How to choose the right bra design: Demi cup v full cup
Advice Pages , Lingerie , Lingerie Advice
Demi-cup, half-cup, sports, full-cup, balconette, underwire, support, t-shirt… the range of different bra types and styles can be mesmerising. The great thing about all these bras is that there is a bra to suit every occasion and requirement, but the tough part is choosing the right bra!
The difference between demi-cup and full cup bras
In a bid to keep things simple, we’ll look at two styles in this article, the demi-cup bra and the full-cup, or full coverage, bra.
A full-coverage bra is exactly as you’d imagine. It is a bra designed to cover and support the entire breast. Meanwhile, a demi bra is cut out so that the upper part of your bosom is exposed. It’s all quite straightforward so far – and both of these bras are easy to identify.
So what are the advantages of these different styles of bras?
The first factor to consider is fit. If your try on either a demi-cup or a full-cup bra they need to fit comfortably. Look for smooth and snug straps. The rear strap should not be too tight or too loose. Also check that you can stick your finger between the front strap of the bra and your skin.
The shoulder straps should not dig into your shoulders, and on an underwire bra, the underwire should not dig into your skin.
Make sure there is no bulging around the sides of the bra. You know what we’re getting at here!
Think about the support you require from a bra
Support is the other big factor when buying a bra. For larger breasted women and those who are pregnant or breast-feeding a full coverage bra is pretty much a must. Full cup bras offer the greatest support, and support is vital if you’re going to look after your chest and those vital supporting cooper’s ligaments.
For smaller chested ladies, a full coverage bra could be useful when wearing a t-shirt, for times when you do not want bra lines to show or for some forms of lighter exercise.
How will you wear the bra?
Think about what you’ll be wearing. Low cut or higher neck? See through or opaque. Now you want to think about how much of your bosom you’ll want to be seen.
Demi bras are a fantastic design for low cut tops, in which the top of a full coverage bra would otherwise show through.
But pay attention to how the demi-cup bra fits. If this bra doesn’t fit properly, the breasts may appear bulgy or cut off. When you try on a demi bra, pull a shirt on over it to see how the fabric drapes. If you would prefer that your nipples be covered when wearing a demi bra, seek out a demi bra with more coverage.
But however the bra fits, don’t be tempted to wear a bra for sports. There just isn’t enough support and you can only imagine how embarrassing it would be if your breasts suddenly popped out of the bra while you’re pulling off a star jump or a tennis serve.
* We’ll look at a range of other bra styles in future blogs.
We love this time of year because it’s when all the new season swimwear and beachwear comes in. Great news if the surf style is your thing, we’ve added Rip Curl and Quiksilver to our surf brands this year, so you’re spoilt for choice. Colours are bright and bold and there are some really cute prints around. Surf brands to watch this spring / summer are Roxy, O’Neill, Animal, Rip Curl, Quiksilver and Protest.
Set 1
Love the palm tree print on this adorable Roxi bikini . Team up with this versatile Animal beach bag , O’Neill Top , Roxy Shorts and Animal sandals.
Set 2
Loving the monochrome / pink combo. This huge Roxy beach towel is perfect for long lazy days on the beach with friends.
Set 3
Check out these colours!
Shop these collections at Simply Beach.
There was a time – and you might find this difficult to believe – when the only way to boost a smaller chest was to stuff socks or toilet paper down your bra. It wasn’t comfy and it didn’t always do the trick for long but short of surgery or an extra five stones in weight, this was the only option open to ladies who fancied a small bosom booster.
Oh but these days, it’s all so different, isn’t it? In fact, it can be pretty tough working out which type of bra enhancer to go for. The choice includes gel bras, padded bras, push-up bras and gel inserts. Don’t forget, it’s not all just about Wonderbra! After Eden do a particularly fantastic range of boosing bras for smaller chests, as do Pour Moi, both starting from an A cup. Lovely, high quality brand Wacoal also do bust enchancing bras for bigger chests that give brilliant shape and lift.
From padded bras to push-up bras
Padded bras are as you’d imagine, although they cover a broad spectrum of styles and uses. Essentially a padded bra helps to give the breast size a small increase and when you pop your top over a padded bra it gives a realistic look of a slightly bigger chest size.
