A lifestyle editor's no-BS guide to bra shopping like a pro.

Thanks to our brand partner, Triumph

We've all been there — shirtless in the fitting room, fumbling with hooks and eyes and fruitlessly trying to find a bra that's cute, comfortable and supportive.

It's an experience that starts when we're young but doesn't necessarily improve in adulthood without proper guidance.

I remember begging my mother for a bra at 14 before going to the shop on my own to grab the smallest laciest push-up bra babysitting cash could buy. Unfortunately, it didn't offer enough support for everyday wear.

Now, at 30, I can proudly say I've built a collection of bras that have stood the test of time (and the wash). The secret? It's all in the construction.

Here I'm going to break that down and more — everything you actually need to know about fit, comfort and support without the fluff.

Say goodbye to trial and error, questionable fitting room experiences and bras that fall short of your expectations.

1. We're ditching painful underwire.

Ah, rigid underwire. A necessary evil — until now. The digging, the poking, the sheer disappointment when wires break through their casings... we've all been there.

For too long, bras have stayed stuck in the past. While we've seen groundbreaking innovations in tech, space travel and medicine, the wired bra has largely remained unchanged since 1893.

Triumph saw this gap and, as experts in bra design since 1887, they set out to fix it. For years, they've been dedicated to supporting women — literally and figuratively — by creating bras that offer both comfort and confidence. Their solution? The patented Comfort Wire technology, a complete reimagination of the underwire.

This innovation swaps stiffness for flexibility, using wire flexed at an angle that contours to your body. The result? All the support you need without the discomfort you don't.

Backed by years of research and development, Triumph has perfected the balance of structure and softness. So if you're after a comfy, supportive everyday bra, the Illusion Collection is a must.

The Body Make Up Illusion Smooth Wired T-Shirt Bra is the ultimate padded bra, featuring foam cups that seamlessly disappear under clothing, Triumph's Comfort Wire and a soft-touch microfibre finish.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Triumph Lingerie (@triumphlingerie)

On the other hand, the Body Make Up Illusion Smooth Balconette Bra offers the same Comfort Wire and seamless design, but with a balconette cut that's perfect for square-neck tops. The integrated cushioning beautifully helps to centralise and lift the cleavage.

The humble bra may have been overlooked for years, but now, with a cutting-edge design, real progress has been made — offering support without ever cutting into you.

But let's be honest, sometimes you don't just want a bra that disappears under your clothes, you want one that makes you feel amazing. That's where the Body Make Up Illusion Lace range comes in. It combines the same technology with a delicate, lacy finish for a more elevated look.

Available in both a padded V-shape design (a seamless yet elegant everyday option) and a balconette style (providing lift and shaping for square-neck styles), it lets you choose the perfect fit for your outfit and neckline.

2. Get measured (and do it regularly).

Did you know up to 80 per cent of us are walking around in the wrong bra size? You're definitely not alone on this one.

Also, your size isn't static. Hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy and menopause can all alter your measurements so it's worth getting fitted once a year. They'll measure two spots: around your ribcage (your underbust) and the fullest part of your boobs (the overbust). Super simple!

My honest advice? Try not to stress about it. I know it feels awkward but fitting experts see countless boobs every single day — yours won't raise an eyebrow, promise.

Not feeling the in-store experience? Loads of online shops now have measuring guides and videos to help you DIY.

Just keep in mind that sizes can vary so always check those conversion charts if you're shopping internationally.

3. Know your bra styles.

Not all bras are created equal! Different designs suit different body shapes, breast sizes and outfits. Understanding these differences helps you build the ideal functional collection.

It's important to know the difference between the following styles:

• T-shirt bras have moulded, seamless cups that create a smooth look under clothing.

• Balconette bras lift from below, making them perfect for square or wide-neck tops.

• Plunge bras have a deep V-shape and angled cups that enhance cleavage.

• Full-cup bras offer maximum coverage and support, making them ideal for larger busts. 

• Bralettes are wire-free and prioritise comfort, though now there are options with support for larger sizes. 

• Strapless bras rely on secure bands to stay in place. 

• Minimiser bras redistribute breast tissue for a sleeker silhouette. 

There, now you know. I recommend grabbing a mix of them to suit your needs.

4. Spotting the perfect fit.

That magical feeling when your bra fits just right? Here's the secret: the band is actually your breast's best friend, providing 80 to 90 per cent of the support.

It should sit snug across your back — if it's riding up it's probably too loose.

The cups should feel cosy without overcrowding or spillage plus that little connector between the cups (fancy name: centre gore) should be hugging your chest, not floating around.

And those straps? They shouldn't be digging into your shoulders or slipping off like they've given up. If they are, don't blame the straps — it's usually the band needing an adjustment!

Oh and the underwire should follow your natural curves, not poke into breast tissue.

A game-changing trick? Try the "scoop and swoop" method. Put on the bra and lean forward, scooping your breast tissue into the cups with your hand. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

@intimatewithjackie

Replying to @Rhiannon • Vegas Mom Friend ✨ don’t feel silly! A lot of women don’t know what a scoop and swoop is which makes sense because 80% of women are in the wrong size bra! Here’s how to scoop and swoop + what a bra with too small cups looks like (remember the center gore should always be flat, spillage isn’t the only indicator of a too small bra) #intimatewithjackie #bratips #bratiptuesday #bras #brahelp

♬ original sound - Jackie: Bra Edu | Lifestyle

Finally before committing to a bra, give it the real-life test — raise your arms and sit down "for lunch". Your bra should stick with you through it all, not just when you're standing still in the fitting room.

Hopefully these tips will help you find the perfect bra so you can take on the world — one comfortable, confident, supported step at a time.

Shop Triumph's Illusion Collection with Comfort Wire technology for the perfect blend of support and style.

Feature Image: Supplied/Instagram/@triumphlingerie.

Triumph has been crafting lingerie for over 130 years, ensuring women look and feel their best. Since 1886 Triumph has understood that with perfectly fitting lingerie comes the feeling of true support, empowering women every day, all over the world. Designing intimate apparel for every stage of life, Triumph understands that one size does not fit all and believe in celebrating the individuality of every woman.