Choosing the Best Bra for Your Breast Shape
Hello everyone! I’ve had enough of a break and I’m back. I’ll give you all the details soon, but for now I want to start with a topic I’ve been wanting to share for a long time – how to choose the right bra for a unique breast shape. Now is the perfect time to talk about this topic, especially since we’re still thinking about closet capacity. After all, there’s no point in updating your closet if the basics don’t fit!
I originally started writing this article after attending a lingerie industry event last summer. While there, I was professionally measured for the first time in years, and was shocked to find out that I had been wearing completely ill-fitting bras. As it turns out, I, like many others, was helpless in the face of a drawer of ill-fitting bras. I had assumed that I had a different body type and would never be able to buy bras that fit. But when I tried on the right bra, wow, it completely transformed my figure, making me look slimmer and younger.
Naturally, I was curious and spent time learning with the fittings. They taught me that fitting is more than just taking measurements – the shape of your breasts plays an important role in determining what fits you best. They could tell what kind of bra and what size I needed with just a quick glance. So, let’s break down the different breast shapes and the bras that fit them best.
Common Breast Shapes and Bras That Fit Them
- Slender.
If you have narrow breasts, you may find that they sag a bit as you age. The right bra for this breast shape? A half or full cup bra with support and lift. - Asymmetry
It’s not uncommon for one breast to be slightly larger than the other. If this is the case, try a bra made of stretchy fabric to fit both sizes. Alternatively, you can opt for molded cups and add silicone pads to the smaller side to balance the size of both breasts. - Athletic
If you have a more athletic shape with less volume in the upper part of your breasts, then your breasts may be firmer but wider at the bottom. For this shape, full cups and strapless bras may have a gap at the top, so you should opt for a low-cut or gathered bra that provides ideal lift and support. - Sagging type
If you have large and naturally sagging breasts, then what you need most is good support. Wide, well-fitting bras, strong straps and full or half cup bras are the best choices for lifting and supporting this breast type. - Bell Shape
For breasts that are fuller at the bottom and narrower at the top, a demi-cup or strapless bra works well. If you want to show off maximum cleavage, a low-cut bra is a good choice. - East-West
This breast shape is characterized by wider breasts that favor the sides of the body. Choosing a full-cup bra with stretch fabric, a low-cut bra, or a bra with side support will help bring your breasts closer to the center. - Side support
If your breasts are spaced about three fingers’ width apart, a strapless bra with vertical seams, wide straps (the fabric between the cups) and strong side support will be your best choice. However, if you want to create cleavage, try a strapless bra with short straps. It may be less comfortable, but it will give you the visual effect you want. - Round
For round breasts, if your goal is to reduce prominence, a full-cup bra or minimizer bra can help you achieve this, while a low-cut or strapless bra can give you a more exaggerated effect. If elasticity disappears over time, then choosing a full-cup bra with extra side support can restore firmness and shape.
Why the right bra is important
A well-fitting bra not only provides support, it can transform your overall shape. A well-fitting bra lifts your breasts and makes your torso look longer and your waist slimmer. Did you know? About 80% of the support for your breasts comes from the bra straps, while only 20% comes from the shoulder straps. The cups fill the space between the bra straps and the shoulder straps, holding everything in place.
To ensure the best fit, make sure you can only fit two fingers under the straps above your shoulders. If it doesn’t fit, it’s time to tighten it. If the straps fit properly, you should be able to pull it away from your body about an inch with your fingers.
So, don’t let your undergarments keep you from looking your best. Choose a bra that fits your chest shape and you’ll be surprised at how much it can change your overall silhouette. Ready to upgrade your underwear drawer with the new Zera bra? Then get started!
How to Wear a Bra Correctly
Yes, really! Here’s the thing – over time, the elastic band of a bra gets progressively longer. Therefore, it’s best to attach your bra to the last set of hooks when you first buy it. As the elastic band stretches, you can gradually tighten the bra until it fits perfectly. It sounds simple, but the results are quite different.
