How to Wear a Push Up Bra So It Works

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There are fewer topics about wearing push up bras. Therefore, we’ll discuss how to wear it correctly, comfortably, and well-fittingly while looking for suitable fabric and materials.

​How to Wear a Push Up Bra

​When wearing a push up bra, the first step you need to take is to make sure you’re wearing the correct size. If you’re not wearing the right size, you’re going to be incredibly uncomfortable.

Graphic image that has a series of drawings that shows the steps on how to wear a push up bra

You might even feel some pain after going a long time wearing the wrong size push up bra! Therefore, it’s always important to make sure you are sized and buying the right size bra, especially if it’s your first time purchasing one.

A good way to make sure you’re wearing the right size push up bra is to make sure you buy a bra you can wear on the middle hook. Over time, bras tend to stretch with you.

That means you’re going to have to tighten it on the last hook eventually.

Therefore, you should never buy a bra if you’re wearing it on the tightest hook, to begin with. You may realize that you need to go down in your band size, then.

After being sized and figuring out just what size push up bra you need to look for, there are a few other steps to take to wear a push up bra correctly.

It’s always important to look at the push up bra type, the brand, the material it is made in, the design, and the style before you make your purchase.

Woman in a gray shirt wearing a push up bra underneath

​Finding the Right Push Up Bra Type

​There are a few different push up bra types. Underwire, wireless, and padded tend to be the most common types that people choose from.

Although ​people usually have a ​combination of these bras for different uses and occasions, it’s great to first find a preference that suits your lifestyle ​before proceeding to test out other types of push up bras.

​Highly rated push up bras with underwire are supported with a durable underwiring that rests under your boobs. Wireless push up bras forgo this underwiring completely.

Finally, padded push up bras just mean they have more padding than normal (mainly to help increase the overall volume of your breasts). These may have either underwiring or wireless aspects as well.

Finding the right push up bra type is all up to what you feel the most comfortable with, and what helps uplift your boobs​ the most naturally.

Some women like underwire push up bras because they offer more support. Others like wireless bras because they tend to be more comfortable.

Finding the bra that fits you the best is the choice only you can make.

​The Best Types for Every Breast

​There are certain types of push up bras that are better for some, and worse for others. If you have sagging breasts, look into checking out a push up bra with underwiring.

An underwire push up bra tends to offer more support and stability, which can really help you feel supported when wearing it.

A black push-up bra with lace and black straps placed on a white surface

If you have larger breasts, steer clear of push up bras that seem to have a lot of extra padding. Look for padding that accentuates your breasts, not padding that just constricts them.

If you have smaller breasts and want an overall breast enlargement, look for push up bras with more padding (either underwired or wireless).

If designed correctly, more padding in a push up bra for smaller breasts can actually enhance the whole breast, not just lift up the current size.

This is ideal if you would like to wear a basic t-shirt with your push up bra and want an uplifted silhouette.

​Finding the Right Shape

​To properly wear a push up bra with any given outfit, you need to make sure you have the right push up bra shape. Of course, the more options you have at home to wear with your outfits, the merrier.

A lot of push up bras come in demi-cup bra style. Others are available in a plunging style for those who are looking to wear a push up bra with a plunging neckline.

Strapless push up bras are also very popular, as are racerback push up bras. If you have a tight bodycon dress, consider wearing a strapless pushup bra as well.

For lower cut necklines, wear a demi-cup or plunging push up bra. For sleeveless dresses or tops, strapless is always a good way to go.

​Strapless Push Up Bras

​Strapless push up bras are just that – strapless. They come with no straps, which makes them ideal for sleeveless dresses or off the shoulder tops.

Strapless push up bras is trickier to get a full, enhanced look. They really should only be worn when wearing a strapless dress or top (and when there is no other option).

A woman wearing a black push-up bra and black leggings is seated on a white bed in the bedroom

​Demi-cup Push Up Bra

​Regular demi-cup bras cover about half of your breasts and tend to stop at a tilt. This style helps enhance your cleavage. A demi-cup push up bra really helps enhance your overall cleavage by gently pushing your breasts together.

Demi-cup push up bras can be beneficial to wear with anything, whether that’s a low cut top or a t-shirt. They offer full support, which can help give you a natural appearance no matter what top you’re wearing.

Wearing a low cut dress, a v-neck shirt, or just a basic high neck t-shirt would look best with demi-cup push up bras.

​Racerback Push Up Bra

​​Regular racerback bras are attached at the back, creating what looks like an X and keeping your bra straps from showing when wearing certain outfits. A racerback push up bra does the same thing.

One of the great things about racerback push up bras is it helps enhance your cleavage more so than the other bras. Racerback bras already do this because of the angle and style they are formatted in.

But, racerback push up bras helps to make the enhancement of cleavage the main feature. Racerback push up bras would look best with low cut tank top style dresses or tops.

This way, you can keep your bra straps from showing while also uplifting your breasts. You won’t need to wear a strapless push up bra.

​Plunging Push Up Bra

​Just like the strapless push up bra should only be used when wearing sleeveless outfits, the plunging push up bra should only be worn when wearing a plunging, low cut necklines.

