Good question… When I was little I couldn't wait to wear bra , it seemed super cool and so feminine to me. And now I'm of the same opinion, I wouldn't see myself without my bras, I just see them with different eyes. I would never have thought how much it matters to choose the right bra, above what color or model it has. But as usual, when you're little everything seems much simpler. But you grow up and learn, right?
A good bra, the right size can make you feel great in your skin, both literally and figuratively. It often completely changes your outfit and brings a smile to your face. Not to mention that it is very helpful in supporting the bust and this is how we avoid or relieve back, shoulder or neck pain. And our posture will only benefit. It probably has something to do with the fact that the ancestor of the modern bra is none other than the corset.
Although the first bra was only patented in 1914, and Caresse Crosby was recognized as the inventor, there are many voices that claim that it is not excluded that this bra was not the first in the world. All in all, the more than 100 years since its appearance have been enough for the modern bra to be indispensable in the lingerie industry. If the patented bra consisted of two handkerchiefs and a ribbon, today we have a variety of models available, made according to the different needs of the wearers and this is not limited to sizes.
But let's take them one by one, in order of importance.
What about bra size? How do we know what size is right for us?
Is it possible that we don't realize that we're not wearing the right size? Most likely yes, it's not for nothing that studies show that 80% of women are not wearing the right size bra. The effects are not to our liking at all, of course. So if you wear a bra and you continue to have back, shoulder or neck pain, it's a good idea to make sure that the bra you're wearing is not the cause. It should give you food for thought if your bra is the right size and if you notice prominent marks on your skin after wearing it or even bruises.
To know for sure what our right size is, we need a tailor's tape measure to measure:
- Overbust circumference . Basically, you measure over your breasts, so that you pass the centimeter over the fullest (protruding) part of your breasts, which is generally over your nipples.
- and Underbust Circumference. In this case, make sure you keep the tape measure firmly under your breasts and that the length is just right, so that the bra is neither too loose nor too tight.
For the measurements to be correct, we must ensure that the centimeter maintains its horizontal position until the end. If it moves up or down, it will mislead us regarding the sizes in centimeters and we may implicitly choose an inappropriate size in the end.
You can find the complete size guide here here :
And if you're also curious to know whether the bra you're wearing now, for example, is right for you or not, before you put the tailor's centimeter to work, you can see with the naked eye when:
- A bra is too small: The skin is showing, there are marks on the skin from wearing it, in other words you can see that it is tight, the back of the bra (where the clasp is) does not lie horizontally on the middle of the back, but rises up.
- A bra is too big: the straps fall no matter how much you adjust them, the cups don't stay in place and move with every move you make, the front of the bra (also called the center panel) doesn't sit flush against your sternum, there's a space there that shouldn't be, there's still visible room in the cups.
That's kind of the story of bra sizes, measuring is essential, especially since it's not out of the question that our size might be different now. As a rule, a woman changes six bra sizes throughout her life.
Furthermore, I think it would help to bring up the fact that there are several styles of bras, which are to our advantage depending on what our breasts are like and the shape they have.
Breasts differ from woman to woman, but in general they can be grouped into the following categories:
- Round (or apple type) – the volume of the tissue is evenly distributed, both in the upper and lower parts. They have a firm appearance and are generally suitable for most bra models (classic, push-up, balconette, etc.).
- Pendulum type (or pear type) - They are softer and lack volume. Most of the tissue hangs below the base of the breast. This shape can be found in people of all ages, whether they wear a bra or not. In fact, breasts can be pendulum-shaped from the start or can take this shape after pregnancy or with the passing of years. Full coverage (classic) bras and bras with seams help to lift the breasts.
- Full at the top – Most of the tissue volume is located at the top, above the nipples. Balconette bras, with full coverage and flexible lace at the top, are perfect for them.
- Full at the bottom – as you have already deduced, the volume of tissue is concentrated in the lower part. These women are particularly favored by plunging neckline and balconette bras.
- Tubular - As their name suggests, they have an elongated, tube-like shape. They look especially good in push-up or balconette bras.
- Zoom in or out. The distance between the breasts can be almost non-existent or small (one finger) or obvious (sometimes the breasts can be more than 2-3 fingers apart). Although it may seem strange, bras with a neckline are suitable in both cases. In fact, for close-set breasts, half-cup bras are very suitable, while for wide-set ones, the balconette type is the best choice.
- Flat or protruding. By analogy, disc versus sphere. In the first case, half-cup or plunging bras are recommended. In the case of prominent breasts, both deep-cup and balconette bras are suitable.
Related to this, the most popular types of bras are, by far, the following:
- Classic bras : They are usually full coverage, with or without wires, with wider or thinner straps (most often adjustable), soft (thin cups) or padded with the aim of unifying the appearance and not at all amplifying the prominence of the breasts, as is the case with push-up bras.
- Push-up bras : are some of the most popular types of bras. They are generally shaped like a half-cup or plunging bra and contain a generous amount of sponge (sometimes even gel, foam, air, or water) inside the cup to provide volume. While you might think that only people with small breasts would wear this type of bra, push-up bras are suitable for a variety of sizes. Push-up bras are also a good choice for people with flat breasts.
They are, by the way, in great demand when it comes to bras:
- Balconette bras , with various types of cups. Here are just a few examples: graduated cup, soft cup, non-padded cup without wire, padded cup. This type of bra – balconette – is super suitable for people with broad shoulders and in general for an outfit that involves a generous neckline.
- Bustiers : lift the breasts, shape the waist, ideal for people with a voluminous bust.
- Special bras such as, for example: prosthetic bra, nursing bra.
- Large sizes in bras for those who enjoy a generous bust.
It's kind of like that with modern bras today. We have a variety of styles, colors, materials and sizes available. The important thing is to know how to choose what's best for us and our bodies and... luckily, we have a place to go. choose.