Shoes, condoms, bras, and birth control: Get the perfect fit

Confession: We’ve shoved our feet into shoes much too small because they were on sale, cute as hell, and the last pair in the store. And we know guys who swear they need magnums when their johnson would’ve been just fine—maybe even happier—in a tighter, dare-we-say-smaller condom.

Well, it’s time to stop with the squeezing, smushing, and restricting, because fit matters.

The right fit can make you feel better and enjoy yourself more. And in the case of condoms, the right fit can improve sensitivity and ensure effectiveness. Since it’s really common to get sizes wrong, here are some tips on how to get the best fit for a few important items. Try them out and let us know in the comments if you notice a difference.

Shoes

More than 90% of all American women choose shoes that are too small for their feet. Our feet expand and change size throughout the day, so go shoe shopping later in the afternoon or evening when your feet are usually the biggest. Is one foot bigger than the other? That’s totally common. Pick a size that fits the bigger foot and use a pad or insert if needed on the smaller foot. And take time to measure your feet either at home or in a shoe store. Knowing your true size will help you zero in on the best fit.

• The foolproof way to finding your shoe size. eBay actually has an excellent guide and thousands of pairs you can buy.

• How to buy the right shoes. How Stuff Works has a whole series on feet including how to massage them, stretch them, or get them into the perfect pair of workout shoes.

• How to make high heels more comfortable. Beauty Fool will help you rock heels without pain.

Condoms

They call her the condom whisperer. She is Melissa White, the CEO of Lucky Bloke, and she knows how to find the right size condom for you. And not only did she write an article on condoms for Bedsider, she also gave us a promo code for 25% off your next purchase. (FYI: The code is BEDSIDER.)

• Condom love. If you think condoms aren’t for you, you just haven’t found the right one yet.

• Find your condom size. You’ll be amazed at the everyday object that can help gauge the size of his disco stick.

Bras

80% of American women wear the wrong size bra, but not after they learn how to measure themselves for the correct fit. Did you know that the wrong size bra can contribute to sagging breast tissue, headaches, pressure on the spine, back pain, bruises, irritation, bad posture, and muscle tension? And wearing a well-fitting bra can lessen the sagging and stretching of breast tissue over time and make you look instantly slimmer.

• Linda the Bra Lady knows how to get your girls sized up and looking good. Watch the video to see how it’s done.

• International bra size calculator. Want to shop for bras all over the world? Know your size in the U.K., Japan, New Zealand, and beyond.

• Scoop and swoop? Sister sizes? Epbot—a blog devoted to geekery, girliness, and goofing off—has really good information to get you into the right size bra.

• How to put a bra on properly. Because the right fit is one thing and correctly strapping them in is another.

Birth Control

One size does not fit all when it comes to contraception. Your body, relationship status, lifestyle, living situation, personal preferences, and more can influence which methods suit you best. Here’s a super simple guide to all of your choices or you can check out Bedsider’s Method Explorer when you want to get the most accurate and detailed info on every single option available in the U.S.

• Compare methods in a handy side-by-side matrix. (Why yes, matrix is a fancy way to say chart.)

• Real doctors will tell it like it is and set the record straight. That includes info on side effects, new methods, and more.

Got some sizing tricks we should know about? Know a blog that gives great fit advice on anything from jeans and bikinis to boxing gloves and biker boots? Do tell. We’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below this Frisky Friday.

XOXO,
Bedsider

P.S. Happy hat. Rain jacket. Love glove. Our Guy’s Guide to Condoms may use slang, but the info is 100% solid. And hilarious. Take a look.