All you need to know about bras
The most important criteria while choosing a bra is the right fit. Every woman should ensure that they get themselves professionally fitted. Wearing the right sized bra not only ensures comfort but is also important from a wellness perspective.
We shed light on the different types of bras available today, as well as tips to know if your bra is right for you.
Bra basics:
There are three broad categories of bras.
1. The basic bra With cotton cups and adjustable straps, this bra is the most simple variety that provides comfort and support. Detailing in terms of lace is common in this type.
2. The padded bra In padded bras, the cups are not flimsy like the basic bra, and have a structure of their own. They lend a smooth, rounded shape to the breasts and play the important role of concealing the nipples completely, not letting them show through in cold weather or when wearing tight clothes.
3. The underwired bra Underwired bras have a thin wire running across the bottom of the bra cups. These provide support and a slight lift to the breasts.
This type of bra is associated with blood circulation and discomfort related problems, and hence should not be worn for long hours, especially at night.
This much for the basics. But the list doesn't end there. It is important to know the kind of bras available to be able to pick the right one for the right time. We bring you a detailed list of bras, different in construction and function.
The convertible/multi-way bra This handy bra can be worn with sleeveless and halter-neck tops by virtue of having straps that can be converted from straight to cross-back.
The moulded cup bra This type of bra has padded cups that are thicker at the bottom and thinner at the top of the cup, creating a beautiful shape and holding up the breasts to provide a natural look. Moulded cup bras are likely to have an underwired base and can be worn with all kinds of clothing.
The balconette/demi-cup bra A demi-cup bra provides more coverage on the sides than the centre of the bust and has wide-set straps, allowing for low-cut tops and dresses.
The full-support bra This full-coverage bra covers the breasts completely without baring any cleavage. It is great for support and is usually worn by heavy-busted women.
The strapless bra Strapless bras are best worn with clothing that reveals the shoulders or with halter-necks. These are available in padded and underwired options and should always be bought in the correct size to avoid slippage and unsightly contour lines.
The sports bra Sports bras are essential while performing moderate and high-intensity exercise as they hold your breasts in place to avoid sagging, tenderness and stretch marks. This holds true especially for heavy-busted women.
The t-shirt bra These bras are meant to be worn with tight clothing and t-shirts, and are designed to keep its seams hidden. That means nothing shows through!
The stick-on bra The stick-on bra does exactly what its name says - it sticks on! When wearing a low-cut back or a strapless top, a stick-on bra maintains the shape of your breasts while remaining completely invisible. It needs to be cleaned gently and thoroughly to make sure it stays in place and doesn't slide out of place.
The bandeau A bandeau is a basic tubular strip of cloth that covers the breasts without providing much support, coverage or lift. They are better for smaller breasts than larger ones.
The maternity bra A maternity bra is designed to be worn during pregnancy to accommodate the growing breasts of the mother-to-be.
The nursing bra A nursing bra is meant for breastfeeding mothers, and allows her to feed her baby by using the opening provided.
The minimizer A minimizing bra makes heavy breasts look smaller by providing full, sturdy coverage and a snug fit.
The push-up bra Push-up bras push a woman's breasts together in the center to enhance the appearance of the cleavage. Perfect for showing off your decolletage.
The plunge bra Plunge bras are those that the bridge between the cups are extremely low, either just at the base of the bust, or lower with an altogether lower band. This is the right bra to wear with deep-neck tops and dresses.
Health issues related to wearing ill-fitting bras:
"A badly fitted bra provides insufficient support, that causes the trapezius muscle (that supports the arm) to tighten and become unable to hold the weight of the breasts. This can lead to shoulder, neck and back pain because of muscle strain
To avoid such issues, follow these instructions to check for the right fit when purchasing a bra:
Step 1:
Loosen the straps to their maximum length. Lean forward into the cups and hook up the bra at the back if you can. If not, fasten the bra at the front and then turn it around, but be careful as this may strain the elastics. Then, put the straps on your shoulders.
Step 2:
Adjust your breasts inside the cup by scooping them up so they sit comfortably inside the bra in a natural position. To do this, slip a hand into the cup and lift the breast upwards and forwards. Your breast should fit fully inside the cup with the bra resting comfortably outside.
Step 3:
Hold the wires under the breasts lean forward and gently shake the bra the left and right. Your breasts will fall into the cup and sit higher when you stand up straight.
Step 4:
Remember that it's the bra band that provides most of a bra's support, not the straps. 80% of the support a bra gives comes from the underband. If your straps are too tight the back of the bra will ride up and affect your posture. Adjust the straps so that they sit comfortably on your shoulders.
