DeBra’s Insights

&As you mark your entrance into womanhood, events like buying your first bra should be a milestone and memorable occasion for you. With so many options and emotions at play, it can be challenging to get the right fit. So, where do you start? Training bras? What cup sizes? Band sizes? Soft cups? Do you need a professional bra fitting service? There are many things to consider when wearing bras for the first time. Here are a few handy tips to help! Debra's Guide For First Bra Buying Your Age The average age when girls get their first supportive bra is when their chest starts to develop, generally between the ages of 10 and 14. But that’s not a hard and fast rule - there’s no specific age for developing breasts and when you’ll need to make an appearance at a bra store. Everyone develops at different times, and it’s important to remember that if you’re an early or late bloomer, everyone will eventually get a bra. It can be embarrassing and scary, but you’ll thank yourself later! It’s essential to consider your readiness and how you feel. Your Physicality Being emotionally ready for a bra is a big part of buying your first one; the other part is being physically ready. Bras can be uncomfortable for young girls who have never worn them before, so we advise waiting until your breast tissue starts to develop (also known as “budding”). This will help make choosing your first bra easier and more comfortable. Type Of Bra You don’t have to own Victoria’s Secret underwired push-up bra straight away. Most girls looking to buy their first bra don’t have anything too fancy. Instead, they are best suited to common alternatives such as crop tops or body bras like the Smoothease Non-Wired Bralette & the Posie Racerback Wirefree T-Shirt Style Teen Bra. These bras are softer than traditional underwired bras, with minimal stitching, meaning no itchy bits! DeBra’s Fitting Consultants recommend a body bra or crop top with a firm supportive band under the breasts to enhance support. DeBra’s have a variety of suitable first bras. Choose Something You Love If you buy something you’re going to use every day; it might as well be something you love putting on and feel confident about each time you wear it. Some women say to keep your first colour neutral when they’re bra shopping. However, at DeBra’s, we believe that a bra should reflect who you are - if you want to wear that beautiful multi-coloured floral print, go for it, girl! Get Fitted Getting fitted for your first bra can be scary, but a professional fitting consultant can help you find the most comfortable and appropriate one. Getting correctly fitted can also help prevent future problems, like sore backs or an uncomfortable chest. The DeBra’s Fitting Consultants are passionate about bras and have been fitting women of all shapes, sizes and ages for 22 years and counting. With over one million success stories, look no further. DeBra’s is your answer. Debra’s Has Helped Thousands Of Women Check out Debra's bra collection. If you’re not confident about buying the right bra online, DeBra’s offers free In-store Fitting Services, Virtual (Zoom) Fitting, phone consultations or support on live chat, so you can stay at home and still get the best advice for your body. Don’t let sizing uncertainty stop you from feeling confident next time you head to a special occasion. Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.

It shouldn't surprise anyone that a woman's body won't return to how it was straight after giving birth. Several products available for women to wear post-pregnancy say they'll help "conceal" some of these changes. However, they may not offer the right features that assist in repairing and toning your body after birth. If you're a new mum, it's worth taking a look into buying yourself a pair of pregnancy compression tights or shorts to aid your recovery. You can check out our new range of SRC pregnancy compression wear here. The best part? They may be claimable through your private health fund! What Is Pregnancy Recovery Wear? Post-pregnancy compression wear can assist in reducing pain and provide support to increase your mobility and function. Wearing pregnancy compression tights will help you across various potential issues, such as pelvic instability and vulvar varicosities. They promote a faster recovery for mums who experience discomfort after delivery by supporting abdominal muscle recovery. Other vital benefits of wearing pregnancy compression wear include: Promoting a quicker recovery so your uterus can return to its standard size and your tummy will look smaller. Providing support with your posture and replacing your core support to assist with back pain. Promote better blood circulation to reduce swelling after pregnancy, which may occur in your legs, ankles and feet. Better support for exercise promotes better blood circulation through your legs and provides extra stability in your joints. Can I Claim Through My Private Health? If you have private health insurance within Australia, it's worth looking into your eligibility for a rebate on pregnancy recovery wear with your provider. Most private healthcare insurers in Australia will provide a rebate to customers who purchase SRC products, as these are considered medical compression garments for recovering mothers. To claim your rebate, you can print the rebate form here. You then need to take this to your health care provider, such as your GP or specialist and ask them to fill in the details and sign. Once the form is complete, send it with your invoice for the SRC products purchased to your private healthcare insurer. Remember, not all private healthcare providers will offer this rebate, and we recommend reaching out to your healthcare fund provider for more information before submitting the form. For more information, visit SRC Health here, or you may wish to browse DeBra's Recovery and Compression wear first. Get Fitted Wearing well-fitted recovery/compression wear and maternity bra can be a game changer that improves your posture, comfort, and confidence. DeBra's has a professional team of fitting consultants that can help you find the most comfortable and appropriate garments for your body size and shape. Our team is passionate about what we do and has fitted women of all shapes and sizes for 22 years. Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.

