The Weekly Dig

LIFESTYLES EDITOR

kali bradford

 

It’s the most necessary, yet most hated, accessory for us gals – the bra.

Pink Bra

Since the 14th century, women have fought what seems to be a never-ending battle to find the perfect one, or just one that fits. While most of the time we luck out with one that works, we usually wear the life out of it and are right back to where we started.

There are, however, improvements being made to the bra and even tips that we can use to make our life sentences of wearing these pesky undergarments bearable. So here are tips from the experts to set you straight on all things bra-related, from sizing to storage, and everything in between.

 

Invest in a quality bra

There is a big difference in how a $15 bra and a $50 bra will perform, even if they don’t look very different on the hanger. A good quality bra will fit more comfortably from the minute you put it on. It will provide all-day support and will hold its appearance over many wearings and washings.

 

Get professional bra fittings regularly

While not the most fun thing to do on a Saturday, it’s one that worth taking the extra time. You may need new bras whenever your body goes through a change: gaining or losing five pounds or more, pregnancy, post-pregnancy, during and after nursing, or after breast surgeries or menopause. All of these events will affect how your bra fits, the support that you need and how comfortable it feels.

 

Rotate your bras

While it’s easy to want to wear our most comfy bra all the time, the experts warn against wearing the same bra two days in a row. The reason is that perspiration can cause a bra’s elastic to deteriorate. Have at least three bras in your wardrobe: one to wear, one to wash and one to rest for a day. Rotating your bras in this way will help each last longer.

 

Hang or lay flat to dry

Every bra has unique fabrics, trims and care requirements. Read labels for washing and temperature instructions. The good news is you don’t have to hand wash all of your delicates. Most bras can be washed in a lingerie bag on your machine’s gentlest cycle. Close the hooks and eyes on the bra before putting it in the bag, zip shut and then wash in the washer with cool water. But never put a bra in the dryer. The heat ruins the stretch. Simply hang it on a hanger or lay flat to dry.

 

Stack your bras

After your bras are completely dry, experts advise stacking them in a row so the cups fit into each other in your drawer, or hang them on hangers in your closet. This is especially important for bras with a molded foam cup. Avoid folding bras in half with one cup inside the other, which could alter their shape.

 

Find the right size

Your bra’s band is the key to good support. The bottom edge of your bra should sit level and straight all the way around your body. If the band is too loose, it will hike up in the back and the cups will fall down, causing your breasts to sag. Just as bad, if your band is too tight, it can dig into the skin and create painful, unflattering lines and bulges on your back and sides. Just because a bra’s tag says it is a certain size doesn’t mean it’s a perfect fit. Approach bra buying like shoe buying — try a variety of sizes and styles to gauge fit, look and feel.

 

Choose a color closest to your skin tone

The key to looking polished when wearing light summer fabrics is to ensure you’ve chosen pieces that vanish underneath. That means matching your bra to your skin tone, not your clothing. We recommend choosing a neutral shade such as light nude, soft tan, mocha or black — any color that closely matches your skin tone will disappear under light colors or sheer fabrics.

 

Don’t be afraid to go for fun colors or prints

It’s a common misconception that everyday bras should be a basic color. While having bras in neutral colors is essential to completing your bra wardrobe, wear a fun printed bra, such as leopard or polka dots.

 

Know which styles work for your body and outfits

Different cup sizes and outfits call for different bras. If you have a fuller cup size and want the most cup coverage and maximum support every day, choose a full coverage bra. For example, smaller cup sizes, pushups or demi bras offer enough coverage. If you’re wearing a blouse and want to avoid gapping between buttons, go with a minimizer bra. It reduces the bust from 1 to 3 inches.

 

Support bra donation programs

Bras are the most needed, yet least donated item of clothing for women. Support women in need by giving bras to initiatives like the Soma Bra Donation, which benefits women staying in local shelters affiliated with the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

Source: Glamour.com

Share and Enjoy