Which type of bra is ideal for your body

 

How to Find the Best Bra for Your Breast Shape

This virtual bra-fitting guide will help you determine which type of bra is ideal for your body.

I consider shopping—even online—to be one of the greatest joys in the world, but the worst task has to be shopping for a new bra. There is no joy to be had in sifting through hundreds of bras that dig painfully into your shoulders, ride up your back, gape open, or spill out of the cups. So it's no wonder that the majority of us aren't wearing the right bra for our breasts. In fact, most bra fitters and lingerie brands estimate that 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong size bra. "While measuring your bra size is obviously important, first establishing the type of breast shape you have is the ultimate indicator of which type of bra will best suit you," says Josie-Anne Le Diouron, a bra fitting specialist at Empreinte.

But even something as simple as your breast shape can be quite confusing, so we asked Le Diouron to break down every single shape—there are nine!—and the best bra type for each. Whether you're after the best bra for lift, side support, a small chest, or a large bust, read on to reveal your best fit.

01of 09

Round

What it is: Breasts are very circular and equally full at the top and bottom.

Bra recommendation: "For this type of breast, we will not be looking for structure, but rather the desired level of support and coverage. The best options—ranked in order from more coverage to less coverage—are T-shirt bras, balconette, and plunge styles."

02of 09

Bell Shape

What it is: Breasts are narrow/slimmer at the top and round/fuller at the bottom.

Bra recommendation: "An underwired full cup bra will give the support that the bottom of the breasts need, and the structure of the cup will lift the breasts to give some projection and more volume on top."

03of 09

Tear Drop

What it is: Breasts are round and full at the bottom with slightly less volume at the top.

Bra recommendation: "An underwired balconette or demi cup bra with a vertical seam will lift the breasts and make them look fuller on the top."

04of 09

Asymmetric

What it is: One breast is larger than the other.

Bra recommendation: "A T-shirt bra will help visually reduce the difference of sizes. The absence of seams and the full coverage will smooth the volume of the breast on a larger area, making the difference less noticeable. While unnecessary, you also have the option of buying a pad to fill out the cup for your smaller breast."

05of 09

Slender

What it is: Breasts are long, narrow, and pointing downwards.

Bra recommendation: "A seamed bra, which is designed to give the bustline a natural shape, will give the breasts a structure to conform to and support the breasts to point forwards."

06of 09

Shallow

What it is: Breasts are spread out over the chest with little horizontal depth.

Bra recommendation: "A push-up bra is a great option to give additional depth if desired. For a more natural look, a wireless triangle bra would work perfectly well too. Bras with underwires tend to have too wide a circumference, which may lead to gapping at the sides or other uncomfortable fitting issues, so going wire-free could work in your favor."

07of 09

East West

What it is: Your breasts gravitate toward the outside of your torso, with nipples pointing outward and leaving some space in the direct center of your chest

Bra recommendation: "A contoured bra is ideal for giving shape and forward projection to the breasts."

08of 09

Close-set

What it is: There is no separation or very small separation between the breasts.

Bra recommendation: "A plunge bra or triangle bra would work well as they have a lower and shorter center gore compared to other bras. That way, the center of the bra can lay flat on the sternum without laying on the breast tissue."

09of 09

Wide-set

What it is: There is a wide separation between the breasts.

Bra recommendation: "A plunge style with or without padding is recommended to push the breasts together and therefore enhance the cleavage."

Note : This details only for Knowledge purpose, We are not suggesting or promotion any kind of Brands.

What Happens if wearing a bra or Stop Wearing a Bra

 

This Is What Really Happens When You Stop Wearing a Bra

Going braless might not be as risky to the girls as you thought.

you someone who finds comfort in sweatpants most of the time? Perhaps you're also one of the many women who have chosen to forgo wearing a bra at home. It makes a lot of sense. Who wants to be poked and prodded by underwire when they're wearing their coziest clothes and have nowhere to go?

But while ditching a bra might offer some temporary comfort, you probably haven't thought about the long-term effects of not wearing a bra. So, what's the deal? What really happens to your breasts when you stop wearing a bra?

Turns out, it's a little complicated. We talked to a handful of experts, and the verdict on whether wearing a bra is actually bad for your breasts (or for you) is still out. At the end of the day (or the beginning, in this case), whether you want to put on a bra is entirely up to you, but knowing all the potential risks and consequences can help you make the best decision for you.

