How to Wear a Bra

For the majority of women, a bra is an everyday necessity, but even decades of wearing this piece of lingerie doesn't make everyone an expert on how to wear a bra. Surprisingly, a lot of women don't know or wear their correct bra size. As a result, they aren't completely comfortable in their bras. There are also some who don't really understand the difference in bra styles and therefore choose the wrong bra for certain tops, leaving them with a less than flattering look. Knowing how to choose the right bra for a particular outfit will make sure the focus is all on you, not your lingerie.

Bra Styles

Part of knowing how to wear a bra correctly is being aware of the different bra types. There are many styles available, each suited to serve a specific purpose and top. These are some common bra styles and how best to wear them:

• Demi: A demi-cup bra doesn't cover the entire breast. It often has underwire to lift and features half cups, which leave the upper part of the breast exposed. These bras are typically worn under revealing shirts, but the top shouldn't be close-fitting, especially if the demi bra is lacy.
• T-shirt: These bras are smooth, perfect for wearing under your close-fitting tees or other tops that fit like a second skin.
• Sheer: Save these for times you want to feel sexy. These bras will cover your breasts, but you'll still be able to see everything through the transparent material.
• Push-up and padded: Perfect for adding cleavage if you're small-busted.
• Strapless: These are essential for tops and dresses that have spaghetti straps or no straps.

Tips on How to Wear a Bra

Chances are, you have more than one bra in your lingerie drawer. Unless you wear the same type of shirt every day, you generally need a collection so that you have the right bra style for any given situation. Here are some examples of shirt and dress styles and how to choose the best bra for each:

• Sheer: If you wear a sheer white top, it's best to pair a white lace bra camisole or solid white camisole beneath it. For a sheer black top, a black cami works best. However, you can also wear a flesh-colored longline or regular bra (flesh will be different for different people, depending on your complexion) beneath it, but it should be full-coverage and not lacy or sheer.
• Spaghetti strap: Not only can you find a convertible bra that allows you to change how to wear your bra straps, you can also buy clear bra straps that will blend in with your skin. Tops and dresses with skinny straps look best when your bra doesn't compete.
• Low-cut: A push-up or padded bra can give you cleavage if that's the look you're after in shirt with a plunging neckline. If this top is also tight, a T-shirt bra, with its smooth contours, will give you the molded look you want without being distracting. You want a plain, non-lacy bra beneath a close-fitting shirt.
• Square neck: An open or square neck top works well with a demi-cup bra, especially if the shirt is low-cut. Because demi-cup bras often have straps that sit closer to the shoulders than regular bras, they work well with tops that expose much of your neck and upper chest.
• Retro: Say you like playing pin-up girl on occasion. Modern style bras won't do you justice. You need a bullet bra to fully realize your retro look. These bras look great under sweaters and sweater sets.

Patterned and Colored Bras

Besides basic and rather functional bras, you have a huge selection of bras designed for maximum sex appeal. Animal print, metallic and embellished bras all have their place. You can definitely get away with wearing a leopard print bra underneath your conservative office outfit – just make sure none of it shows! Typically, however, bras like this are made to be shared with that special someone. Matching panties or other sexy lingerie maximize the appeal.

Follow Basic Guidelines

Wearing a bra isn't rocket science. Bra sizes aren't uniform from brand to brand, so trying each one on is important to make sure you get that perfect fit. Once you have the right size, keep these guidelines in mind the next time you pull out a tight tee, halter top or low-cut blouse to ensure the most flattering silhouette.

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