How to choose the right bra

Wearing the right bra is very important to obtain good support, comfort and harmony of the silhouette. But how to choose the most suitable bra?

When we talk about the "right bra" we mean the right size and the model best suited to the shape of the breast. Each of us has a different shape that requires the appropriate bra.

The world of lingerie now offers many models, so it can be difficult to make the right choice. Most of the time you end up wearing an ill-fitting bra that is not flattering and becomes annoying if worn for a long time.

But don't worry, after reading this article, you will know exactly how to choose the best bra for you!

How to calculate the right size

The first step in choosing the right bra is to calculate the cup size and the most suitable size for our breasts.

To calculate the size you need to start from your chest circumference and breast circumference measurements because these are the two measurements that will need to be processed to know your breast size perfectly. The chest measurement, also called underbust, is taken with a tape measure, passing it over the rib cage, under the breast. The measurement of the breast circumference is always taken with the same type of measuring tape but this time passing it exactly over the nipple.

To calculate the most suitable size, the fixed number 60 must be subtracted from the measurement of the underbust circumference. The result must then be divided by the number 5: what comes out will be precisely the most suitable measurement for your rib cage.

To calculate the most suitable cup for your breast, you need to follow this formula: breast circumference minus chest circumference. The number resulting from this operation must be compared to the cup table to find out which is the most suitable. But just keep in mind that every 5 cm difference between chest and breast you change your bra cup:

Result < 5 cm: A cup
Result 10 cm: B cup
Result 15 cm: cup C
Result 20 cm: D cup
Result 25 cm: E cup

How to choose the right bra based on your breast shape

The second step is to understand what shape your breasts have in order to choose the most suitable model.

Small breast types

Relaxed breasts: small breasts appear relaxed and tend to adhere to the chest. For this type of breast I recommend choosing a push-up bra with or without underwire but in any case with padding in the cup characterized by a structure that envelops the breast and ''pulls'' it up!

Athletic breasts: these are toned breasts that are very small in size, but are naturally supported by extremely developed muscles. In this case, bralettes are perfect but so are bandeau and strapless bras. If you are interested in the volume effect, the right bra is the push up one.

Lateral breast: characterized by the tendency of the nipples to protrude towards opposite sides, the lateral breast is generally very small and with an extended central fold, which makes it slightly asymmetrical. In this case, the right bra to choose is the one with a cup, push-up or not, or with a horizontal band, capable of bringing the breasts back to the central position while at the same time helping to push them upwards. Or the "T-Shirt-Bra" bra.

Distant breast: similar to lateral breast, distant breast has nipples that do not point to the hips but is still characterized by the presence of a decidedly extended furrow. The balcony bra is confirmed as the ideal choice for anatomical shapes of this type as it is structured under the cups, supporting the breasts and enhancing their shape.

Large breast types

Bell-shaped breasts: always correspond to large sizes and are characterized by a rather narrow base compared to the breast which tends to widen downwards, just like a bell. In this case it is useful to opt for a large cup bra, capable of containing everything without annoying compressions.

Large breast: characterized by a notable space between the bases of the two breasts, which are decidedly voluminous. The most appropriate bra model in this circumstance is the Plunge model which is able to bring the breasts back into an anatomical position. Or bandeau.

Round breast: it appears almost perfectly circular and with an abundant but proportionate size. In this case the right bra to choose is the one with an enveloping cup. For those who don't like cups, a bra without one may also be fine, but preferably with wide straps or a band under the breast so as to wrap the breasts well for greater comfort.

Teardrop breast: similar to bell breast but fuller at the top. For this type of breast I recommend choosing a balcony bra.

How to choose the right bra: the most common mistakes

The wrong size cup: the cup must be the right size to contain the breasts well in all its parts. A cup is too big when it doesn't fit your breasts well and creates gaps at the top. The small cup, on the other hand, is narrow and squeezes the breast.

The wrong size: if the cup is the right size but the size is wrong, the bra will not "fit" well. If the band is small it will be tight around the bust and therefore annoying as well as creating a cushioning effect. If it is loose, the bra will not support your breasts. How to choose the right size? Raise your arms high and check that the bra does not slide upwards.

Poorly adjusted straps: it is important to adjust the straps so that they can support the breasts but without tightening them too much. How to understand when they are too tight? When they leave red marks on their shoulders.

Bra not suitable for large breasts: if you have large and heavy breasts it is even more important to choose the right bra, evaluating some requirements. The cup must be produced with soft and enveloping fabrics that do not constrict the breasts, but support them in the most natural way possible. The straps must be resistant and not too thin. The underwire is useful to help properly support a shapely breast.