Look for smooth seams, or seamless, and underwire bras for a better fit. Don’t be tempted to buy a padded bra that is a size too big because it will gape and look baggy. The bra should fit snugly and simply offer an extra boost. Padded bras are ideal for wearing beneath tight fitting tops and t-shirts.
Padded bras also come in strapless and multi-way designs so that you can wear them under a range of different clothes, for example a strapless dress or a backless top.
Gel bras are similar to padded bras except the extra boost is given by a gel-style substance. If you’re looking for a bigger boost than a padded bra a gel bra can offer a more realistic look beneath your clothes. The gel naturally moulds around your existing shape to give the illusion of a fuller, more bountiful bosom.
Push-up bras also do as they say on the label! The aim of this style of bra is to aim to give you more of a cleavage. By pushing your breasts upwards with the support of a good fitting bra you can create a realistic cleavage.
But beware all you smaller chested ladies. If your breast tissue is pushed up too much towards a cleavage it could leave you with an obvious gap at the sides of your chest. So choose a push up bra to fit your size and don’t aim to go for a bra that claims to boost your chest by three sizes.
Bra inserters can be a useful addition to your lingerie wardrobe. For times when you need a small lift, you simply pop an enhancement inserter into your normal bra. This gives you the option of wearing a bra without the inserter or adding one in for a special occasion.
Inserts can also help to create a cleavage as they usually sit beneath your breast inside the bra cup and create the illusion of a fuller chest.
And the great thing about smaller chests? When you’re not looking for a breast boost, you simply wear a normal bra and enjoy being your normal size again. Smaller chests are a bonus when taking part in sports, for example, and many smaller ladies delight in being able to pop on a crop top bra for support and off they go.
When it comes to retro-inspired kookiness, British label Red or Dead are the undisputed leaders of the pack. Founders Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway may have sold the label years ago, but the sense of cheeky fun they were so renowned for is still well evident in the colours, styles and prints. There’s a real sense of joy to the collection, which once again takes inspiration from the 50s, with skirted one pieces and structured high waisted bikinis the order of the day.
Shop the new Red or Dead swimwear collection at Simply Beach.
Bring up the subject of men buying lingerie for their wives or girlfriends, and most women will pull a worried face, their mind filling with visions of tacky, unflattering garments and fishnet tights.
Particularly around Christmas, Birthdays and Valentine’s Day, you can find men wandering aimlessly around underwear departments looking sweaty and panicked, eventually seeking out a bemused shop assistant in the hope that she can tell him what to buy for a woman she has never met. Of course, some men do get it right every time, but for those who struggle there are plenty of how to guides out there for men, often written by women.
To test exactly how helpful these guides are, I emailed an online advice page to my long suffering boyfriend. I was disheartened to read the first line of his reply; “Note to self…never buy you underwear”. Other words that frequently appeared were “complicated” and “easy to mess up”. He was sufficiently terrified, so I deemed the next stage of the experiment – using the advice to actually buy some lingerie – to be too cruel.
I began to wonder if it might be a better approach to have a ‘how to buy your partner lingerie’ guide for men, written by a man. However, my survey on this idea just created more panic when I asked the men in my office, thinking I wanted them to write it.
So, in an attempt to eliminate this sense of fear and complication, I decided to figure out the key components a man should know in order to buy woman lingerie, breaking it down into Four Golden Rules:
1) Size. You need to play detective and sneakily look into her underwear drawer to see what sizes she already owns. Don’t guess, that will only end in tears!
2) Colour. Figure out what colours she likes, if necessary taking another sneaky look in her wardrobe and lingerie draw. If you get to feel like 007 in the process, this will give you a real ego boost.
3) Shape. There are so many shapes of bras and knickers out there, it is best to know her body shape, and what will look best on her. For example if she is busty, more coverage and support will make her feel sexy. If completely stumped, Google ‘women’s body shapes’ and find out which one she is.
4) Style. How does she usually dress? Does she love bold leopard prints? Or does she like subtle sophistication? Once again, if you’re not sure, go back and look at what she already owns, but please try to be stealthy; you don’t want to be accused of having an unhealthy interest in her underwear.
So gentlemen, there are my Four Golden Rules to lingerie buying. I hope they help. Remember if all else fails, ask her best friend. She’ll know the answer to all these questions without having to rummage through your Ikea drawers!
