Stunning Support: 4 Tips on Choosing the Right Bra
Ladies, we all know how difficult it can be to find the perfect bra. In fact, seeking the perfect bra can seem like a quest for the Holy Grail. No matter what outfit you’re wearing, you’re going to want to make sure that your bra fits correctly, otherwise you’re missing out on its full effect. Finding a well-fitting bra doesn’t have to be as difficult as it seems; knowing what to look for is half the battle. Therefore, I’ve come up with the following tips to take into consideration when looking for your next bra, so that you can assure your dresses look fantastic.
The Right Cup Size
Would you believe that one in every three women are strolling about in the wrong bra size? It’s a fact that most women are wearing bras that are either too small or too large. There are some simple ways you can detect whether or not a bra fits you correctly. Looking at the way your bra fits, in a way, is like diagnosing an illness based on symptoms. One of the symptoms of an unfitting bra is the “under-boob,” or portions of your breast that are peeking out from under the bra underwire. This is a glaring symptom of a bra that is too small, so you’ll want to go up one cup size. If you have a lot of gaps around your breast, that’s a symptom of a bra that’s too large. The fabric of the cup portion of the bra should lay flush against your skin without any gaps, so if you’ve got a lot of room there, you’ll want to go down a cup size.
The Right Cut
The cut of your bra makes a big difference in how it makes you look in a dress. For instance, if you have a smaller bust, a demi cut bra might be just the thing for you. But if you’ve got a full figure, a demi bra is going to be a disaster because you won’t have enough coverage. When you’re wearing work dresses, in particular, which are usually monochromatic and fitted, this can lead to some awkward silhouettes. One way to ensure you have the right bra cut is to make sure that no portion of your breast comes spilling out the top of your cut. Also, if anything pinches or digs into your skin, you’ll likely want to get another cut. If you’re wearing a dress that is low cut for instance, you’ll likely want a bra with a lower cut, as well. Matching the cut of your dress with the cut of your bra will help you make the right choice.
The Right Features
Some breasts just need a bit more help in certain areas than others do, and paying attention to what will flatter you in the figure department can go a long way in making your bras (and the dresses you wear over them) look amazing. A push-up bra is not necessarily the correct choice for everyone, and if it’s overdone the girls can look false. Some doctors recommend not wearing push-up bras, as you’ll have to keep wearing them in order for the look to last. Contrary to popular belief, push-up bras and padded bras are two different things. A padded bra can help fill out your figure if you’re lacking in certain areas, or if you’re rather flat. You’ll also want to make sure that the straps of your bra are sturdy and not over-elongated, as 90 percent of the support you receive from your bra comes from having good straps. Additionally, when first bought, the back strap of your bra should be on the loosest hook-and-eye setting, as it will stretch over time. You should be able to slip two fingers between the back strap and your skin comfortably. If you can’t, it’s too tight.
The Right Form
How the bra is worn is also important, so you’ll want to pay attention to the front-to-back appearance of your bra. Your bra’s base should be level, front-to back, creating a straight line across the ribcage. Some women pull the back of their bras down and keep the front cups straight, or vice versa. Neither of these are correct, and both will make dresses look odd.
When you go pick out a bra to wear with your favorite dress, make sure you’ve got one with the proper cup size, straps that aren’t too long or too short (you can adjust them) with provided adequate support (read: not spaghetti straps), a cut that suits your figure and some padding for comfort or filling. Also, ensure your bra is level front-to-back. If all of these things are in place, you’ll have found a great bra that will make your dress look wonderful. Also, if you’re wearing a form-fitting dress, lacy or textured bras might not be the best thing, so be sure to pick a smooth fabric in this case.