Is there such a thing as a wire-free minimiser bra that supports a fuller bust? If it sounds too good to be true, this might be the guide you've been searching for. The short answer is yes. While underwires are often associated with support, they're not the only way a bra can provide lift, shape, and stability. The key is understanding what features make a wire-free bra supportive and how minimiser bras achieve their smoothing effect. For over 25 years, DeBra's has helped women find bras that suit their shape, support needs, and lifestyle. One thing we've learned is that there is no single definition of the "perfect" wire-free minimiser. Some customers want maximum smoothing, others want comfort above all else, and many are looking for something that offers a little of both. What Makes a Supportive Wire-Free Bra? A supportive wire-free bra looks very different to a traditional underwired bra, and that's a good thing. For fuller busts, support comes from a combination of features working together rather than relying on an underwire alone. When assessing a wire-free bra, our fitters look for: Wider straps that distribute weight comfortably across the shoulders A supportive underband that anchors the bra and provides stability Full-coverage cups that encapsulate the breast tissue Structured fabrics and internal support panels that create lift and shape Side support that helps centre the bust and prevent tissue from drifting outward When these elements are present, a wire-free bra can provide excellent support, comfort, and shape throughout the day. How Do Wire-Free Minimiser Bras Work? One of the biggest misconceptions about minimiser bras is that they simply flatten the bust. A good minimiser does the opposite. Rather than squashing the breasts against the chest, a minimiser redistributes breast tissue to reduce forward projection and create a smoother, more balanced silhouette under clothing. This often helps shirts sit better across the bust, reduces button gaping, and creates a less prominent profile under fitted garments. Wire-free minimiser bras achieve this through clever cup construction, supportive fabrics, shaping panels, and strategic compression, all while maintaining comfort and support. Our Favourite Wire-Free Minimiser Bras PrimaDonna Nudda Non Wired Minimiser Bralette - Ideal for customers wanting a modern, seamless minimiser. Nudda uses innovative 3D knit technology to smooth and contour the bust while maintaining a natural shape, making it one of the most comfortable wire-free minimiser options available. Glamorise Magic Lift Minimizer Bra - One of the few bras specifically designed as a wire-free minimiser. Stretch lace panels help redistribute breast tissue for a smoother silhouette while still providing excellent everyday support. Magic Lift Full Figure Support Bra - Not technically a minimiser, but a favourite among customers wanting a less projected shape. The crisscross cup design separates, contains, and supports the bust while creating a smooth profile under clothing. Magic Lift Cotton Full Figure Support Bra - A breathable cotton-rich alternative that offers the same supportive shape and coverage as the original Magic Lift styles, making it a great option for everyday comfort. Magic Lift Seamless Support T-Shirt Bra - For customers wanting the closest thing possible to a wire-free minimiser bra with a smooth finish under clothing, the Magic Lift Seamless Support T-Shirt Bra is well worth considering. What About Sports Bras? Interestingly, some customers find that a supportive wire-free sports bra provides exactly the minimised appearance they're looking for. Many non-wired sports bras naturally incorporate elements of compression and encapsulation to reduce movement during exercise. As a result, they can also create a smoother, more contained silhouette under clothing. Get Fitted The reality is that the most effective minimiser is often a properly fitted bra. Many women come to us convinced they need a minimiser, only to discover that moving into the correct size and a more suitable style dramatically improves support, shape, and how their clothes fit. For others, a minimiser bra provides that extra level of smoothing they're looking for. For over 25 years, professional bra fitting has been at the heart of what we do. Our experienced fitters work with women of all shapes and sizes every day, helping them find bras that feel comfortable, supportive, and confidence-boosting. DeBra's proudly stocks bras in sizes 6–36 and cup sizes A–LL. Whether you're looking for a wire-free minimiser, everyday comfort, or maximum support, we're here to help. Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.

