A Guide To Buying Your Perfect Bra Online

Bras are very complicated little garments,” says Sarah Sullivan, creative director of four-year-old lingerie startup Lively. Despite being the reliable workhorses of our wardrobes, the supportive undergarment causes an undue amount of agonizing; wearing one can be a legitimate pain, and finding one that actually fits is a whole new level of headache. If bra-shopping IRL wasn’t daunting enough already, our hunt for the perfect brassiere was further thwarted when a global pandemic forced us all into a suspended online-shopping state. Since battling a litany of virtual lingerie options sounds scary, we’re here to make this purchase journey as pleasant as possible. Buying the right over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder from the comfort of your own home has actually never been easier, thanks to scores of well-equipped sites that boast encyclopedic-style fit guides and very generous return policies. As Sullivan points out, “the best fitting room is your own room, with your own mirror and your own clothes.” There are certainly some tools, tips, and tricks that will make the online search for underthings a smoother one, which we’ve outlined below. But, rest assured, it is possible to find the perfect bra without getting up from your swivel chair. Read on for the best bust practices and destinations to get it done.

Find Your Measurements

While you may think it requires some kind of lingerie doctorate to determine your band measurement (that’s the number component) and cup size (the letter designation), the math is pretty simple — subtract your under-boob ribcage circumference from the circumference of your breasts at their fullest point, and the number you’re left with correlates to your alphabetical cup size.

Use The Proper Tools

It’s best to use a soft measuring tape to find your dimensions, says Sullivan, but if you don’t have a tool that specific on hand, there are hacks: “You could do a belt or a string” — and for measuring, she says, “a dollar bill is six inches [long] — I’ve seen people use that.” A mirror will help you ensure that your measuring tool is positioned correctly, and Sullivan also recommends “wearing either an unlined or very lightly lined bra so that you can see what size you are in something.”

Consult Online Fit Guides & Customer Service Resources

Don’t assume that you’re entering some kind of faceless abyss when you hit a DTC dot-com — your average lingerie e-tailer is probably better staffed than that hipper-than-thou neighborhood boutique with a lone salesperson manning the cash-wrap. Whether it’s a stalwart multi-brand retailer like Bare Necessities or a digitally-native newcomer in the manner of Lively, plenty of online under-shops offer detailed size guides, fit quizzes, and customer-service bots ready to serve up answers to your burning (bra) questions.

Rachel Krause, deputy beauty director at Refinery29, used the “SUPER simple” size chart to figure out her fit at True & Co, and photo editor Kaitlyn Flannagan took advantage of a fit quiz and customer service chat while browsing the mesh wares at culty brand Cuup last month. And, if you miss the experience of face-to-face interaction with an informed under-guru, Lively offers 30-minute virtual fittings where customers can ask questions and have their fit evaluated via video.

Know What Type Of Support You Want

Finally, we don’t need to remind you that the world of undergarments is a vast one, replete with bras of every conceivable shape, size, support level, and fabrication. Sullivan advises that shoppers give some thought to what kind of bra they’re looking for prior to diving into the digital shopping experience: “Is it modesty that you’re looking for, or extra support, or comfort, or a fashion fabric?” Having some inkling of your criteria before committing your precious moments to browsing will help lessen add-to-cart fatigue.

How to buy a perfect bra?

While a good bra could go completely unnoticed, a bad one can become a horrible experience for you and your body too. Finding a bra that has perfect fitting is difficult, and we would love to help you through it. Here are some basic things to consider when going for bra shopping.

How to find your perfect size?

The first and most important is the right size. Measurements can make all the difference and so never go for bra shopping without measuring yourself. The cup size and the band size, these are two basic measurements to find the size that will fit you right.

How to take measurements for buying a bra?

Band Size: Measure around your back and waist, at the point where the band of your bra sits. If it’s an even number then that is your band size and if it’s an odd number round it off to the nearest even number and that number is your band size. Cup Size: Measure at the fullest part of your chest, at your nipple level. Now what you need to do is, subtract the band size with the current measurement. The difference between these denotes your cup size.
1 = AA, 2 = A, 3 = B, 4 = C, 5 = D, 6 = DD, 7 = E, 8 = F

What are the various styles of bra available?

There is a range of different bra styles available in the market today. You can choose padded, non-padded, underwired, non-wired types from among the many styles. But you need to pick the one that is the most suitable for you.
T-shirt Bra: This one is an everyday wear bra. It is seamless and gives a smooth and fit shape to your breasts. It goes perfectly underneath any tops, t-shirts, shirts and anything.
Full-cup Bra: If you have fuller breasts and want full coverage then go for this one. The cups of this bra cup up higher on the chest providing full coverage.

Plunge Bra: If you want something that goes with a low-cut dress then this is the right style to go for. It has angled cups and the centre gore sits lower.
Push-up Bra: You want a fuller looking bust and cleavage show then this is the bra that you must pick. It pushes your breasts upwards and inwards.Strapless & Multiway Bra: It is something that you must own to accompany with strapless or backless outfits. The good ones have a wider band to give better support, and the optional straps can be used as per your need.
Bralettes: A bralette is one of the most comfortable yet chic design inner-wear. You can flaunt this elegantly designed bra with low backs, low necks, and with anything and everything.
Sports Bra: When going on a run, to the gym or practising yoga you need a bra that gives the best support and saves side spillage. Sports bra does all the work for you. These are some basic styles that are kind of must-haves.

How to find the right fit?

The fact is, not everybody has the same size or shape of breasts and so not everybody can wear the same style or type of bra. An oddly fitted bra can give you a bizarre look, hence always find the bra that fits your breasts perfectly.

How to pick a bra with the right fabric?

There is an array of bras available in different fabrics. Cotton, Silk, Lace and more. You must always go for the fabric that is lightweight, stretchable and gives you the most comfort. A perfect bra is the one that feels good to wear and compliments the overall look. Always remember, if you choose cotton a mix of cotton and elastane is a better option than pure cotton.

What are the factors to consider before choosing a bra?

Know your size always. Do not wear anything too loose or too fitted ever. Choose what is most comfortable rather than what looks good. Go for the brands you trust the most and the ones that give you the perfect fitting bras. Pick the right bra according to the outfit and occasion. For example, wearing a lacy bra under tightly fitted t-shirts is a big no-no. Choose the right colour. Experimenting and trying new and different colours is a great thing to do but never go for a mismatch. For example, wear a bra that matches your skin tone underneath light coloured or thin fabric outfit. Always go for something that perfectly fits your size, body shape and style.