What to Know About Wearing—or Not Wearing—a Bra

Your breasts might sag if you don't wear a bra.

Since the dawn of time—OK, 1889—bras have been considered the best way to support your, erm, assets. According to Waqas Ahmad, MD, a family medicine physician and head of the medical advisory board at Insurecast, forgoing the bra can lead to less support.

"There's a ligament called Cooper's ligament that anchors around the breast tissue," he says. "This causes more movement and bouncing around. In my opinion, the breasts will sag and get loose if a bra isn't worn for a long time."

While Dr. Ahmad sees some benefit to wearing a bra, he says you shouldn't wear one all day, every day. "Wearing a bra all the time is also not good for your health," he says. "It will cause increased sweating, which will clog the skin pores and cause irritation and itching."

A supportive bra could actually weaken your breast tissue.

Does that mean you should run to your dresser and strap on a bra, stat? Not so fast. A 15-year-long study that concluded in 2013 suggests that forgoing a bra can actually decrease any sagging. According to the study, the support of a bra can weaken the tissue surrounding the breasts, causing them to droop.

"What happens when you ditch a bra is that your breasts visually look like they are sagging since they are without the support they used before," says Lina Velikova, MD, PhD, a medical advisor at Supplements101. "However, once you start using those muscles, the tone will improve and take over the support of your softer tissue that makes your breasts. If you want to help the process, you can do targeted breast exercises to develop the muscles and strengthen the ligaments faster."

Breasts will sag due to gravity and age—two factors that are out of our control. But if you want to keep your boobs rounder and perkier for the time being, it might be in your best interest to keep your bra in the drawer.

Not wearing a bra can improve your circulation.

Another perk to keeping the bra off? It can improve your body's circulation. According to the 15-year study, there's ample evidence to suggest that wearing bras for extended periods of time can cut off the circulation by your midsection and ribcage.

This makes a lot of sense: Anyone who has worn a bra knows the inexplicably soothing sensation that comes whenever you take it off, which happens because wearing a tight bra for extended periods of time can limit your circulation.

Not wearing a bra can strain your back.

Of course, a bra can impact more than your breasts. Not having a bra's support can put a strain on your back and wreak havoc on your posture. If you're going on a walk or working out, you might want to strap on a bra. (Trust us, your back will thank you.)

If wearing a formal, wired bra is out of the question, you can still find a happy medium with a sports bra or bralette. If you do want to invest in a few sports bras, consider looking into styles with an adjustable closure. That way, you can help create a fit that's supportive, not constricting.

The Bottom Line

So, the million-dollar question: What happens when you don't wear a bra? Turns out, the consequences aren't as bad as we thought. (You don't need to fear that your breasts will age 30 years overnight.) If you don't want to wear a bra, you and your breasts will be just fine—though if you notice back pain or soreness in your breasts, consider wearing a bralette or comfortable bra to offer at least a little support. And if wearing a bra gives you confidence, by all means, keep clasping one on every morning.

No matter your bra-wearing preferences, it's important to stay comfortable. After all, very few things can cramp your style like wearing a rigid, constricting bra. "A good bra needs to have good support to be comfortable," says Dora Lau, founder of DLI, a company that develops bras for global brands. "The support is in the band and wings, not the shoulder straps."

The key is to make sure the band is snug and comfortable. If you are a size C or larger, Lau recommends going up a cup size and down a band size to find your perfect, comfortable bra size. Learn how to measure bra size to get a bra that actually fits, and then check the best places to buy bras to find your favorite new style. And if you've decided no bra is the way to go, no adjustments needed: Go forth freely.

Note : This details only for Knowledge purpose, We are not suggesting or promotion any kind of Brands.

Steps to Finding a Bra That Fits You Perfectly

 

Don't just blindly guess your bra size—here's how to wind up with bras that last and love you back.

Not to be dramatic, but a life spent wearing ill-fitting, uncomfortable bras is simply no life at all—and if you've already found the bra of your dreams you know exactly how life-changing this staple undergarment can be. Because let's be honest, the wrong bra can not only make or break an outfit, but your entire day.

