It is estimated that 71% of all American women 18 years and older purchase anything from one to four bras annually and around 23% buy five to nine bras per year. This is according to Bra Therapy.com. However, many are not only buying the wrong size bra but are also wearing the wrong style underneath their clothes.
Whilst it is essential to get yourself measured for the correct bra size it is also important to consider the kind of bra shapes available.
Just as you would change shoes and accessories to match what you wear you also need to select your underwear accordingly (that goes for knickers too). The right or wrong bra style for a particular top, dress etc can enhance or ruin the look of an outfit. Take for instance what UK style guides Trinny and Susannah (What Not to Wear, Weidenfeld & Nicholson 2002) refer to as the "uniboob" (caused by a bra that does not sufficiently separate the breasts) especially prevalent under turtlenecks or round-neck tops, or a halterneck gown which reveals unsightly bra staps, thus spoiling the whole appearance or balance of the dress.
Bra Styles
So many bra styles can be mind-boggling so it helps to have an idea of which bras are more appropriate. Whilst there are shape appropriate bras which specifically cater for small-busted and big-busted women the shape of the bra is also important when it comes to low or high necklines. There are full-cups, demi-cups, balconettes and bustiers and halterneck styles, air bras, multiways and backless bras. For versatility, Trinny and Susannah recommend a balconette (also known as a balcony bra) which gives more shape to the bust line, flatters all figures, and can be worn under any collection of clothing, especially low cut necklines.
Another must have for your wardrobe is the versatile multiway bra. Adjust it for a halterneck style, cross-over, strapless, low-back or just a normal standard bra.
Bra Types for Specific Outfits
Discovering your true bra size can be life changing but so can wearing the right bra for your clothes. Your figure, the way your clothes look and your self-confidence can be transformed overnight.
- T-shirts/Close-fitting tops – seam free and molded bras will give a much more natural line. This is particularly important if wearing a stretch fabric. A smooth or plain bra is essential for close fitting tops. A dedicated T-shirt bra is created especially to provide smooth lines.
- Low-Cut top/dress (especially V-neck or plunge) requires either a plunge bra, or if the neckline is so deep that a normal bra will show then self-adhesive cups will give minimal support without the center band (such as The Natural from Figleaves.com). owadays you can also buy a low-plunge bra U-shaped bra, designed specifically for deep plunge necklines.
- Deep round neck tops and dresses are best suited to a balconette bra as this gives a great silhouette and firm support.
- Off the shoulder/bandeau (bridalwear etc) requires a strapless or backless bra depending on the cut of the back.
- Turtleneck/high neck tops look sleeker with a full-cup bra, which avoids any possible unsightly overspill. Make sure and avoid the uniboob look by choosing a bra that lifts and separates the breasts.
- Halter-neck tops require either a specific halter-neck bra or a well fitting multiway. If the width of the dress strap is narrow it may be necessary to wear a strapless bra. A halterneck-style will offer more support for bigger-busted women than strapless
- Flesh/nude tones are better underneath a white or sheer top if you want your bra to go unnoticed. The general rule with underwear is never wear a darker shade than your clothing. e.g a black bra under a pale gray top.
Once you build up a wardrobe of different bra styles you will see what a difference it makes in wearing the correct bra type to complement your outfits.
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