Finding the right bra can be a headache sometimes and often it becomes a battle between comfort and style, but a lingerie expert has shared her take on searching for the right one no matter your body shape.
Gemma Birtwistle, design and creative manager at Gossard, said there are ways to re-shape your breasts so they don’t look flat or sagging and women don’t have to go under knife for it.
She explained: “For fuller, lower busts that need to be well-supported, the balconette style gives you all the uplift you need, for a rounded shape. Offering less coverage than a full cup style, a balconette forces your breasts to sit slightly higher than usual.”
Gemma suggested the Gossard Swirl Non Padded Balconette Bra, which has contrasting trims and eye-catching lace with a soft touch and ultra feminine scallops to re-enchant the everyday wardrobe. The shape of balconette bras also give a flattering neckline when wearing low-cut tops.
Other than Gossard, Pour Moi offers a beautiful Fleur Non-Padded Underwired Balconette Bra (£28) with thick scoop back and thick band for support.
A shopper shared: “This bra looks so pretty. I am a 38gg and can normally only find bras that are not that complimentary.
This bra looks lovely. Very feminine, fits beautifully.I am so pleased with it and will be looking to order more from this range. Hurray!”
Another said the bra fits her 34F breasts perfectly, adding: “One of the most comfortable bras I’ve ever bought. I’ve now bought one in every colour. Bra is nicely supportive without being too structured, and looks really pretty to wear.”
If you are looking for a skin-soft material, you can try M&S’ Rosie Silk and Lace Wired Balcony Bra (£29.50). Available in either black or white, the delicate silk and simple lace trim give an effortles feminine look. A 66-year-old said: “This is a lovely, comfortable bra, once I got the sizing right. It looks a nice shape under clothes and the cream colour is lovely. I’ve now bought it in black as well.”
Gemma also gave tips to women on choosing the right bra to avoid back pain. She said: “‘Wearing the wrong size bra can cause back pain.’ True – The cups of your bra should contain your breast without spillage. The wires should sit at the centre and underarm flat against your body.
“Wearing the correct size bra can help with posture, as your bra under band should support the redistribution of the breast weight particularly in those with a heavy bust.”
You can follow the three main rules when trying on a new bra – straps, cups and band. Adjust your straps so that they’re comfortable and support for you without them diging in or slipping. Remember, the elastic in the straps will naturally loosen over time, so occasionally you may need to adjust their tightness.
For the perfect fit, your cups should be smooth with no bulgin or gaping and there should be no space between you and your bra. If your breasts are spilling out of your cups, you may be more comfortable in a bigger cup. On contrary, if you realise there’s excess material or your cups are not full, try to go down a cup size.