The Best Bra for Your Body

Bra know-it-all (in a good way) Eyvette Manigault of New York City’s Town Shop helps these five brave volunteers—and you—solve the peskiest fit and flattery issues.

“I thought only a granny bra would work for me.”As a 34DD, Hilary Harper, 25, was living in bras that way overcovered her. Manigault found effective but sexy choices that weren’t as wardrobe-limiting. The lesson? Décolletage is doable as long as you avoid anything demi-style.
After Elle Macpherson Intimates bra, sizes 32B-36E, 38D-DD, $65, Bloomingdale’s, 800-232-1854

“I needed something strapless with more support.”Asia Mone’t, 25, traded her 38DDD bra for one in a 38H because, once again, a larger cup size can offer better support. Bend over to put on your bra, adds Manigault; when you stand up, your breasts should be snugly in place.
After Fantasie bra, sizes 32-40D, 30DD-40E, 30-38F, 30FF-36G, $69, Town Shop, NYC, 212-724-8160

“My bra made me look lumpy in tight shirts.”Nana Brew-Hammond, 31, was searching for something that wouldn’t show up under fitted tees. Manigault tossed her stretched-out style and gave her one that was structured, completely seamless (crucial) and free of bump-creating hardware.
After Wacoal bra, sizes 34-38B, 32C-38DD, $42, wacoal-america.com for stores

“My bra didn’t give me any lift.”Alyse Leung, 23, was sick and tired of her so-called support system. She was making what Manigault says is a very common mistake: a too-small cup paired with a too-large band. Leung swapped her 36C bra for a 32D with fuller-coverage cups—hello, perky!
AfterB.Tempt’d bra, sizes 34-38B, 32C-38D, 32-36DD, $45, btemptd.com for stores

“I wasn’t exactly blessed with a large chest.”Jessica Smith, 23, gravitated toward unstructured styles that made her look, in her words, like “a walking adolescent poem.” The fix? Bras with a lightly molded shape, which round out the bust and give the illusion of a larger cup size.
AfterDKNY bra, sizes 32B-38D, 32-36DD, $40, Macy’s, 800-343-0121

If You Have a Small BustH&M, sizes 4-14, $15, hm.com for stores
Aerie, sizes 32AA-36D, $30, aerie.com
Calvin Klein Underwear, sizes 32A-36D, $42, cku.com

If You Want Serious SupportEmporio Armani, sizes 32A-36D, 38B-D, $46, Armani/5th Avenue, NYC, 212-339-5940
Vanity Fair, sizes 34C-38DD, $38, Macy’s, 800-343-0121
Diesel, sizes 32A-38C, $42, diesel.com