Ever wondered how celebrities and top models often wear stunning outfits that are backless, strapless and even have plunging necklines but you never get to see a trace of their bra? That’s because they are always spot on when choosing a bra what goes perfectly with their outfit and saves them from making fashion blunders. However, as commoners, even we want to look our best in those backless gowns, and strapless tops. To help us dress live a diva, international top model Heidi Klum Intimate Solutions has been launched in India and is exclusively available with The Clothing Rental — a rent and retail portal. We chat up Shilpa Bhatia, founder, The Clothing Rental
Tell us about your association with Heidi Klum’s brand.
Heidi Klum is an international top model who has worn different kinds of outfits and often ones that are risky. She definitely understands the demands of high fashion and trends. To look impeccable in tight dresses with thin fabrics can be quite challenging even for top models with the fittest bodies. Hence, when a model of her repute puts her name on a brand, I would definitely think that it is very well-planned and definitely well-made.
What is the correct way to buy a bra?
It is importat to get the size right. Most of the intimate apparel brands do a fairly good job with measurements. Also every brand has its own style for sizing. Depending on multiple factors like age, aesthetics, functionality etc, one can identify the brand catering to that particular need. Young girls like bright colours or thin back straps — they often don’t need a lot of support, their need is more fun and fashion, whereas women who are into sports might need more support.
How about wearing one for a specific outfit?
We must first identify the outfit we wish to wear, most everyday outfits need a cotton-based (as it gets quite hot in India) t-shirt bra that offers comfort with full coverage. Whereas in North India, where the mercury dips, one can experiment with a variety of fabrics. Dresses with open back or low neckline need a certain kind of bra. You can purchase a bra with detachable straps which can be converted into a strapless, one shoulder, halter or cross-back. Similarly certain bras have transparent tape on the back panel or transparent shoulder straps. Some bras are completely backless that stick to the skin on the side.
What special care should one take while choosing, buying and wearing stick-on bras?
I would recommend buying a good quality or from a well-established brand. Internationally, many brands have invested deeply into research and technical designing of the products. Intimate apparel is a big industry with lots of variants — sports, maternity, bridal, red carpet/events, plus size, petite, yoga, padded, non-padded, push-up, strapless, convertible, lace, halter back, front closure, back snaps — making it easier for women to choose.
Tips for those with heavy and small bust size?
Women with heavy bust should ideally look for full coverage with minimiser effect — certain brands offer that. The straps are wider and the coverage is full and seamless. Those with a small bust cup size can play up with different levels of under-wire or padding — lightly padded, medium padding or intense maximum padding and often double pads are some of the options.
