A good bra has the potential to make one’s day. Despite the fact that few (if any) people see your lingerie, there’s no underestimating how much confidence a new bra can bring. The power of a good bra lies in its ability to instantly lift our mood, enhance the look of our outerwear and make us feel that little bit more #glam. It’s a secret we have with ourselves as we get dressed every day.
Not everyone gets it right when it comes to sizing or styles that suit their shape, though—ill-fitting bras are as common as they are unnecessary. Good thing for us, and by virtue you, we had a professional on hand to give us a few pointers when it comes to picking out The One (especially in the age of online shopping). Get acquainted with Triumph’s bra stylist/wizard Paula Svoboda and her stellar advice, then elevate your mood by shopping 8 of the best bras that sit at the intersection of stylish and supportive below…
Why is it so important to get a professional bra fitting?
There is so much choice out there when it comes to bras, so a professional bra fitting can make all the difference in ensuring you find the right bra for your shape, size and style needs. If you notice your bra is starting to feel uncomfortable, it’s probably not the bra’s fault! It’s often the person wearing the wrong sized bra, or wrong style for their bust shape. Unfortunately though, there are still many women who put up with wearing an uncomfortable and ill-fitting bra for many reasons; they are time-poor, they are scared to know their size and prefer to avoid the fitting experience altogether. It is so easy for women to think they are the same size as 3 years ago, but women’s bodies can change so much. Women often feel insecure by their size and shape, but the right fitting bra can change all that! At Triumph, we recognize and tailor a personalised fitting to make sure that the fitting experience is not daunting and style each woman to walk away with confidence. I have seen many women’s confidence transformed by a simple bra fitting; some have even been reduced to tears of joy.
Should we have a regular bra fitting, or is it a once-in-a-lifetime activity?
Wouldn’t it be nice if our 18-year-old bust stayed with us as we aged. Unfortunately though, this isn’t the case. Your reproductive hormone levels change as you get older, and this alters the tissue and structure of the breast. This means as you age, you will begin to loose your firmness and fullness, particularly around the time of menopause. There are also significant life events, such as pregnancy, which can significantly change your bust shape and size. The best advice I can give is to be fitted early and continue to be fitted each time you buy a new bra – to make sure it’s the right size, offering the right support, but also the right shape and style for your body.
What should we be looking for in a perfect-fitting bra?
We all love a beautiful-looking bra, but if it’s not offering the right support, it’s not helping you at all. The perfect bra is one you feel most comfortable and confident in! It’s a bra that feels like you’re not wearing one at all. When trying on bras, a common misconception is that a bra is held up by the straps. A bra should fit snugly enough around the body so that the straps can be dropped off the shoulder and the bra stays put. The straps just offer the function to give finer adjustment specifically for your body length and silhouette. Check that the back of the bra is sitting level with the front and the underwire is lying flat against your body. Look for good coverage at the side and top of the breast, and ensure fabric is firm over the bust. If you have a larger bust, than finding a supportive bra is even more important. Go for styles with thicker straps and a wider band with more hooks. Three band hooks or more will help to keep your bust in line, and the thicker straps will provide increased leverage.
If we’re unable to head into a physical store, what are some tips for finding a perfect fitting bra online?
In an ideal world, women would be fitted every time they bought a bra, but that’s not the reality. The convenience of online shopping means women can now buy from the comfort of their own home. Triumph’s website features fitting videos & advice, including the ‘See it Believe It’ tool, an innovative, interactive online feature that allows shoppers to see how Triumph lingerie fits prior to purchase. In addition, we offer free returns on all bras so if the fit doesn’t feel right, you can easily return and exchange it for the right size.