The Elomi Collection is an all-time fitter’s favourite at DeBra’s. Despite the many bras available today, the Elomi range offers unprecedented support for our fuller bust and curvy customers. Elomi’s fantastic fit and bold styles make you feel feminine and robust enough to take on anything. Whether you are looking for a Strapless Bra, Full Cup Bra, or Plunge bra, Elomi has our curvy ladies covered. The Elomi brand was first launched in 2008 by Wacoal Europe. Elomi offers a variety of quality brands with individual personalities and years of knowledge. The Elomi mission is to help encourage and empower women to live without limitations. Elomi teams unparalleled comfort with bold designs inspired by beauty, strength, and confidence. DeBra’s Fitting Consultants are passionate about the many options the Elomi Bra Collection has opened for our curvy customers, who no longer need to sacrifice fit for sexy lingerie. Types of Bras from Elomi Full Cup Bra We interviewed DeBra’s Fitting Consultants for this article to reveal their most recommended and best-selling Elomi products. Starting with the full cup range, we are now pleased to share the results with you. Elomi Morgan Underwired Banded Bra is an innovative design that loves to change things up. It provides all-day comfort and support with its three-section cup featuring a powerful stretch lace and elasticated neck edge for easy fit. Finished with stylish bow detail at the centre front and apexes, the Morgan Full Cup Bra proves that everyday basics need not be boring. Available up to a K cup in selected bandwidth sizes. Elomi Cate Full Cup Bra is one you can always count on. Underwired with a sheer embroidered top cup with a stylish intersecting arc design, the Cate full cup frame offers all-day comfort and support. The embroidery has a unique flattened finish to minimise show-through, and the strap positioning has been adjusted to prevent strap slippage. Available up to a K cup in selected bandwidth sizes. Plunge Bra Regarding Plunge-style bras, the Matilda Plunge Bra was the winner, followed by a close second place the Charley Plunge Bra. Elomi Matilda Underwired Plunge Bra is a must-have for our fuller bust and curvy customers. Crafted from a rich tulle, it offers an exceptional fit and support without sacrificing style. The new flexible back sweep construction allows a more effortless adjustment to the racerback style, and the low centre front promises plunge without push-up. With the three-section cup plus side panel for forwarding shape, good uplift, and separation, the Elomi Matilda Plunge Bra will not disappoint. Available up to a K cup in selected bandwidth sizes. Elomi Charley Stretch Plunge Bra is perfect for everyday wear as it teams a diamond mesh fabric with stretch lace. The low centre front gives a plunge without push-up, and the three-section cup plus side frame ensures good uplift and separation. The bow detail at the centre front and apexes do not compromise style over support, and best of all, it’s available up to JJ cup sizes in a range of band width sizes. Spacer / T-Shirt Bra Lastly, we asked our Fitting Consultants to vote for their favourite T-shirt style bra, and the results spoke for themselves. Elomi Charley Spacer Bra is perfect for everyday wear and ideal for transitioning your wardrobe into a new season. With a breathable ultra-light seamless spacer fabric, the seamless cups offer a beautiful round profile, whilst the bandless frame works well for shorter upper torsos. DeBra’s Fitting Consultants love the concealed side frame as it minimises sideways bulging. Finished with bow detail at the centre front and apexes and availability up to HH cup sizes (depending on bandwidth), the Charley Underwired Moulded Spacer Bra is perfect for all occasions. Elomi Smooth Moulded Non Padded Bra is Elomi’s securest shape yet and a best-seller loved for its unbeatable combination of comfort and support. Designed with non-stretch moulded cups crafted from ultra-light Aerocool fabric, this bra provides a breathable, moisture-wicking fit that keeps you cool and dry all day.  It’s no secret that Elomi’s stunning lingerie collection is expertly crafted for our fuller-figure customers’, and they have done so with complete confidence. Out with the old, in with the new. As we enter each season, you can always rely on Elomi to introduce new lingerie. With luxurious lace and captivating prints, you can enjoy every day with the Elomi collection. Get Fitted Too many women out there are wearing the wrong size bra. Wearing a well-fitted bra can be a game changer that improves your posture, comfort, and confidence. DeBra’s has a professional team of fitting consultants that can help you find the most comfortable and appropriate bra for your body size and shape. Our team is passionate about bras and has fitted women of all shapes and sizes for 22 years and counting. Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.

