Nippetals Tips and Guides for Ultimate Comfort and Style

As women, the everyday hassle of wearing a bra is known to all. But did you know? Around 80% of women wear the wrong bra size. This would explain why bras can feel so uncomfortable and need readjusting throughout the day. While you may want to often swap out bras for alternatives like strapless adhesive bras, nipple covers, etc. for comfort and style, it is necessary to wear the right bra in your day-to-day. With this bra size calculator, you can find your perfect fit in only a few simple steps. Why knowing the right bra size matters Wearing the right size in your everyday bras is crucial for both comfort and health. A properly fitting bra provides much needed support for your breasts, which can help prevent back and shoulder pain. When a bra fits correctly, it distributes weight evenly, reducing the strain on your body. Moreover, the right size can enhance your posture, and prevent slouching, making you feel more confident. Whereas ill-fitting bras can lead to issues like chafing, irritation, and backache. Beyond just comfort, a well-fitted bra can also improve the overall appearance of your clothes with a more flattering silhouette.  How to find your bra size at home Bra size charts can be tricky, and vary from brand to brand, and style to style. The best option is learning how to measure your bra size by taking bust measurements using these simple instructions.  Wear a non-padded bra Before measuring, wear a comfortable non-padded bra that sits naturally on your curves. It doesn’t have to be a perfect fit, this step simply ensures that your breasts stay securely in place while measuring.  Measure the band size The band size is the number in any bra size (for example, “36” in 36C).  To find this number, stand upright and wrap a measuring tape snugly under your bust. This is where your bra’s band sits. Make sure the tape sits flat against your skin. If the number is even, this is your band size. If the number is odd, round it up to the nearest even number. For instance, 31” becomes 32 in band size. Measure the cup size The cup size is the alphabet in any bra size (for example, “C” in 36C). To find this alphabet, wrap the measuring tape snugly around the fullest part of your bust. Usually, this would be around the nipple area. Now, subtract your band size from this bust measurement. Calculate your bra size After subtraction, you should find the difference in inches between your band size and fullest part of the bust. Use the chart below to get your cup size. Difference in inches Cup size 0-1 AA-A 2 B 3 C 4 D 5 DD 6 E-F 7 F-G   Now, put the band size and cup size together. For example,36 inches (bust) – 34 inches (band) = 3 inches. That's a 36C How to ensure the correct bra size There are some telltale signs to check if your bra is fitting your properly. If you’re wearing the right bra size: There should be no spilling around the cups of the bra. You should not feel the shoulder straps digging into your skin. You should only be able to slide one finger underneath your band.  Your breasts should sit midway between your shoulders and elbows. The band of the bra should be on the same level in the front and back. There should be no gaping around the cups of the bra. Always check for comfort Use this bra size calculator as your guide to begin with. However, you should not hesitate to size up or down in a particular style of bra if you don’t feel comfortable in it. With so many different styles of bras available in the market, the stretchiness of the fabric and the fit may differ. So, find your bra size and try on different options to get what suits you the best. Remember, the bra should fit you naturally, you don’t have to fit in your bra.  

