Bras: the complete buying guide
Are you wearing the right bra? This simple undergarment plays a crucial role in the comfort and support of your figure. For every woman, choosing the right bra means balancing aesthetics, support and style. It's essential to know how to take the right measurements to define your size, and to use the size guides available.
But that's not all: the bra market is rich and varied, from classic models like balconies and push-ups to specific models like those for sport or maternity. Wondering what type of bra to choose for what occasion or outfit? We've got you covered!
We'll also look at the materials commonly used, both natural and synthetic, and how your choice of bra should be adapted to your morphology. Our comprehensive buyer's guide will take you step by step to make the best possible choice.
How do I choose the right bra size?
Choosing the right bra size is crucial to guaranteeing comfort and support all day long. Did you know that 80% of French women don't know their exact bra size? This may seem surprising, but there are several reasons for this figure. Finding the ideal bra isn't something you can improvise: you have to take into account your morphology, back and cup size to ensure a perfect fit.
Action to be taken
To determine your bra size, start by measuring your back and chest:
- Back circumference: place a tape measure just below your chest, horizontally. Note this measurement in centimetres.
- Chest measurement: measure the widest part of your chest, always with the tape measure horizontal.
These two measurements will enable you to identify your exact size thanks to the guides available online or in stores.
Available size guides
The next step is to consult the size guides to find the equivalence between your measurements and the standardized sizes. For example, if you have a back measurement of 85 cm and a bust measurement that corresponds to a C cup, you'll probably wear 85C. However, it's also useful to know the equivalents: if your size isn't available, know that an 85C corresponds to a 90B. These little tips can save you when you're in a hurry!
Interesting anecdote: a customer recently told us how she had discovered her true size after years of discomfort. She had always worn a 90B, when in fact she was a perfect 85C! This discovery transformed her daily life.
Practical tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you:
- The importance of regular fittings: measurements can change over time or following events such as pregnancy. Remember to check your measurements regularly to stay comfortable.
- Using extenders: if the bra length is too short, use an extender to add a few centimetres to the back.
Finding the right size is just the beginning; the next step is to identify the ideal shape that will perfectly match your curves and meet your specific needs. But one thing is certain: investing time in this process will bring you comfort and confidence in your daily life.
What are the different types of bra available on the market?
The world of bras is rich and diverse, offering a multitude of options to suit all requirements and preferences. Whether you're looking for a model to enhance your figure on a daily basis, or a specific bra for a particular activity, there's a type to suit every need.
The classics (balconies, push-ups, etc.)
Classic bras include timeless models that combine comfort and aesthetics. The balconnet, for example, is ideal for those who want optimum support while enhancing their décolleté with elegance. As for the push-up, it remains the essential ally for women wishing to enhance and shape their breasts in a natural way. Have you ever tried the magical effect of a good push-up on a special evening? You might be pleasantly surprised by the transformation!
Here are a few examples of classic bras:
- Balconnet: perfect for a natural, seductive décolleté.
- Push-up: ideal for adding volume and enhancing the bust.
- T-shirt bra: designed to be discreet under tight-fitting clothes thanks to its invisible seams.
Specific (sports, maternity, etc.)
Certain occasions call for bras with specific characteristics. For sportswomen, the sports bra is indispensable: it offers reinforced support that considerably reduces breast movement during physical exertion. Mothers-to-be will also find the comfort they need during this delicate period in their lives in maternity and nursing bras.
Here are a few examples of special bras:
- Sports bra: reinforced support to avoid discomfort during intense physical activity.
- Maternity bra: designed to adapt to morphological changes during pregnancy.
- Nursing bra: practical with easy openings for discreet breastfeeding.
And let's not forget bras without underwiring, perfect for those who prefer absolute comfort without sacrificing style. These models are ideal for a relaxing day out or under a light outfit where every detail counts.
So, whatever your need or desire at the moment, you're bound to find the right bra among the vast range on the market. So why not explore these different options and discover the one that's just right for you? Your well-being deserves the very best!
Which bra for which occasion?
Choosing a bra isn't just about size and comfort, it's also about the occasion you're wearing it for. Every moment of the day and every event deserves special attention to make you feel comfortable and elegant.
Daily use
For everyday wear, opt for bras that prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. Models in soft cotton or breathable microfiber are ideal for extended wear. The T-shirt bra, with its smooth, invisible cups under clothing, is a must-have in every woman's wardrobe. Have you ever tried the balconnet model? They offer excellent support while enhancing your décolleté in a natural way.
