How To Pick The Right Bra
I usually start bra fittings by asking about preferred styles. I want to know what you like, what you don’t like, what you’re thinking of trying, and what you wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole. But for a lot of people, “What kind of bras do you like?” is a tough question to answer. So let’s make it easier! Here’s how to pick the right bra for you.
How do you want to look?
You can tell that Panache’s Lois makes Sam feel cool, comfortable, and confident!
First, it’s important to remember that no bra will give you a different body than the one you have. A well-fitted bra can enhance your shape and even change it subtly, but it still has to work with what you’ve got. So, for example, if your boobs are wide-set and lower on your body, a bra won’t be able to give you mega-cleavage up to your chin. That said, you can still have preferences! Do you like your boobs to look round? Minimized? Super held-in at the sides? If you have a bra you love the look of already, throw it on and spend some time in front of the mirror. What do you like about it?
How do you want to feel?
This is about physical and emotional feelings. Are you a “I don’t want to know I’m wearing a bra” type, or a “Give me a nice snug band so I know I’m supported” type? Does lace give you a sexy, luxurious vibe, or does it just make you itch? Like any piece of clothing, there will be some styles that feel more comfortable than others. Think about what matches your gender presentation, your personality, and the rest of your wardrobe. What makes you feel most like you? (It’s okay to not know the answers right away. Try on a bunch of stuff! Trial and error is a perfectly acceptable–and effective–method of learning about yourself.)
How do you plan to wear it?
Elomi’s Bijou t-shirt bra is a popular everyday style. It’s smooth, soft, and minimalist–super easy to wear!
The way you’ll use a bra can inform how flexible you are on fit and style. For example, a boudoir style is usually worn for *ahem* shorter periods of time, and tends to be chosen for looks more than function. It might not need to fit as perfectly or be as supportive as your sports bra or the bra you wear to work. Maybe you want something with hardcore support and full coverage for the gym, and something else with smooth cups for max invisibility under your office clothes. Think about when and where you’ll be wearing your bra, what you’ll be doing while you wear it, and what clothing you’ll wear it with.
Go forth and experiment!
Now that you have an idea of what you want from a bra, you can get to shopping. Did you figure out that you want a round shape, with smooth cups, no lace, and full coverage? Keep those keywords in mind as you browse online and read reviews. Or just head to your local bra fitting boutique and tell your fitter what you want! You don’t have to know all the lingo to pick the right bra; it’s all right not to know the difference between a balconette and a demi. A strong knowledge of yourself, however, is indispensable.
