Bras are not an accessory. In fact, bras are a vital part of any woman's attire. For many of us, the right bra can make the difference between being comfortable and being uncomfortable. But with so much information out there, it can be confusing to find a bra that fits and is comfortable. There are so many different styles, and sometimes they all look pretty similar. Some come with back support, some come with padding, and some come with straps that you wear as a halter top. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but don't worry! We're here to tell you everything you need to know about bras. So, without any further ado, let's get started with this ultimate buying guide!
What Are Different Bra Styles That You Can Choose From?
Many women wear bras for various reasons, including support and shaping of breasts. There are different styles of bras available in the market, and some of the popular ones are mentioned below.
Sports Bra
Sports Bras are bras worn during specific sports by athletic women. This bra typically has a more closed strap or less of an opening in the back for better compression during the game. It also offers stability and support to both the breasts and the torso while playing a sport.
Strapless Bra
Every woman's lingerie drawer contains a pair or two of strapless bras. These bras are designed for women looking for ways to enjoy freedom without dealing with straining bra straps that fall down all of the time. This bra is best for women who are looking to flaunt their tube dresses with confidence. You will also find backless bras in the market that serve the same purpose.
Standard style Bra
Standard style bras are those that provide a traditional look and offer the most support. A lot of the time, they come with built-in padding, underwire shoulder straps, and wide backs so that the bra can give support to the breast. These bras are designed to be more comfortable, and they last longer. Many people will wear their standard-style bras with tank tops or camisoles underneath for added support. If you have round breasts, then any standard-style bra will be the perfect fit for you.
Push Up bra
A push-up bra is similar in design to a normal bra, except that this type of bra has extra padding to give a nice fuller look. However, these bras help women who need extra support and confidence boost and are generally worn to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the dress. If you are somebody with heavy breasts, then it is better to go with a push-up bra.
You will also find adhesive bras (with adhesive silicone cups that attach to the breast), nursing bras (designed specifically for nursing mothers), and plus-sized T-shirt bras in the market. The style and type you choose will solely depend on your breast shape and the dress style you will wear it with. So, choose accordingly.
How Can You Choose the Best Bra?
Material
The material of the bra is the first thing that you should notice. One main reason behind this is because it can determine how supportive it will be and how long the bra will last. Some of the most common materials used to make bras are cotton, nylon, and spandex. While cotton is the most preferable choice in terms of comfort, you can choose a bra made of nylon and spandex for better stretchability and elasticity. The material used to make the bra cups also vary, but they should be made from soft, stretchy materials that won't cut into your skin.
Band size
The next thing that you should look for while buying a bra is the band size. The band is the back part of the bra that provides most of the support and is where your bra's shoulder straps fasten to. The band size of bra ranges from 30-44 inches. You should generally wear a band size that is in level with your chest, but avoid getting a tight one otherwise it would hurt. If you can slip more than two fingers under the band, you might need a tighter size.
Cup sizes
Next comes the cup size. Cup sizes are measured by volume (they may be labeled A through D, which stands for small to large). A cup usually measures from the underbust, around the bust, and ending at the apex of the breast. It is always best to ask a sales representative to help you find a bra that fits properly, as this will save you from the trouble of returning it later on.
Straps
It is also vital to check out the straps' width. These straps can vary from being padded to being made of mesh panels that contain little or no padding at all. If your shoulders hurt when you wear a bra, try a different style or material of bra straps. Also, check out if they are adjustable or not, so you can adjust the fitting of the bra yourself.
Bra fastening
Last but not least is the bra's fastening (i.e., clasp or snaps) that holds it in place. If the fastening isn't comfortable, it will likely create discomfort and keep digging in your skin from the back after wearing it for a while. Try buying one that is easy to hook or unhook, so you can comfortably wear it the whole day.
When Should You Replace Your Bra?
Remember, not all bras last forever. So, let's discuss some tell-tale signs that indicate that your bra is reaching its end and need to be replaced.
- Elastic on an old bra starts to sag or break down.
- The bra fabric has started to lose its elasticity, and the cup is becoming more flattened on one side over time.
- The seam on your bra starts to unravel or come apart.
- The straps of a bra start pulling inwards, making them uncomfortable to wear.
Once you notice these signs, grab your credit card and wallet and rush to the store to buy a new one.
How To Choose the Perfect Size of a Bra?
It's a well-known fact that wearing the wrong bra size can affect your health. Uncomfortable underwire, straps digging in, and cups gaping open are just a few of the signs of wearing an ill-fitting bra. A lousy fit can ruin all of these benefits. To avoid this from happening, it's necessary to find a pair that fits.
If you don't know your size in women's clothing, the best thing to do is measure yourself across your chest with a soft measuring tape. Keep in mind that there are different sizes for different breast parts- for example, your bra size might be different from your bust size (if you find it hard to do it yourself, it's better to ask your friend to measure you).
- A cup size A-C is the best option for smaller chests as they do not show through clothing or create any extra volume.
- For larger chests, Cup D-F is the perfect size to provide the same amount of breast support.
Best Bra FAQ
How Much Does a Bra Cost?
The cost of a bra depends upon its design and style. However, you can expect to pay anywhere near $30-300$ for a bra.
What Is the Purpose of Underwire in A Bra?
The purpose of an underwire in a bra is to provide support and lift to the bust. Usually, the underwire sits inside a casing attached to the cups on either side of your chest. But some people find it uncomfortable and prefer to buy one without it.
Can You Wear a Sports Bra regularly?
Yes, you can. These bras are often made from moisture-wicking, breathable material, making them an ideal undergarment for wearing in summers.