THE BARE NECESSITIES

For all the styling hacks and must-have accessories in the world, when it comes to feeling good in your clothes, nothing quite has the same impact as a well-fitting bra. A good bra can change everything from your posture to even the way a certain article of clothing sits on you. It can leave your silhouette more defined and allow the kind of effortless comfort that doesn't have you tearing the straps off the minute you get home. Ultimately, the best bras work for you - not against you.

Despite all the good bras can do for our body and our wardrobe, they receive very little attention. Many of us have been wearing the same two or three every day for years, despite owning ten times that amount. The reason being that they don’t fit right, they’re not comfortable or they’re just not compatible with your breast shape.

Rather than stick with a bunch of over-worn and barely-worn bras, isn’t it time to update your top drawer with a collection of bras you can not only actually wear, but wear each on equal rotation? To help you do just that, we’ve taken the liberty to break down the styles every woman should own (and the briefs to match).

THE BRALETTE:

Typically, unpadded, seamless, and either made of cotton, silk or lace, the bralette is one of those everyday bras you turn to because it's supportive yet comfortable. This Darling bralette from LOVE Stories encapsulates the brand’s feminine-meets-functional aesthetic. Cut from a soft-stretch fabric and topped with eyelash lace, it’s even equipped with removable padding and wide elastic underband for extra support when needed.

THE NUDE:

The nude bra earns a rightful place in your top drawer and works under almost all garments, from tailored pieces to sheer fabrics and white, light or bright colours. Opt for a smooth finish with minimal embellishment for maximum versatility like this nude option from La Perla. Designed with comfort in mind, this bra contours to your body shape like a second skin. It’s made using a lightweight stretch fabric and features unpadded cups for extra comfort.

THE RACER:

Racerback bras are favoured for their comfort. Most associated with workouts or lounging around, this silhouette is edging out into new territory. Thanks to new iterations of the style, racerback bras are becoming more stylish and comfortable than ever, and acceptable for every occasion too. This Gita bralette from SKIN is fitted with a J-hook fastening at the back that converts the bra into a racerback for ultimate comfort as well as wearability.

THE T-SHIRT:

Other styles are more overtly sexy, but the T-shirt bra’s main functions are to be invisible and comfortable. Ultra-smooth and seam-free, it can be worn under a myriad of styles - not just tees - and is the bra type you’ll likely get the most use of out. This one from Calvin Klein is sure to become a top drawer staple as it centres around comfort. The bra itself has demi-plunge spacer cups made from a super-soft ribbed modal fabric and is trimmed with a more understated version of the brand’s signature logo.

THE PLUNGE:

If your wardrobe consists mainly of V-necks, button-down shirts and low-cut dresses, a plunge bra is a must. Made up of angled cups and a narrowly centred gore, they create the appearance of increased cleavage while remaining hidden. Designed for everyday wear, this Raffiné’s Plunge Bra from Wacoal is underwired for full support and lightly padded to create life and shape.

THE STRAPLESS:

Although not an everyday essential, a strapless bra is one style you’ll find yourself wishing you owned when more formal dressing is required. With wide sides and sewn-in silicone stitching along the edges to keep it in place, strapless bras have come a long way in recent years and are no longer renowned for sliding down. But it’s no longer enough to just buy the basics, instead opt for a bra that features removable straps and multi-way positioning to provide solutions for the trickiest of necklines like this Eden Zen Strapless Bra from Simone Pérèle.

THE SPORTS:

Even if you aren't athletic, you need to own a supportive sports bra to help prevent breast tissue damage. Even light walking can stretch and break down the ligaments that support your breasts, which leads to sagging. This Panache sports bra offers maximum support in a stylish design. A racer back ring detail offers additional stability, dispersing pressure whilst you exercise, while breathable outer performance fabric keeps you dry and fresh while you work up a sweat. What’s more, it’s suitable for both high and low impact exercises.

THE STATEMENT:

Normally you want your bra to be unobtrusive, but then there are those moments when a gorgeous bra is just meant to be seen. For those occasions, it makes sense to have a gorgeous, eye-catching bra in your collection. This Bel Semi-Sheer Bra from Eres is just the ticket as it is unpadded and free of wires making it as comfortable as it is impactful. You can wear this as a statement piece to be seen or for your eyes only.

MORE TO READ

Once you’ve finished updating your top drawer, might it be time to upgrade your jewellery box? Discover the new jewellery designers coming to store this season in Essential Gems.