How to Find the Best Bra for Your Body Shape
A Guide to Bra Styles That Flatter Your Figure
Nov 15, 2008
No only do the majority of women not wear the correct bra size, but some also wear the wrong style for their figure. The size of your bust and your overall body shape may lend itself more naturally to a particular bra type when it comes to support and comfort.
There are so many bra styles to choose from it helps to have an idea of which bras are more appropriate. There are full-cups,demi-cups, balconettes,backless, halternecks, air bras and multiways , to name but a few. One of the most versatile is the balconette, which according to Breasttalk.co.uk differs slightly in design from a demi-cup (or half-cup), as it gives more shape to the bustline.
The balconette (or balcony bra) is good for women of all shapes and sizes and can be worn under any collection of clothing. With a balconette, the middle of the bra is slightly different in design to the half cup and appears not to be as straight across the breasts and the chest below. This helps to add shape to the bust line and is the ultimate bra to hoist-up sagging breasts.
Bra Types for Small Busts
Theses days women no longer need to be self-conscious about being flat-chested..They can wear almost any style.To look bustier a padded, cleavage-enhancing plunge-type bra or a balconette will “round them up and point them in the right direction,” as the "sheepdog bra" joke goes.
Life took on new meaning in 1994 for many small-busted women who desired glamazon breasts.The launch of the famous Wonderbra. came to their resuce, with its firm padding, an inveretd V-shape insert between the strap and cup, and a multitude of cleavage-enhancing sexy styles. One of the most practical is the Wonderbra Satin Lace Variable Cleavage bra (£26 Figleaves.com), which has a central drawstring allowing women to loosen or tighten it, depending of the amount of cleavage required.
There is also the ingenious air bra (£40 Figleaves.com) which has removable, inflatable inserts within the cups. This bra is more natural-looking than liquid "chicken-fillets" – the silicone pads which can be added inside a bra cup.
A triangle bra (cups are triangularly shaped) is ideally suited to smaller busts. This bra is not usually underwired and just has a central piece of material which attaches all pieces to the chest strap, giving a more natural shape. The style is most commonly found in bikini tops.
Bra Types for Large Busts
Wearing the wrong bra can also cause health problems long-term such as backache and shoulder strain. Generally speaking, when big-busted, this is one time when you should spend as much as you can afford.
For everyday wear a full coverage bra with wide straps will give the best comfort and support. According to Stephanie Pendersen of Bra, A Thousand Years of Style, Support and Seduction (David & Charles 2004) full-cup bras are the most flattering in terms of silhouette. Balconette bras provide good support for big busts when it comes to wanting a more sexy style, and are perfect for wearing under low-cut tops and dresses.
Round, square, scooped and V-neck tops/dresses are generally more flattering to big-busts. Avoid the uniboob look (particulary under turtle-necks) by making sure your bra fits properly and separates the breasts. A balconette or plunge bra will do this.
When it comes to more revealing outfits, thesedays there is also more choice for big-busted women when it comes to backless bras. In the past it was difficult to get beyond a C cup, for the simple reason that these type of bras (or adhesive cups) provide only minimal support. As long as the wearer is not too energetic (on a dance floor for example) these will serve the purpose for the occasional outfit. The Natural Strapless Underwired Bra, with transparent back strap (Figleaves. £25) goes up to a DD cup in some chest sizes.
Help is at hand too for ample-bosomed women, with the perfect strapless bra. Wonderbra's new Ultimate Strapless Bra uses innovative technology to stay up during even the most energetic activity, such as dancing or exercising.
Recommended Retailers
Figleaves has an extensive range of bras and other lingerie for all sizes, beginning as small as 28A, and often going up to a G cup. Bravissimo specializes in bras and swimwear for bigger busts from D to K. British retail giant, Marks and Spencer is known for its value-for money underwear in terms of styles and sizes. Their bras also go up to a G cup.
To find your correct bra size try to obtain a proper fitting from a reputable lingerie retailer, but there are also guidelines for measuring yourself. A woman can go up or down as many as 6 bra sizes in her lifetime, so a professional fitting every few years is recommended. According to British style gurus Trinny and Susannah, anyone from a D cup upwards, should consider a well-fitting bra the most important thing in their wardrobe.
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