A Bra That Lifts
I’d say the number one request we get as fitters is for a bra that lifts. “Hike ‘em up!” you implore, “I want a bra that makes my boobs look perky!” So let’s talk about how this works.
Sam’s a triple threat: fitter/businesslady/artist.
Breast Placement vs “Saggy” Boobs
First of all, there’s no bra that can change where your breasts are placed on your body. Some of us have high-set boobs, some low-set, and others are somewhere in the middle. This means that for lots of people, cleavage up to your chin is just never going to be a thing. (This also has to do with where you carry fullness. Full-on-top and full-on-bottom breasts just behave differently.) It doesn’t mean your breasts are “saggy” – that word deserves a blog post all to itself, and it will get one – it’s just the way your body’s built.
What Gives Lift?
There are two main ways for a bra to give you a boost: seams, and pads. We’ll get to pads in a minute; first, let’s talk seams. Seams in a bra cup tell your boobs where to go. Depending on their location, they direct breast tissue up and in…or not. You’ll want some vertical seams to get good lift. The trade-off here is that sometimes seams can show through clothing a bit. I personally get around this by not really caring about it, but I work in a lingerie store. If visible seams bug you or won’t fly in your workplace, you could get a similar lifted effect from a smooth bra with some padding.
Pads?!?
People get nervous about padded bras. Lots of full-busted folks worry that pads will only make their boobs look bigger, and if you’re not comfortable with that look, I get it! But pads aren’t just for adding volume. And if it’s a push-up bra you’re looking for, you’re gonna have a tough time finding one without some padding in the cups. An extra something in the bottom of the bra cup gives your breasts a platform to stand on. Think of it as high heels for boobs: taller, not bigger.
You can have a bra that lifts! Just keep in mind that a bra has to work with your body, not against it. Be clear about what you’ve got and what you want, and keep your expectations realistic.
