Choosing a bra


Beachwear to match your bod

20 bold & bright fashion buys

Vamp up your wardrobe for summer!


Choosing a bra

Choosing a bra

Wearing the right bra can make all the difference to the impact of all those tops and dresses in your wardrobe. To find the perfect bra, it’s vital that you know your size, then choose one that will give you maximum support…and the sexiest cleavage!

Size
In inches, measure around the fullest part of your breasts, this is your bust size. Then, measure around your body directly under your bust. If the measurement is an even number add 4", if it’s an odd number add 5”.  This is your bra size. The difference between the two sizes indicates your cup size. If there is no difference you are an A cup, if there is 1" difference you are a B cup, and so on and so forth.
For example, if your bust size is 34” and your bra size is 32" you need a 32C.

Difference Cup
0” A         
1” B
2” C
3” D
4” DD 
5" E

If you’re hesitating between two sizes, always go for the larger one! As the sizes go up by 2 at a time, you could quite easily be in between two sizes. The hooks on the back allow you to finely tune your bra.

If your bra size is 30-32, A or B cup, you’re in the small-chested club. 32-34, A or B cup, your size is average. Above 34, and a C, D or bigger cup, you have a generous bust.

Shape
- The classic underwired bra ensures comfort and support for almost all chests, cup sizes A to D.
- The non-underwired bra is less chic but more comfortable. It suits all types, even the most ample bosoms, with large supportive shoulder straps.
- The balcony bra (or balconette) has a rounded cut that reveals the top of the chest while the underwiring supports it. It’s suitable for all sizes, lifting small breasts and keeping larger ones in.
- The sports bra provides optimal support for sporty ladies. It hugs and supports the chest without underwiring, through large elastic bands under the cups and in the back.
- The bustier is chic and sexy for big occasions for that femme fatale effect, but is limited to A, B or C cups.
- The half-cup bra reveals a lot of the top of the chest and has underwired cups for lift. Ideal under a plunging neckline, it’s available in A, B, C and D cups.
Triangle bras are for small chests only: they’re youthful and flattering worn on slim figures.
- The bandeau bra is only recommended for A cups.

How to cheat a bit...
- Padded push-up bras add curves to small chests.
- Padded balcony bras are suitable for all petite chests. Their padding discreetly lifts the breasts.
- Minimiser bras are reserved for C, D, E and F cups. They hold breasts in, reducing their size without squeezing them.

 

What you need to know
Avoid materials that stretch a lot, such as lycra and elastane. They’re comfortable but don’t give much support.
The straps shouldn’t cut into your shoulders. Once they're adjusted in the right position, stop them from moving by sewing them into place.
The underwiring in a bra should never irritate you.
Wear a proper sports bra when you exercise. It might not be that sexy but it gives you a lot of support when you need it!



Send this guide to a friend
Add to my bookmarks
Reader ranking:5/5 
Rank this guide: 

Also ...
Customising coatsShopping at the sales
What to wear in bedWool
CottonChoosing a coat
How to remove the toughest stainsWhat to wear if you're skinny
What to wear to flatter square shouldersWhat to wear to flatter a rounded stomach
Customising jeansTaking care of your underwear
Customising your clothes with transfersDyeing fabric
How to remove stainsHow to remove food and drink stains
Neckwear: scarves and shawlsMatching clothing and jewellery
Looking after your jewelleryCustomising bags
Choosing a bikini for your body shapeStyle advice for women with big hips
Style advice for women with long legsWearing boots
Caring for different types of fabricThe meaning of precious stones
IroningMixing and matching colours
Taking your clothes on holidayLooking after your shoes
Which colours suit me?Choosing a bra
How to dress if you're full-figuredHow to dress if you're petite
Laundry symbols on clothes labelsTaking care of your clothes
Wearing heelsStyle advice for women with small breasts
Style advice for women with big breasts
> all fashion guides

The latest shows





Focus on... 


High summer fashion: your hits and misses!

Warm-weather dresses for every body shape!

Yellow fever!

Summer scent special
sofeminine-Community
In fashion at the moment
Flatter your feet in flats
We want her wardrobe: Cat Deeley
Beachwear to match your bod
Jessica Simpson to design knickers
We love: bakelite jewellery
Fashion guides
Choosing a bikini for your body...
Laundry symbols on clothes labels
How to dress if you're petite
Mixing and matching colours
Choosing a bra
Celebrities on soFeminine
Charlize Theron
Ryan Kwanten
Dido Amstrong
Eros Ramazzotti
Christina Aguilera
Fashion forums
Your Classified Ads - Beauty and...
Buying cheaper - Tips and ideas
Brands, tips, ideas and bargains
Accessories & lingerie
Style & Fashion - What To Wear

Copyright © 1999-2008 soFeminine.co.uk
This week Special Food & Drink : recipes from A to Z, by country, by duration, by type.
auFeminin Group: auFeminin - enFemenino - alFemminile - goFeminin - soFeminine - Teemix - Joyce - Voyage Bons Plans - Santé AZ - Marmiton - Marmikid - Tiboo - Recettes de Valérie - Noms de famille - Toutes les villes - Parcours-Gourmand
Info Sites: Art Gallery - Artists - Polyphonic ringtones