Women's Bras, Shapewear and Underwear

Bra style and size: band, cup and coverage

Start with the style. Underwire bras shape and lift, wire-free and bandeau styles trade lift for comfort, push-up designs add padding, and full-coverage cups enclose the whole breast. Seamless bras show less under clothing. Letter sizes such as small, medium and large rely on stretch, so they suit soft bras, while band and cup sizing gives a more exact fit. The band does most of the support work, so it should sit level and snug.

Shapewear, liners and pads: fabric and everyday comfort

Shapewear is graded by compression, from light smoothing to firm control, so choose by how long you will wear it and size by the waist and hip chart. Adhesive lingerie sticks directly to skin for backless or strapless outfits; check whether it is single-use or reusable and how to clean it. Bra and tummy liners are absorbent cotton layers that protect clothing from sweat. Pads and liners are sized and graded by absorbency, such as overnight or extra heavy, and by whether they have wings.

Questions about Women's Bras, Shapewear and Underwear

How do I measure my bra size?

Measure snugly around the ribcage just under the bust for the band size, then around the fullest part of the bust. The difference between the two sets the cup size. Use a manufacturer chart, because sizing varies, and expect to adjust if the band rides up or the cups gape.

Underwire or wire-free: which is better?

Neither is better for everyone. Underwires give shape and lift for larger or fuller busts and structured clothes. Wire-free bras are softer and often more comfortable for sleep and long wear. The wire should lie flat against the ribs, never pressing on breast tissue.

How should I wash adhesive bras and shapewear?

Follow the care label. Reusable adhesive pieces are usually cleaned gently with water and mild soap and air dried with the sticky side up, away from heat. Shapewear does best in a laundry bag on a delicate cycle, since heat and agitation wear out the elastic.