Special occasions
Special occasions call for bras that combine refinement and sophistication. For a chic evening out or a date, opt for a push-up adorned with delicate lace to enhance your curves and add a touch of glamour to your outfit. Bustiers are also ideal under strapless dresses, ensuring support and elegant allure.
Also consider seamless bras for tight-fitting outfits, or multi-position models that adapt to any cutout in your garments. For a halter dress, for example, an adhesive bra could be the perfect solution.
Don't forget that every woman is unique, and that the diversity of models available means that we can meet every requirement, whether practical or aesthetic. Enjoy exploring different options and find the ones that suit every occasion!
What materials are commonly used to make bras?
The choice of materials used to make bras is crucial to ensure both comfort and aesthetics. The materials used vary according to use and style, but also to meet the specific requirements of each morphology.
Cotton and natural materials
Cotton, appreciated for its softness and breathability, remains the material of choice. It has a pleasant feel on the skin and is particularly suitable for sensitive skin. Organic cotton is also gaining in popularity thanks to its hypoallergenic properties and reduced environmental impact. Imagine yourself in a soft cotton bra, wearing it all day long without causing irritation! Other natural materials such as bamboo and linen are beginning to make their appearance, bringing their own advantages in terms of comfort and durability.
Synthetics and blends
Synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon and elastane play a major role in the manufacture of modern bras. These materials offer exceptional elasticity, guaranteeing optimum support. For example, a push-up bra made with a combination of polyester and elastane can provide that little extra boost while remaining comfortable. What's more, synthetic fabrics allow a wide variety of designs, thanks to their ability to be dyed easily and to retain their shape after several washes.
Material blends often combine the advantages of natural and synthetic fibers. A bra made from a blend of cotton for softness and elastane for elasticity can offer the best of both worlds: unrivalled comfort and a perfect fit.
When you choose your bras from Scandale.com, you're opting for products designed with care, using the best materials available on the market to meet all your expectations.
Choosing the right bra for your outfit
Choosing the right bra for your outfit can transform your silhouette and enhance your clothes. Imagine yourself in a tight-fitting dress, where every detail counts. Here, a seamless bra, also known as a "t-shirt bra", will be your best ally. It offers a smooth, invisible finish under even the tightest fabrics.
With tight-fitting clothes
Tight-fitting clothes require a discreet, comfortable bra. Choose :
- seamless bra: ideal for leaving no trace under your t-shirts or close-fitting dresses;
- adhesive bra: perfect for bare backs or strapless outfits, it provides support and discretion;
- fine underwired bra: for optimum support while remaining invisible.
With low-cut outfits
Are you wearing a dress with a plunging neckline? An elegant dinner party or special evening deserves a bra that will enhance your breasts while remaining concealed. Here are a few suitable options:
- plunge bra: specially designed for deep necklines, it enhances the bust while remaining invisible;
- balconnet bra: ideal for square or round necklines, it creates a pretty, natural curve;
- multi-position bra: with its removable, repositionable straps, it adapts to your every wardrobe whim.
The ultimate tip? Think colors too! A nude bra will blend in perfectly with light fabrics, while a black model will be ideal under dark or transparent materials. And don't forget that comfort is paramount: even the most beautiful bra should make you feel comfortable all day (or all night)! You now have all you need to choose the perfect model for your outfit and shine on every occasion.
Which bra for which body type?
Every woman deserves to feel comfortable and confident in her underwear. Yet it's not always easy to find the ideal bra, the one that perfectly hugs your curves while offering impeccable support. So which bra is right for you?
Small breasts
For women with smaller breasts, the choice of bra may seem less complex, but it's just as crucial. Push-up models are often the preferred choice, as they add volume and enhance the décolleté. Balconnets, with their slightly more open cut, also offer a lovely natural curve. And why not opt for triangles without underwire? Comfortable and lightweight, they delicately enhance the silhouette.
Generous breasts
With generous breasts, support becomes paramount. Reinforced bras with wide straps and a wider back band provide optimum support all day long. The interlocking model is particularly recommended: it envelops the bust well and distributes weight evenly to avoid back pain. For those seeking a touch of elegance without sacrificing comfort, deep-cup balconnets are ideal.
Intermediate morphologies
Between these two extremes lie a variety of silhouettes where every detail counts. Corbeille bras are ideal for medium-sized breasts, thanks to their rounded shape that enhances without exaggerating. If you want a lifting effect without adding extra volume, opt for molded or spacer models: they offer an excellent compromise between structure and lightness.
Have you already experimented with different shapes to discover which one suits you best? Don't forget that your body shape can change over time, so it's essential to regularly reassess your lingerie needs to ensure a perfect fit at all times.
