Bras should be particularly fun things to shop for, but so often like someone you find on a dating app who turns out to be rude, they don’t support you.
You think you’ve found the one, and then you’ve got spillage, straps that won’t stay on, wrinkled cups, and ill-fitting bands to deal with. We want you to love the bra you’re in so we got in touch with Ela Onur, who founded else lingerie to be our guide. (Ela is hands on with these underthings, designing and producing every last texturally delicious piece that comes out of their atelier.) From the company’s head office in Istanbul, Ela filled us in on how to know if you’re doing the whole bra fit thing right.
Revelations: straps aren’t supposed to do all the lifting, there’s a slider you can use to make racerback straps, and you’re supposed to wear a bra that’s healthy for your breast tissue.
Read on for telltale signs you’ve found the right bra for you.
GETTING THE RIGHT CUPS SO THEY DON’T RUNNETH OVER OR FIT TOO LOOSE
How can you measure yourself to figure out the right cup size?
You first use the measurement tape to determine your band size by measuring under your bust ribcage across your back and for the second time you measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust to find out your cup size. The difference between the 2 sizes determine your cup size. If the difference is 1 you are A cup, if it’s 2 =B cup, etc
What if the cups fit loose on you? How should they feel?
The cups shouldn’t look wrinkled, which often happens in moulded cups but also, there shouldn’t be extra breast tissue bulging from edges of the cup.
What if there’s spillage?
You may need to go up a larger cup.
STRAPPING YOURSELF IN FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE
What if the straps are digging into you and giving you “back bulge”?
The straps shouldn’t carry the whole support, which means either your band is large [and] not giving you enough support or the cup size is small.
How often should you replace a bra?
Really depends on the mood of the person. But at least every 4-6 months!
GETTING THE BAND TOGETHER
What’s a way to test if you have the right band size?
When you have the bra on, you should first use the first row of the hook and eye closure tape and as you wear it, move further to the next one. If you have it at the end when you first wear it, this means you need to take a lower band size.
When should you choose a bra with a thick band?
Thick band gives you more support so if you are fuller busted.
What if you need a wider band but a smaller cup size?
There are brands that offer low band size and large cup sizes like 36A, 38A.
And what if it cuts you off with extra fluffiness under your arms?
This means you need a larger band
What if you need bigger cups and a smaller band size?
There are brands that offer low band size and large cup sizes like 30DD.
WHAT TO WEAR WITH WHAT
What are the best bras to wear under a t-shirt?
Seamless bras if you don’t like to show any texture, seam in my case. I love soft lace bras.
A dress with a plunging neckline?
Deep plunge lace bras, which you can also show some of the beautiful lace as a peekaboo effect.
And a crop top?
Most bras will work, but personal recommendation will be longline bras.
How do you deal with straps that keep falling off?
There is a slider that you can use to make the straps like racerback which can prevent the straps from fallen off.
ON WHETHER OR NOT YOU FEEL LIKE FREEING THE NIPPLES
What should you do if you want a delicate bra but you don’t want your nipples to peek through?
You can choose a bra that has extra lining inside.
What to do if you don’t like padding?
There are so many option now without padding that gives you lift and healthier for the tissue to breathe.