Unless you’ve lived in a cave for the last few years, you may be aware that the Olympics are coming to town this summer! and as well as the Olympics we’ve got the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee over the long weekend 2nd – 5th June. The city is going to be swamped. If you’re a visitor or a local seeking some solace away from the throngs, there are plenty of great beaches a stone’s throw from London where you can find some peace and quiet. Here’s our top five.
1. Botany Bay, Kent
A gem of a beach in Kent, less than 80 miles from London. Quieter than it’s neighbour Joss Bay, Botany Bay is a picturesque sandy beach, sheltered by the dramatic white chalk cliffs that characterise this part of the world. Definitely worth a day trip and the pretty coastal town of Broadstairs is only 3 miles away.
http://www.nearestbeach.co.uk/kent/botany-bay-beach-broadstairs/
2. West Wittering, West Sussex
West of Brighton and just under 90 miles from London lies the stunning expanse of white sand that is West Wittering. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the beach is backed by soft sand dunes and pretty coloured beach huts. Great for wildlife watching too. The perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. The historic city of Chichester is just 8 miles away.
http://www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk/
3. Margate, Kent
One for art lovers. This area is undergoing lots of regeneration and has become a mecca for art and vintage lovers. The Turner Contemporary opened on the seafront last year and lots of quirky boutiques have started springing up in the town. The beach itself is a massive expanse of golden sand. A real traditional kiss-me-quick, bucket and spade beach with arcades and rides aplenty, contrasted with the arty new shops makes for an interesting day out. The busiest of our top five. 75 miles from London.
4. Camber Sands, East Sussex
At the far east of Sussex, close to the border with Kent lies Camber Sands. A huge sandy beach backed with sand dunes, the only ones in East Sussex. The dunes are home to interesting wildlife and a day here feels like a million miles from the stress of the city. Nearby Rye is well worth a look, it’s a quaint town full of antique shops.
http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/coast/cambersands/default.htm
5. Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
80 miles from London is the traditional seaside resort of Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex. Great for families, with loads to do on the pier, which is the 3rd longest in the country. It’s a fun, family day out and a breath of fresh air, away from the Old Smoke. Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, is 20 miles away.
While chilly winter nights call for long sleeves, trousers, and even all-in-one night-time outfits and socks, come spring many women prefer to wear a little less in bed. Now is the time to put on t-shirt and shorts pyjama combos and perhaps a pretty nightie or simply a pants and vest set.
And did you know that what you choose to wear in bed actually says a lot about who you are?
Guide to spring and summer pyjama wearers
Girls just wanna have fun: T-shirts and pants in bright colours and crazy designs make going to bed seem so much more fun than sitting up to watch the TV. If you only have yourself to please, choose a top and trousers or shorts combo that males you smile. Comfort is also an important consideration for this type of sleepy head, so most will go for soft cotton or perhaps the occasional item of silk. We’re talking loose fit, fun and easy-to-wear.
Simple pleasures: Sometimes the perfect way to head to the land of nod is to slip between the sheets in a simple pants and vest pyjama set. Summer is the perfect time…
Dressed for… Oooh, well, whatever you might fancy! There is no denying that satin and silk negligees, chemise or shift nightie will have a heart racing on the other side of the bed. Or perhaps you simply like to feel glam for going to bed solo. Whatever your reasons, a gorgeous silk nightie is the perfect night-time outfit for special occasions.
Oh so pretty: Why reserve getting dressed up for daytime wear only? If you like to have sweet dreams, go to bed in a pretty – and perhaps frilly – pyjama set. Choose form a wide array of gorgeous fabrics with lacy edges and oh-so-delicate straps.
Dare to bear: Of course, there are nights when the only way to feel comfortable is to go to sleep in the buff! Remember to have your dressing gown at the side of the bed in case you need to get up in the night.
Are you the kind of girl who grabs the first bra and pants that come to hand in your lingerie drawers, pull them on and cover-up with the rest of your day’s clothing? Or are you the type who always wears matching bra and pants, however long it takes to find the matching pair and whatever you plan to be doing that day?
(There are, of course, many women who reserve their best matching bra and knickers for days when they might be sharing their evening and night with a special someone!)
But back to your everyday bra and pants habits. According to retailers of lingerie, the percentage of “matching” women accounts for about 10% of sales. Some luxury brands reckon the figure is more like 30%. Some women buy three pairs of the same pants to match one particular bra so that it is easier to match up their lingerie on a more regular basis.
