By: Barbara’s New Beginnings

Underwires, and soft cups, and molded cups! Oh my! Is that a demi-cup out there?! Welcome to the jungle of bra shopping! Join Barbra’s New Beginnings on this tour to help find the right bra for your body type and lifestyle.

Our tour begins with everyday wear. Whether you are just wearing a bra for the video call with your friends or you need a comfortable bra for your long workday, our team at Barbra’s New Beginnings is here to help you decide what style best suits you.

 

If you are a small-chested lady, then you don’t need a lot of support. That doesn’t mean you don’t want some shape though! On the flip side, a large-chested lady can’t live without the support of an underwire or molded cup. Keep in mind that with a little professional help, you can find almost any bra style for your measurements.

Two things you’ll be hearing during this tour a lot are “soft cup” and “molded cup.” Soft cups simply mean there isn’t a wire in the cup. It is thinner than a molded cup, which is stiff and has a set shape.

Without further ado, let’s start this tour!

Underwire Bras

Underwire bras have metal or plastic pieces sewn into the bra, which provides extra support for larger breasts. An ill-properly fitting underwire is torture! Proper fit and care for underwire bras are important for a comfortable fit.

Front Closures

Yes, underwires seem to be the smartest choice for a curvy girl, but it’s not the only option. The front closure bra gives the support of a sports bra and the lift of an underwire. Front closures are used on all types of bras, so if you really need an underwire with a front closure, it exists. Basically, this style pushes your girls together for more stability.

Bralettes and Bandeaus

Who here can’t stand an underwire? If your hand is raised, you can still have comfort without the hardware in your lingerie. Bralettes are simple bras with no padding or wires. It’s a go-to choice for teenagers or ladies that just want a simple bra.

An even simpler choice is a bandeau. Bandeaus are bras that are essentially a tube top for your breasts. It works best for A-cup girls who are looking for a no-fuss, casual strapless bra. If you are larger busted, then you may want to avoid the simple choices as they provide little support.

T-Shirt Bras

T-shirt bras are a casual style that has molded cups without seams so you can’t see the line. It’s a no-fuss style that fits under any outfit choice. Wear it to work, a date night, or just because you think it’s comfortable!

Convertible Bras

Before we move on, there is a bra that is the swiss-army-knife and can be any type of bra you need — strapless, crisscrossed, halter-top, or traditionally straight. This bra is designed for a variety of fashion choices. It’s called a convertible bra and it’s a great option if you like to spice up your wardrobe with a lot of necklines and style options.

Strapless Bras

Next, we’re coming into the evening wear section, Now, who has worn an evening gown? Bet you have is a story about your strapless bra. Every girl does. Strapless bras can be a painful and annoying experience, but that’s where a little help from our team at Barbara’s New Beginnings can make a world of difference.

Strapless bras are just like they sound — strapless bras with silicone or underwire cups to keep your girls at attention all night. You might want to let a professional help you find the right fit if you feel a strapless bra is right for you. Trust me, it’s money well spent if you don’t want to keep pulling up your bra band all night.

Demi Cup Bras

Of course, the showstopper is the demi-cup bra, if you’re looking to turn heads, a demi cup will put your girls on display! This style of bra only covers the bottom half of your breasts. It lifts you up and gives you some awesome cleavage. A perfect style for that hot date or even your wedding gown!

Plunge Bras

The plunge bra is great if you want to enhance your cleavage and maybe hide the fact that you are wearing a bra at all. A plunge bra is super low cut and lifts the girls for a good time. It’s also great for low-cut tops and dresses.

Padded Bras

Alright, ladies let’s be honest, not everybody is impressed with what Mother Nature gave her. So, for those of us who like to enhance our bustlines. The bras in this part of the tour are what we like to call “confidence boosters.”

Let’s start with the classic padded bra. Padded bras have cups that are stuffed with cookies (seriously, that’s what they’re called) to give the illusion you have more up top. This style is great for evening or everyday wear. There is nothing wrong with a little illusion, if it works for you, go for it!

Push-up Bras

A push-up bra is the next step up from a padded bra. Not only does it have padding, but it also pushes the girls up for a perkier look. Push-ups use angled cups and padding to lift your breasts up for more cleavage.

Balconette Bras

Now, for those may shake their heads at the “deception” of padding, there is an enhancer that will work with what you have. It’s called a balconette bra. It lifts your girls as if they are Juliet herself and displays what you’ve got beautifully!

Full-Figure and Full-Coverage Bras

Don’t worry, my busty girls! We’re getting to the right bra for you too. The first is obviously the full-figure bra.

Full-figure bras are for ladies with a small band size (the number in your bra size) and a cup size larger than a C. A 36 band is considered the cut-off for a full-figure style.

Because of that, don’t confuse a full-figure bra with a plus-size bra. That title is reserved for band sizes higher than 38. Some might call these full-coverage bras. It just means that there is an underwire in the design and the fabric is meant to hug your curves.

Sports Bras

All right, moving into the athletic types. Every woman should have a sports bra, whether it’s for hiking, jogging, or simply a marathon day of errands. Sports bras flatten out the chest, but this is so you can get to business and know the girls will stay in place.

Sports bras come in three levels of activity: light, moderate, and heavy. Our team at Barbara’s New Beginnings can help you find the right level for you and your workout so that you stay comfortable and confident during your daily workout or busy schedule.

Barbara’s New Beginnings has been helping women find their perfect bras for 20 years. We have been voted one of the 5 Top Shops in the U.S. for bra fitting by Intima Magazine. We are discrete, so you know whatever happens in the fitting room, stays in the fitting room. If it’s time to refresh the old lingerie collection, stop by and let us find the most comfortable bra for your body and lifestyle.

Stop into the Barbara’s New Beginnings locations in Fort Wayne or Indianapolis to find YOUR perfect fitting bra — and get a professional bra fitting, free!