Here’s a shopping truth: Finding a bra that is both supportive and stylish is trickier when your breasts are a DD cup or higher. Dimitri Parolis, lingerie expert and co-owner of PDL Distributors (importers and distributors of top global lingerie brands), offers these top tips to help you find the most comfortable, flattering, and fashion-forward intimates.
Pay attention to back sizing
When shopping for a bra it is important that you determine your correct back size. “This is done by measuring under the bust and around the torso to determine the size of the underband i.e. 32, 34, 36, 38 etc. The underband must fit snugly from the breastbone right around the body, fastening in the centre of the back,” explains Dimitri. If the bra starts creeping up at the back, it’s a sign that the underband is too big!
Cup it
“The measurement across the bust and the difference between that and the underband measurement, in a formula, determines the cup size, i.e. A,B,C,D,E, etc. Women often think that being a B cup is the ideal cup size as there is so much variety available in this size. Fortunately no matter what size bust you have, we do have the cup size available in many of our collections,” says Dimitri.
Wiring is key
“Underwires should clearly separate the breasts and sit flush with the breastbone and against the skin as the wires curve around the under bust towards the armpits,” explains Dimitri. It is very important that the wire is not sitting too high into the armpit and pinching or piercing the flesh at the side of the bust. Dimitri says that the fleshy part of the bust should be held firmly in the cup from under the arm pit to help achieve a streamlined silhouette and maximise comfort.
Get support
You probably think that bra straps are there to hold the bra up, but they are actually there to add stability. “If your bra straps are digging into your shoulders, it’s a sign that the under band is too big therefore making the straps the main support to holding the bust up,” explains Dimitri. This will cause discomfort on the shoulders and is a reason why so many women eventually complain of a sore neck, shoulders and back.
Finally got the right bra size sorted? Great! Now you can get shopping. We’ve got 10 lingerie styles that are totally worth showing off.