Plunging push up bras don’t offer the best support. They can become quite uncomfortable after wearing them for a while. Wear them when absolutely needed.

However, plunging push up bras are so handy to have for those low cut gowns or tops. A lot of women like to invest in push up bras when they have low cut outfits they would like to wear.

A plunging push up bra is always a great investment.

​Finding the Right Material

​Just like regular bras, push up bras come in loads of different materials. However, the most common push up bra material tends to be seamless. For those purchasing their first push up bra, a seamless push up bra is the best way to go.

You can wear this bra with literally anything and not have to worry about the seams showing through your dress or top. However, push up bras do come in lace and other materials for those who are looking for different materials and designs.

Everyone is different on the type of material they like to wear. Make sure the material you buy isn’t noticeable under the clothes you wear.

The last thing you want is your bra to be noticeable underneath your shirt because of the material it is made of. In search of the best bra that will enhance both your assets and your figure?

I’ve put together a review on the top push up bras in the market.

Different types of bras

​How to Put on a Push Up Bra

​It’s okay if you don’t understand the ins and outs of push up bras. This guide is here to make sure you know how to find the best push up bra for your lifestyle and how to wear it properly.

Now that I’ve discussed how to find the best push up bra, let’s talk about the easy way to accurately put on a push up bra. Maybe you’re wondering how to wear a push up bra.

Regardless if you have smaller breasts or larger ones, this simple guide will help you figure out how to comfortably put on and wear your bra. This guide is applicable for all women, regardless of what their breast size is.

Steps in Wearing a Push Up Bra

StepsAction
Step 1Hook the bra band together
Step 2Press the cups firmly against your chest
Step 3Readjust the straps

​Hook the Band

​The first step is to hook your bra band together. There is no “correct” way to do this. You can do this in front of you and then turn the bra around to the correct position once it’s done.

Or, you can do this with the bra on normally, your hands reaching to where the band meets at your back. As I mentioned earlier, it’s best if you have your bra comfortably connected to the middle hook.

Some women even say the last hook. Your push up bra is bound to stretch with you over time. It’s best to make sure you’re wearing a bra that is both your size and that will last a long time.

Place Your Breasts in Your Bra

When wearing a push up bra, it’s important to remember to make sure your breasts are resting above the underwiring or padded aspects of the bra.

To do this easily, lean down and then lift your breasts to accurately place them in the cups. As you straighten back up, make sure your breasts are resting in an accurate position and not spilling over your bra.

If they do, this may mean your bra is too small. You should also make sure your breasts aren’t spilling out over the side of your bra. This could mean you are wearing the wrong push up a bra size, or that the bra was not fitted to you correctly.

​Adjust the Bra Straps

Adjusting your push up bra straps is such an important step to take to make sure you are as comfortable as can be. A lot of times, when people feel discomfort when wearing push up bras, it’s because they haven’t adjusted their bra straps to where they need to be.

This can happen with wireless bras, especially. Adjusting your bra straps can make or break your comfort level. Find what makes you most comfortable and adjust your straps accordingly.

​What to Wear with Push Up Bras

A lot of women think they can only wear push up bras when they wear low cut or v-neck tops. However, this actually isn’t the case. While wearing push up bras with low cut tops is ideal and can help fill out a shirt or dress better, you can wear a push up bra with anything.

Even just wearing a push up bra under your t-shirt can help with the overall size, enhancement, and silhouette of your breasts.

Of course, if you’re wearing a high-quality push up bra that raises your boobs two cup sizes, it might be more ideal to wear a low neckline and embrace the silhouette the push up bra has helped to create.

​Pro Tip: Don’t Wear Button Down Shirts

​Probably the only outfit you shouldn’t wear when wearing a push up bra is button down shirt. If you wear a push up bra with a button down shirt, this can result in gaping between the buttons.

This isn’t great for business or social scenarios. Therefore, you should definitely just stick with regular bras when wearing any type of button down shirt.

​Related Questions

Does a Push Up Bra Increase Breast Size?

A push up can visually increase breast size. The padding and wire push breast tissue together to create a prominent cleavage.

Can You Wear Push Up Bras Daily?

You can generally wear push up bras every day. However, keeping them on for a long time every day is not ideal as you need to let your breasts breathe.

Do You Size Up or Down for Push Up Bras?

You don’t need to size up or down when choosing push up bras. Like any other bra, you must choose your actual band and cup sizes to ensure a proper fit.

What Is a Push-Up Bra? (Yes, You Should Try One)

Conclusion

​Push up bras can be worn to greatly enhance cup size, cleavage, and the overall appearance of your breasts. However, there are certain steps you should take to make sure you’re getting the best results from your push up bra.

The first step is to make sure you have a push up bra in your correct size. Also, make sure it is comfortable to wear. This is always going to be the most important step of all.

   

Allena is the Founder and Editor of The Better Fit, a platform dedicated to empowering women with practical advice on bras and fitness, inspired by her own revelation of the widespread issue of incorrect bra sizing. Her expertise and tips have been recognized by major publications such as Cosmopolitan, Better Homes & Gardens, Insider, and NBC, making her a trusted voice in women's wellness and lifestyle.