The right wedding underwear makes all the difference
Bridal lingerie is so important as wearing the wrong underwear will spoil the look of a couture wedding dress! As a wedding dress designer, I regularly see women coming to fittings wearing the wrong size bra – and this is not just those with a large bust. The golden rule for choosing wedding underwear is never sacrifice fit and comfort on your special day because the bra looks attractive.
When choosing your outfit – and this is true not just for the bride, but also for the mother of the bride or groom and the bridesmaids – bear in mind what type of bra will work underneath it.
Low backed dresses for brides continue to be on trend which always leads to a bra dilemma. Not everyone gets on with bras that cross over and fasten at the waist as these can be uncomfortable.
The latest option is the stick-on bra that has no strap around the back but I would question the support this gives. In reality these do little more than add a bit of padding and hide the nipple. And you may need to carry a roll of double sided tape for emergencies!
So what can be done to solve this problem of a backless dress? I would recommend a dress with built in cups although this does not work with a cowl back, and then the only option will be a bra that fastens at the waist or a stick on bra.
And my top tip? Invest in the right fitting outfit and if at all possible have it made if funds permit. This way the garment can be cut to suit you – and you can wear the right lingerie for your size and feel relaxed on the day knowing you look your best. It is a lifetime occasion after all – and the photos that will haunt you forever!
Top tips on bra fitting from an expert
According to expert bra fitter June Kenton 85% of women wear the wrong bra and she should know because over a long career at Rigby & Peller she has measured Her Majesty the Queen, Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher – you wouldn’t want to get any of those wrong! June Kenton believes whatever your bust size you should wear an under-wired bra.
June’s Top 5 tips to achieve the perfect fitting bra
1. Check the central part of the bra
Ideally, this should sit flat on your chest, directly on your skin, without digging in or feeling too loose.
2. How does the wire sit?
Follow the wire with your finger it should be sitting closely, but comfortably, around your bust to give you the best fit.
If it is directly on your breast tissue or stands away from your bust, the cup is too small and you should try one or two cup sizes up. Similarly, if the wire is loose, try moving a cup size down.
3. Next, check the cups
If you notice the cups digging into the breast or any wrinkling around the cup, the size is likely to be incorrect. Your breasts should be fully encased creating a smooth, clean silhouette.
4. The band is the most important part in providing the necessary support
Fasten your bra on the middle hook – if the back rides up and isn’t sitting horizontally, the band size is too loose and you should try going down a size. Ideally you should be able to comfortably fit two fingers under the fastening of the band at the back. If more than two fingers fit, the band is too loose. Similarly, if fitting two fingers in is difficult, the band is too tight.
NOTE: if the band is too loose and you go down a band size, you will need a larger cup size to compensate. For example, if a 34C cup is loose try a 32D cup.
5. Finally, adjust the straps
These should sit firmly on the shoulder without digging in or leaving marks and indentations. Straps help to balance the weight of your breasts but perhaps surprisingly the main support comes from the band.
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