Ten Tips for Choosing the Right Bra

Ten Tips for Choosing the Right Bra

Beverly Russina is the founder of http://www.123underwear.com and Beverly’s Hill, an intimates boutique in St. Louis, MO.  Here, she tells readers how to avoid “Bra Don’ts.”

We see them day in day out:  undergarment faux pas. Visible panty lines … exposed bra straps … peek-a-boo thongs. Recovering from a little fashion “oops” is one thing; committing an undergarment atrocity on a regular basis is quite another. After more than 20 years in the business of fitting both women and men in their undergarments, I’ve seen people suffer through a variety of mishaps. But for women, most of the no-nos come down to — the bra.

Here are ten tips for choosing the right bra:

1. Wearing a black bra under a white top. This is a fashion don’t unless you’re Madonna or Lady Gaga.

2. Too much cleavage. The right amount of cleavage is a very sexy thing. What’s not sexy is when too much breast tissue billows out of the top making it seem like you’re wearing a bra that’s three sizes too small.

3. Slippery straps are a fashion no-no. They make you look sloppy and unkempt and are a clear indication that your bra is not working for you.

4. Gravity’s effect is painfully evident. Wearing a bra is not just a matter of appropriateness; it’s a necessity. After babies, a little weight gain and general aging, your breasts are simply not what they used to be.

5. Back bulge. We’re not talking about a few extra pounds that peek out from under your bra in the back.  If there is a build-up of bulge around your underarms or below your bra band, your body is screaming for a proper fitting. You’re probably also seriously uncomfortable.

6. All of your bras are basic black, white or every color of the rainbow. If nude isn’t an option in your undergarment drawer, you’re committing fashion atrocities left and right. Nude is the color to wear under just about everything. You should not see the outline of your bra through your top – unless you’re wearing something sheer.

7. Your summer style means that just about everyone knows what color bra you’re wearing. It’s the age old dilemma when wearing low necklines or tank tops: how to hide the top of your bra? You can try layering or double-sided fashion tape, which is a woman’s style essential. Another option is to go for a bandeau, balconette or demi bra.

8. You don’t have the appropriate bras for different outfits. If you’re wearing a halter top or an evening dress with off the shoulder sleeves, you’ll need a corresponding bra so that the only focus is on that fabulous ensemble you’re wearing.

9. You look like you have more than two breasts. If, for some reason you see four breasts when you look in the mirror, your bra is too tight and is pushing your breast tissue upwards creating the illusion that you’re rocking a side-show act.

10. Your breasts look lumpy under tee shirts. Stay smooth by embracing the new lace. While t-shirt and contouring bras have the smoothness we need, they may lack the sexiness we desire. Sometimes lace can be a bit bulky under clingy fabrics, but many of the new three-part cup and cut and sew bras provide optimal coverage with flirty appeal.  A bonus: the extra seam on these bras helps with controlling and centering breast tissue.

http://www.123underwear.com is an online resource for underwear, loungewear, swimwear and athletic fashions.  It provides thorough, responsive, personal customer service with a dedicated team to answer questions. http://www.123underwear.com ships all orders within 24 hours without any additional shipping and handling fees.

Photo credit: http://www.123underwear.com