The Best Bras for All Your Body Issues

Did you know that you can transform your body simply by changing your bra? We transformed four Woman’s World readers’ bodies by doing just that. See what a difference a quick switch can make for you below, and where to find the best brassiere for the job!

Photo courtesy of Lisa Sciasia

Back bulge? Try a Tank Bra!

Because bras rely on back-band tension to support the bust in front, the band tends to squeeze skin for grip, which can form lumps and bumps in the process. The fix? A tank bra, like this Tankee shortee back-smoothing bra from Shapeez ($81, Amazon). It spreads the tension evenly over a much wider area to smooth the back, while its underwire front cups add extra shape and support, so you’ll look gorgeous coming and going. It’s made with a moisture-wicking fabric, so you’ll stay plenty cool, and its low-back neckline make it virtually undetectable under clothing.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Sciasia

Large chest? Try This Minimizer

Minimizers are great for reducing the silhouette of larger breasts, as they redistribute breast tissue. The trouble is, the style traditionally has no give, so it flattens the chest, sapping any natural-looking shape. Bare Necessities’ Dominique seamless minimizer bra ($52, Bare Necessities) is designed with a stretch microfiber material that will diminish the full breast without smushing it down, while a double layer in the cups helps to maintain your breasts’ natural shape. This gentle compression preserves curves and slims — you may even drop a shirt size!

Photo courtesy of Lisa Sciasia

Relaxed breasts? Try a Balconette!

As we age, our bust tends to move in a new direction, and whether that’s South or East/ West, it can drag us down and add visual pounds to our waist. But a balconette bra can restore our “girls” to true North! The fuller cups of Playtex’s Love My Curves balconette ($16.80, One Hanes Place) will stretch to rein in lax breast tissue from the sides while its shelf-like band helps to prop them up from below. Wide-set straps also offer additional lift. The result? A perkier, more close-set bust and a slimmer torso. Its V-neck design won’t peek out above open necklines, either, so you can wear your favorite styles with confidence.

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Sciasia

Pit Pudge? Try Side Panels

A real confidence zapper? When you slip on your favorite sleeveless shirt or dress and see that little bulge of skin or fat peeking out from underneath your arm. It’s usually made worse by a poking underwire or a band that’s too short, both of which can shove skin together to create the look of pudge. To the rescue, we found a wire-free bra with flexible crisscross side bands (Wacoal’s Ultimate Side-Smoother wireless bra, $65, Belk) that are at least three inches high — just enough to cover any bulges and smooth extra skin instead of smushing it.

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.

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