We update our clothing wardrobe with a few extra pieces each year, but what about our bra wardrobe?
It’s especially important to make sure the girls are looked after, because they can change in size from year to year, and that old B-cup might not do the trick anymore.
Chatelaine‘s Ceri Marsh gives an overview of the different styles you might consider adding to your collection, and why they’re useful.
The soft cup aka the t-shirt bra — A comfy everyday bra, so you’ll likely want a few of these in your delicates drawer. Some have a small amount of lining, others just have stretch lace. This bra style is good for all sizes of bust, but large-busted women may feel that it’s not enough support. If that’s the case, look for a version that has an underwire.
The push-up bra — The push-up bra has both underwire and padding to help lift the breasts up higher. As Ceri notes, you’ll get lift and more of a rounded silhouette. Fit is key here — you don’t want spill-over at the top of the cup.
Full-coverage bra — This bra has more fabric and comes up higher to keep everything tucked in (no muffin top!). These bras often have wider straps in the back to help provide more comfort and support.
Demi bra — A great choice for small- to medium-breasted women, the push-up element will give you lift from the underwire, but it also brings the breasts together, creating cleavage.
Are you wearing the right size? To ensure you’re wearing the correct bra, get fitted twice a year to account for any changes. When you’re trying on a bra, have a T-shirt with you so that you can see if it truly fits well. When the T-shirt is on, you’ll spot any awkward bumps.
Caring for your bras: To give your bras the longest life, hand-wash them with gentle detergent, and lay them flat to dry. Don’t put them in the dryer, as the heat will wreck the fibres.
For more of Ceri’s advice on buying the right bra, watch the clip below.