Bralettes are thin, seamed pieces of fabric held together with elastic. The style is similar to 1920s bras but with more shaping to cup the breasts. These are best for cups smaller than a petite C. They don’t provide the same support as an underwire bra. Consider the foundation necessary for your outerwear. Bralettes are great to wear around the house under t-shirts.
Spa bras are like workout bras without the compression. Light padding provides some support, so they don’t seem as revealing. You can layer a sports bra over your own bra to get a little more cleavage coverage. The padded cup may be molded foam or filled with light stuffing. Consider silicone nipple petals if you have bold nipples and need extra support in that area.
Spa bras and bralettes fall under the category of athletic leisure lingerie, or “leisuré.” These are fine for casual situations, but not for the office.
Take a lightweight t-shirt when you try on a bra to make sure the shape is right. Bra styles can get discontinued without notice. Get as many bras as you can afford if you find a style that is perfect for you.
You may discover you have more back fat and fullness under the arm as you age. Find a bra with higher sides to tuck that flesh. A professional bra fitter will push that flesh into place so it enhances the look in the front of the bra. You need a sturdy back strap to compress all that back bacon. Dense breasts need at least four hooks to hold them up.
Aging presents its own physical challenges, but you can camouflage things that you don’t like about your body.
Listen as fashion consultant Lori Ann Robinson joins Dr. Pamela Peeke to talk bra options.
Lori Ann Robinson is a Los Angeles based Fashion Consultant, Speaker and former four-time Emmy nominated costume designer.