Get the right bra

Rutendo Chidawanyika

BRAS are a must have for every woman. They are also referred to as undergarments or intimate wear. Most women are not into bra trends, just as long as the bra fits or makes their bust look a certain way. Women wear bras they wear for different reasons; to attain a particular body shape, to cover the nipples or to create an illusion of a bigger or smaller bust.

In order to get a good fit you need to wear the right bra size. Women with a smaller bust resort to wearing a bigger bra size to make their breasts look bigger, but instead it does the opposite, it makes them look smaller. Some go to the extent of wearing a smaller size in order to bring the breasts closer together and enhance cleavage, this squeezes them and it looks awkward. We all have different body shapes, not everyone has a cleavage and that’s okay as long as the bra serves its purpose.

A bra is meant to be comfortable and support the bust. It is an undergarment but this doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be clean. Take good care of your bras, wash them regularly and restrain from wearing bras in bad condition; torn or worn out straps. You should feel confident when changing at the gym in front of other ladies, you won’t be comfortable if your undergarment is torn. Even if it’s an undergarment take pride in wearing a fresh bra.

Choosing the right bra can be tricky if you do not know about the bra types. When you know the types and their purposes you won’t wear a push up bra at the gym because it is not designed for exercise, a sports bra will be appropriate. Just like how bikini bras are not to be worn under boob tubes or halter necks, a strapless bra makes more sense.

This brings us to the common bra types:

Minimiser bra — it is a created to play down the bust, especially for women with cups 34C and above. Minimisers, by compressing and shaping the breasts, it helps you create illusion of being a being a cup size or 2 smaller. They are comfortable too.

Padded bra — these are bras with padding inside the lining. They are designed to provide a fuller shape for small breast and are an alternative to stuffing tissue or socks. Unlike push up bras, however, most padded bra support the bust but do not lift them.

Push up bra — this bra is popular among young women especially those with a smaller bust. A push up bra is every girl’s favourite undergarment. These are structured so that breasts are lifted and placed together to enhance the cleavage.

Racer back bra — this bra has shoulder straps that come over the shoulder in a V-pattern very close to the neck. This design is sometimes worn under strapless dresses or tops where traditional bra straps would be exposed. The racer back design is usually used on sports bras.

Sports bra — as the name states, its purpose is for sporting activities. It provides firm support for the breasts, and are meant to prevent discomfort or embarrassment during vigorous exercise.

Strapless bra — these bras have no bra straps. They are made for wearing clothes that reveal shoulders such as the boob tube or halter neck. A bikini bra is not a substitute for a strapless bra.

T-shirt bra — the t-shirt bra is for wearing under t-shirts. These have padded cups to conceal the nipples. It is designed without raised seams, so that a tight t-shirt can be worn without the bra being visible.

Trainer bra — these bras are designed for young girls who have begun to develop breasts but have yet to be considered ‘‘developed’’ enough to allow for a standard sized bra.

U-plunge bra — these are designed for those tops and bras that show the sides of the breast. It allows you to wear clothes that have a deep plunging neckline. A U-plunge bra will help keep the bust in place so that the outfit is not ruined. Without a U-plunge bra it could mean no wearing a bra and this may cause unwanted attention.

Underwire bra — this type is popular with older women who have a big bust. It is created to give extra support and endurance. They have a wire or plastic running under each cup to provide support to the bust.

Water bra — these bras have water or silicone gel filled cups to make your breasts look bigger. They are expensive though, so a padded bra or push up bra will be a good substitute.

Bikini bra — this bra is designed for swimming, pool parties and beach parties. That is the only time a bikini bra should be worn. Do not wear them under boob tubes or halter necks. Having knowledge about bra types will be helpful in choosing the appropriate bra. Make sure you buy the size and it’s comfortable to wear. When it comes to bra colours, it will depend on the occasion and the outfit. A black bra is a must have, it matches every other colour.

If you are into bright colours, neons and pastels will look amazing. This season do try neutrals and floral designed bras.

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