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A woman knows finding the right bra goes a long way in helping her find comfort, support, and confidence. But for those with side-set breasts, meaning their breasts are spaced further apart, this is more challenging. That’s because side-set breasts often require bras that help bring the breasts closer together, create better cleavage, and provide strong support. In this guide, we’ll see what makes side-set breasts unique and help you find the best bras tailored to this specific shape, ensuring comfort and flattering support.
What Are Side-Set Breasts?
Side-set breasts are characterized by a wider space between the breasts, often with the nipple pointing slightly outward. This breast shape differs from close-set breasts, where the breasts sit closer together. Side-set breasts can sometimes make it harder to find bras that provide the right amount of cleavage or support, leading to discomfort or a less-than-ideal fit.
When shopping for bras, women with side-set breasts typically struggle to find options that hold the breasts in place without creating a gap in the centre of the chest. A well-fitted bra minimizes wide spacing. And it improves your cleavage, lift, and shape while you are at it. So, choosing the right style is not just about comfort. It helps you shape your silhouette.
If you are a woman with side-set breasts, let’s look at the key features you need in any bra and our top tips to help you find the comfort you need.
Five Key Bra Features for Side-Set Breasts
These five features are especially important in a bra, for women with side-set breasts:
#1. Watch the Centre Gore. The centre gore connects your bra cups. For side-set breasts, look for bras with a low or narrow centre gore. A wide centre gore can create discomfort, as it doesn’t allow the cups to fit closely together, leaving a gap in the middle.
#2. Underwire vs. Wireless. Does it matter? Not really! Underwire bras tend to provide more structure and support, which can help bring side-set breasts closer together and lift them for a more flattering shape. But a wireless bra with side support also combines good shaping with comfort.
#3. Look for full coverage cups. Full coverage bras cups are generally more supportive for side-set breasts. That’s because they provide a better fit by covering the whole breast. This prevents spillage and helps contain the breasts, preventing them from being pushed to the side or spilling out.
#4. Get side support panels or seams. Such support helps breast tissue lean inwards. That’s what makes them perfect for side-set breasts. These features help pull the breasts closer to the chest, while enhancing cleavage and providing a more rounded appearance.
#5. Watch out for wide straps. Wide straps distribute weight evenly across the shoulders, reducing pressure and discomfort, especially for those with larger or more spaced breasts. They also lift and support side-set breasts a whole lot better.
If you want to see what this looks like, see how the Synchro Padded Non-Wired 3/4th Cup Everyday Wear T-Shirt Bra - Beige style from the Wacoal Collection brings these features together. With its crisscross overlapping side panels and adjustable straps, it offers great support to women with side-set breasts.
Some Wacoal styles, like Basic Mold Padded Wired Half Cup Strapless Bandeau T-Shirt Bra - Green and Moselle Padded Wired Full Cup Bridal Wear Full coverage Lace Bra - Purple, completely do away with the centre gore. While others, like Franca Padded Non-wired Full Cup Everyday Wear Full coverage T-Shirt Bra - Black and Back Appeal Minimizer Non-Padded Wired Full Coverage Full Cup Bra - Pink offer side support and a narrow centre gore.
Seven Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
When shopping for a bra, it’s always important to ensure a good fit. But it is even more crucial when you have side-set breasts. We have some tips to finally help you find the perfect fit:
#1. Get professionally fitted. The importance of a professional bra fitting cannot be overstated. Many department stores and lingerie shops offer free fittings, ensuring that you get your exact size. This can prevent you from buying bras that are too tight, too loose, or the wrong cup size.
#2. Check the band fit. The band should rest easily on your ribs without cutting in. While a loose band does not offer you sufficient support, a tight band can be uncomfortable. So, find your balance. Make sure the band stays in place as you move your arms or shoulders.
#3. Adjust the straps. The straps should be snug enough to provide a lift, but not so tight that they dig into your skin. And if they slip off your shoulders, the bra is probably too large. But if you feel them cutting into your skin, it may be too tight.
#4. Try on Multiple Styles: Different bra styles work for different body shapes, so it’s worth experimenting with various cuts and designs. Try bras with side support, underwire, and different cup shapes to see which works best for you.
#5. Remember material and breathability: Soft, breathable materials like cotton, mesh, and microfiber are ideal for comfort, especially if you’ll be wearing the bra for a long time. Choose materials that allow air circulation to prevent sweating or irritation.
#6. Consider lifestyle and activity level: Consider your daily activities when choosing a bra. If you’re active, a sports bra with side support may be more suitable. For office work or casual days, a lightweight, comfortable bra could work better.
#7. Decide on color and aesthetic preferences: While support is the priority, bras also come in various colors, designs, and aesthetics. Whether you prefer neutral tones for everyday wear or something more vibrant for special occasions, make sure your bras match your personal style.
Finally, choosing the best bra for side-set breasts is about finding the perfect blend of comfort, support and confidence that you need. By focusing on bras with the right features, such as a narrow centre gore, full-coverage cups, and side support panels, you can create a more flattering silhouette and avoid common fit issues. Don’t be afraid to try different styles and adjust the fit until you find the perfect match. It may not always be easy. But once you do find your ideal bra, it will certainly offer you the support and comfort you deserve.