Fit Advice

Bras

Components and fit:
Underwires- Provide shape, lift, and support. Breast tissue should fill underwire without being pinched.

Wires should sit flat against the rib cage and should not ride up when arms are lifted. If this occurs try going down a band size.

Underwire and cup size are directly related. If underwires dig in try one cup size or band size up.

Elastic- Provides tension around the body in the wings/bands of the bra, and over the shoulders with the straps.

The elastic should not dig in and should not be too loose. It should stretch as you breathe and move while you move, before elastic intimates were definitely not as comfortable!

Cups- hold, support, and in some cases shape breast tissue. They can shape through seams, molded foam or padding, or molded fabric.

A larger cup size equals further projection out from the rib cage.

Shape and fit:
Silhouettes at left illustrate some of the most common silhouettes in bras and most women certainly lean towards one style or body over another. Some recommendations below:

Balconette- works well for petite sizes, average sizes. Not as well suited for plus size body types as it is less supportive and lack of coverage can lead to spillage.

Plunge- sexy deep plunging neckline works on many sizes. Works when a more provocative neckline is desired.

Demi- the classic t-shirt/ everyday bra is a demi. It suits all body types and generally comes in the widest range of sizes of all bra styles.

Full Coverage- definitely more suited to plus sizes than to petites. Average size women might prefer this if they desire more coverage. The most supportive and controlling based on coverage, this style’s neckline comes up higher on the bust.

Soft Cup- usually refers to a bra with no padding, and in some cases can be used to refer to styles without padding or underwires. The shaping effect of seams or molding can still be used, however the effect is more subtle and natural.