Lower priced bras are mass-manufactured with minimal design time so their limited size range will disregard specific needs in petite or fuller shapes. To determine the quality of a bra, you should pay attention to the production details.

Inexpensive materials, such as overly stretchy elastic and ultra-stiff fabrics tend to stretch, fade and breakdown more quickly. On closer inspection, the underwire may be uncoated, cups are unlined and the mediocre hooks, eyes and sliders may allow the straps to slip often and require regular adjustment.

Finally, be prepared that lower priced bras are not made to last long. Ultimately, the constant replacement of a lower quality bra may end up costing more money than a high quality bra that was meant to withstand consistent use.

The labor involved in designing, testing and production of a high-quality bra is the primary factor to the cost. Professional bra designers, often with 4-year degrees in Contour Fashion, cater to the demands of different bust sizes.

The weight and shape of larger breasts require a specialized kind of underwire, padding or stitching. Oppositely, bras for smaller breasts will require seams to be sewn differently and distinctly shaped cups.

Additionally, the superior fit of a high quality bra will require more components of it to be handmade by specialists trained to construct specific segments. Even if the stitching is off by a marginal amount, it can mean the difference between a well-fitting bra and one that’s entirely unsupportive.

As for the details, high quality bras will have plastic-coated underwire that are shaped and sized specifically for each bra size.

The cups will be double-lined, there will be stronger power netting in the wing, the sliders on the strap will grab the strap without slipping, and the strap may have a “plush” soft lining.

In general, a good quality should last longer than a regular high street bought bra, due to its technical construction and material quality. However, that doesn't mean that they don't need proper maintenance and care to maintain its shape and structure!

For starters - always remember to use alcohol free detergent for your bras. Alcohol wears away any lace or elastic, which leads to pilling and also the loosening of the elastic. We recommend using The Laundress Delicate Wash Lady to wash your intimates.

If you can, it is always best to hand wash your undergarments. Of course, we understand that isn't always possible, and so if you must - put them in a laundry bag with the hooks clasped in (like when you are wearing the bra) to avoid your hooks accidentally attaching onto the bag or other items and getting damaged.

Read our article on How to Take Care of Your Bra for more information!