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We took ThirdLove's Fit Quiz to find the perfect bra - here are our thoughts

Image via Instagram/Thirdlove.
Image via Instagram/Thirdlove.

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Ranking up there with shopping for jeans and swimsuits, many women will agree that bra shopping is one of the most challenging articles of clothing to shop for. Ask them what their biggest issues are, and you’ll find a wide range of problems from straps that cut in to ill-fitting cups, to limited size ranges with most retailers.

One brand that’s looking to change all that is ThirdLove, an innovative direct-to-consumer company that prides themselves on their range of bras available in 78 sizes (including half sizes) that are designed to fit perfectly based on a series of personalized questions.

We wanted to find out whether our fit issues could really be solved, so the Yahoo Canada team took ThirdLove’s Fit Finder quiz to see whether the quest for the comfiest bra ends now.

Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

I consider myself more of a bralette fan these days, but I was curious to see how ThirdLove compared to other bras that I’ve worn in the past. After taking the Fit Finder Quiz, I was actually recommended my usual bra size and opted to try out the 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra, which happens to be the brand’s top seller with nearly 40,000 reviews.

When I first tried my bra on, I thought about switching my 32C for a larger size, but the more I wore it the more comfortable it became. With a lightly-lined cup and adjustable straps, I like the way that it provided support without too much padding, and a natural look that I tend to gravitate towards when it comes to bras. I’ve now been wearing my ThirdLove bra for a couple of months, and after an initial breaking-in period, it’s become one of the most comfortable bras that I own.

Alyssa Tria, Shopping Editor

I’ve been a 32A for as long as I can remember, so after taking the Fit Finder Quiz and being recommended otherwise, I was more than a bit hesitant (and offended) to give 24/7 Classic Contour Plunge Bra, ThirdLove’s plunge-style bra, in size 34AA a chance. But with it being backed up by nearly 4,700 reviews — that and me getting the exact results after taking the quiz twice — I decided to go along with the label’s first choice for me.

After receiving the bra and going through two wash trials, as promised, it eventually provided just the right amount of comfort and lift without the usual spillage and/or gaping that has ultimately turned me to wearing Aritzia and Calvin Klein bralettes for the past five years. I would describe this bra to be the perfect marriage of a seamless bralette and your typical T-shirt bra. Now my go-to bra for when my outfit calls for it, I really like how it comes with the option of removable pads for an everyday fit, while still offering the support and shape — all without show. So, would I splurge $68 USD for another shade? I think so.

While the Fit Finder Quiz is a great and convenient way to shop for a bra in the comfort of your home, I still think nothing beats a classic fitting room trial. Yeah, I know, nobody enjoys bra shopping. But the luxury of comparing types and styles of bras is a definite must-have in my book.

Hilary Hagerman, Lifestyle Managing Editor

As someone who has been wearing a variation of the same Aerie bra for the past 10 years and finding it always fit OK-but-not-great, I was intrigued by ThirdLove’s promise to find your perfect bra. After filling out their quiz, I was a bit surprised to find out that my recommended size was a 32C...and a half. I’ve worn a 34C since I was a teenager and, bar one time a bra fit expert told me I was a 30F (???), that’s what I’ve stuck with.

I got the Lace Back T-Shirt Bra in soft pink, which boasts ultra-thin memory foam cups that give a barely-there look and feel. The lace detailing on the back gives the otherwise unassuming bra a dose of sweetness, and with more than 1,700 positive reviews, I figured I was in good hands.

When the bra arrived, I was shocked by how tight it was. I didn’t think going from a 34 to a 32 would make much of a difference, but I found that even on the loosest band I could barely fasten it and it was quite uncomfortable on first wear. However, while some of my colleagues decided to take advantage of ThirdLove’s 60-day wash and wear return policy, I didn’t: largely due to being too lazy. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise. As I wore the bra more often, it loosened up a bit, and is now one of my most comfortable bras I own. And since I started on the loosest hook (I’ve often been guilty of buying a bra and immediately going to the tightest hook), I’m expecting this to last and hold its shape longer than most bras I buy. At $76, it’s not cheap, but if you’re between sizes or are a size that’s hard to come by at run-of-the-mill stores, it’s still a lot less than a custom-fit, custom designed bra you’d find at a store.

Elisabetta Bianchini, News Editor

I can’t say I enjoy the process of buying bras, I always find it a bit uncomfortable, so I love that ThirdLove allows you to try on a bra in the privacy of your own home, with a 60 day guarantee for returns. As someone who has a bit of an awkward bra size (usually a 30E), I was very excited to discover that the company actually has products in my size, unlike most common retailers.

I got the 24/7 Classic Contour Plunge Bra. The material was nice and soft, and it comes with removable padding, so you can decide whether you want a lift or not - the bra worked well for me both ways. After answering a few questions about the bras I usually wear, the one I received was definitely the correct band size for me but I did find the cups a bit on the smaller size, so I ended up swapping a 30E for a 30F. I would have felt more secure if this bra had a thicker band and straps, but that’s a personal preference. At $68, it’s not the cheapest bra on the market but it’s the exact same price as the bras I’ve been wearing for years, which I have to buy at a specialty boutique, so the cost is definitely fair - especially for the more personalized fit.

Tori Floyd, News Editor

I really wanted to love this bra, but it just didn’t work for me. I got the 24/7 Lace Back T-Shirt Bra in Twilight, and it’s absolutely gorgeous: beautiful lace, lovely styling. The cups are smooth which is always an important thing to me when bra shopping, and the straps are a good width - not too wide, not too narrow, and they look like they’ll stay in place.

I took the bra fit test in hopes of fixing my typical challenge of bra straps that slide down, and it recommended a 38C (a sister size to my normal 36D). But when the bra arrived, I couldn’t even get the clasps to meet at the widest point of the band. ThirdLove was incredibly responsive and took the time to listen to my concerns, and recommended I try my usual 36D. When it arrived, it did technically fit (I could do it up) but found I got a lot of spillover at the sides. And the straps even at their longest were just not comfortable. For now, I’ll be sticking with my favourite Body By Victoria Demi Bra from Victoria’s Secret.

Elizabeth Di Filippo, Lifestyle Editor

As someone who spent their teenage years and early twenties wearing sports bras, I am not someone enjoys shopping for bras. Between the awkward song and dance with the “helpful” salesperson and the looming 6ft poster of a half-naked Victoria’s Secret angel, I will (and have) duct taped my boobs just to avoid the entire process. I say all of this to convey how intrigued I was by the thought of shopping for what I had hoped to be, the perfect bra online using ThirdLove’s website.

After a quick quiz, I ordered the 24/7 Classic Contour Plunge Bra in 34C1/2. I really liked the idea of a half-cup because with a 34C can be too tight and have spillover, but a 34D can have awkward cup gaping.

Here is where braving the mall and shopping for a bra in person comes in handy. While I knew that the bra would have memory-foam cups, when I tried on my bra, I was disappointed in the lack of support. To put it delicately, the bra separated the girls just fine, but where was absolutely no push-up. I really wanted to like my ThirdLove bra, but I just need something with a little more oomph.

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