How To Shop For Racerback Bras
Have you heard the news? Spring is right around the corner. With the change in temperature, we can’t wait to trade our cozy layers for easy breezy t-shirts and tank tops. When it comes to lingerie, there are a few key styles that are essential for warmer weather. More specifically, we’re talking about strapless bras, bralettes, unlined wire bras, and racerback bras. We all need a good strapless bra to wear under tricky strapless, halter, and one shoulder necklines. Bralettes are a staple because they’re super comfortable and a fashion statement all their own. Unlined wire bras are a popular alternative in the spring and summer months because they’re lighter than t-shirt bras and less bulky. Plus, we’re all about celebrating our beautiful, natural shapes – no push-up padding needed.
Of all the styles, racerback bras are among the most challenging to shop for. While the design may be just what we need under our racerback tops and dresses, the non-adjustable band can make it difficult to get a supportive fit. With a bra with a back hook and eye closure, you have three (or more) sets of hooks that you can hook the bra on as time passes. Typically, you’d start the bra on the loosest hook and move it toward the tightest set of hooks as it stretches with wear. Unfortunately, adjusting the band isn’t an option with racerback bras. With racerback bras, it’s especially important to get the fit right and take really good care of the bras so they last as long as possible.
Whether you’re shopping for a racerback online or in-store, here are our top tips for finding a supportive racerback bra.
1. Get a bra fitting
A bra fitting should be your first step before buying any bra. Seriously – wait to buy new bras until you’ve been fitted. Bra fittings can completely change your perspective on how a proper fitting bra looks and feels – and this is very important for a few reasons. Firstly, you might be wearing the wrong bra size and not even realize it. It’s easy to go through life thinking you wear one size only to find out that another size provides a better fit. It’s totally normal and worth the bra fitting when you find a bra that fits.
2. Focus on fit
Most racerback bras are designed with a front closure and a plunging design. When shopping for a racerback bra, opt for a band that has a snug, supportive fit. Sturdy fabrics, like power mesh, hold up well with wear, so look for a band that is either constructed in power mesh entirely or with a power mesh lining.
For the cups, make sure your breast tissue is completely encapsulated within the cups. You don’t want your breast tissue to spill out of the cups (a sign that the bra’s cups are too small) or not fill the cups completely (a sign that the bra’s cups are too big).
For the straps, you should be able to fit two fingers between your skin and the straps. This will help keep the straps on your shoulders without causing the bra’s band to ride up in back (adjust accordingly if you need to – this is a general guide).
Related: What Does A Racerback Bra Do?
3. Trust your intuition
No one knows how a bra feels on but you. A bra fitter may be able to give their expert opinion and tell you if they think it’s a good fit based on how it looks, but you’re the only one that knows if it’s uncomfortable, irritating your skin, or if the style just doesn’t feel right to you. And in most cases, you know almost instantly if you like a bra or not (so trust your intuition when you’re bra shopping).
4. Shop smart
Use coupons, promo codes, and discounts to your advantage. Shopping smart is the key when shopping for lingerie. No matter what your budget is, everyone likes to save money. Sign up for email newsletters to keep updated on the sales at your favorite stores and check their social media around major holidays for deep discounts. January, June, and July are great months to buy lingerie as the seasons are changing and retailers are marking prices down to clear the last season’s styles. You can definitely find some great discounts if you’re willing to wait a little for a deal.
We hope these tips help you find a supportive racerback bra that suits your needs. Have any questions for us about racerback bras? Let us know in the comments below.
Related: 4 Reasons Why You Need A Racerback Bra
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
