As we find ourselves yet again with Valentine’s Day upon us, you’ve probably noticed that seasonal spike in lingerie editorials.

Lovely, yes… but to my mind none of them are really tackling the big question…

Are You Wearing The Wrong Bra??

Indeed, many may have had this suspicion for some time. You know you’re supposed to get a proper fitting… but you just never seem to get around to it.

I’m here to tell you, you’re not alone (cue: knowing nods).

But I also have to admit that I know next to nothing about finding the right bra, so today I defer to a ‘bra expert’ – Marie Savvas, designer of the loveliest lingerie label, Palindrome, whose career in the  bra business spans more than two decades.

To read-up on Marie’s TOP 10 TIPS ON FINDING THE RIGHT BRA, follow the link below…

1. HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M WEARING THE WRONG BRA FOR ME?

If your bra is uncomfortable, not offering you the right level of support or the fit is ‘off’ i.e. cutting in or gaping it’s because you’re wearing the wrong bra.
The best test is noting how quickly you find yourself tearing your bra off at the end of the day!!

2. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE UPDATING MY BRAS?
I see women wearing threadbare bras for 10 years because they’re ‘loose and comfortable’. The reality however is that bras that are worn and washed regularly should be updated every 6 months, after which time they start to lose their elasticity and stop functioning as well.

3. WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR PICKING THE BEST BRA?
Without a doubt I say get professionally fitted, preferably twice a year. Buying bras is such an individual experience, don’t be afraid to step out & try different styles, colours & cup shapes.

4. ARE TRIANGLE BRAS JUST FOR A-CUPS?
Once redundant, the triangle cup has become the ‘It Bra’. This style of bra isn’t synonymous with support though and is ideally to small or firm busts and are also great for augmented breasts.

5. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE WASHING MY BRAS?
Usually a couple of wears should see them heading off to the wash.

6. WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO WASH MY BRAS?
If we’re talking about longevity, hand washing your smalls in a gentle detergent is the way to go. But, if you’re anything like me A) time poor B) not keen on washing undies by hand,  then you can place your lingerie in a wash bag and run them through a gentle machine cycle. TIP: After washing, hang them in the shade as direct sunlight can make light colours turn yellow, especially foam cups.

7. WHAT THE MOST FLATTERING BRA FOR A SMALL BUST?
Usually push up bras are great for adding volume to a small bust and work really well for body-con dressing. For a more relaxed fit however, triangle bras are the go-to bra shape, complimenting looser clothing like cut-away armholes.

8. WHAT THE MOST FLATTERING BRA FOR A LARGE BUST?
Large busts look so great in balconette shapes that have a slightly higher front and underarm support for that va-va-voom uplift – think Monica Belluci.

9. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO FINDING A STRAPLESS BRA THAT WORKS?
To start, help that strapless bra defy gravity and ensure you’re wearing the right size. Make sure the bra is sitting flat against you between the bust and the back feels supportive in the frame.
Try on a few different styles to see what feels right for you – some have silicone gripper on the back to help hold, others have wide bands that rely on a compressed fit to keep them up.
TIP: When you find the right one, buy it in all of the basic colours.

10. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST TREND IN LINGERIE AT THE MOMENT?
Bodysuits! From simple foundation pieces to those ultra-sexy styles more suited to your boudoir romp, there’s not denying they’ve made a comeback.

1. Palindrome ‘Pandora’ Double Push Up bra, $139.98
2. Palindrome ‘Panthera’ Contour Balconette bra, $69.99
3. Palindrome ‘Maxim’ Triangle Soft Cup bra, $119.90
4. Palindrome ‘Bodycon’ Push Up Plunge bra, $99.98
5. Palindrome ‘Majesty’ Double Push Up Plunge bra, $159.98
6. Palindrome ‘Leoness’ Triangle Soft Cup bra, $59.99