Building a Bra Wardrobe – The Right Number of Bras

July 7, 2012April 24, 2014 dotcomwomen

How many bras should you have? No, this isn’t a trick question–it’s just a question designed to get you thinking. So what’s the correct answer? There isn’t one really, although many “fashion experts” go as far as suggesting an entire bra wardrobe, chosen from the following bra styles:

* Three to five everyday bras

Wacoal Everyday Soft Cup Bra, Wacoal 85226 – $58.00

Consider what you like in an everyday bra–something seamless to slip unnoticed under your fitted T-shirts? Something to minimize your generous cup-size? Perhaps something to play up your delicate assets? Make a list of what you like and need in your everyday bra and search until you find a comfortable model that meets those wants. Wacoal is a popular and comfortable brand for everyday bras. Once you’ve found it, get yourself at least three of them. (Make sure one of them is flesh-toned, to blend inconspicuously under sheer clothing.) This will ensure you will always have a clean one ready.

* A backless or strapless style

Sassybax Very Bare Adhesive Backless Bra, Sassybax VB14 – $78.00

–or one of each–to wear under formal attire.

* A convertible bra

Chantelle Sublime Invisible Spacer Convertible, Chantelle 3951 – $80.00

can be helpful if you wear a large variety of necklines , backless outfits and sleeveless shirts. As its name suggests, a convertible bra has adjustable straps that allow the bra to be transformed into a halter, racer-back, one-shoulder or strapless style.

* A Demi cup bra

The Little Bra Company Ethel Lace Demi Push Up Bra E003 – $60.00

is a must-have for seduction–and a flattering choice for small to medium breasts. A contoured, underwire style, the cups are partially cut away in order to expose the top of the breast. The shoulder straps are usually set on the wide side, letting you safely wear a large variety of low necklines.

* A push-up bra

can be used to give extra lift to breasts of any size, but is particularly helpful in giving small and medium breasts a fuller look. It’s made with extra padding at the underside of each cup. Some designs go a step further by pushing breasts high on the chest.

* A long-line bra

Elila Jacquard Posture Long Line Bra, Elila 5405 – $46.00

is an old-fashioned looking thing, midriff-skimming in length and with waist panels to help slim the figure. Despite it’s appearance, however, the long-line bra remains popular for the smooth, sleek silhouette it imparts.

* Racerback bras

Lunaire Mykonos Front Closure Bra 21911, Lunaire 21911 – $30.00

feature the same T-back or X-back as many competition-style swimsuits. The advantage of this back style is twofold: Not only do the center-anchored straps render the bra invisible under similarly-styled shirts, they are terrific for narrow-shouldered women who have difficulty keeping traditional bra straps on the shoulders.

* Sports bra

Anita Active Extreme Control Sports Bra, Anita 5527 – $47.99
from: Linda the Bra Lady

helps prevent exercise-induced sagging by holding breasts tightly to the chest. Many sports bras are categorized by the level of physical impact they can protect against. If you are athletically-inclined, you may need a separate wardrobe of sports bras.

Stephanie Pedersen is a journalist who writes about health, food, beauty and fashion. She is currently working on a book about shoes and is the author of The Bra: A Thousand Years of Style, Support and Seduction (David & Charles Publishers), KISS Guide to Weddings and Kiss Guide to Beauty (both published by DK Publishing).