® is available at Target stores for you to use either in store, or in the privacy of your own home.

If you don’t have access to a Target BRA TAPE® you can use a regular tape measure and enter your measurements online at target.com.au to help determine your bra size.

MEASURINGYOUR BRA SIZE

Remember to measure yourself while wearing your best fitting bra. Do not measure over the top of any clothes.

Body size Measure your body size by placing the Target BRA TAPE® firmly under your bust. Note the body size and colour indicated on the BRA TAPE®. This measurement should be similar to the blouse size that you wear. At Target we have bras in body sizes 8–26.

Cup size Measure your cup size by turning over the Target BRA TAPE® and placing it (without squashing) around your chest at the fullest part of your bust. Note the cup size indicated on the BRA TAPE®, by the arrow in the same colour as the body size. At Target we have bras in cup sizes AA to G.

Measuring yourself is the starting point. Assess your correct fit by using the Your checklist for a great fit section and if required, adjust your fit using the Fixing ‘fit’ problems section.

DETERMINING YOUR BRA SIZE

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TIPS FOR PUTTING ON YOUR BRA

Lean forward so that your breasts fall into the cups. Secure the bra on the middle set of hooks. This allows you to tighten the bra as it stretches with wash and wear or loosen the bra with hormonal changes.

Pull the band down at the back so that it is level all the way around your body.

Adjust the straps so that they are firm, but not digging into your shoulders, and your breasts are supported.

To ensure that your breasts are sitting correctly in the bra, use your opposite hand to gently lift the breast into the cup, ensuring that it is contained within the underwire.

YOUR CHECKLIST FOR A GREAT FITOnce you have determined your bra size, you need to be prepared to move up or down a size to get the perfect fit. Follow the checklist below to determine if you are wearing the right size.

If any of these fit checks don’t look or feel quite right then refer to the Fixing ‘fit’ problems section.

The band sits horizontally around the body.

For underwire styles, the centre front panel sits flat against the chest.

The cups are smooth and wrinkle-free.

The breasts are fully contained within the cups -no bulging or spilling out of the top or sides.

The underwires surround the breasts without digging into the breast.

The straps are secure but not tight -the main support comes from the body of the bra, not the straps.

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FIXING ‘FIT’ PROBLEMSThe most common fit problems and suggested solutions.

Band pulls up at the back(but the cups fit well)The back size is probably too large.Try a smaller back size and possibly a larger cup size (eg 12B becomes 10C).

Band is digging in(but the cups fit well)The back size is probably too small.Try a larger back size and possibly asmaller cup size (eg 12B becomes 14A).

Straps slip off shoulders(but the cups fit well)The back size is probably too large.Try a smaller back size and possibly alarger cup size (eg 12B becomes 10C).

Breasts are spilling out of cups(but the band fits well)The cups are probably too small.Try a larger cup size.

Cups are wrinkled(but the band fits well)The cups are probably too large.Try a smaller cup size.

Underwires are poking the breast(but the band fits well)The cups are probably too small.Try a larger cup size.

Underwires don’t sit flat on the body(but the band fits well)The cups are probably too small.Try a larger cup size.

8AA10AA 8A12AA 10A14AA 12A 10B

14A 12B 10C16A 14B 12C 10D

16B 14C 12D 10DD18B 16C 14D 12DD 10E20B 18C 16D 14DD 12E 10F22B 20C 18D 16DD 14E 12F 10G24B 22C 20D 18DD 16E 14F 12G

24C 22D 20DD 18E 16F 14G24D 22DD 20E 18F 16G26D 24DD 22E 20F 18G

26DD 24E 22F 20G26E 24F 22G

BRA SIZINGYou can use this swing chart as a simple guide to moving up & down band size, to help achieve the perfect fit.

Cup sizes are related to body sizes - they are NOT constant across body size. eg. If you are a 12B but would prefer a firmer fit, then the swing size is 10C (which has the same cup capacity as the 12B but a smaller band size).

BRA CONVERSION CHARTBelow is a guide to help convert the under bandmeasurement if you have previously purchased bras internationally.

Australia UK/USAAsia/

European

France/Spain/

Belgium

10 32 70 85

12 34 75 90

14 36 80 95

16 38 85 100

18 40 90 105

20 42 95 110

22 44 100 115

24 46 105 120

26 48 110 125

CARING FOR YOUR BRASWashing

Daily careFor everyday wear we recommend that you have at least three bras. The elastic fibre in the bras needs to recover so it is best to air and alternate your bras after a day of wear. For best support and comfort, bras usually last for approximately 12 months.

Always follow the care instructions on the label.

Some bras are designed to be machine washable but some are not, due to the delicate nature of their components.

When washing machine washable bras, always fasten the hooks and eyes and place in a mesh lingerie bag. A lingerie bag protects the bra and helps prevent snags, bent underwire and tangled straps. Target lingerie bags are available for purchase.

After washing, simply pull the bras into shape and allow to line dry in the shade. Do not leave damp bras in a crushed state, as the foam cups may become permanently damaged. Never tumble dry your bras as the heat damages their delicate fabrics, padding and elastic fabric.

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STORING YOUR BRASWhere possible bras should be stored in a flat drawer. If necessary twist the cups so that they nestle inside one another and avoid turning the cups inside out.

Selected bras are designed to be fully machine washable. Developed with durable fabrics, underwires and cups, these bras will last wash after wash after wash.