Women's fashion is very diverse. One day a woman wears a turtleneck sweater, the next a low-cut dress. For each different neckline, she must check that her bra fits the outfit. Plus, with the wide range of tops and necklines available, the right bra for every outfit makes all the difference in your look. Look for colors, straps, laces that keep the bra hidden under clothing. Also make sure you are wearing the correct size, as a wrong size can ruin your look no matter what style you choose.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Choosing the Right Color
Step 1. Choose an appropriate color
A nude bra is the most versatile, because shades corresponding to skin color are less visible under light, dark, sheer or thin fabrics. Avoid bold colors when wearing light-colored blouses or sheer tops.
Part 2 of 5: Match to Activity
Step 1. Wear a sports bra during workouts
A sports bra isn't the best for a silhouette to be proud of, but it does its job, which is to keep you comfortable and prevent your breasts from being overstressed when you move. Some studies suggest that wearing a sports bra during workouts can reduce bust bounce by around 74%, giving you a feeling of comfort and protection.
There are special sports bras suitable for activities such as yoga and pilates, light and breathable
Part 3 of 5: Match with Clothing
Step 1. Wear a standard one with a casual crew neck t-shirt
As long as the bra gives you the right support and leaves you feeling comfortable, basically any bra can fit under a regular, slightly loose t-shirt. Many women find a no-frills standard bra more comfortable, but you can choose whatever style you like best.
Step 2. Choose a seamless bra for tight-fitting shirts
Seamless bras prevent outlines from showing through the top, making them an excellent choice for fitted t-shirts and fitted blouses. Tuck into a full cup bra for a solid, even line, as half-cup bra can create a noticeable demarcation across the top.
Step 3. Look for a U-neck bra for a deep V top
U-shaped bras have a very deep center bridge, well below the bust. If you wear a standard bra with a plunging neckline, the cups or bridge can be exposed.
Step 4. Try a bra tied behind the neck for an off-the-shoulder top
The straps of this bra rise towards the neck instead of along the shoulder. As a result, they remain hidden under the fabric of the top.
Wear a crossover back bra for a crossover back top. As in the previous case, the cross-back bra has straps that follow the shape of the top
Step 5. Use a strapless bra under a strapless or very thin strappy top
Strapless bras smooth out your figure and give basic support. They may be a little tighter than a standard bra, however, because the lacing has to provide full support in the absence of straps.
Step 6. Try a thin strap bra for a thin strap top
A super thin strappy bra can coordinate quite well with a thin strappy top. The straps may not completely disappear under the top, but if they don't exceed the thickness of the top straps, you can manage by arranging them casually.
Choose a color that matches that of the top or go for a neutral color
Step 7. Buy a convertible bra for its versatility
Convertible bras have adjustable straps, allowing you to change the way you fit them according to the fit of your shirt. Convertible bras can usually be changed to halterneck bras or strapless bras; the more extravagant have even more options.
Step 8. Consider silicone adhesive bras for plunging necklines, backless tops, and strapless tops
Silicone adhesive bras have no back lacing and are strapless. They stick to the skin and smooth out your silhouette. These bras offer minimal support however, so you should only use them as a last resort.
Step 9. Match any bra with underwear
There are no rules on matching bra and underwear - no one sees "the match" and it's entirely up to you whether that matters or not. If it is relevant, try to buy the bra and underwear together to ensure a good match.
Part 4 of 5: Make sure it goes well
Step 1. Wear sturdy shoulder straps if you are well equipped
The sturdy straps provide better support, which is essential for women with particularly large busts. If you are smaller than your bust, however, thin straps can provide enough support.
Step 2. Give yourself more support with a balconette bra
A balconette bra fits well under a wide variety of tops, ranging from a regular t-shirt to a patterned blouse. Look for one that creates a nice and natural silhouette, otherwise you can look disproportionate and obviously unnatural.