Shopping for bras isn't always a cake walk, though, and worthwhile bras can be an investment. Besides weird lighting and cramped dressing rooms—or straight-up not being able to try things on if you're bra shopping online—it's hard to know exactly what you need (especially if you haven't treated yourself to a new bra since, oh, college). Never again let yourself suffer in a so-so bra, thanks to these essential bra shopping commandments.

1. Get Measured by a Professional

Ideally, all ladies should try to get sized about once a year, or after going through any bodily changes. It's always smart to know how to measure your own bra size, but if you're getting measured for the first time in a while, leave this task up to a pro.

2. Have at Least Five Everyday Bras You Love

Yes, five! It might seem like a lot, but having a solid lineup of bras will give each one a longer shelf life. Wearing the same bra everyday—or even for more than one day at a time—is one the biggest bra mistakes women tend to make. Over-wear will stretch out the spandex, so don't discount the importance of a good bra rotation for long-lasting bras.

3. Go for Quality Over Looks

It's always fun to have some cute, cheap bras for special occasions, but don't rely on looks alone to get the job done day in and day out. Even though stronger, quality materials often carry a higher price tag, it'll always be a worthwhile investment—especially if you're anything larger than a C cup.

4. Focus on the Feel of the Band—Not Just Cup Size

You might not realize it, but most of your bra's support should come from a snug band. To gauge sufficient snugness: When worn on the loosest hook, the band should allow only one of your fingers to slide underneath. As the band naturally loses elasticity over time, adjust by using the tighter hooks. The band should also be completely level all the way around your rib cage. If it's too loose, your bra will start riding up your back, which is not only uncomfortable, but causes soft flesh to bulge (making you think you have back fat to lose—when you don't!).

5. Avoid Minimizer Bras

Not everyone is after a bigger chest—but if you're looking for ways to make your breasts appear smaller, minimizer bras aren't the best route. A minimizer bra will compress breast tissue and actually increase the surface area of your breasts (exactly what you don't want), but a high-quality bra with enough lift and side support will help tame your chest area more than you realize.

6. Know Where Underwire Discomfort Comes From

Where and how the underwire hits you has to do with a few factors. Is the underwire digging into your breasts? You might actually need to try a larger cup size. But if the underwire is cutting into the skin below your breasts, try going down a band size.

7. Know Your Proportions

Where exactly should your breasts be in relation to the rest of your body? There are no "rules" here (and everyones' figure is completely different), but here are some helpful guidelines: If you turn sideways and look in the mirror, a well-fitting bra should hold your breasts comfortably in place midway between your shoulder and elbow crease; looking in the mirror straight-on, a good bra will keep your breasts within the frame of your torso—neither super pushed together nor smushed out toward your arms.

Note : This details only for Knowledge purpose, We are not suggesting or promotion any kind of Brands.

Here's how to know it's time to replace your bra—it's probably sooner than you think.

 

9 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Bra ASAP

Let's be real: When was the last time you shopped for a new bra? If the answer is more than six months ago, there's a good chance your bra has worn out its welcome. In fact, experts recommend replacing bras every six months—or after about 180 wears.

"If you have a large selection of bras in rotation, you can go longer than six months before replacing your bras if you're caring for those bras properly," says Ali Cudby, author of Busted and Fit My Bras, and founder of Fab Foundations. "Putting your bras in the dryer breaks down the elastic much more quickly, so save your bras from an untimely death by letting them air dry and hand wash them when possible."

No matter how many bras you own or how well you care for them, every bra has an expiration date, thanks to weight fluctuations and natural wear and tear. Here's how to know when it's time to buy a new bra, according to experts.

01

The back is stretched out.

The back of a bra naturally stretches out over time. "When this happens, the hook system allows you to close your bra on a tighter position to get back the snug feeling of a band that fits your chest properly," says Josie-Anne Le Diouron, a bra expert at Empreinte. "However, when the band is so stretched out that it feels too loose even on the tightest hook, that's a red flag that it's time for a new bra."

02

Cups are stretched out or too big.

According to Le Diouron, when you notice a significant gap between the bra cups and your breast, it means the cups are stretched out or the volume of the breasts have decreased, which can happen due to weight loss." As a result, the breast is not supported and the shape of the bra shows through your clothes instead of offering smooth curves," she says.

03

Cups are too small.

