• Support the breast and shoulders.
• Enhance the shape and silhouette.
• Prevent sagging of breast tissues.
• Avoid pain and discomfort.
• Increase confidence.

Peer pressure shouldn't force you to start wearing a bra, but these signs should.

• The breast buds start developing. As a result, nipples show an impression, especially under body hugging outfits.
• Pain and peculiar discomfort in the chest area.

A simple T-shirt bra is ideal for everyday use. These bras give you a smooth line underneath your clothes, as they're either seam-free or they have barely-there seams. These bras don't have any extra embroidery or lace, so they simply vanish under tight fitted tops and dresses.

The letters - like A, B, C, D - stand for cup sizes. The numbers - like 32, 34, 36, 38 they tell you the band size – that's the part of the bra that goes around your torso. For instance, a 34A means that your boobs are an A cup and that your bra is 34 inches around.

Example: 37 inches (bust) – 34 inches (band) = 3 inches. That's a 34C.

Your cup size is the difference between your chest size and your bust line measurement while your bra size is your band size with your cup size.

Everyone has a unique body type, which means sometimes you may not find accurate bra size measurement using the regular bra size chart. Here, you can switch to sister sizes. Basically, these are alternate bra sizes where the cup volume stays the same even though the band size and cup letter change. For instance, if you are a 34 B, there is a good chance that a 32 C or a 36 A will fit you. 32 C will have a shorter band size and 36 A will have a longer one, so you can figure out what fits you better.

You can put yourself at a risk for plethora of problems, such as

• Pain and discomfort in the breast tissues.
• Straps start digging into your shoulders.
• Back, neck and headache.
• Bad posture.
• Your bra hinders your movement.

• There should be enough space to let 2 fingers pass through your bra straps.
• The back band should lay straight on the back without riding up.
• The centre gore should sit flat against your sternum.
• The underwires should fully encircle the breasts.
• Your breasts shouldn't spill out of the cups and the cups shouldn't have extra room either.

As long as you’re following these steps, you’re good.

• Ensure that the bra is tucked on the loosest hook and eye enclosure.
• Do the scoop and swoop to ensure optimal support from the cups.
• Adjust the straps for a snug fit.

Here, we have narrowed down the types of bras you should pick as per your breast shape.

• Asymmetric: Plunge bra
• Athletic: Sports or racerback bra
• Bell: T-shirt bra
• Round: Balconette bra
• Downward: Push-up

To retain the lifespan of your bra, you must machine wash it instead of handwashing it in cold temperature. This is especially important for padded bras. Also, use a lingerie bag to prevent deformation of cups.

The average recommended time to revamp your bra closet is about six months to a year depending on your usage. If you wear everyday cotton bras more than others, we recommend you swap them after six months. However, something like a strapless or balconette bra, which you only wear a few times, they can last as long as a year.