Ever wondered what bra type and material fits you best? We’ve got the answers to your questions.
The perfect bra is like a great friend – it lifts you up, doesn’t stab you in the back, and is always close to your heart. That being said, we often find ourselves wearing bras that dig painfully into our shoulders, ride up our backs, or even snap open when we least suspect it. Why do you experience such discomfort with your bra? There are two likely reasons: either you aren’t wearing the right bra or you aren’t wearing the bra right.
So before you shop for new bras, always measure your bra size. You’d be surprised by how many people aren’t wearing the right fit. About 80% of women worldwide are actually wearing bras that don’t fit them!
What’s your number?
It’s easy, all you need to do is find a measuring tape, follow these steps, and you can calculate your bra size in less than three minutes.
- Exhale and place the measuring tape around your body underneath the bust, holding it straight and tight around the body with the centimetre side facing out. This is your under-bust measurement.
- Keeping the tape in the same position on your back, move it up loosely over the fullest part of the bust horizontally, and with the centimetre side facing out. This is your over-bust measurement.
- Check size charts for your bra size. Lingerie brands may differ on this, so make sure you have your measurements with you whenever you go bra shopping.
However, size isn’t the only thing to consider when you purchase a bra. Choosing something that works for your breast shape and fits your body can work magic. While we can’t help but glance at trendy styles that emphasise push-up effects, it’s important to understand how factors such as breast volume, shape, and positioning can affect our bra-fitting needs. After all, bras aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions.
So… which type of bra fits your shape best?
If you have round breasts:
For breasts that are very circular and equally full at the top and bottom, the key to your bra is not structure, but support and coverage. The best fits for this shape are T-shirt bras and balconettes.
Where to buy: get soft, comfy T-shirt bras from Marks & Spencer or a lacy, feminine balconette bra from 6ixty8ight.
If you have bell-shaped breasts:
For breasts that are slimmer at the top and fuller at the bottom, an underwired full cup bra can give the necessary support and lift the breasts to give more volume at the same time.
Where to buy: try colourful underwired full cup bras from Sorella and Pierre Cardin.
If you have teardrop-shaped breasts:
For breasts that are round and full at the bottom with slightly less volume at the top, an underwired balconette or demi-cup bra with a vertical seam will lift the breasts and make them look fuller on top.
Where to buy: go for a balconette from H&M or a demi-cup bra from Zalora.
If you have asymmetrical breasts:
For breasts that are different in size, you can make the difference less noticeable by wearing a T-shirt bra. You can also buy a pad to fill out the cup for the smaller breast.
Where to buy: we recommend beloved T-shirt bras from Triumph and Wacoal.
If you have shallow breasts:
For breasts that are spread out over the chest with little horizontal depth, push-up bras can give added depth. Also, as underwire in bras may lead to gaps at the sides, going wire-free can work in your favour.
Where to buy: look no further than Triumph and Uniqlo for flattering results.
Don’t forget to be a “material” girl!
What’s your bra made of? The material is a huge factor in determining your level of comfort, especially if you have sensitive skin. That’s why bra designers conduct research on fabrics to make sure the chosen material can best serve the purpose of the bra. Find out which material best fit your needs before hopping into your bra purchase, and never settle for low-quality lingerie!
Cotton bras
Cotton = comfort. It’s soft and breathable, and it has a long lifespan. Just take note it may not be the best material when it comes to supporting and shaping.
Polyester and nylon bras
These two can be woven together to create lustrous satin or luxurious lace that’s smooth on the skin. While it’s the top choice when it comes to sexiness, it requires extra care such as hand-washing and air-drying.
Mesh bras
It looks good and it’s breathable. But our skin gets easily irritated by this fabric. Oh, and mesh isn’t the greatest at providing comfort and support when it’s not combined with other materials.
Strap in the ladies and get comfy
Want to check if you’re wearing your bra the right way? Master these steps to give your breasts the support they need.
- Bend down while wearing your bra. This body posture allows your breasts to settle and fit into the bra cups naturally.
- Hook all the clasps. If your bra is held together by just a single clasp, it’ll only give you partial support, which is why we experience aches and rashes afterwards. Make sure all clasps are hooked without being too tight or loose. The bra band should sit flat on the back, parallel to the ground, without riding up.
- Adjust the straps according to your shoulder. Bra straps play a vital role in providing support and lift. If the straps are too tight, they may give you back and shoulder aches. But if they’re too loose, they’ll annoy you by constantly falling off your shoulders.
Try these tips to become best friends with your bra today!
