The best bras for every situation: stylish, comfortable, hard-working | Life and styleIn the 70s we burned them, in the 90s – an era of nipples as fashion statement – we eschewed them, and during the pandemic we flung them off with glee. And although many of us vowed never to go back to bras when lockdowns lifted, we find ourselves back in their hold. Among the current crop of bras, though, are some so hard-working, stylish and above all comfortable that they might tempt even the staunchest brassiere -denier to think twice. Finding the right bra for you – and for the right occasion – can feel like a herculean task. I worked as a bra fitter for six years and have spent more time than is probably healthy pondering the ins and outs of what makes our boobs comfortable and perfectly placed. From C cups to HH, sports bras to everyday bras, here’s my pick of the best on the market. Bravissimo MillieThis underwired bra, which is available up to a K cup and comes in a happy array of colours, from muted ivory and caramel to cobalt and neon coral, provides support but with a more delicate look than many of the other bras available up to this size. As it’s made from flexible stretch lace, it offers comfort, too. Buy: £39 Panache balconyMade up to a 44FF cup, this balcony model is a trusty friend to many women with bigger boobs. It gives a nice lifted shape under a T-shirt, and thinner straps than a lot of bras that go up to this size keep it feeling dainty. Plus, there are regular fresh colours to keep even the person buying this style for the third or fourth time from feeling jaded. Buy: £30 Rigby & Peller Prima padded balconySeam-free to give a slicker look under fitted clothes, this lightweight model goes up to an H cup. It might be pricier than others but Rigby & Peller bras are known to last. This balconette neckline is perfect for wearing with lower-cut tops. Buy: £102 Dora Larsen tulle underwireMy favourite everyday bra, this recycled nylon tulle underwire is practical, comfortable and has seamless cups. The low-cut front is good for wearing under shirts and V-necks, plus the variety of colours adds a bit of fun. Buy: £58 Chantelle Norah sweetheart necklineWith a sweetheart neckline that would impress John Singer Sargent, this T-shirt bra is light enough that it feels easy-breezy but with gently padded cups that mean you don’t need to fret about nipples showing through. You can also transform it to a racer back for increased support and versatility. Buy: £59 Organic Basics wireless plungeMade with GOTS-certified organic cotton and moulded polyester, this wireless padded bra is described as “buttery-soft” – and that’s not far wrong. With a plunging neckline that looks good under a variety of tops, it also provides a subtle lift and comes in eight colours. Buy: £38 GoodMove ultimate supportThis is my favourite bra for Hiit classes. Available in sizes up to an H cup, this non-padded model has been designed for “high impact activity such as cycling or dancing”. The full-cup design gives extra support (I wear a very secure 32F), while the moisture wicking should take the edge off when you’re feeling the burn. Plus, at £30 for a two-pack, it won’t break the bank. Buy: £30 for a pack of two Sweaty Betty runningThe high neckline makes this bra good for high-impact sports, such as running and boxing, and the firm underband provides maximum uplift with minimum movement. But for all of its sturdiness, the adjustable straps, which can be worn several ways, give it flexibility so you can personalise your fit. Buy: £65 Nike Alpha padded adjustableOffering lots of support and minimal bounce, this padded design made from Nike Dri-FIT fabric comes in classic white and black, as well as a more interesting burnt orange colour. The pretty design means it could be worn as a crop top without feeling underdressed. Buy: £59.99 Commando mesh plunge underwireA special day calls for a special bra and this mesh underwired design is up there with the most elegant bras around. The deeply plunging neckline means it will work with exaggeratedly low-cut styles, but still offer support. The sheer cups give a smooth outline under silky fabrics. Buy: £70 wearecommando.com Skims bandeauA size-inclusive bandeau, this stretchy design comes in a range of colours to suit a variety of skin tones. The lack of bulky cups or padding means this bra is great under a variety of tops and you don’t get the “shelf” effect you can get with other strapless bras. Buy: £28 skims.com John Lewis lace racer backLow-cut with a racer back, this bra will work with a wide range of occasionwear. The lace detail feels special, while the front clasp shows they have thought of practicality, too, making the bra easy to put on and take off. Plus, you can’t sniff at the £29 price tag. Buy: £29 johnlewis.com Bravado seamlessAvailable up to a K cup, this bra features secure clips that can be used with one hand and bra cups that fully drop away, making for as much skin-to-skin contact as possible. The colours – from chalky pink, cherry jacquard and grey orchid to classic black, white and grey – are nice, too. Buy: £36 Hotmilk leakproof T-shirt
Buy: £39.99 H&M padded and non-wiredNon-wired, made of jersey fabric and available in several colours, from white to pigeon blue and powder pink, these seamless padded bras are pleasingly undemanding at a demanding time. Plus, for a product with a limited shelf life, they are relatively affordable. Buy: £27.99 for pack of two hm.com Source link Posted: 2024-08-08 06:49:51 |
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