The Surprising Truth About Bra Fit
When I was first told my cup size, I couldn’t believe it. I breastfed for 27 months and with naturally smaller breasts, the idea seemed too good to be true. But then the fitter explained something that completely changed my opinion: as we age, our breast tissue gradually moves towards our armpits and back. She helped me fasten my bra, then asked me to bend forward 90 degrees. With the help of an assistant, she readjusted the “displaced tissue” and the results were amazing! The result was amazing! The breasts took on a natural, attractive shape.
This is why a good quality, well-fitting bra can change everything. Over the past few months, I’ve replaced all my bras to make sure they provide enough support to hold everything in place. The side support bras, in particular, have been nothing short of amazing. Suddenly, everything I wore fit better simply because the structure of the bra did its job.
Before the new season arrives, I suggest you organize your underwear drawer. The right bra can do wonders and can almost make you lose a kilo of weight. Check that the clothes you wear fit your figure and that your bras are still intact. If you wear your bra regularly (say four or five times a week), it’s a good idea to change it every six months.
Different types of bras
Here’s a brief overview of the common types of bras and the ones that fit different body types:
Full cup
Ideal for women with full breasts to provide maximum coverage and shaping. This bra is best suited for women with rounded, sagging or slender breasts. If you have smaller breasts or a fuller bottom, a gap may appear.
Half Cup Bra
This bra gently lifts the breasts while creating attractive cleavage. If the top of your breasts are not full enough, it may cause a bra opening. Ideal for women with slender, asymmetrical, sagging or rounded breasts.
Low-cut bra
Ideal for showing off cleavage without the need for extra lifting. Low-cut bra design squeezes breasts toward the center. Ideal for bell-shaped, side-set, athletic and left-right asymmetrical breasts.
Gathering Bra
Extended version of the deep V-neck with angled cups that push breasts up and in. Ideal for athletic and side-to-side asymmetrical breasts.
Non-Steel Ring Bra
Unsupported, best for young breasts or casual nighttime wear.
Minimizer Bra
Designed to minimize breast size for a smoother look.
Multi-Purpose Bra
Ideal for vacations or special occasions, but not supportive enough. Not suitable for everyday wear.
Padded Bra
Made of lightly padded fabric, ideal for those who sweat easily. Often used as a t-shirt style bra.
Side Support Bra
The real unsung hero. Ideal for women with east or wide breasts and loose breast tissue in the underarms. High-quality full or half cup bras often have this feature.
Building a lingerie capsule closet
What are the must-have items in your lingerie drawer?
- Nude colored t-shirts Bras
- Colorful T-shirt bra
- Everyday beauty bras
- Special Occasion Bras
- Sports Bras
- Strapless bras
Or, the most basic:
- Nude T-shirt bra
- Convertible bra with adjustable straps or removable straps
- Sports bra (also great for lounging)
Nude underwear is especially important because it’s the only color that doesn’t show through the color of lighter clothes (forget the myth that white underwear is best for white clothes). I start each section with a high-quality nude t-shirt bra, followed by prettier options.
Bra Options for Different Breast Shapes
Full cup bras
Best for fuller busts, providing better coverage and shaping. Ideal for round, saggy or slender breasts.
Full Cup Nude T-Shirt Bra
Introducing the “Light as Air” collection – a spacer bra made with advanced, high-tech fabrics designed to keep you cool and comfortable all day long. With a smooth silhouette, soft edges, light padding, and plenty of stretch, this machine-washable bra is both stylish and functional.
While fuller-busted women often avoid padding, full-cup bras often include only a thin layer of padding to ensure a smooth, natural bustline. Here’s a little story: the first time I met Mr. MC, I walked into an air-conditioned room, and he took one look at me and casually asked me if I was “feeling cold” (hard to imagine now, right?). He asked me casually if I was “feeling cold” (hard to imagine now, right?). Of course, as I got to know him better, I quickly understood his cheeky Jordy humor …… and he quickly learned to keep his professionalism in check. Since then, I’ve always opted to wear a lightly padded bra.
Light as Air Bra: (46 matching panties available)
While most of the nude lingerie I chose here is light skin tone, finding a variety of shades can be tricky. However, here’s a selection of full-cup t-shirt style bras in different skin tones to better suit your preferences.
Beautiful full cup bra:
- Padded full cup bra and matching briefs – also available in black or peach.
- Unpadded full cup bra (sizes DD-G); silk blend, also available in A-E; matching panties.
