Get the best dressed breasts

Today, when it comes to breasts, what you see is certainly not what you get. Why? Because the hi-tech science of bra design has made it possible for women to choose a shape and size for every occasion, and every outfit. Here’s our guide to getting best-dressed breasts of any size.

More than just a bra…

With the right bra, breasts can be pushed up, held down, smoothed out or squeezed together, and they can be cleared of moisture and nasty bacteria. The following bra-label terms will tell you what talents your not-so-humble brassiere is blessed with:

Moulded cups are thin cushion moulds, designed to hold their shape around your breast. They encapsulate, providing bounce-minimising support, a smooth silhouette and an even, rounded shape. Ideal for larger-chested women.

Padded cups are similar to the moulded variety, but have extra padding to enlarge or accentuate a smaller bust.

Moisture-wicking fabric rapidly draws moisture away from your body. It’s useful in a sports bra, as you’ll stay drier and more comfortable. Plus, if you’re prone to body acne, this fabric lets air circulate so pores won’t become clogged.

Anti-microbial fabric (or threads) will be treated with an anti-bacterial chemical, so your sweaty sports bra won’t pong as much.

Off-set seams are those that are set to the front or back of the bra (as opposed to the sides) to prevent rubbing and chafing.

facts on the fit…

Finding the right sized bra is vital for your long-term breast health. But bear the following facts in mind:

Size isn’t everything Never assume a new bra will look good or fit well just because it’s your size. A plunging, padded bra will fit differently to a soft-cup underwire, just as stretchy lace will feel and mould differently to non-stretchy lace. The take-home message: always try before you buy.

Expect the unexpected Bra sizes differ from retailer to retailer and imported labels are often smaller than our local designs.

Know yourself Get properly measured (see box for DIY tips) to establish whether you’re a small or full version of your size (i.e. a small or full 34B).

Pay attention to detail As the band size of a bra increases, so does the cup size. Therefore a 38C bra’s C cup is going to be smaller than a 42C bra’s C cup. So, it’s possible that 36C and 38C bras will fall within the “big bust” category.

Know your look Wear the right bra for the right outfit. The golden rule: however gorgeous it is, a bra should not be on-show. Keep bra straps tastefully covered and colours in-keeping with your outfit.

Give them your support
Scientific research has determined that breasts move in a three-dimensional figure of eight (up and down, in and out and side to side) during exercise. With the average 36C breast weighing 200—300g, this puts great strain on the breast's fragile support structure, which comprises only the outer skin and a connective tissue known as the Cooper’s ligaments. A regular T-shirt bra reduces bounce by about 38%, but during the research, women fitted with a shock-absorbing sports bra showed a reduced breast bounce of up to 74%.

Size yourself up
The first step to finding the perfect fit is in knowing your dimensions. Here’s a DIY guide to accurately assessing your assets:

Step 1: Measure your chest, directly under your bust line (not over clothing) with a regular, unpadded bra on, making sure the tape measure is flat over your skin. It’s also recommended that you stand in front of a mirror to ensure the tape is parallel to the floor. Pull the tape measure tight to ensure an accurate measurement, and make sure your arms are down and shoulders are relaxed. Note: round the measurement up or down to the nearest cm.

Step 2: Measure over the fullest part of your bust line, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

This time, don’t pull the tape tight — just make sure it’s not loose. Again, keep arms down and shoulders relaxed.

Step 3: Find your size bra with this handy grid, supplied by Playtex.

Step 4: Make sure your bra fits properly with the following checklist…
The fullest part of the bust should fall approximately at the mid-point between shoulder and elbow.

There should be space for one finger to pass smoothly under the straps to maintain a bust up-lift, without digging into the shoulders.

Shoulder straps should be vertical front and back
Bra should fasten at the middle set of hooks and eyes.

The underbust band should run parallel to the ground (front and back). It shouldn't be overly tight or loose, or ride up.

Underwire should not stand away between your breasts — if it does, your cup size is too small.
The cup fabric should be smooth; folds or wrinkles mean your cup size is too large.

Breasts should not spill out — if they do, cup size is too small.

When you remove a well-fitting bra you shouldn’t see red marks or lines on your shoulders, sides or around your breasts. If you do, re-check your sizing and reduce your bra-wearing time.

This article originally appeared in the May 2006 issue of Shape Magazine. For more information visit http://www.shapemag.co.za/