Are you experiencing breast soreness before your period? Don’t worry, it’s more normal than you think. Breast soreness during the Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) period is a common and oftentimes frustrating symptom that many women experience. The sensation of sore breasts before your period can range from mild discomfort to significant pain, often making daily activities difficult. While there is no instant fix, there’s a lot you can do to make the experience smoother every month.  Understanding the Causes of Sore Breasts Before Periods Breast soreness before your monthly period is typically caused by hormonal changes that occur in the body in the days leading up to menstruation. The primary fluctuations are of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. These hormones trigger changes in the breast tissue, leading to swelling, tenderness, and increased sensitivity. Hormonal Changes: During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the days after ovulation and before your period), estrogen and progesterone levels rise. Estrogen can cause the milk ducts in the breasts to enlarge, while progesterone leads to fluid retention, which can make the breasts feel swollen and sore. Fluid Retention: Many women experience a tendency for water retention during PMS, which can affect the breasts. The extra fluid can make the breast tissue feel heavier and more tender, contributing to the soreness. Breast Tissue Sensitivity: Increased hormonal levels can also heighten sensitivity in the breast tissue, leading to the discomfort associated with breast soreness during PMS. Though breast soreness before your period is a normal part of the menstrual cycle, it can vary in intensity from month to month. If the pain is severe or disrupting your daily life, there are you can take to alleviate the discomfort. Home Remedies to Relieve Breast Pain Before Period If you’re dealing with sore breasts before your period, there are several home remedies that may help reduce pain and inflammation. These natural methods often effective and easy to implement with things you would have around the house: Warm or Cold Compression: Applying a warm or cold compress to your breasts can help reduce pain and inflammation. A warm compress relaxes the muscles and improves blood circulation, while a cold compress numbs the area and reduces swelling. You can try alternating between both, and choose what feels most comfortable for you. Breast Massage: Massages are an age-old technique of relieving pain. Similarly for breasts, gently massaging them with a skin-soothing oil, like coconut oil or olive oil, can improve blood circulation and relieve discomfort. Use a light hand, in soft circular motions to avoid further pain. Epsom Salt Bath: A relaxing ritual to add to your PMS self-care routine, is a warm bath with Epsom salts. This can help reduce muscle tension and soothe sore breasts. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe breast tenderness and swelling. Herbal Teas: If you’re a fan of sipping on tea, you’re in luck. Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile or ginger tea, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve breast soreness. Drinking a warm cup of tea can also help you relax and reduce stress, which can worsen PMS symptoms. Dietary Adjustments to Alleviate Breast Soreness Your diet plays a crucial role in managing PMS symptoms like gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and breast soreness. By making a few dietary adjustments, you can reduce the intensity of breast pain before your period. Try these: Reduce Caffeine Intake: Coffee lovers will not like hearing this but caffeine has actually been linked to increased breast tenderness and soreness. If you’re experiencing breast pain before your period, consider cutting back on your morning coffee and other caffeine-rich foods and drinks like chocolate, and soda. You can opt for herbal teas or decaffeinated beverages instead. Increase Fiber: A high-fiber diet can help balance hormones during PMS. Fiber helps regulate estrogen levels in the body and ease period pains. An easy way to incorporate fiber in your diet is to have more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains in your meals. Magnesium-Rich Foods: Magnesium is a mineral known for its ability to ease muscle cramps and reduce fluid retention. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods like spinach, almonds, bananas, and dark chocolate into your diet may help alleviate breast tenderness and swelling. Reduce Salt Intake: Excess sodium in your diet can contribute to water retention and aggravate the swelling and soreness in your breasts. Try to limit your consumption of salty foods, especially in the week leading up to your period. This includes preservative-rich junk foods.  Supportive Bra for Sore Breasts Wearing the right bra can make a significant difference in how your breasts feel during PMS. A well-fitting, supportive bra will reduce discomfort, prevent further irritation, and help ease the pain that comes with sore breasts before your period. Here are some options you can try: Opt for a Soft, Comfortable Bra: During PMS, your breasts may feel more sensitive than usual, so it’s essential to choose a bra that provides comfort and support without causing further irritation. Soft, seamless bras made of cotton or microfiber are gentle on the skin and won’t dig into your breasts.  Consider a Sports Bra: A sports bra can provide additional support without wires or tight hooks. A secure sports bra can reduce the impact of active movements that might aggravate breast pain. Be sure to choose a sports bra with a wide band instead of thin straps to evenly distribute pressure across your chest. Use Nipple covers: With increased sensitivity in your breasts, you can choose to simply skip bras and wear nipple covers instead. Choose skin-friendly covers like the NipSticks that give seamless coverage under your everyday outfits. There are nipple covers that even give a slight lift, like the NipLifts, which you can try. Nighttime Support: For many women, wearing a supportive bra to bed can help prevent the breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while they sleep. Look for a soft, comfortable option that won’t restrict movement. A good night’s sleep also soothes stress, which further helps with PMS symptoms. Breast soreness before your period is a common symptom of PMS that many women experience, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your life. By understanding the hormonal changes behind breast pain during PMS and incorporating some natural remedies, dietary adjustments, and supportive undergarments, you can reduce the discomfort associated with sore breasts before your period. Experiment with these tricks, and find the most effective routine for yourself to feel more comfortable during your menstrual cycle. If the pain becomes severe or doesn’t improve with self-care, consult your healthcare provider for additional treatment options.