Bra Talk

Bras with seamless cups are very popular with women of all shapes and sizes.  They look great under any type of outfit, and the lack of a seam in the middle of the bra cup is easier on breast tissue.

Bali, Playtex, Wonderbra, and Champion all manufacture seamless bras and bra tops, some with gel inserts and in strapless styles.  Seamless shapewear and panties are also available for the smoothest, sleekest look under any outfit you choose.

You don’t always have to go to stores to get fitted for your bras. Some women even find it more accurate to do it themselves. Here’s a guide on how to measure yourself:

Determining your Bra/Band size
(ribcage circumference measurement)

1. Measure around the chest directly under the breast at a constant height with the cloth measuring tape. Add 5 inches to that measurement. This dimension is your bra/band size (If the bra size works out to an ODD number go up one inch to the next EVEN number.) This should equal the circumference around the chest, directly above the breasts/under the arms.

2. Now measure around the chest at the height of the fullest part of the breast. The measuring tape should be held horizontal, flat on your back, and your arms should be down. Make a note of that measurement (only used for comparison) and compare it to the Bra Size from step 1.

Determining your Cup size
(projection of breasts from chest wall)
3.    To determine the proper cup size, find the difference between step 2 and step 1. Use the table to figure out your cup size.

Half inch = AA cup
One inch = A cup
Two inches = B cup
Three inches = C cup
Four inches = D cup
Five inches = DD or E cup
Six inches = F cup
Seven inches = G cup

We often talking about the importance of wearing bras and there are quite a few positive qualities to wearing them, but wearing bras ALL the time can get a bit uncomfortable – even if you’re wearing the best one.  The best time to take a break is at night, while you’re sleeping. 

When you’re sleeping, gravity isn’t such a big factor in your activity, as is such, it’s the ideal time to be braless.  It will also help you sleep at night; so if you’re looking to give the girls a rest, during your slumber is the best time.

Some women will opt to stay away from wearing bras in the summer as they can be a bit comfortable in the heat.  But gravity doesn’t stop because of the seasons and neither should your bra-wearing.  Here are some tips on choosing a bra to wear in the summer:

• Invest in a convertible bra. Although manufacturers are still perfecting a truly comfortable version, this bra will support you well under a backless bodice and halter tops.

• Opt for styles without lace and seams for a clean look under fitted sleeveless tops and fine knit shells. If you’re a size A or B, look for stretch cotton bralettes - they resemble a cropped tank top with adjustable straps.

• Try a demi bra when wearing a plunging or revealing neckline. Designed with wide-set cups that just cover the nipple, they offer good support with maximum exposure.

• Wear flesh tones when sporting pastels or sheer materials like linen. White bras will be very conspicuous.

• Combat sweat-inducing humidity by pairing summer attire with a moisture-wicking sports bra. They offer great support, and the high-tech fabric will keep you a lot drier than most fashion bras.

• Consider racer back or cross back bras to wear with sleeveless tops and shells. You can rest assured that your bra straps won’t slip into view.

• Go strapless under skinny-strap tanks and strapless tops. Smaller chests can get away with a stretch tube bra, while larger chests may still need the support of a more constructed bra that hooks in the back.

Gel bras can offer more than just an ample amount of cleavage, as it can also enhance the look of your outfit.  While there’s no doubt that a majority of women who purchase gel bras do so to maximize the appearance of their bust, if you have an outfit that makes your chest look less-than-flattering, then you may want to wear a gel bra.

Stripes, for example, are a pattern type that can make you look flat.  Unless you’re natural size is a C, there’s no way you can pull off stripes without compromising your chest area.  Wearing a gel bra will temper this and give you the confidence to strut your stuff.