You know that feeling when you take off your bra after a long day and you can finally take a deep breath... 😅
Well-chosen underwear is responsible for all-day comfort and the visual impact of your outfit. If you're considering buying underwear, this article will provide you with some tips on how to choose the right bra.
How to choose a comfortable bra? Make sure you choose the right bra size.
While it may seem obvious... Make sure you're wearing the correct bra size, ensuring adequate support and comfort. For this purpose, you can seek the help of a bra fitter at a lingerie store. With professional help, you'll learn how to choose your bra size and what style/cup shape will work for you . Just like with clothes, lingerie sizes aren't always standardized, even within a single brand. A properly sized bra will fit properly—it won't stick out or constrict the breasts. A proper bra should fit smoothly across the bust.
How to choose a bra size at home?
When shopping online, you can't count on the support of a specialist, so below is a list of steps to follow to choose your bra size at home:
👉 Underbust measurement – carefully measure the circumference below the bust line. Use a tape measure, holding it evenly and firmly. Then read the result and subtract approximately 5 cm from it. The material stretches over time, partly due to the high elastane content, so you should round your measurements down to prevent the bra from slipping down at the end of the day. Correctly, the weight of the bust rests on the bra band, which relieves the spine. A loose band causes the straps to dig in and can cause chafing. The bra should lie firmly in place even when you raise your arms. A bra that "slides" up the back causes the bust to shift downward, visually weighing down the figure.
👉 Measurement around the fullest part of the bust – measure the circumference around the fullest part of the bust, remembering that the measuring tape should be evenly placed and not pressing too hard on the breasts - this will result in the selection of a cup size that is too small.
👉 Calculating your cup size – subtract the circumference around the fullest part of your bust from your actual, uncurved circumference. Each difference in centimeters corresponds to one cup size (e.g., 1 cm difference is an A cup, 2 cm a B cup, etc.). The correct cup size gives your breasts a natural shape. No "buns" form under your arms or above your bra, resulting from breast "sloshing." A common mistake is choosing a bra with a cup that is too small, which causes your breasts to migrate around the bra, creating an unsightly effect. To answer the question of how to choose the right bra – your breasts should be spherical, and your underwear should fit smoothly against your skin.
By implementing these steps, you'll now know what bra size should be right for you. Unfortunately, simply knowing your measurements isn't always enough! Often, you'll need to do a little more research before finding the perfect fit.
👉 Try on a few sizes – not all bras in a given size will fit your figure perfectly, so it's worth trying different models and brands to find the most comfortable ones. If you're between two sizes when ordering online, you can choose both to see which one fits better in person. Every woman is unique, so not every bra will fit your figure perfectly.
👉 Check if the bra fits properly – before you buy, make sure the straps are properly adjusted – they shouldn't slip off your shoulders while you move or be too tight. It's equally important that the band is comfortable, but not too loose – the bra shouldn't be fastened with the narrowest hooks. You should be able to breathe easily while wearing it 😅
Are underwires in bras bad?
Underwires are often associated with discomfort and pressure, but with larger breasts, finding underwire-free bras that provide good support can be a significant challenge. A properly fitted underwire bra is comfortable to wear. Everyone has a different figure, size, and breast positioning across the body, so choosing a bra is highly individual. It's important that the underwire is the right width and length – it should encircle the entire breast and not dig into the skin. Underwires that are too wide flatten the breasts and widen their spacing, which is unattractive. Underwires that dig into the breasts (too narrow) can cause swelling and lead to serious complications.
Test different styles and cuts.
If you are buying lingerie for a specific type of clothing, for example a dress with a low neckline, you can take the clothing to a store to try on lingerie specifically for it and check whether the bra meets your expectations - whether it hides under the clothing, whether it requires constant adjustments, whether its structure is not see-through, etc.
Which bra should I choose for thin, light materials?
When looking for a bra to wear under thin, light-colored fabrics, the best choice is a nude model that matches your skin tone. For a bra you want to conceal under clothing, avoid embellishments—decorative stitching, lace, or colored inserts. A nude, smooth bra is very practical—you can wear it under any color of clothing without fear of being see-through. A nude bra will look most aesthetically pleasing, especially under white clothing.
Remember that in formal settings, showing off underwear is a fashion faux pas. The situation is different on less formal occasions... Evenings with friends or dates with your significant other don't require a strict dress code. In such situations, underwear can be visible (tastefully!), adding a touch of sex appeal . Below are a few examples of unsightly combinations (photo 1) and inspiring outfits (photo 2).
Source: Pinterest .
How to choose a bra for clothes with exposed shoulders or very thin straps?
To make a strapless or asymmetrical bra with one shoulder look chic, a strapless bra might be a good choice. When purchasing such a bra, check for a silicone strip on the inside of the bra around the perimeter. Silicone adheres to the skin with body heat and stays in place, not slipping under the weight of the breasts. Remember not to apply any cosmetics before putting on such a bra . An oily film on the skin can cause the silicone to slip, requiring constant re-applying.
However, sometimes certain styles have low-cut cuts, making it impossible to wear a bra without it being visible. If you don't have large breasts, consider nipple covers or adhesive cups. When choosing, pay attention to the fit of the clothing to your body type .
👉 For fitted styles, nipple covers may not be the best choice, as they will stand out unsightly under clothing, drawing more attention. The exception to this is very thin stickers, which are made of a fabric similar to a band-aid. Also, if the material of your fitted outfit is thick and thick, nipple covers should be inconspicuous (it's best to test this combination before going out 🙂).
If nipple covers don't work for you, you can opt for adhesive cups—textile or silicone. When choosing adhesive silicone cups, make sure they aren't too heavy and therefore won't "lower" your bust. They won't look as appealing.
👉 For non-fitted styles, the choice is yours. Nipple covers are more comfortable and lightweight, but stick-on cups will add volume and shape to your bust.
In short, well-chosen underwear is an investment, above all, in your well-being throughout the day. I hope you're as excited as we are for the ANSIN underwear launch – this fall! 🔥 If you have any suggestions on how we could further improve our products to meet your expectations, be sure to reach out to us via email or on social media .
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