We all know that well-fitting underwear is the key to a slim figure and a well-proportioned silhouette. However, many of us are still wearing the wrong bras, either in size, fit or style, and this can have a negative impact on the appearance of an outfit, as well as our own confidence levels. It's time to ditch the grey duds and go underwear shopping, but don't panic, we're here to hold your hand every step of the way. Shopping for a new bra can be a bewildering and incredibly difficult task, but we have all the essential information and guidance you need to find exactly the right bra for you.
Take a bra inventory
Buying new bras – the fit
Even if a bra is in the right size for you, you need to make sure it fits perfectly. When trying on bras, discard any that:
All of these are complete no-nos, so whatever it may say on the label, they do not fit you.
Buying new bras – the style
The style of bra you go for is a personal choice, of course, dependent on what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident. However, you should also think about how much support you need when choosing a bra. You should also think about what you will wear the bra under when choosing the style as well as the colour. T-shirts won't look great with a scarlet lacy number underneath, but your LBD might. Again, think about what you wear most often and choose your underwear accordingly, tempting as it is to choose all the frou frou prettiness!
Take a bra inventory
Before you can buy any new bras, you need to take a look at what you already have. Open up your bra drawer and count how many bras you have. Discard any that you never wear any more and focus on the bras you regularly wear. You should have around seven to ten bras that you wear on a regular basis. If you have less, it’s time to start shopping.
Get measured
It may be a little embarrassing, but getting measured by someone who knows what they are doing is crucial to finding the right bra size, and far more successful than doing it yourself at home. If you haven’t been measured in a while and you have lost or gained weight or have had a baby, it is likely that your bra size will have changed. If you really want to be sure that the size you’re given after measuring is right, get a second opinion by getting measured in another lingerie shop or department.
Buying new bras – the fit
Even if a bra is in the right size for you, you need to make sure it fits perfectly. When trying on bras, discard any that:
- Ride up at the back
- Cause back-bulge around the bra band
- Have straps that dig into your shoulders (even when adjusted)
- Cause your breasts to spill over the cups
- Leave a space between your breastbone and the bra
- Cause skin to spill out under your armpits
- Have underwire which slides down below your chest
All of these are complete no-nos, so whatever it may say on the label, they do not fit you.
Buying new bras – the style
The style of bra you go for is a personal choice, of course, dependent on what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident. However, you should also think about how much support you need when choosing a bra. You should also think about what you will wear the bra under when choosing the style as well as the colour. T-shirts won't look great with a scarlet lacy number underneath, but your LBD might. Again, think about what you wear most often and choose your underwear accordingly, tempting as it is to choose all the frou frou prettiness!
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