“Without proper foundations, there can be no fashion” – Christian Dior
You’ll hear no argument from me Christian. Nothing ruins a Summer dress quicker than the site of a rogue bra strap hanging down mid-arm, not to mention visible panty lines, breasts pushed up so high you can wear them as a neckpiece or the unsightly skin bulging at the side of a bra worn too tightly.
So I do understand how important it is to find the right lingerie, but with so many styles available, finding the exact match to your unique body shape can be a little daunting.
If you’re like me, lingerie shopping for the right ‘foundation’ can become a lot like Goldilocks and the Three Bras; “This one’s too tight, this one’s gaping too much, and this one’s got such a high cup line that it’s practically poking out of my collar.”
To help women like me work out exactly what style works best for our shape and support needs, we’ve put together a guide with the help of Simone Pérèle’s Fitting and Product Expert, Tracey Hryce.
Tracey informs us that “your bust shape can change up to 6 times in your lifetime, thanks to hormones, exercise, pregnancy, diet and age,” which means that we will all, over time, need a refresher course on what styles suit our silhouette…. So read up!
Heavy Busts
Women with heavy, fuller busts, will need a great control-underwire style that holds the shape while providing support from underneath the bust, so the straps don’t take all the weight and dig in to the shoulders. Look for a firm back design, thicker straps and stitching that goes to the top of the cup to offer further support. With these support requirements covered, there are many gorgeous half cup, plunge and full cup styles that will suit.
The Amour Control Full Cup bra by Simone Perele
Small Busts
A traditional push-up with contoured cups will sculpt and add volume to the bust. Progressive foam padding or air-pads offer even further volume and can add a bra size. If you aren’t after extra volume, try all-lace, non-underwire triangle bras as a delicate, feminine alternative.
The Celeste Push Up bra by Simone Perele
Thicker Waists with Curvaceous Hips and Bottoms
You’ll need a bodysuit to gently sculpt the torso to create a smooth, feminine, hourglass shape that accentuates the waist. Look for bodysuits that come with contoured or padded cups with a plunge effect to draw the bust together and balance the body out.
The Revelation Body Suit by Simone Perele
Low Lying Busts
You need to create more length and definition between the bust and waist, which will immediately make you look taller and slimmer. Try contoured and padded styles with seamless finishes (no lace patterns) so they are invisible under clothing. The effect will accentuate and mould the bust to create length in the torso and provide impeccable support.
The Androa Triangle Spacer bra by Simone Perele
Volume Loss in Bust – Thank You Breastfed Children
You need gentle support and sculpting to lift and shape without compressing the bust. Padded and push-up styles with progressive padding will lift the natural shape of the bust. For heavier busts, full-coverage underwire styles with comfortable straps and reinforced side-panels will draw the bust in to refine the natural shape.
The Amour Cranberry bra by Simone Perele
Straight Up & Down
A simple half-cup in either lace or contoured knit paired with French-style shorty briefs will add shape and curved lines to a straight up and own shape. The lace styles are very feminine and can soften an athletic build, while the briefs skim over the mid-section of the bottom to accentuate a rounded shape.
The Insolence Push Up bra by Simone Perele
What bra style works best for your shape? Tell us your experiences in the comments below!