Why do some women match bras and pants – and some don’t?
According to psychologists, there are women who feel more confident about themselves if they know they are wearing matching lingerie. It’s not simply about situations where you might need to disrobe, such as at a doctor’s appointment or in the changing rooms at the gym, but simply that wearing matching underwear makes them feel “together” and “co-ordinated”, which in turn leads to improved feelings of body confidence.
Think about the days when you head out the door in a pair of trousers and a top that you’re not quite sure match. Or other days when you’re secretly wearing odd socks. Do you feel confident about how you look, or lucky to get away with no comments from friends and colleagues?!
But those of us who don’t match our bra and pants shouldn’t feel bad. There are occasions when it’s almost impossible to match a bra with pants. One friend confided that her favourite bra only matches with a pair of thongs and there are days when thongs just don’t feel comfortable.
And why should we feel uncomfortable with non-matching lingerie when the only person who’ll see the mismatch is ourselves, before we put on our pyjamas at night?
Top tip for matching lingerie on most days of the week
If you would prefer to match but often can’t seem to find the bra and pants that go as a pair, why not buy two bras in the same colour and design and five pairs of pants? Alternatively go for all black bras and pants, with similar designs. It might seem boring to you as you choose your underwear each morning but at least you will feel confident of being a full-time matcher!
Here at Simply Beach, we are very excited to have Triumph lingerie in stock. Triumph create classic designs with modern twists, and with 125 years of experience in the industry, they know what suits women’s bodies.
It’s hard to imagine life before the bra, but cumbersome whale bone corsets were the norm until the late 19th Century, with wide scale production of the bra not occurring until well into the 20th Century.
The brain child of corsetier Johann Gottfried and merchant Michael Braun, Triumph began with just six employees and sewing machines in a barn. They were involved with the development of the early bra, driving designs forward in the 1920s when fashion became more affordable. Some have even credited Gottfried and Braun’s firm as the first to make the bra commercially available.
Triumph’s range of lovely half cup bras will give you brilliant shape and include DD+ sizes. Their gorgeous shapewear includes soft underwired bodysuits and high waisted knickers that will help to sculpt your silhouette, and are comfortable enough for you to wear all day.
Take a look at Triumph’s video celebrating 125 years in the industry!
It’s not often that you see your own boobs bouncing. But the chances are you have noticed this phenomenon in other women – at the gym, passing runners on the street. I am only a little ashamed to confess that my daughter and I operate a “boobs bounce-o-metre” for female joggers, where a 10 is “it’s a knockout,” and a five is, “new bra must be in the wash today.”
Now it’s my turn to turn the bounce-o-metre on myself. Following the instructions of Pamela Andrews, a Glasgow-based sports injury injury specialist, I am running on the spot in front of my bedroom mirror and giving my own bosom a score. I’m wearing my age-old favourite sports crop top bra, and I’m stunned to see that even though I’m less-than-well-endowed, there is a definite three out of 10 bounce going on.
“If you’re not wearing a decent, well-fitting sports bra, then your bosom, whether its smaller or larger, will move up and down as well as side to side,” says Andrews. “In the long-term this can lead to irreversible damage.”
Put more technically, during high-impact exercise, chests that aren’t properly support by a good sports bra can bounce by as much as 21cm. This causes the breasts’ main support system, the Cooper’s ligaments, to be put under stress, which leads to them being stretched. Once these ligaments are stretched they never recover and that causes the chest to sag.
So while keeping fit is good for your health, it seems that exercising without a good sports bra is bad for your breasts.
But is it okay to jog in your normal bra? Apparently not. A study at the University of Portsmouth found that breasts move as much during slow jogging as during sprinting. Other activities that really need a good quality sports bra include circuits, aerobics, body attack and trampolining.
I’m told that even women with smaller chests will be affected by so-called “Cooper’s droop.” Pamela says: “Whether you measure a 34A or a 36E, the supporting ligaments are under just as much strain. That’s why sports bras are made to fit all sizes of bust.”
She suggests that a well-fitted bra is a girl’s best friend. In fact, an Australian study revealed that a good sports bra can reduce vertical bounce by half that of a bare chest.
We’ll bet you’ll be keen to buy a new sports bra now you know so much about Cooper’s ligaments!
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