"If your breast tissue is spilling over the cups, one of two things is happening: The cups are too small or the straps are too tight," explains Katie Donnelly author of Blog,Bra Fitting. "Your bra size may have changed since you last bought bras and you might just need a bigger cup size."

"If there is a small amount of spillage over the cups, but the cup size is correct, try loosening the straps a little," she suggests. "You want to be able to comfortably fit two fingers between your skin and the strap for the best fit."

04

Straps are loose.

Few things are as annoying as constantly adjusting a bra strap sliding down your shoulder. If this is happening, it's a clear sign it's time for a change. "The strap is the bridge between the cup and the back of the bra. It helps support the weight of the breast while ensuring that the cups hug it smoothly," says Le Diouron.

05

The underwire is painful.

Does anyone enjoy the pain of an underwire poking out and digging into sensitive skin? I didn't think so. "Even if you try to put it back in and sew the area shut, that's a temporary fix and it will likely come out again," says Laetitia Lecigne, creative director at Jockey "Get rid of it!"

06

The fabric has broken down.

"Fabric has a lifespan depending on your wearing and washing cycle," says Lecigne. "If you notice that the fabric is breaking down, such as the spandex peeling off, or the overall fabric is losing its stretch, your bra is dead and is no longer performing."

07

Your bra has hair.

"If you've ever seen little hair-like threads of elastic popping out of your bra, you're too late—that bra is toast," says Cudby. Those hairs mean the elastic in your bra has broken. "Since 80 percent of your bra's support comes from a band that's firmly anchored on your body, a bra without elastic can't give you sufficient support," she says. "It's hard enough for a small bit of fabric to do its job! If you take away the elastic, a bra won't have the needed structure to lift your breasts."

08

The color is faded or dingy.

If your light-colored bra looks a bit dingy or dirty, or its dark color is fading; it's time to head to the lingerie store, STAT.

09

Your taste has changed.

Sometimes a bra gets dull over time or your style changes. "While bras normally get covered up, it's always important to choose one that makes you feel happy, comfortable, and even empowered.

Note : This details only for Knowledge purpose, We are not suggesting or promotion any kind of Brands.

How do you know it’s time to replace your bra?

 So, how do you know when you should let go of your current bra? There are much more obvious signs of wear and tear, like loose threads. But a difference in comfort and feel is also a good indicator. If your bra straps are stretched out to the point of no return or your band still feels too loose on the tightest hook, it’s probably time to toss it. Most importantly, if your bra is no longer doing its job of keeping you comfortable and supported, there’s no point in holding onto it. Curious if your bra still fits properly? Watch our Fit Expert Ra’el Cohen walk you through how a bra should fit.

A good tip for extending the life of your bras is to take good care of them. This means storing them properly in your bra drawer and hand-washing them when you can. It may not sound like the most convenient option, but we promise it’s worth the effort.

Time for a new bra? Shop your favorite style & color

The Perfect Bras & Underwear to Wear With Your Pantsuit

 Pantsuits are a hot ticket on Fashion Week catwalks—Zac Posen, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren are among the designers indulging in the trend recently—but the jacket and slacks combo is also trending political news.

 

 

As anyone who’s been following current events knows, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has made them her signature look, day or night, whether onstage or on the campaign trail. (Check out the hill-arious videos of pantsuit-clad dancing flash mobs hailing Hillary and #PantsuitPower that are blowing up social media.)

“I love a good pantsuit,” says stylist and lingerie expert Jenny Altman. “The fact that Hillary, a presidential candidate, wears only pantsuits shows us how far women have come. But smooth, seamless undergarments are a must-have underneath. You certainly can’t exude the confidence she does if you have panty lines.”

Bottom line: “Clinton needs undergarments that give support and comfort,” Altman says. “Imagine the long days she must be having!” (Most women can probably relate…)

Whether shaking hands or kissing babies or whether you wear a jacket-over-a-blouse or a tunic-y topper, it’s all about creating a smooth line underneath. “You want coverage and zero lines,” agrees Marie Denee, the blogger behind The Curvy Fashionista. Denee would start with a look at the style of the slacks. “If your garment is more body conscious, I would suggest a pair of shaper shorts that give light control with all-day comfort,” she says. “If your suit is not too fitted, boyshorts are a close second for providing comfort and no panty lines.”

