Let's talk about bras! Did you know that, according to a leading lingerie manufacturer, most women do not wear the right bra size for them? It's time to uncover some essential facts about what's underneath. The correct bra size, for example, is determined by the underbust measurement (represented in numbers, e.g., 75) and the cup size (represented in letters, e.g., B).

The cup size is measured with a tape measure at the fullest part of the breast, while the underbust measurement is taken directly under the breast. Subtracting the underbust measurement from the bust measurement gives you the correct cup size: 12 to 14 centimeters represent an A cup, 14-16 centimeters are a B cup, 16-18 centimeters give you a C cup, and so on.

Measuring Bra Size

Not so easy: Measuring the correct bra size

So, how do you know if the bra fits correctly? A handy rule of thumb (pun intended!): If you can slide your fist under the clasp, the bra is too loose and too big. Also, the underbust band should run straight around the upper body and not slide up or down. However, whether a bra fits or not also depends significantly on its shape. We all have our favorite bras that we wear until they fall apart, but not every bra style suits every outfit. To make it easier for you to distinguish, here is my ultimate bra guide.

TYPES OF BRAS

► Underwire Bra

► Push-Up Bra

► T-Shirt Bra

► Balconette Bra

► Halterneck Bra

► Bandeau Bra

► Bustier Bra

► Sports Bra

► Minimizer Bra

► Maximizer Bra

► Nursing Bra

► Alternative: Taping

Different Women's Figures

Every person is different, and that's reflected in bra styles

THE UNDERWIRE BRA

The classic among bras has built-in steel or plastic underwires that support the breast from below and ensure an even shape. Underwire bras are available in various variations, cuts, and materials, and they essentially fit every size. Downside: Underwire bras tend to bend their wires or push them out of the lining as they wear out. So, it's time for a new bra when this happens.

THE PUSH-UP BRA

A push-up bra has a special cut that lifts the breast. The effect is often enhanced by integrated cushions. Usually, the breast is pushed together and upwards, creating a nicely shaped cleavage, especially for smaller to medium breast sizes. The downside: Push-up bras can feel uncomfortable after wearing them for too long since they put significant strain on breast tissue.

THE T-SHIRT BRA

T-shirt bras, also known as molded-cup bras, are ideal under tight tops or shirts. They are characterized by a particularly smooth surface that does not have annoying seams or lace. Many t-shirt bras have preformed foam cups that ensure a perfect shape. T-shirt bras also have a cut that is invisible under round neck or V-necklines. Most t-shirt bras are very comfortable to wear, making them the perfect everyday bras.

THE BALCONETTE BRA

In balconette bras, the straps are set wide apart, and the cups are relatively straight and low-cut at the top. The resulting balcony shape highlights the cleavage as the breast is slightly pushed up from below. Integrated padding or inserts can provide additional lift. Balconette bras are also often used as dirndl bras because they are particularly suitable for deep necklines.

THE HALTERNECK BRA

Ideal for halterneck tops or dresses is, logically, a halterneck bra. In this case, a single strap leads from the two cups to the neck, so there are no straps over the shoulders. An alternative to halterneck bras are strapless bras that have no straps and instead lie on the skin with silicone strips to prevent slipping. The downside of halterneck bras is that they can cause neck tension, especially in large breasts, if worn for too long. Some bras also have detachable straps or those that can be converted into halterneck straps.

THE BANDEAU BRA / STRAPLESS BRA

Bandeau bras are especially suitable for smaller breasts that need little support. They are counted among strapless bras and are essentially made of a single wide and elastic band without straps, and often without underwires. Strapless bras, on the other hand, consist of two preformed cups without straps. In both variants, integrated silicone strips hold the strapless bra in place. However, it's hardly avoidable that the bra will go astray during movement – women with large cups may not enjoy bandeau and strapless bras.

THE BUSTIER BRA

Bustier bras, also known as soft bras, completely do without underwires, cushions, or inserts, offering exceptional comfort. Bustier bras are mostly made of cotton with a touch of elastane. They come in various variations for different cup sizes. They are also suitable, especially for small breasts, for sports, as they provide maximum comfort. Especially for those on the go all day, the comfortable bustiers are highly appreciated: More comfort is hardly possible.

THE SPORTS BRA

A sports bra is essential, especially when jogging, doing fitness, or engaging in highly active sports. Sports bras are characterized by their special cut, which provides extra support. They are mostly made of breathable functional materials and cover the entire breast. Extra-wide straps relieve the shoulders and provide maximum support. Because sports bras also relieve the connective tissue, women should always wear a sports bra during exercise to prevent excessive strain on the delicate tissue. In addition, sports bras also protect the back muscles with their wide straps and elastic underbust band. Sports bras are available in all cup sizes.

THE MINIMIZER BRA

Women with larger breasts often opt for minimizer bras, which can visually reduce the bust by up to two cup sizes. While maximizer bras and push-up bras have a purely optical effect, minimizer bras can also become necessary for health reasons: due to their special cut, wide underbust band, and particularly wide straps, they relieve the back muscles, which are particularly stressed with large breasts.

THE MAXIMIZER BRA

Those with small breasts can achieve the opposite effect with maximizer bras (e.g., push-up bras) and easily add one to two cup sizes. Special cuts and integrated gel cushions, which push the breast from below and create volume, make this possible. Similar to push-up bras, the breast is pushed together and upwards.

THE NURSING BRA

Nursing bras are perfectly adapted to the needs of breastfeeding mothers: they are made of natural materials like cotton and are super comfortable to wear. They also cover the entire breast and provide ample support. To breastfeed quickly and easily, nursing bras have a simple button mechanism that allows you to detach the cup quickly and discreetly from the strap, eliminating the need for annoying lifting. Additionally, nursing bras have room for inserts that can absorb any leaking fluid. You can also insert anti-inflammatory pads.

ALTERNATIVE: TAPING

For several years now, there have been certain life hacks that are supposed to allow you to do without a bra altogether. Especially Hollywood stars appearing on the red carpet in low-cut evening gowns often use tapes to push and support the breast almost invisibly. Adhesive tapes from the hardware store are often used, but medical sports tapes are occasionally used as well. The advantage: no bra strap peeking, no annoying seams, and everything stays in place. However, the downsides are also apparent: how painful it must be to remove the tapes after the evening? In terms of comfort, tapes may not be suitable for everyday use, but if you ever find yourself performing at the Oscars, tape technology could be the perfect life hack. What do you think of the idea? Write to me in the comments; I look forward to hearing from you!