Women over 40: Is it important to invest in a good bra?
[This is part of a series about women over 40’s style. This was the subject of an Instagram live chat I had with Kelly Tavora, a fellow stylist based in London. All the posts will be based on the questions we got.]
Did you know that is vital to invest in a good bra?
You don't need to buy from a very expensive brand, but it needs to be comfortable and fit you perfectly.
In fact, many people don't know but bras have an expiration date. As we wear and wash them, they stretch and get loose. This means they stop doing their job, which is to sustain our breasts.
I know many women gave up on wearing bras during the pandemic, but this isn't an option for everyone. Luckily, there are many pleasant bra styles to wear at home. Since I usually receive questions about this topic, I decided to share seven tips about bras that you should know. Check them out:
1- YES, BRAS EXPIRE!
Your bra's lifespan depends on how much you wear it. If you have two bras, you will be wearing them a lot, right? That's why they will last less than if you have more bras in rotation.
2- HOW YOU WASH YOUR BRAS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
A bra's duration also depends on how you wash it. The best way is to hand wash with laundry detergent ideal for delicate fabrics. This doesn't sound convenient for you? No problem. Buy a special mesh bag for bras and set up your washer in the gentle cycle. Air dry them flat. ATTENTION: never put your bras in a dryer. This is non-negotiable!
3- WHAT'S THE BEST STYLE?
The bra styles you need depend on your personal style and lifestyle. I recommend having a T-shirt bra (in a nude color that works for you, simple, no lace), a black one, and a strapless bra.
4- DO YOU REALLY KNOW YOUR BRA SIZE?
Finding your actual size is super important.
We change our bra size many times during our lives.
For some people, an increase of five pounds might require changing sizes. So find a specialist at a good lingerie shop or a department store to get your measurements done. Even if you had it measured some time ago, do it again. It is said that 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, in general, the band is too big and the cups are too small.
5- ATTENTION TO THE HOOK STRAPS
After buying the right bra size, especially the right band size, your bra will last longer. That's because they usually come with three different closures. First, use the outer hooks. As you wear and wash your bra, move to the inner hooks to guarantee support.
6- ARE BRAS MEANT TO BE SEEN?
I also get many questions about whether showing a bra is OK or not.
My opinion? Avoid exposing your bra in a professional environment. In casual situations, depending on your outfit and style, showing your bra can be interesting.
7- IS IT OK TO WEAR A LIGHT SHIRT WITH A BLACK BRA?
In my opinion, wearing a white silk shirt with a black bra is sexy without showing a lot. Just avoid putting on a transparent bra if the shirt is too thin. The reason is simple: it can be completely see-through with flash photography. And, of course, this doesn't apply to work. This is not the kind of attention we want to get, right?
I like this subject a lot because it really impacts outfits. People don't see our bras but they can tell when they don't fit properly.
Got any other questions about bras? Send me an email at hello@marciacrivorot.com to schedule a free 30-minute discovery call with me.
Disclosure: Keep in mind that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience and professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.