Women's bras with or without underwiring

The women's bra is chosen based on its shape and support: underwired for support, balconette for lift, full-coverage for enveloping, push-up for shaping, and non-wired for comfort, available in various cup sizes. Among the brands available are: Wacoal, Triumph, Elomi, Fantasie, Freya, and Lisca.

A bra that provides good support mainly relies on its band: it should stay horizontal, without riding up at the back.

Which bra to choose?

The women's underwired bra supports and separates; the balcony style lifts the upper chest for deep necklines; the full coverage style wraps the entire bust and is suitable for larger cups; the push-up style enhances and shapes; the wireless option prioritises comfort.

How to find your bra size?

Measure your underbust size under your breasts with the tape flat, then measure your bust at the fullest point: the difference between the two gives the cup size. When trying it on, fasten on the first row: you will tighten it over time with washes.

What bra for a large bust?

A wired model, full coverage or with cut-out cups, featuring wide straps and a high band, offers support without compression. Specialist brands offer large cup sizes well beyond a D, sold in underbust sizes and cup sizes.

Which bra under which clothing?

Under a t-shirt, a moulded bra in skin tone, with no visible seams. Under a low-cut, a balcony or plunge style. Under a backless outfit, a model with removable or adhesive straps.

How to care for a bra?

Wash it by hand or on a delicate cycle, inside a laundry bag, with hooks closed, and let it dry flat. The tumble dryer distorts the wires and loosens the elastics.

Which bra brands to choose?

These lingerie brands dominate the market.

Behind Freya, Fantasie and Elomi in Europe, you find Wacoal, a Japanese lingerie brand.
A family business founded in Heubach, Germany, Triumph notably innovated with seamless cups.
For larger sizes, Elomi, under Wacoal Europe, offers lingerie and swimwear in cup sizes.
For a generous bust, Fantasie, part of Wacoal Europe, focuses on underwired bras.
Specialising in large cups, Freya, a British brand, is also part of Wacoal Europe.
Lisca, from Sevnica in Slovenia, started with bras before adding swimwear.

What other underwear to choose?

For a matching set, women's panties and thongs; for comfort, bralettes. The full selection is on the page women's lingerie.

When to find bras at reduced prices?

A bra should be chosen in the right size before considering the price: measure your underbust and cup size, then watch for a bra on sale during Black Friday or winter and summer sales.

November discounts are on the Black Friday page; sales discounts are on the Sales page; discounted styles at other times are on the Promotions page. Fast shipping and best price guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How to tell if a bra is too small?

The bust spills over the cup, the wires press against the breasts or the band is tight enough to leave marks. Try the next cup size up before changing the underbust size.

Why do straps slip?

They are too loose or too wide for your shoulders. Shorten them; a model with closely spaced straps stays better on sloped shoulders.

Is a 90C the same as an 85D?

They are one cup size apart with equivalent volume: a 90C has the same volume as an 85D or a 95B. It helps when your exact size is not available, by adjusting the underbust size.