Finding the Perfect Bra for Your Breast Shape
How to Find the Perfect Fitting Bra
Finding the right bra can be a science of its own. It should be comfortable, not pinch anywhere, and yes, it should also showcase your assets in the best possible way. All in all, quite a challenging task!
The Importance of Proper Bra Sizing
According to a survey by lingerie label Triumph, approximately 50 percent of women wear bras in the wrong size. Most often, they underestimate their cup size and squeeze their breasts into cups that are way too small.
Determining Your Bra Size
Finding the perfect-fitting bra is actually quite simple. Ultimately, only two parameters matter: your cup size and breast shape. While color and material are interesting, they have less influence on the fit.
How Do I Find the Perfectly Fitting Bra?
Before considering the shape, it's essential to determine your cup size. If you're unsure, the best place to go for accurate measurements is still a lingerie store, where the salespeople have detailed measuring capabilities.
How Do I Know My Bra Fits Correctly?
Perform this test: Adjust the straps as long as possible and bend forward while putting on the bra so that your breasts fall into the cups. Then, stand upright, fasten the bra on the middle hook (the cups should be properly filled), and tighten the straps.
How Do I Know My Bra Is Too Small?
For this, you essentially do the opposite. If the underband at the back rides up to your shoulder blades, the straps cut into your skin, or uncomfortable bulges form on the sides of your chest, your bra is too small.
What Bra Shape Is Right for Me?
Once you've determined your cup size, it's time to focus on the right fit. We've summarized which bra style works best for each breast shape below:
1. Support for Slender Breasts
If your breasts are more slender than round, with nipples sitting lower and a narrow shape, you have a slender breast shape. Women with small breasts often have this type of breast shape. "Especially women with a smaller bust often have a slender breast shape. They often complain about weak connective tissue," explains Katja Hartenstein, lingerie designer at Rosa Faia.
"Even if the breasts are on the smaller side, it's essential to provide support and lift the breast tissue," says the expert. The best way to achieve this is with sexy push-up bras, elegant balconette bras, or shaping bras with cups.
2. The Right Bra for Athletic Breasts
If you have a muscular upper body, meaning a large underbust measurement but a small cup size, then you fall into the athletic breast category. "In this case, you have more flexibility in choosing bras that don't require as much support and allow for a stylish look."
3. The Versatility of Round Breasts
"Perfectly round, firm breasts with even volume at the top and bottom" describe the characteristics of round breasts. If this sounds like you, congratulations! You have a wide range of bra options to choose from since your breasts don't require much support or shaping.
4. Gentle Support for East-West Breasts
No, it's not political! This term means one breast points east, and the other points west. If your right nipple slightly points right while the left points left, you have what's called an east-west breast shape.
5. Perfect for Wide-Set Breasts - Underwire Bras
In the case of wide-set breasts, there's a gap between the breasts, but unlike the east-west shape, the nipples point forward instead of to the sides. To close the gap, supportive underwire bras that gently shape and center the breasts are recommended.
6. The Ideal Bra for Asymmetrical Breasts - Removable Pads
First things first: no breasts are perfectly symmetrical. However, many women have one breast that's noticeably larger than the other. You can conceal this with the right bra, preferably one with removable pads.
7. Sculpting Bell-Shaped Breasts with Full-Coverage Bras
Bell-shaped breasts are similar to the drop shape, but the base is narrower, and the fullness is primarily at the bottom. When shopping for bras for this breast shape, make sure the cups are large enough to prevent spillage.
In conclusion, finding a well-fitting bra is challenging but achievable. If you know your size precisely and correctly assess your breast shape, you'll navigate the lingerie jungle much more easily.