50H Bras

What are the different types of bra?

Bras come in different styles to suit different purposes and body shapes.

• T shirt bras are a staple in most underwear drawers, offering comfortable coverage without being too padded. They come in a vast range of colours and designs.
• Push up bras are a similar shape to t shirt bras and offer the same comfort level but feature some extra padding at the bottom to boost your assets up and together.
• Like push ups, plunge bras are designed to make the most of your boobs and give a sexy silhouette. They tend to have a lower cut at the front so are ideal for tops or dresses with a deep V neckline.
• Strapless and multiway bras are most useful for outfits that reveal your shoulders. They come with removable straps which can be worn in different ways, keeping you supported no matter what you wear. Backless bras won’t spoil the look of your outfit if your back is revealed.
• Balcony bras have a shorter cup height and wider set straps than other styles, giving a 1950s pin-up girl vibe.
• Half cup bras come even lower than balcony bras and give a super sexy aesthetic. These are typically worn as lingerie.
• Bralettes follow the ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend with many people wearing them as tops. They are usually longline and come in many different shapes such as triangle, high neck and round neck.
• Side support bras are ideal for those with a full bust as they offer maximum support and full coverage, minimising the risk of any overhang or ‘four boob’ faux pas.
• Minimiser bras are also designed for a bigger bust and are made to control but not squash your chest. For those wanting a more streamlined figure, these can help you appear to drop a cup size.
• Mastectomy bras are specialist bras made for those who have undergone mastectomy surgeries. They have pockets inside to fit prostheses where needed to make you feel confident and feminine.
• Maternity and nursing bras are supportive without digging in and move with your body during and after pregnancy. Nursing bras have cups which detach allowing you to feed your baby without the hassle of removing your bra every time.
• Sports bras keep your assets firmly in place during exercise to ensure you don’t get back, neck or shoulder injuries. They typically come in crop top shapes and can come with or without underwires, depending on your needs.

How to measure your bra size

Your bra size is made up of two measurements: your band size (the numbers), and your cup size (the number)

Measuring your band size

• Standing up straight, measure all the way around your chest, going under the bust, using a soft tape measure.
• Ensure the tape is pulled firmly and sits level around your chest.
• The tape should feel snug but not uncomfortable. Bear in mind that a bra underbust fabric will be more forgiving than the tape.
• Take the measurement in inches. If it's an odd number, round it up to the nearest whole number. If it's an even number, that's your ticket.

Measuring your cup size

• Without wearing a bra, measure around your chest in the same way as when measuring your band size, except this time the tape should go around the fullest part of your bust.
• With the tape firm but not pulled tightly, note the measurement.
• Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. Use the difference in inches to attain your cup size using our size chart.
Remember, you may be different cup sizes in different brands or styles.

Visit our bra fitting guide for more help.

Bra accessories

For times that require a bra alternative or a little enhancement to your usual bra, accessories can step in to help.

Bra extenders can increase the life of your bra by making the strap a little bigger. These are ideal for pregnant women who need some adjustment during pregnancy that will be likely to change once the baby is born.

Eliminate rubbing and slipping with silicone bra strap cushions that slide over the bra strap and keep it firmly in place. Or enhance your bosom even further by using ‘chicken fillet’ breast enhancers to give you a few extra cup sizes.

If you have an outfit that requires no bra, but you don’t want to bare all, a stick-on bra, nipple covers, or breast lift tape can give you the desired effect and keep you feeling secure.

Speak to our team today if you have any more bra questions on 01793 487100.