For many women, wearing a bra is a part of everyday life and is something they do without giving it much thought. But if you've ever wondered about your bra fit and the different parts of a bra, then you'll want to keep reading.
That's because a bra fitting expert has shared some expert advice on the subject, including explaining why some bras have three sets of hooks and why others may have six sets of hooks - and when to use each one.
Mercie Smith, the Assistant Manager at Bravissimo in Oxford Circus, told The Mirror that most bras have three sets of hooks on the back of the band - so that's six hooks in total.
With a bra like this, Mercie says it's always to start on the 'loosest' hook when the bra is new.
She explained: "Ideally we start you off on the loosest hook so that as you wash and wear your bra, giving it more stretch, you can work your way in to get a better and tighter fit.
"If you feel like you need to start off on the tightest hook, this could be a sign that you are wearing the wrong bra size and need a smaller band."
In this instance, the expert recommends booking a professional bra fitting to ensure you are correctly measured, so you can find the perfect bra size and fit for your body.
Mercie says your bra is your "foundation" for anything you wear and having the wrong fit can impact your outfit, changing the way you wanted to look.
This in turn can impact your comfort and your confidence, so it's crucial to have a properly fitting bra.
She went on to explain that nursing bras will often have six sets of hooks, instead of three, meaning there are 12 hooks and eyes in total on the back.
This is because women who are breastfeeding will need to alter the tightness of their bra more regularly due to bodily changes in shape and size.
Mercie added: "If you came in for a nursing bra fit those would work a little differently. We tend to fit those on the tightest hook first instead of the loosest one so that if your body expands during pregnancy you can work your way out to a looser hook.
"You may also need to change which hook you are using on a nursing bra based on the weight of the milk and to adjust for any other bodily changes after you've had a baby, but you can easily work your way back in."
Some bras may also have an additional hook on them at the top between the shoulder straps, known as a J hook.
This can allow you to convert the bra into a racerback and can also come in handy if you are feeling like you need a little more support.
Mercie also recently shared the correct way to put on a bra, explaining how it can be a mistake to put your bra on backward and spin the cups around to the front before flipping them up onto your breasts, as this can damage the underwire.
Instead, the expert claims you should 'fall forward' or 'fall in' to the cups of your bra and do the hooks up around your back, before putting on the straps.
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