When it comes to the right bra, Denee also casts her vote for getting the proper fit. “Neither style nor shape matters if you are not in the right size bra,” she says. “A proper fit will also allow for your tops and button ups to hang perfectly.” Getting the band measurement right is, to Altman, the key to a look with no back-fat or bra overhang. 

Altman is not undecided on her pick: “For smooth, seamless support, 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra is the answer,” she says. “Good coverage, support, and seamless cups hide flawlessly under any jacket. Even if Hill’s wearing white, the nude hue will disappear completely.”

Common Bra Fit Issues — and How to Solve Them

Goal is to help women everywhere find their perfect bra fit — but we know it’s not always that simple. On top of having to consider your own unique breast shape, there are many common fit issues that can determine which bras are best for you and will make your boobs look and feel great.

Ever experienced bra fit issues? Read on as we identify some of the most common ones (and their solutions) to help you find your perfect size the next time you go bra shopping. If you would like some more help, take our Fitting Room Quiz to find your perfect size and fit in just a few minutes!

 

Do your bra straps slip off?

Are you always pulling up your straps when you’re wearing your bra? To fix slipping straps, try tightening your bra straps if you haven’t already. Straps can stretch out over time, so we suggest doing this every other month or so.

If tightening your straps doesn’t do the trick, take a look at the style of bra you’re wearing. Did you know that certain styles (Full Coverage and T-Shirt style bras) typically have narrow-set straps that help keep them on your shoulders throughout the day? Other styles, like Balconette and Plunge bras, have wider-set straps and can slip more easily depending on your body type. Take a look at our Bra Style Guide to identify the style you should be wearing.

 

Are your bra straps digging in?

Contrary to popular belief, your bra straps should not be doing all of the heavy lifting — your bra brand should be doing most of the work. If your straps are digging into your shoulders, chances are your band is too big or has stretched out over time. If this is happening to you, consider buying one band size smaller – that might do the trick. (Remember: if you buy a smaller band size than usual, you need to go up one size in your cup. Example, if you’re currently a 36C, your tighter band would be 34D. View our Size Chart to learn more!)

Lastly, if you’re a D cup or bigger, we suggest buying a style of bra with narrower straps, like our 24/7® Perfect Coverage Bra, so that the straps are centered on your shoulders and the weight of your breasts is evenly distributed.

 

What about gaping bra cups?

This is a common issue for women with East West, Asymmetric, Bell Shape, or Slender breast shapes (check out our Breast Shape Dictionary to identify your breast shape). Typically, these women’s breasts rest at the bottom of their cups, leaving room at the top for cup gaping. Some women may also experience that their breasts relax as they get older or after pregnancy and may be on the lookout for the best bras for sagging breasts.

If your bra gaps at the top of the cup, try tightening your bra straps. If that doesn’t work, go down a cup size — your cup may be a little too big. If you don’t think you’re an entire cup size smaller, consider one of our half-cup sizes (our Fitting Room quiz can help you identify if half-sizes may be right for you).

If your cups fit well but there’s still room at the top for gaping, consider a plunge or a push-up style to push your breasts upwards. These cups tend to be cut a little smaller to reduce gaping in the first place.

 

If you have bra cup side overflow, we can help.

Ever had your breasts spill out of the sides of a cup? That’s a surefire sign that your cups are too small. This is probably the easiest bra fit issue to fix — just size up in the cup.

Or, if your band doesn’t feel tight enough, you might need to size up in the cup and down in the band. A snug band will pull the wire in your bra back, and allow your breasts to sit in the cup where they belong.

Here’s how to deal with cup overflow:

If your breasts are spilling out of the bra cup, you’re wearing the wrong size bra. Similar to side overflow, cup overflow is easy to fix: trade-in for a bigger cup size and give your breasts some much-needed breathing room! If you’re a 34B, trade up a half-size to 34B ½ or a whole cup size to 34C if you need it. You (and your breasts) will breathe a sigh of relief.

 

Wire sitting on your breasts? It shouldn’t be.

 

Sometimes, we speak to women whose wires are sitting on their breast tissue. This is a sign of your band being too big — you need to invest in a smaller band size to tighten the fit. (Remember: if you size down in band size, you need to go up in cup size, so that your breasts still have room to breathe. For more information on how this works,