Love them or hate them, bras are an essential item in every woman’s wardrobe. And finding the best one to suit your body shape, needs, and budget can sometimes feel like a puzzle with no solution. However, you can simplify the entire process by understanding precisely what you are looking for and the factors you need to be aware of.
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for full coverage bras, bralettes, or sexy lingerie (see my previous post on bra types here); there are a few key components they all need to have.
Before You Begin
The best thing a bra can do for you is give you comfort and support to feel sexy and confident. No matter which style you choose to have, this is how you should feel. The easiest way to guarantee this is by covering a few main points before you leave home.
What Do You Want
Buying new bras can either be a fun experience or a truly horrible one, and the most significant factor that could influence either experience is not knowing where to start. Because so many options and styles are available, it can quickly become overwhelming and unpleasant.
You need to decide what kind of bra you are looking for. What activities will you be doing in this bra? How will it affect the fit? Is the color going to affect the visibility of the garment? Would it be better to have an underwire or not? Only you know what you want. Once you have narrowed it down, the entire process feels more manageable.
Sizing
Any bra, regardless of the style or fit, will be instantly ruined if you do not wear the correct size. So if there is any part to give more attention to than any other aspect of bra shopping, it is making sure you wear the right size.
Not only will it affect how comfortable the bra is to wear, but it will also significantly affect how it looks on your body and underneath your clothes. It is best to go to a professional to get properly fitted, but if you cannot do this, there are ways to measure yourself accurately at home. So many of us are wearing the wrong size bra, and we’re usually in one that’s too small! This can be painful and give you the double boob effect, as well as restrict your rib cage.
Materials
The materials used when making bras are probably the easiest giveaway to lousy quality. Bras should always feel soft to the touch, never scratchy or rough. Also, the more stretchy it is, the less supportive it will be. That’s a general rule when it comes to a bra.
Satin and silk should feel smooth and fluid, not stiff. Lace is more difficult to judge because there are so many varieties available. But typically, lace made with large holes in the pattern and fluffiness around the edges indicates poor quality.
Straps
Most modern bras have straps that are either partially or entirely made from elastic. And with all materials, it is possible to find good and bad quality options. If the elastic is too weak, it will permanently stretch and become useless.
Slightly pulling on the elastic will let you know the level of quality. You want an option that has a firm pull to it and doesn’t feel flimsy. Avoid any bras where the elastic becomes less opaque when you pull. It is worth noting that these straps will fade with wear and wash regardless, but bras should have at least a one-year shelf life before you have to seriously consider changing them.
Stitching
Even bras with top-quality materials can fall apart if not sewn together correctly. Carefully inspect the bra for loose threads, skipped stitches, and any raw edges it may have. One or two minor defects are not major causes of concern, but it is best to skip the item entirely if there are multiple issues. The stitches should be straight and tight with no overlocked seams and edges.
Hardware
Hardware, like wires, clips, and strap sliders, should be made from metal. This is standard for the majority of good-quality bras currently available. Usually any hardware made from plastic is a good indication of lower quality and will likely break relatively easily.
As well as being metal, the hardware should be smooth to touch and firmly grip onto the various components of the bra. Low-quality options like a cheap plastic will loosen themselves throughout the day and become uncomfortable and non-supportive. More famous brands go as far as stamping their brand name onto various pieces of hardware, another indication of higher quality.
Labels
This last point doesn’t need to be the sole decision on whether you purchase a bra, but it is another way to judge the make of an item. Labels within bras can be printed, woven, or embroidered. Printing is the cheapest option, and if a brand is willing to skimp on something so simple, it makes one start to think about what other corners are being cut.
Saying that, a printed label shouldn’t put you off buying a bra you may love, but if you are looking for an extra indication when it comes to purchasing the item or not, this can become a consideration for you.
So, now that you have all of these tips, bra shopping couldn’t be easier! Just make sure you pick the right back size and cup size, and the right type of bra for you. If you’d like any more tips, just comment below! Lorna xx.