We shed light on the different types of bras available today, as well as tips to know if your bra is right for you.
Bra basics:
There are three broad categories of bras.
1. The basic bra With cotton cups and adjustable straps, this bra is the most simple variety that provides comfort and support. Detailing in terms of lace is common in this type.
2. The padded bra In padded bras, the cups are not flimsy like the basic bra, and have a structure of their own. They lend a smooth, rounded shape to the breasts and play the important role of concealing the nipples completely, not letting them show through in cold weather or when wearing tight clothes.
3. The underwired bra Underwired bras have a thin wire running across the bottom of the bra cups. These provide support and a slight lift to the breasts.
This type of bra is associated with blood circulation and discomfort related problems, and hence should not be worn for long hours, especially at night.
This much for the basics. But the list doesn't end there. It is important to know the kind of bras available to be able to pick the right one for the right time. We bring you a detailed list of bras, different in construction and function.
The convertible/multi-way bra This handy bra can be worn with sleeveless and halter-neck tops by virtue of having straps that can be converted from straight to cross-back.
The moulded cup bra This type of bra has padded cups that are thicker at the bottom and thinner at the top of the cup, creating a beautiful shape and holding up the breasts to provide a natural look. Moulded cup bras are likely to have an underwired base and can be worn with all kinds of clothing.
The balconette/demi-cup bra A demi-cup bra provides more coverage on the sides than the centre of the bust and has wide-set straps, allowing for low-cut tops and dresses.
The full-support bra This full-coverage bra covers the breasts completely without baring any cleavage. It is great for support and is usually worn by heavy-busted women.
The strapless bra Strapless bras are best worn with clothing that reveals the shoulders or with halter-necks. These are available in padded and underwired options and should always be bought in the correct size to avoid slippage and unsightly contour lines.
The sports bra Sports bras are essential while performing moderate and high-intensity exercise as they hold your breasts in place to avoid sagging, tenderness and stretch marks. This holds true especially for heavy-busted women.
The t-shirt bra These bras are meant to be worn with tight clothing and t-shirts, and are designed to keep its seams hidden. That means nothing shows through!
The stick-on bra The stick-on bra does exactly what its name says - it sticks on! When wearing a low-cut back or a strapless top, a stick-on bra maintains the shape of your breasts while remaining completely invisible. It needs to be cleaned gently and thoroughly to make sure it stays in place and doesn't slide out of place.
The bandeau A bandeau is a basic tubular strip of cloth that covers the breasts without providing much support, coverage or lift. They are better for smaller breasts than larger ones.
The maternity bra A maternity bra is designed to be worn during pregnancy to accommodate the growing breasts of the mother-to-be.
The nursing bra A nursing bra is meant for breastfeeding mothers, and allows her to feed her baby by using the opening provided.
The minimizer A minimizing bra makes heavy breasts look smaller by providing full, sturdy coverage and a snug fit.
The push-up bra Push-up bras push a woman's breasts together in the center to enhance the appearance of the cleavage. Perfect for showing off your decolletage.
The plunge bra Plunge bras are those that the bridge between the cups are extremely low, either just at the base of the bust, or lower with an altogether lower band. This is the right bra to wear with deep-neck tops and dresses.
Health issues related to wearing ill-fitting bras:
"A badly fitted bra provides insufficient support, that causes the trapezius muscle (that supports the arm) to tighten and become unable to hold the weight of the breasts. This can lead to shoulder, neck and back pain because of muscle strain
To avoid such issues, follow these instructions to check for the right fit when purchasing a bra:
Step 1:
Loosen the straps to their maximum length. Lean forward into the cups and hook up the bra at the back if you can. If not, fasten the bra at the front and then turn it around, but be careful as this may strain the elastics. Then, put the straps on your shoulders.
Step 2:
Adjust your breasts inside the cup by scooping them up so they sit comfortably inside the bra in a natural position. To do this, slip a hand into the cup and lift the breast upwards and forwards. Your breast should fit fully inside the cup with the bra resting comfortably outside.
Step 3:
Hold the wires under the breasts lean forward and gently shake the bra the left and right. Your breasts will fall into the cup and sit higher when you stand up straight.
Step 4:
Remember that it's the bra band that provides most of a bra's support, not the straps. 80% of the support a bra gives comes from the underband. If your straps are too tight the back of the bra will ride up and affect your posture. Adjust the straps so that they sit comfortably on your shoulders.
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