You might be sporting the most stylish dress or the most trendy top. But if the bra that you are wearing is not of the correct size or fit, you may never feel comfortable or confident.
Having a bra that is of the perfect fit is particularly important for young girls and starting off with the right fit and size can have a major bearing on their posture, and even health and well-being in the future.
So it is not surprising that experts say the most important factor when choosing a bra is primarily to find the correct size and fit, the rest varies on individual preferences and needs.
There is no specific age for a first bra. The ‘correct’ time to buy a training bra depends on when a girl is both physically and emotionally ready, says Dr Sreelatha Gopalakrishnan, Specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Orchid Reproductive and Andrology Centre, Dubai Healthcare City.
Richa Nair agrees. ‘There is no magic age to start buying a bra as girls develop very differently,’ says the Business Head of la Vie en Rose. ‘But mothers (or caregivers) can look out for specific signs in their young girls. For instance, if a girl complains of pain or discomfort in the breasts while doing the simplest of activities or if she is showing signs of puberty, it is time to consider wearing a bra.
‘The parent will have to instill a lot of confidence in her that this is not just another garment but a vital part of her growing body. It is kind of a first step into growing up and wearing the right bra will instill a lot of confidence in young girls.’
According to Dr Sreelatha, one of the first things a woman should look for when choosing a bra is the level of support and comfort it provides.
‘The support needed can depend on factors such as bust size, shape, and personal preference. Different bra styles offer varying levels of support, such as underwire bras, sports bras, or full-coverage bras. It’s important to choose a bra that provides adequate support to ensure comfort and prevent discomfort or strain,’ says the doctor.
‘Comfort includes considering the materials used, the presence of features like adjustable straps or closures, and the overall design. Comfortable innerwear typically have soft, breathable fabrics, well-padded straps, and an appropriate band size. It’s essential to find a bra that feels comfortable throughout the day and doesn’t cause irritation or discomfort.’
Being in the retail industry, Richa is an expert when it comes to explaining features of bras and the different varieties available in the market.
‘For women with heavy busts there are full coverage bras which prevents spillage and ensures a secure fit. The balconette bra has a very nice pattern which gives a flattering neckline if you want to wear low cut dresses. It prevents sagging while making it not too overwhelming.
‘The underwire bras give a lot of support to slightly older women who may have sagging breasts. Nowadays the wiring comes with a cushion so there is no poking or protruding in the skin.’
Different types are available
Flat chested women can wear tank tops or bralettes with moulded pads which is a fantastic fashion addition for layering with a shirt on top and opening a few front buttons. It will give them a natural look and a stunning silhouette. Plunge pushup bras add two cup sizes to your natural size.
‘There are lots of bras which come with different types of straps which can be used according to the outfit you are wearing,’ says Richa, explaining the varieties available. ‘For instance, with your basic tee, you can wear a proper full support strap or go strapless with your off-shoulder evening gown.
‘Pregnant or lactating women should wear comfortable bras which are roomy and not constricted. Nursing bras come with convenient clasps to make breast feeding easier. These women should measure their breast size periodically as there will be many changes during this period.’
Dr Sreelatha agrees and suggests a few pointers to keep in mind when purchasing bras.
‘Factors to consider include style, aesthetic appeal, versatility (such as one that works well with different outfits), durability, and specific features like moisture-wicking properties for sports bras.
‘For girls who are athletic, the importance of a sports bra cannot be overemphasised. It’s one of the most important pieces of exercise equipment you can have in your kit,’ says the doctor. ‘As breasts are composed of tissue, they are mainly supported by just the skin and fragile ligaments, so they require extra support during repetitive or high-impact activity. Wearing the right sports bra keeps the bust supported while playing a sport and can help prevent injury to breast tissue. A well-fitting bra is also important for a girls’ posture. A bra that doesn’t fit can cause back problems, muscle tension, and even headaches.’
The doctor makes it clear that not all sports bras are made equal. ‘While a marathon runner will need a bra that can provide support against repetitive movements over a long period of time, someone doing a yoga class will need one that allows for more flexibility.’
Richa underscores the importance of wearing the right bra for those who are into sports. ‘If you are a sporty or an athletic person who does a lot of running or jumping, a sports bra is non-negotiable even if you feel it’s not the most flattering of garments. There are high-impact sports bras for workouts and cardio routines, with wider straps and stronger elastic bands, which minimize breast movement and offer protection when you do intense physical activities.
‘The sleek back bras have a broad band behind which is extremely comfortable while going to the gym or a run.’
Finding the right fit
Dr Sreelatha says nearly 80 per cent of women may not be wearing the bra with the right fit, and finding the best bras is no easy feat. ‘It can take years of trial and error to settle on a style that works for you in terms of support and comfort - even before you figure out the aesthetics side. Full-cup styles are very much still one that every girl should own as they offer amazing support and coverage.’
One of the questions commonly asked is whether a girl needs to wear a bra if she has a flat chest. ‘The answer is yes, young girls need support irrespective of their bust size,’ says the doctor.
‘The unfortunate truth is that wearing a bad fitting bra can lead to a host of problems.’ Dr Sreelatha lists a few:
Neck, back, and shoulder pain: Choosing the wrong bra can be extremely detrimental to a young girl’s neck, back, and shoulders since that is where the weight and support are concentrated. Larger busts cause more back pain or exacerbate already existing pain. Without the support of a well-fitting bra, the pain will only get worse.
Rib cage pain: An ill-fitting bra can even cause rib cage pain. The band of the bra sits directly on top of your rib cage; so a bad-fitting bra can potentially lead to discomfort. If the band is too tight around the chest, it can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain.
Poor posture: The side effects of wearing the wrong bra size can be long-term and painful. Back, neck, and shoulder pain can contribute to poor posture as many people tend to hunch their back when they’re in pain to try and help alleviate that pain. As a result, your back, neck, and shoulders hurt even more.
Skin damage and pain: A lack of proper support can cause damage to the skin of the breast, visible as stretch marks. Using the wrong size can also damage the skin around the chest, ribcage, and more.’
Sometimes, simple adjustments can be made to fix the issue, like adjusting the straps or the band, but others may be a result of the style of the bra or the general size, says the doctor. ‘If you’re experiencing these issues consistently, then it may be time to get a new bra style or change your size.’
Richa believes that buying a bra is a psychological move. ‘We have observed that a lot of women do not know their exact bra size and they mostly end up buying around two sizes smaller. (At our store) our style experts do measurements for these women and explain to them the ill effects of wearing a wrong bra.
‘We also advise women to check their measurements every three months because your breasts can change shape due to factors like exercising, illness or change in weight.’
According to Richa, another common mistake that women make is to wash their bras in the washing machine. It is recommended to hand wash bras as the machine will make them shrink in size or spoil the clasps. If you must put it in the machine, it is advisable to use a mesh bag so that the damage is minimized.
‘Wearing a bra is a huge milestone in a girl’s life. It is not a functional garment anymore, but rather an emotional thing which instills confidence in a young woman about her body,’ she says.
