BRA SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BREAST CHALLENGE

LIFT A SAGGING BUST

A common problem for women over 50, sagging is caused by weight fluctuations and even changes in breast density as menopause kicks in, causing firmer tissues to be replaced with heavier fat, explains bra expert Elisabeth Dale, founder of TheBreastLife.com. Her advice? Pick a full-coverage bra with molded cups (we like Soma’s Stunning Support Full Coverage Bra, 32C–44G, Soma.com). Breasts conform to the preformed shape so they appear more lifted; and light, allover padding restores volume for a boosted bust.

ADD YOUTHFUL VOLUME

Aging, weight fluctuations and even long-ago nursing can cause breasts to deflate. And while push-up bras seem like the perfect solution for a flat bust, some can be too padded, which can be uncomfortable and look unnatural. The fix: “Look for cups with builtin padding that’s thicker along the bottom of cups and gets gradually thinner toward the top,” says bra specialist Jené Luciani. “It pushes breast tissue upward and inward to create realistic-looking fullness.” One to try: Vanity Fair Ego Boost Push-up Bra, 32A–38D (VanityFairLingerie.com).

SMOOTH SPILLOVER

For many women, the shape of their breasts doesn’t fit into rounded cups, so tissue spills above the cup and over the band, creating chafing and bulges. Luciani suggests a simple solution: triangular-shaped cups. “A more angular design mimics the natural shape of breasts, while fuller coverage contains the entire breast from every angle.” One we like: ThirdLove Foliage Plunge Bra, 32A–42E (ThirdLove.com).