If you’re thinking about life post-mastectomy surgery, you’re probably wondering where to go from here and what your options are regarding bras. After the healing process, packing a mastectomy bra in your bag will provide you with the comfort you need. Before you buy one of these specialty bras, there are some things to consider for peace of mind. You may elect to have breast reconstruction or to use a prosthesis, which can fill the space where your breast was. When it comes to after your surgery, a well-fitted bra will give you comfort with soft linings and pockets to secure your prosthesis. Always check with your doctor to ensure you’re not putting additional weight on your incisions, and wait until you’ve completely healed before wearing prosthesis. Do You Need A Special Bra After A Mastectomy? Yes, the answer is that you do need to purchase a special bra after a mastectomy, but it does not always have to be what is labelled a mastectomy bra. When shopping for a bra after having a mastectomy, traditionally, we are told to look for a non-wired, front-opening bra with wide shoulder bands and one with a wide band under your boobs. While this may sound good and well, in theory, it’s not always practical for everyone’s lifestyle. Many women have a perception that shopping for a mastectomy bra is going to be a daunting experience. After a mastectomy, you deserve to feel good and confident about yourself, and this is something DeBra’s Mastectomy Fitting Specialists take great pride in doing. Nowadays, women have many choices when looking for the right mastectomy bra, which highly depends on individual circumstances. What Is The Main Difference Between A Mastectomy Bra And A Normal Bra? A mastectomy bra has integrated pockets to hold a prosthesis or breast form into one or both cups. The one size fits all rule does not apply to everybody, as no two bodies are the same. The DeBra’s team highly recommend you take the time to be correctly fitted by a Mastectomy Fitting Specialist. Your body has been through a lot, and now is the time to give back, nurture yourself, be comfortable and regain your confidence. Even though DeBra’s Mastectomy Fitting Specialists are highly trained and very educated on Mastectomy bras, our approach to Mastectomy Bra Fittings is to carefully listen to what our customers want. Our philosophy is not to put you in a mastectomy bra if this is not the most comfortable option. We can take many other options and avenues, which we will determine and work through with you during your Mastectomy Bra Fitting Consultation. As well as mastectomy bras, we stock a wide variety of beautiful full-cup bras that will make you feel a million dollars with the same or similar offerings as our mastectomy bra range. The days of having wide straps for support are gone; the straps are not what adequate breast support should rely on. A correctly fitted bra will provide sufficient support without relying on the straps to do the work. We have fitted many women of all shapes, sizes, and ages post-mastectomy and much to their surprise, they leave the store feeling feminine and comfortable. Choosing A Front Closing Bra After Surgery DeBra’s recommends their range of Post Surgical Bras as a sensible, secure option after breast surgery. Breast surgery may influence your shoulder rotation, so you could struggle to reach bra hooks positioned at the back. Purpose-designed for susceptible skin, the collection of post surgical bras consist of latex-free fabrics, made from soft micro-fibre, and stretches over your surgical dressings to give you some compression on your incisions. How Long Should I Wear A Mastectomy Bra For? For a year after your mastectomy or lumpectomy, your best bet is to opt for a bra with soft seams, a wide under-band, deep front and side panels, full cups, cup separation, adjustable straps, minimal detailing, and no underwire. Phew – that’s a lot to look for in a bra. While your nerves mend, swelling subsides, and the effects of radiotherapy continue to heal, what you need from your bra will change with time. Be patient; it can take up to twelve months to fully recover, and during this time, steering clear of underwires is paramount. Choose a bra that fits on the last hook so you can tighten it when your swelling goes down. Look for a cotton-heavy material, so your bra is comfy and cool, and cushioned bra straps will help keep everything in place without irritation. Are Prostheses Products Expensive? We would be lying if we said they were not. Prosthesis products can range from $160 to $450, depending on factors such as brand, style, partial or complete. If you have had a mastectomy, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of up to $400 per breast, and the refund can be up to $800 for a double mastectomy every two years. Upon payment of your prosthesis purchase, DeBra’s will provide you with a Medicare Claim Form for you to take to Medicare to assess your rebate (if eligible). For more information on Medicare’s rebate criteria, you may go to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/external-breast-prostheses-reimbursement-program/how-claim or contact Medicare to discuss your individual needs. The information we provide is general, and it is up to the individual to make inquiries before purchasing. Get Fitted Your boobs will shift in size and shape during and after your treatment, so getting a professional fitting to precisely measure your size will result in a better-fitted bra. DeBra’s stocks an incredible range of breast forms and prosthesis and mastectomy bras, and we also hold a variety of beautiful full-cup bras that can work for our mastectomy customers. Mastectomy and Prosthesis fittings are available through our Penrith store only.  Mastectomy and Prosthesis fittings are available through noth our Penrith & Broadbeach Stores. Book your In-Store Fitting Appointment, or if you have further questions, you can contact our customer service team during business hours using the Live Chat feature that can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.

