My Most Worn Bras + Fit Focused Brands

Aug 2

Let’s talk bras! As I’m in the process of purging and packing my drawers, I thought it’d be a great time to revisit my current favorite bras and a bunch of favorite fit-focused brands for you to consider. As a friendly reminder, the styles that I love and work well for me may not be the best for you — and that is okay! Be sure to visit this post on how to find safely find a properly fitting bra in 2021, in case you missed it. I strongly encourage you to get properly fitted at a Nordstrom (NOT Nordstrom Rack) or local specialty shop. You can find fit focused store locators to locate a specialty shop here, here and here.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, WHAT DOES FIT-FOCUSED MEAN?
Fit-focused is a term I like to use to describe whether or not the brand has an emphasis and commitment to education on fit. This includes (but not limited to) being carried at retailers like local speciality shops or Nordstrom that have the knowledge to fit customers properly. You can generally spot whether a brand is fit focused by their website and advertisements. Are the bras actually fittings the models?* This means means no spillage over the cup or gaping, center wire is flat in between breasts. Next time you see an advertisement online of a new (to you) brand, you can quickly determine the credibility by the way it fits the model or creator. Shopping fit-focused brands is more beneficial to you because you deserve to spend your money on bra brands that actually fit and if you take care of them properly, will last.

*There is an exception to this. Sometimes brands will send larger retailers sample sizes to photograph on models. Unfortunately, they aren’t always able to sync up the model and the correct fit so if you see an Elomi (fit focused brand) bra online at Nordstrom or Amazon, there is chance the bra doesn’t properly fit. Be sure to refer to the retailer’s website or other resources I’ve provided to determine a proper fit.

FIT FOCUSED UNDERWIRE BRANDS I LIKE:

for fuller busts

for smaller busts

There most definitely are brands that I may have missed so feel free to leave them below! As a friendly reminder, Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, Soma and Third Love are not fit-focused retailers that I recommend for bras. Watch this video to learn more.

WHERE I LIKE TO SHOP BRAS ONLINE:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

These are a few of my current favorite bras for everyday, special occasions, working out and lounging. Keep in mind that these styles are not meant to work for every shape and size, that is okay! Hopefully by sharing my favorites and the fit-focused favorites above can help guide you in the right direction. An ideal number of bras to have in any wardrobe is 5-7 and rotating frequently (not wearing the same one every day) to help make it last. I also encourage you to wash your bras after every / every other wear to help extend the life cycle on it as well, you can read more about that here.

BRAS 1-4: UNLINED EVERYDAY BRAS

Over the years, I’ve learned that I have a strong preference for unlined bras. Since I am fuller busted, I love the support and shape they give me without any added bulk. If you are fuller busted, you may want to consider this style if you’re feeling like your bra adds too much bulk underneath certain styles. There are quite a few silhouettes and gore (center wire) heights that work better with different garments.

HOW TO WEAR: Unlined bras work beautifully underneath blouses, button down shirts, sweaters and dresses.

BRAS 5-7: SMOOTH T-SHIRT BRAS

I used to think that t-shirt bras were the only type of bra I could wear. This is simply not true! Think of bras like you would shoes… would you wear your gym sneakers with an evening gown? Probably not! Different style bras are meant for different style clothes. When I need a smooth look underneath white t-shirts or t-shirt dresses, I’ll wear one of these! Shop my t-shirt guide + more picks here!

HOW TO WEAR: Underneath thinner fabrics that you’d like a smoother look underneath, like t-shirts!

BRAS 8-9: SPORTS BRAS

Did you know there are two types of support when it comes to sports bras? Encapsulation and compression. Compression is what you may be used to / think of most as a sports bra (over the head racerback) but I much prefer encapsulation (underwire) for support. Due to a neck injury, I am unable to comfortably wear racerback styles. However, all of these styles have a “J-hook” which allows versatility with racerback convertibility. Another thing to keep in mind is when you forgo wires, you forgo separation. Be sure to check out my current sports bra favorites here!

HOW TO WEAR: For medium to high impact movement and working out.

BRA 10: STRAPLESS BRA

Ahh, the strapless bra. The one I LOATHED to wear… until I learned the secret. In order to find one that you can comfortably and confidently wear, you have to know your proper size. I wrote more about my tips, personal favorite strapless bras and preferred backless solution here!

HOW TO WEAR: Underneath strapless, halter neck or racerback tops and dresses.

BRAS 11 - 12: WIRE-FREE COMFORT BRAS

2020 gave me a great appreciation for wire-free bras. When it comes to wire-free bras, most of the rules that you’ve learned go straight out the window. Wait, what?! Yes, you read correctly. Here’s the thing— when you forgo wires, you forgo separation and your opportunity for the best lift and support. If you’re someone who “hates” wearing underwire bras, I’m going to guess that you’ve never been fitted and no judgements! Most people feel this way until they’ve been able to find their fit. There are also people who need to wear wire-free (pregnancy, post-pregnancy, post surgery or masectomy where wire-free is needed). You can read more about my wire-free favorites here and my maternity and nursing guide here!

HOW TO WEAR: Personally, I wear these when I’m lounging, after I come home from a long day and don’t want to go totally bra-less or when I’m doing yoga/low impact activities.

Be sure check out the undergarments section of my blog for more information and guides on underwear + shapewear! I hope this was helpful, be sure to leave any questions or your favorite bras below. Thanks for reading! xx CMK

Caralyn Mirand Koch