As a necessary part of life, your bras should step up in every way. If they don't, or they're simply serving as the most beautiful dust collectors in your top drawer, it may be time to let them go. Everyone deserves bras that are comfortable to wear, made with premium materials, and make you feel beautiful wearing them. Are you wearing them as underwear under your jeans and T-shirts? Fashion statements under your power suits? If some of your daily bras are lacking the support you need, it's also time to upgrade your essential first layer. So, where do you start? The following list can help you find your best bras yet.
What Makes a Great Bra Anyway?
The intimates market is rife with excellent bra brands, especially over the last several years. As a result of a more level playing field, women are finally getting what they want in a bra. Dynamic sizing systems, attractive colorways, and the materials used to make the bras should be a few of your top priorities. Some of the finest bras for everyday wear also incorporate innovative designs and construction to give all women a great fit, whether they wear 30A bras, 36F bras, or larger sizes. Beyond value props, what bras feel most like you? When you're feeling your most natural self, what are your go-tos?
Sizing and Color Options
Women want their bases covered. That means paying attention to how refined a brand's sizing system is. In the past, mathematical algorithms have dictated what size you should wear. But since everyone is shaped differently, a more customized approach could help you find a better fit. Brands offering a wide range of bra sizes appeal to more people, including bands up to 44 inches with cups in the A to H range. Whether you wear 36F bras or 34B bras, you can get bras designed to look great in every size. Also, pay attention to the core color palettes offered, including neutral shades and seasonal color launches. Having a variety of hues and sizes to choose from is a necessity for women. Choosing a bra black, green, orange, blush, or whatever color speaks to you in your particular size feels empowering.
Styles and Materials
If your bras are for daily wear, special occasions only, or used as a fashion element, certain styles aren't going anywhere and are loved by many for a reason. From classic balconettes to supportive demi bras, some styles look flattering on many different bodies. The best brands have reimagined some of the classics to give modern women what they're looking for. You should also figure out what is a demi bra like compared to that brand's balconette style bra.
Each brand is different when it comes to classic styles. Materials and construction make the difference between a mediocre bra and a great one. Elegant engineering with performance strength materials is essential to giving you the shape, coverage, and support you need in a bra. Materials like sheer power mesh and soft microfiber offer the stretch, flexibility, and sheer comfort you deserve in a bra. Excess bulkiness in a bra isn't something most women want in a modern bra. Fortunately, there are many streamlined and supportive silhouettes for all sizes out there.
Return Policy Features
Sometimes you get a bra, and it doesn't fit. It happens. A high-quality brand will offer free exchanges within a specific time period. If your bra doesn't fit, you should be able to return or exchange it for free within 30 days of the order date if it's unworn and undamaged. If the process is done online, it should be convenient and not stressful. If you ordered the wrong size, scheduling a complimentary video fit session with the band's fit therapists might be a good idea.
How to Measure Bra Size
Every brand is different in terms of sizing. There's not one standard system that works across the board. The best way to accurately determine your current bra size is to get a professional fitting either in person or online. Since most people don't love the idea of going somewhere in person, you should be able to do a virtual fitting over video with particular brands. You can also try measuring yourself with a soft tape measure if you don't have time to schedule a virtual appointment.
1. Measure your underbust (at the bottom of your band) to the nearest quarter inch. This will give you your band measurement.
2. Measure your overbust (over your nipples) to the nearest quarter inch. This will help you find your cup measurement for the next step.
3. Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. The chart below is an example of your cup size:
1 = A
2 = B
3 = C
4 = D
5 = E
6 = F
7 = G
8 = H
If you still aren't quite sure, you can try on a few different sizes—or sister sizes—at home and return the bras that don't fit. That's why checking an online brand's return policy is essential. Sister sizing means that the cup size goes down when the band goes up and vice versa. For example, 36F bras are in the same family as 38E, 40D, and 42C. One of those is bound to provide the fit you desire.
Fit Checklist
Once your bras have arrived in the mail, it's time for the moment of truth. How does a perfect fit feel? The following four tips will help ensure a proper fit.
A Snug Start
You might be surprised at first that a properly fitting bra is snugger than you might expect. It shouldn't be cutting off circulation, but if it's too loose, you won't get the support you need.
On the Loosest Hook
Here's the catch: Your band becomes looser over time. This is why you want to ensure you start with a snug fit on the loosest hook. You can dial in the fit as the band stretches out.
Does the Support Come From the Band or Straps?
The band serves as the anchor of your bra's support system. It should provide the bulk of your support. Meanwhile, the straps are for adjusting natural discrepancies in the size and shape of each breast. As you know, they aren't all symmetrical.
Adjust Accordingly
Even once you find the perfect size, your boobs might need a slight adjustment. You want to make sure your breast tissue is sitting within the underwires. Your bra should never poke, pinch, or pull. A premium bra with flexible underwires should feel comfortable, especially once it loosens a little.
About CUUP
From home to the office to the beach, CUUP creates intimates that feel like everyday luxuries. Defining your sensuality with intimates designed by CUUP allows you the freedom to express yourself with sophisticated, innovative designs built to support your natural body and accentuate your form. Whether pairing The Balconette bra made of sheer power mesh with a set of comfortable and chic high waist underwear or wearing The Plunge bra, iconically unlined, with a soft modal thong, your intimates will always look and feel amazing. CUUP can support you with their 53 sizes A to H, whether you wear 30E or 44E bras. The inclusive brand is also regularly expanding their bra sizing.
Find your perfect CUUP bra and browse their full intimates collection at Shopcuup.com