Does Your Cup Runneth Over?

Jun 19 2015.

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Finding foundation garments that give us women good support whatever size our mammaries are can be a difficult task. With a multitude of sizes, cuts, shapes and styles selecting a well fitting that flatters your shape and complements you assets can be like navigating a minefield. Comfort, a good fit and showing our a nice decolletage are points which every woman should consider. With this in mind WOW spoke to  a lingerie designer of a multinational  who has shared her expert knowledge in how to select the perfect bra.

How to wear a bra

• Slip on the shoulder straps.
• Bend slightly at waist and shimmy breasts into cups gently letting them fill into the space.
• Check that the center-front sits flat against the sternum.
• Clasp the back hook feeling the bottom cup/under-wire fall along the bottom bust.
• Check that the front, side and back sit parallel around your body.
• Adjust if straps are too loose.

Sizing

Do remember that every lingerie brand has their own approach to bra fitting. Most methods are based on the fundamentals above but sizes are classified differently. This is because a brand sizing is relative to their target market. Therefore it is always best to be fitted in the store you are purchasing lingerie from. A 32A in one store could be a 32B in another.

Bra silhouettes

The main bra silhouettes every lady should have are:

Padded and Non-Padded

Choosing between padded and non-padded depends on the required bust enhancement and end-use. Smaller busted women tend to prefer padded silhouettes to add fullness while larger busted women are sometimes able to achieve the required amount of fullness with a non-padded bra.

Wired and Non-Wired

Bra’s are available as wired or non-wired products.  The differences in choosing between a wired and non-wired bra is mostly based on personal preference. Bust width, fullness, shape, fall and weight differ from person to person. Older versions of a bra suggested a pointy, conical shape which contrasts with the round, smooth, more modern shape we are used to seeing ourselves in today. Wired bra’s support the rounded shape whereas un-wired bra’s tends to leans more towards a soft, conical shape than smooth rounding.

Main Bra Silhouettes

Full cover: ultimate coverage, maximum support and comfort. Since the full cover offers maximum coverage it is not a versatile shape and cannot be worn across different necklines.

Recommended full cover products

Plunge – Recommended for deep, plunging necklines. Plunges have a low CF that allows for deep necklines. Plunges also often come with front closures that allow for a closer and lower anchoring point at the front of the garment. A plunge cup with a push-up enhances cleavage as well.

Demi – This is the most versatile bra shape. The centerfront and cup coverage are moderate enough to accommodate many necklines. A smooth, padded, demi cup is an essential in every lingerie drawyer. Some demi styles come with a light push-up to gently enhance swell.

Balconette – This shape lies straighter across the bust area and is very flattering on most body shapes. It is considered the prettiest bra silhouette and is suitable for special occasions. Balconettes are often come with detachable straps as its straighter shapes makes it perfect for a strapless neckline.

Other functional features to look out for

Strapless – This feature means that the straps can be removed and worn to provide support under strapless necklines. Strapless bras always come with a coated gripping elastic along the top and bottom of the bra for secure support.

Multiway – This feature means that the straps come with hooks which allows for strap positions to be changed to accommodate tank tops and racerback necklines.

Push-up – This feature comes in the form of a graduated cup or as removable cookie insertions. The degree of a push-up is important to know as it this is what determines the extent of fullness and enhancement. Push-ups range from light enhancement to fuller enchancement right upto the kind that doubles your bust size! Push-up’s are most common in plunge silhouettes but are sometimes included in demi and balconette silhouettes too.

T-shirt bra – A T-shirt bra is another lingerie essential. It ensures a seamless and smooth look under clothes and is best recommended for a smart, casual and professional look. No distracting visuals under clothes means that attention will be on you – not your chest – at all times! T-shirt bras are most commonly available in full-cover, demi and plunge silhouettes.

Minimizer – A minimizer is a special kind of functional bra which is made to support and contain bigger busted women. A good minimizer is compact enough to restricts movement while feeling comfortable on body.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana



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