Understand your underwear: choosing the right bra for your outfit

Choosing the right bra for your size and shape

Lingerie shopping should be an enjoyable experience, but it can quickly become a dreaded chore for many women. One of the most common mistakes many of us females make is not spending enough time finding the right bra that fits our size and shape; instead, we pick one that we like the look of and 'think' will do! 'Shopping for the perfect bra means measuring yourself accurately, trying on various styles, and deciphering fit advice from store clerks – all of which can be daunting. His month, Sue De Souza Bras, tells you exactly what you should look for in a bra and how to choose the perfect bra for your beautiful outfit!

Ensuring that a bra is the right fit for you is vital in comfort and style. To start off, hook the bra around the waist and ensure the straps are loose before making adjustments. Then lean forward, and pull up the cups to be snug on your back. Afterwards, reach into the cup with the opposite hand and pull out any extra flesh near your armpit area to ensure a proper fit. Finally, hold it between both cups of the bra and jiggle it slightly to check if it's a good fit before securing any straps or clasps at the end.

When you’re sure it’s right for you, take some time to adjust accordingly. Straps shouldn't be too tight but should still have some tension on them, so there’s no slack between your neck and shoulders. If anything seems off—like if you notice your breasts spilling over or if lumps are forming—reshuffle until it looks sleek and feels comfortable against the skin without feeling like you have four boobs wrapped in tightly fitted clothing! Doing these steps helps guarantee an ideal size that fits just right every time!

Understanding the different bra types on the underwear market

Balconette - The balconette’s stylish design offers the desired lift and support for those with smaller, rounder breasts who can comfortably fill its short cups. The balconette’s structure also makes it perfect for those wanting to conceal their bra beneath low necklines. On the other hand, it may not provide adequate support if you have larger or firmer breasts. Regardless, a balconette bra is perfect for providing lift, coverage, and style without being visible under most clothing items or showing too much cleavage.

Padded - Padded bras can be quite beneficial for all shapes and sizes of breasts. For women with a smaller bust, adding fullness to the chest area helps create a more rounded shape. For those with breasts set further apart, the added padding helps even them out and provides better shape. Aside from adding fullness and shaping to some figures, padded bras also add coverage to different clothing styles; thinner fabrics would often reveal too much of the wearer if not worn with an appropriate bra.

Plunge - A plunge bra is an excellent option for women looking to pair their outfits with a very low-cut top. It has been designed with padding like a push-up bra to provide support, but it differs in that it is shaped lower down the breast for the most significant exposure of the cleavage area. Unlike some other bras, this type gives more coverage over the nipples and bottom of your breast while still ensuring a daringly bare look at your cleavage.

Pushup - For a confident and sexy feel, a push-up bra is the way to go. Lifting your breasts closer together will accentuate your curves and is perfect for lower-cut dresses. A push-up bra can work for all shapes and sizes and can be especially beneficial to those with a smaller chest to give the impression of larger boobs.

Sports - Always a go-to for exercise, a sports bra is not built for beauty but rather to offer extra support to your chest and stop your breasts from bouncing around during movement. A good sports bra should offer you full coverage, so if you find your boobs spilling over, you may wish to go up a size. Excellent for all shapes and sizes, particularly women with a larger chest and more to bounce around!

T-shirt - Made with comfort in mind, t-shirt bras are seamless and offer a smooth look underneath your t-shirt. Offering plenty of support, with good underwire and strong straps, a t-shirt bra should keep you supported and comfortable all day long and is ideal for those everyday outfits when you are going to be out and about a lot.

Underwire - Whilst not a bra category itself, it's important to note the difference between a wired and wireless bra. Wired bras are better for bigger-breasted women who need more daily support. This will help to reduce back ache and keep your chest in place until you whip off that bra!

Wireless - Wired bras can be uncomfortable, and that's where a wireless bra comes in! Perfect for smaller-breasted women, a wireless bra won't offer as much support as its counterpart but can be a comfortable option. With suitable straps and back support, you should still receive support for your breasts, and you may not have as much of an aching feeling at the end of the day!

Pairing your bra colour with your chosen outfit

Finding the perfect bra that fits comfortably is essential regardless of your style. But there’s another element of selecting your bras – colour! Having a few go-to colours or pairing this season’s colours with classic neutrals can easily transition any outfit into something genuinely fashionable. Sue De Souza makes it easy to find your ideal bra colour pairings with our vast selection of colours, patterns and prints.

Black bras - the ultimate must-have in your underwear drawer. Ideal for darker clothing colour tones and tops with wide sleeve holes.

Red bras - a racy colour for a racy outfit, red offers a feeling of sexiness in your underwear drawer.

White bras - simplicity and elegance, a white bra is a good choice for everyday use; however - be sure to pair it correctly, or you may find it shows up under thinner tops more than you think.

Colour and print bras - opting for a fun underwear drawer can also be sensible if you love brighter colours. Pair your colour and print bras with similar coloured tops to reduce the likelihood of your bra being seen.

With so many colours, patterns and prints, you can create the perfect finishing touch for any outfit. Whether you want to add a pop of colour with an eye-catching image or keep it classic with simple neutrals - the possibilities are endless! You can create an effortless yet stylish look by experimenting with different combinations of colours, shades, textures and prints. So go ahead - express yourself through bold pairings or cosy up in neutral tones - whatever you choose, Sue De Souza Bras has got you covered!

This may also interest you:

Five signs it's time to recycle your bra collection.

Give your valentines an eco-bra that will make you both happy in 2023

Why is a made-to-measure bra better for your body?

Find the perfect bra for your outfit with Sue De Souza

From patch-up repairs and replacements to complete cloning of your favourite bra, why not let Sue De Souza Bras work their magic on your underwear drawer? Offering services that completely transform your bras to give them a new lease of life and create entirely bespoke pieces perfect for your body and personality, Sue De Souza Bras has helped hundreds of women regain their confidence and wear a bra that supports them throughout the day.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact Sue De Souza and see how we can help you find the perfect bra!