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How to Choose Your Bra

The Importance of the Right Bra

Innerwear is as important as outerwear. If you have heard of the common adage ‘beautiful within’, you will know what this means. Hence, choosing the right bra is very important. The following points will make it amply clear why this is so:-

Too tight bras can cramp up the breasts. This will lead to poor circulation in them and will make them prone to several dysfunctional problems. Outwardly, you might see sores and rashes. Also the tight strap and base may cut into the skin and cause injuries.
Bras that are loose will make your breasts sag. Since your breasts will not get a proper support, they will try to distend or fall flat on the fabric of the bra.
A wrongly designed bra may also be unhealthy. Not only that, it could play havoc with your figure. For example, bras with broad bases will make small breasts look even flatter. Similarly, buxom women should go for bras with thinner but sturdier strapped bras.
Bad bras will also show from the outside. Not directly, but a wrong bra can make your outer garment seem ungainly and sloppy.

How to Determine That a Bra is Wrong

There are many outwardly signs that will indicate that the bra you are wearing is wrong. Watch out for the following telltale signs:-

Your bra center does not properly touch the breastbone region of your chest.
Your breasts look out of shape.
Your breasts are getting cramped inside the breasts.
There are red marks on your shoulders.
You are suffering from shoulder and back pains, especially after wearing bras.

The above indications show that the bra you are wearing is not correct – it is either looser or it is tighter than it needs to be.

Selecting the correct Bra

The perfect bra is a myth. There is no such thing. The most you can do is to find a bra that fits you most comfortably. This can be done only if you take your bra shopping seriously. Remember the following points while shopping for your bras:-

(i) The right size – the right bra

The first thing to do is to take the correct size of your bust. This is best done at home with a measuring tape. Measure your frame size and cup size and remember these numbers. Once in the shop, you must ask for those numbers. But keep in mind that different companies design bras differently; so that a bra size from one company may fit you while the same number from another company may not fit you. You will need to buy one bra to get a demo first before planning on stocking on your bras.

(ii) Checking for materials

Bras are made of several materials, like cotton, satin, silk, Lycra, etc. You must choose which material you want. Keep the climate into account. Silk and satin bras look sexier, but they are not exactly the greatest choices for a summer wear. You will become all sweaty under your bra. For the summer, select a cooler material like cotton. You may also need to check if you are allergenic to any particular material. If allergenic, then you should avoid bras made of that material like the plague. Breasts are very sensitive parts of the anatomy; and even a slight irritation there can disturb the well-being of the entire body.

(iii) Complementing your body and figure

Your bra is innerwear, but it also plays a vital role in enhancing your figure, and hence lends grace to the outer garment that you wear. Your bra must complement your natural figure. Keep the following points in mind:-

a) If you have a large bust, then go for wide shoulder bras with wide straps. The bras must have full cups. Such bras will give good support to your bust and contain the breasts fully. You can also select a bra with under-wiring for better support. Do not choose bras with more designs on them, such as lace, for they will only make your large bust seem more prominent.

b) If you have a small bust, you can make it more prominent by choosing a padded bra. If you do not want that, then a simple balcony style bra would do, which will give a good uplift to your breasts. You can buy fancy bras that would boost your figure even more. But do not go for square cut bras and flat tops which will make your figure flatter.

(iv) Bras for special purposes

Finally, you have to consider if you are buying a bra for some special occasion or purpose. There are the following special bras available:-

a) Sports bras – These bras are used while exercising. Your sports bra must be comfortably fitting your bust without straining at all. If there is a strain, change to a larger size. Sports bras keep the breast ligaments well-supported during your strenuous exercises and maintain the shape of the breasts.

b) Nursing bras – These bras are used by lactating women. Nursing bras have cups that open like flaps. Check that these flaps can be refastened easily and quickly. Also the bra must have base straps, which will keep the bra in place even when the cups are unfastened.

There are several kinds of bras. You must take time out to select the right type and size for yourself. A good bra has the potential to make you look more beautiful and feel more self-confident.