Step 3. Wear padding sparingly
A lightly padded bra can feel natural and add a few inches to your bust. Excessive padding will seem noticeable, and may not really enhance your figure.
Part 5 of 5: Choosing the Right Size
A bra should snugly and evenly wrap around the rib cage, shoulder straps should not dig, and the bra should not tend to climb over the back.
Step 1. Use a soft cloth measuring tape to measure around the bust, just below the bust
The tape measure should be placed at the height of the bra band. Keep the tape straight and parallel to the floor.
Step 2. Add 12.5 cm to this measurement, and round to the nearest even whole number
This number is your headband size.
Step 3. Use the tape measure to measure the widest part of the chest
Usually, the tape measure has to pass over the nipples. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor. Don't let it come loose, but don't hold it too tight either. This measurement is your bust size.
Step 4. Take the difference between the headband measurement and the bust measurement to find your cup size
Add a cup size for every 2.5cm. For example, a difference of 2.5 cm is a size A, a difference of 5 cm in a size B, a difference of 7.5 cm in a size C, a difference of 10 cm in a size D, and a difference of 12, 5cm to a size DD or E. If the difference is less than 2.5cm, you should wear a size AA.
Step 5. When trying on a bra, put your hands under the straps and lean forward so that the breasts fall into the cups
The cups should contain the breasts and the center of the nipples should fall into the roundest part of the cups.
- If the breasts protrude from the cup in the center or at the sides, the bra is too small.
- If the bra fabric wrinkles in several places and is not completely filled, it is too large.
Step 6. Adjust both hooks and straps of the bra to find a comfortable position when you try it on
Neither the headband nor the straps should dig into the skin, but both should be snug and taut.
Step 7. Check the bra bridge
This core of tissue should be stretched against the breastbone.
Advice
- Use the center hook first when adjusting the bra. This gives you the option to tighten or loosen the bra as needed.
- Wash the bra by hand or with the delicate cycle of the washing machine. For best results, let it air dry. In this way the bra reinforcements will not lose their shape and the fabric will not shrink.
- Consider taking a professional bra size measurement. Many lingerie shops and lingerie departments in department stores offer test rooms and services. Also, don't consider a single size; your size may vary from brand to brand regardless of actual size. It's the measure that matters, not what a label says.
- Take note of your favorite brands, styles and sizes. This information will make things easier for you next time you go shopping. If you photograph the labels and classify the images carefully, it will be even easier to find them (keep them on your phone or computer memory).
- Be aware that certain activities and physical changes can affect your bra size. Pregnancy, weight loss, and intense workouts often have an impact. Menstruation can also change cup sizes. It is important to re-measure after impacting events such as weight fluctuations and pregnancy.
- If you want to wear a light-colored shirt but only have dark bras, wear a white slip or tank top.
- Don't wear a black bra when wearing a white shirt!
- Stretch a narrow band using bra extensions and have a wide band tightened by a seamstress or tailor.
- For best care, hand wash bras in cold water with mild soaps or detergents. If you wash them in the washing machine, always put them inside a lingerie bag.
- Don't feel pressured to wear a bra if you don't need one.
- If you break the hooks on a bra that still fits, have new hooks sewn.
- Good quality bras should last between 2 to 5 years if well cared for (Harper's Bazaar recommends washing them after you've worn them twice). Lower quality bras need to be renewed more frequently. The duration of a bra will depend on how often you wear it, how much you spin it with others, the care you use in washing it (by hand or machine) and the activity you do when you wear it.
Warnings
- Unsuitable bras can cause back pain, neck pain, and posture problems. If you're unsure, try a free trial to be absolutely sure your bra fits.
- Machine washed bras will last less than hand washed bras.
- Older people aren't used to seeing bra straps on display; for some it is considered a bit risque or just plain bad taste. While it is now much more acceptable to leave lingerie on display, avoid showing bra straps at formal events involving family or traditional celebrations.
