Plunging necklines are daring and sexy. But before you choose a deep v-neck, check in with your underpinings to make sure they're not undermining your hot new look.
Over 85% of women are reportedly wearing the wrong bra size for their body type. Could you be one of them? With the help of Amy Wong, spokesperson for Fit Fully Yours bras, we list the top bra-blunders women make and our fast-fix solutions.
1. Cups are too small. Don't pull a Pam Anderson in your white tee by sporting a bra that makes it look like you're carring 4 not 2. "Women often have the misconception that a larger cup size denotes they are over-weight," says Wong. "Your breasts should fill the cup, but not spill over."
2. Band size is too big or too small. Use this rule of thumb everytime you go lingerie shopping: The centre of the bra should always be flat against the breast bone. Women either have a bra band that is too large -- it sits well below the shoulder blades pushing your breasts to your waist à la Grandma -- or too small -- back-fat anyone? "Have someone measure around your chest with a tape measure just under your breasts," says Wong. "Add 5 inches to your measurement and that is your band/chest size."
3. Buying pretty bras with no support. We've all done it -- Our senses are aroused by all the lacy confections from La Perla and the ultra-girly underpinings at Lejaby. But if the support isn't there, then the point is lost. "Being comfortable is sexy," says Wong. "You can combine both style and function in your lingerie wardrobe. Know your body type and be proud of it!" One key element? Seek out bras that have underwires for that extra oomph!
More bra basic tips on the next page!
Check out Sonia Rykiel's lingerie line for H&M
Lingerie buying tips for men
4. Not having enough bras for the outfit and ocassion. Tired of hiding your bra strap under that cute little camisole? Go shopping. Not every bra is going to work with every outfit. Like good bags and footwear, you should invest in your lingerie collection. Buy key pieces that will work on a myriad of fashion styles: Jersey dresses, halter tops, traditional blouses etc. "A proper bra will help you appear slimmer and therefore more confident," says Wong.
5. No overflowing cups
Bras that are too small in the cup area will compress your breasts and force them to bulge out of the bra. Likewise, bras that are too large will wrinkle and look bulky under your clothes so it's imperative you find the proper cup size!
The most common method in sizing yourself correctly is to use a tape measure. When you run the tape measure around your body, you're going to take the measurement across the fullest part of your breasts. Write this number down. Now, subtract your chest measurement (To get your proper chest measurement, run the tape measure just under your breasts, all the way around your back and rib cage. The tape measure should rest flat on your skin and lie straight across your back -- not too tight that it digs in nor too lose that it droops down in back. Make note of this measurement and add 5 inches. That is your chest size/measurement.).
If the difference between the two numbers is less than 1 inch, your cup size is AA. If it's 1 inch, your cup size is A; 2 inches, you're a B; 3 inches you're a C, and so on.
6. No pain ... ever. If your bra is bunching, pushing or pinching in any way on your body, it's not working for you. A perfect fit should feel as though it's not even there. Panty-lines and digging bra straps begone!
Read more
85% of women aren't wearing the proper bra size: Are you one of them?
8 lingerie buying tips for men
Linergie pieces every woman should own
