As a key piece of women’s lingerie, the bra can be sensual, elegant or simply comfortable. Lace is nice, but comfort is even better!
Beyond aesthetics, choosing the right bra should above all depend on your bust measurements to ensure optimal comfort and support, regardless of your cup size.
👉 Key Takeaways
How to choose the right bra
- Take your measurements regularly – your measurements can change over time.
- Choose a shape that suits your bust: smaller busts can opt for triangle or push-up bras, while fuller busts can choose balconette or full-cup bras.
- Choose according to your clothing: some bras work better with specific outfits.
1. Know Your Bra Size
It is important to understand that your bust measurements can change over time, particularly during pregnancy or following weight fluctuations. It is therefore recommended to take your measurements regularly to choose the right size and the most suitable style.
Bra size is based on two measurements:
- Underbust measurement: measured directly underneath the bust. It generally corresponds to the number in your bra size, rounded up for greater comfort.
- Bust measurement: measured at the fullest point of the bust.
To determine your cup size, simply subtract your underbust measurement from your bust measurement. The result approximately corresponds to your cup size according to the table below:
| Difference between bust and underbust measurements (cm) | Approximate cup size |
|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | A |
| 4 to 7 | B |
| 7 to 10 | C |
| 10 to 12 | D |
| 12 to 15 | E |
| 15 to 17,5 | F |
| 17,5 to 20 | G |
2. Choose Bra Styles That Suit Your Bust
When it comes to women’s lingerie, there are many different bra shapes and styles designed to suit all types of busts. Choosing a bra that is suited to your bust is essential for optimal support and a flattering silhouette.
- For smaller busts, opt for a triangle bra for light, natural support, or a push-up bra to enhance the bust.
- For fuller busts, choose a balconette bra or full-cup bra, preferably with underwiring, to provide excellent support while enhancing your silhouette.
You should also adapt your choice of bra to your clothing: a strapless bandeau bra is ideal for a backless outfit or an evening dress.
3. Ask an Expert for Advice
In general, there is nothing better than expert advice to help you choose the right bra size and style.
That’s why, at DIM, we asked our lingerie experts for a few tips to help you check that your bra fits your chest properly:
- At the back, the band should form a horizontal line.
- Your bust should fill the cups without spilling over.
- The straps should sit close to your skin without digging in.
If you are still unsure about which bra size to choose, don’t hesitate to visit a DIM store and ask one of our sales advisors for advice.
Finally, once you have chosen your bra, remember to take care of it by following the washing instructions on the product labels.
💡 Our Tips for Choosing the Right Bra
📏 Measure yourself once or twice a year:
Weight fluctuations, pregnancy or hormonal changes can affect your bra size.
🔗 Use the loosest hook when you buy it:
A new bra should feel comfortable on the loosest hook. You can then tighten it over time as the elastic stretches.
🙆 Move around when trying it on:
Raise your arms, bend forward and twist your upper body. If the bra stays securely in place, that’s a good sign.
🎯 Check the centre gore:
The central section between the cups should sit flat against the sternum (on underwired styles) to ensure good support.
👚 Think about your outfits:
An invisible bra is ideal under a white T-shirt, while a bandeau bra or multiway bra is better suited to a strapless or backless dress.
🩱 Choose your bra according to your activity:
An everyday bra does not replace a sports bra, even for low-impact activities.
🔄 Alternate between several bras:
Avoiding wearing the same style several days in a row allows the elastic fibres to recover their shape and helps extend the life of the bra.
🧼 Take care of it:
Choose a gentle wash and allow it to air dry to preserve its elasticity and support. Find all our lingerie care tips in our dedicated article.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Choosing a Bra
How do you choose the right bra?
First of all, you should choose a bra that suits your bust shape and type. For smaller busts, opt for non-wired bras such as triangle bras or push-up bras. For fuller busts, choose balconette, full-cup or minimizer bras for optimal support. It is also recommended that your bra be suited to your clothing as well as your activities.
How do you calculate your bra size?
To calculate your bra size, you need two measurements: your underbust measurement (taken directly underneath the bust) and your bust measurement (taken at the fullest point of the bust). The underbust measurement generally corresponds to the number in your bra size, rounded up for greater comfort (from 80 to 115). Then, simply subtract this number from your bust measurement to obtain a figure corresponding to a cup size (see the size conversion table above).
How do you know if a bra fits properly?
At the back, the bra should form a horizontal line. Your bust should fill the cups without spilling over. Finally, the straps should sit close to the skin without digging in.
Discover our DIM Tips section: practical guides, lingerie advice and the latest fashion inspiration, all available in the DIM Mag’.