- French lace bra with matching panties in black, white, nude, pink, blue and t-shirt.
- Navy and gold lace bra, also available in black, dark rose and pearl; matching briefs.
- Silk-blend full-cup bra (with a little padding); matching briefs.
- Unpadded full cup bra with matching briefs.
Balconette Bra
Quick review: The balconette bra gently lifts the bust and emphasizes cleavage. If your upper breasts are not full enough, the bra may flare out slightly. Balconette bras are uniquely designed to lift your breasts upwards, so it’s important to find a bra that fits your shape. If you have larger breasts, look for balconette bras that are tailored for larger cup sizes, as they provide better cantilever support and a more comfortable fit. These bras have a slightly wider placement of the straps, making them especially suitable for women with broader shoulders. Also, if you prefer boat necklines, these bras are ideal.
Small Bust Nude Balcony Bra
This versatile multi-directional bra has just been released and can be worn strapless, single strap, backless or cross back.
Nude Balcony Multi-Directional Bra: (26 matching briefs available)
Fully Supportive Nude Balcony Bra: This bra is molded and lightly padded to provide better support for women in sizes DD cup and above, with side support design for better comfort.
Supportive strapless bra: matching briefs are available.
Pretty strapless bra:
- Gray satin bra with lace trim (cup sizes A-E), also available in red, coral, cream and black; matching panties.
- This spring floral bra features Swiss-embroidered cups and side support; match panties. This lingerie set is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, the side support design helps to gather the breasts and give them more lift.
- Black lace bra with side support; matching briefs.
- Satin and lace bra with inset cups (sizes B-G); smooth cups (sizes A-E); with high-waisted panties or Brazilian panties.
- Zebra print bra (cup sizes DD-GG).
- Silk padded strapless bra with smooth cups (cup sizes A-E); paneled cups (cup sizes DD-G); with panties.
Low-cut bra
QUICK REVIEW: Low-cut bras accentuate cleavage without the need for extra height support. The low-cut design frames a deep V-shape and is perfect for pairing with low-cut tops and dresses.
Nude Plunge
My go-to everyday nude t-shirt bra! Lightly padded for the perfect balance of comfort and support, this style is a wardrobe essential. (Although I do miss the original design without the stripes—still a personal favorite!)
How to Find the Perfect Bra for Your Shape
Sumptuously Soft Plunge T-Shirt Bra
Available in 46 matching brief styles to complete your look.
Pretty Plunge Bras
- Cobalt Plunge Bra with Eyelash Fringing
- Half padded for a subtle lift. Also available in fuchsia, purple, and black. Matching briefs included.
- Rose and Ivory Soft Cup Plunge Bra
- Soft and elegant with matching briefs.
- Navy Lace Bra with Extra Support
- Designed to prevent slippage with extra support below the breasts. Available in fuchsia too, with matching briefs.
- Black and White Lace Bra with Convertible Straps
- Wear it as a halterneck or cross-back. Features a wider gore—ideal for spaced-apart breasts. Matching briefs available.
- Mesh and Lace Plunge Bra
- My personal favorite for a natural-looking cleavage. Available in black or white with a range of matching briefs.
- Sheer Lace Plunge Bra
- Lightweight and sultry with matching briefs.
Push-Up Bras: A Trend in Decline?
Push-up bras enhance cleavage by using padding to lift from underneath and at the sides. However, they’ve seen a significant drop in popularity among the 15–30 age group. With the rise of #MeToo and a shift away from traditional ideas of “sexiness,” younger women are embracing comfort and natural shaping. Bralettes, sports bras, and soft-cup styles are taking center stage.
For example, Zera’s collection mirrors this shift, with limited push-up designs in favor of versatile and comfy everyday bras.
My Favorite Collections
Since discovering my love for lingerie, my collection has grown exponentially. For everyday luxury, Zera’s Silken Luxe range integrates sumptuous materials at an affordable price. The Seamless Comfort collection offers smooth, supportive designs in an array of stunning shades.
For premium picks, Zera’s Lace Essentials offers exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled fit. Their engineering and quality ensure long-lasting comfort and support.
I hope this guide has been helpful! As always, I’ll be back soon to share more tips and insights from the world of lingerie. Until next time!