RSS
Everyone knows that the economy is sagging, and it's hard not to be down about what the future might hold. Take advantage of the available online deals and stimulate things by giving yourself (and your chest) a spirit-lifting boost by upgrading your brassiere collection! Here's our bra fitting guide, starting with the 6 bras every woman should own.Undo the Uniboob: Underwire Bras
If your old bras make it look like you've got only one boob instead of two, they may be too tight, too cumbersome, or they may not offer enough support. To fix this, look for bras that lift and separate properly for your proportions. Underwire bras work wonders because they add individual structural support for each breast. Different bras have different –sized spacers between their cups, so depending upon your size and the space desired, you may want to try on a variety of styles before settling.
Shop for Underwire Bras:
From left to right:
- DKNY Underwire Bras from $32
- Olga Underwire Bras from $24.99
- Vanity Fair Underwire Bras from $16
Trim Trouble Areas: Shapewear Bras
Shop for Shapewear Bras:
From left to right:
- Grenier Shapewear Full Figure Bra, $56
- N-Fini Shapewear Bras, from $59.95
- Bordeaux Camisoles with Built-in Shelf Bra Shapewear, from $31
Get Rid of Jiggle: High Support Sports Bras
If you can't run on the treadmill without uncrossing your arms from your chest, it's definitely time to get a new sports bra for when you work out. Fortunately, there are now tons of powerful and supportive options, even for heavier-breasted women, who previously were out of luck in the athletic bra department. Depending on how constrictive you want the bra to be, consider moving up or down a size, and don't be afraid to bounce around the dressing room to make sure that the bra you choose will work in action.
Shop for High Support Sports Bras starting at $12.99 >>
From left to right:
- Shock Absorber High Support Sports Bras, from $22.50
- Champion Full Support Sports Bras, from $29.98
- Nike Sports Bras, from $20
Create Cleavage: Push-up Bras
If you're trying to fill up the space available in your v-neck sweater, or simply want the girls to get noticed, look for a pushup bra that lifts and pushes together instead of instead of lifting and separating. While your pushup bra might not look great underneath all your clothes, for low-cut or v-neck items it is certainly a fun option, as the combination of underwire plus closeness creates a cleavage crack that is desirable by many.
Shop for Pushup Bras:
From left to right:
- Lily of France Push-up Bras from $14.99
- Maidenform Push-up Bras from $14.99
- Wonderbra Push-up Bras from $10.19
Stop Straps from Showing: Bandeau Bras or Strapless Bras
Nothing ruins a strapless top or dress more than a bra with straps, so look into the latest options to pair with your cute clothes as an enhancer and not a detraction. Bandeau bras are great for girls who aren't in need of too much support and simply want to hide nipples and minimize jiggle. Otherwise, a strapless bra with cups and underwire will provide all of the benefits of a bra with straps with none of the bad taste when you're in your strapless clothes!
Shop for Bandeau Bras:
From left to right:
- Charlotte Russe Bandeau Bras, $5.99
- Hanes Bandeau Bras, $14.99
- Fashion Forms Bandeau Bras from $18
Shop for Strapless Bras:
From left to right:
- Plus Size Playtex Strapless Bras from $14.99
- Wacoal Strapless Bras from $37.99
- Lunaire Strapless Bras from $33.25
Boldly Go Backless: Adhesive, Backless or Multiple Way Bras
Sometimes you might have straps on your dress but no back, reversing the problem and making the strapless bra useless! Fortunately, some new developments have put this problem to rest – many manufacturers are making adhesive bras which temporarily adhere to your body with a removable tape while providing the lift and support you need in your clothes. Also, there's a new invention called the backless bra, which has straps but no back! Finally, you might find more use out of a multiple way bra, which seeks to let you wear your bra in a variety of ways depending upon the cut of your top or dress, saving money and space in your lingerie drawer.
Shop for Adhesive Bras:
From left to right:
- NuBra Adhesive Bras from $30
- Fashion Forms Adhesive Bras from $12
- Strapless Bra with Adhesive Wings, $24.99
Shop for Backless Bras:
From left to right:
- Maidenform Backless Bras, from $23.99
- Sassybax Backless Bras, from $77.98
- Totally Backless Bra with Adhesive Wings, $9.99
Shop for Multiple Way Bras:
From left to right:
- Fashion Forms 3-way Bras, from $16.80
- QT Seamless 5-way Bras, $13.50
- Natori Convertible Bras, from $50
Before you begin your bra bailout shopping spree, make sure you're shopping for the right size. While wearing your favorite bra that fits the best, have your partner or a good friend perform the following measurements on you with a flexible measuring tape:
1. For your correct band size, measure around your body directly underneath your breasts. If it's an odd number, like 33 or 47, round UP to the next even number, like 34 or 48.
2. Next, measure around your bra where your breast is fullest, usually where the nipple is and/or in the center. Keep your arms down and the measuring tape flat for accurate results!
3. Once you've got that number, subtract your band size measurement from it, and use these numbers to determine your correct cup size:
a. ½ inch difference – AA
b. 1 inch difference – A
c. 2 inch difference – B
d. 3 inch difference – C
e. 4 inch difference – D
f. 5 inch difference – DD (or E in some brands)
g. 6 inch difference – F
So if your band size is 48 but your measurement around the fullest part of your breast is 52, you'll probably fit best into a size 48D. Remember, even with your correct measurements, individual manufacturer sizing may vary, so if at all possible, try before you buy!
More on AOL Shopping: Celebrity Interviews | Women's Fall Boots | Daily Dose of Style
Comments:
Add a comment
Thank you for any information.
However, not everyone can wear wired bras due to skin irritation. Also, there is a skin disorder called hidradenitis suppruativa which can make it impossible to wear any type of bras.
Department Store to get the best fit! They are worth the cost
in the long run, and I recommend a gentle laundering after each
wear, in cold water, and hung on hangers to dry! They'll last
a long time!