You're trying to do everything and get on with your day, but all you can feel is your bra digging into your back, tight and uncomfortable. No matter how often you adjust the straps and pull at your underwire, you only want to get home and rip it off. How To Measure Bra Size? Fit First Poorly fitted or wrong-size bras are the worst. And if you've got big boobs, it's the pits. Breast and back pain is real, so investing in a quality, well-fitting bra in cut and size is a game-changer. From brand to brand, bra size is as changeable as the weather; a B-cup here is a C-cup there. Bear in mind, bras can also change in size after a wash or even after you've worn them for a full day. The good news is that DeBra's has fitted bras for over 22 years and has the best tips for measuring your bra size. DeBra's founder will talk you through a few suggestions. Be Your Breast Advocate For the best fit and maximum support, know your bra size. These numbers are hard to remember, so it's best to keep a record of them on your phone. That way, your size is at your fingertips when you're buying online. Remember, the letters relate to cup size, and the numbers are your bra's band size. The band size should be the same or one size smaller than your regular clothes size. What Does What? Odds are, you're wearing the wrong size bra. Sorry, annoying but true, roughly 80% of women are wearing the wrong size. Like most clothing items, bra sizing is a guide only, and different brands can fit differently. Your best bet is to go by feel. 80-90% of your bra's support comes from the band around your ribcage. It must be firm but not tight in an 'I can't breathe' way. Most of us think the shoulder straps are the star of the support operation, not so. They help keep the breasts in place but don't carry the weight. If you cast the straps in the lead role, your bra will be uncomfortable and ultimately damaging in the long term. The same goes for the underwire; it's there to shape and keep your boobs separated, not to act as suspension or support. Debra's Fit Tips Bend forward while you hook up your bra. Doing this will guarantee your boobs are in the cups correctly and the wire isn't sitting on your breast tissue. When you adjust the band, your bra should be at the same level front and back, no riding up your body. Next, an easy test for a loosey-goosey bra: you should be able to slide only one finger under the band. If you can fit two, tighten. If your straps start slipping down your shoulders, tighten the band first before shortening the straps. If your bra is relatively new, tighten only the bra straps. As a rule, the straps need tightening almost weekly; they tend to wriggle down over time. When you've had your way with all the hardware, it's time to look in the mirror. With a well-fitted t-shirt over your bra, you can see if the cups crumple or if there's bulging out the front. If so, your bra is the wrong size. Now turn sideways: your boobs should sit halfway between your shoulders and elbows. If they're too high or too low, that's a no-go. These red fit flags mean your bra isn't a good fit. Debra's Super Tip Your bra should be a top fit when on the outermost hook. That way, as your bra loosens over time, you can tighten the band using the inwards hooks. If you must go down a cup size, go up a band size. If you must go up a cup size, go down a band size. Now you're bra smart. Knowing and not guessing your size means no more sore boobs, shoulders, or back, and you can confidently adjust to changes in your body and breasts. Get Fitted At Debra's Wearing a well-fitted bra can be a game-changer to improve your comfort and confidence. DeBra's has a professional team of fitting consultants that can help you find the most comfortable and appropriate fit for your body size and shape. Our team is passionate about what we do and has fitted women of all shapes and sizes for 22 years and counting. Browse the Debra's Bra Collection. Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.