Proper Bra Sizing: How to get a bra that fits
Proper bra sizing is key to getting a bra that looks good and that is comfortable to wear. If you ask most women they will tell you that their bras are not comfortable – and if you take the time to notice, you will see that most women wear bras that are not flattering. The fact is, most women do not wear the right bra size. When the size and fit is correct, the bra will be more comfortable and the look will be more flattering.
Some of the issues surrounding ill-fitting bras are related to monthly water retention cycles, dieting, and general aging. You should not assume that the bra size you wore two years ago is the same size you need today – or even that a particular bra will be worthy of wearing for that long. Even a small change in weight, as little as 5 pounds, can change your bra size.
Use this guide to help you to properly measure your bust, that will help you find the right bra size for you. Although most shops have a salesperson to assist you in proper measurements, in order to buy sexy lingerie from a catalog or online, or to get the great deals offered by online retailers, it is important to know your size.
How To Know If Your Current Bra Does Not Fit
The back rides up. This may mean that the cups are too small, or the band is too tight. If the front of the band is too tight to get a finger under it with ease you need a larger band.
The bra cups should be entirely filled, or you may need a smaller cup. On the other hand, if the cups are overflowing, you may need a larger cup or even a different style of bra.
Believe it or not, underwire bras do not have to be uncomfortable. If yours is, for example, if the underwire digs in, you may need a larger cup size or the side wings of the bra may not be large enough.
Proper Measurements
First, you will need three measurements: under bust, upper bust, and full bust.
For under the bust, measure directly under your bust. With all measurements, hold the tape securely and snugly to your body, but not too tight. For the upper bust, measure above the bust and below the arms.
If the difference between the under and upper bust is less than two inches, the under bust is your band size (round up to nearest even number). If the difference is more than two inches, add 2-3″ to the under bust measurement to get an even number and use this as your band size. For the full bust, measure around a fullest part of your breast. Make sure the tape is straight around your back without any twists.
Your cup size is determined by your full bust measurement – your upper bust measurement. If the difference is less than 1″, you are a AA, 1″ is an A, 2″ is a B, 3″ is a C, 4″ is a D, 5″ is a DD (or an E), etc.
Beyond Measurements -
Of course, your measurements are just the beginning. There are other things to keep in mind when looking for a comfortable, yet sexy bra.
When trying on different bras, make sure that the area in between the two cups actually comes into contact with your chest. The straps should only do partial duty when it comes to supporting your breasts. In general, if you decrease the band size, you will need to increase your cup size, while a larger band will call for a smaller cup.
Bra Styles -
Different styles of bras have different fits. Beware of convertible bras: some may work for you but not every style will be right for every body.
Full Cup / Full Coverage – Designed for support, these bras cover the entire breast.
Half Cup / Demi Cup – These bras cover 75 percent of the breast. This is a sexy cut that increases cleavage, but make sure your breasts are not “cut-off” in the center. Your profile should still be smooth, and if it isn’t, you need a larger cup size.
Underwire Bras – These bras give the most support.
Racerback Bras – These bras have a crossover pattern in the back. They can have a front or back clasp, or can simply pull over the head. This is a common style for a sports bra.
Halter-Top Bras – As the name imply, these bras have a strap that loops around the neck, rather than the usual shoulder straps. These bras can increase cleavage, and can be worn with both halter tops and tops with low center coverage.
Backless Bras – While some backless bras literally have only front coverage, generally this refers to bras with extremely low backs, so that many dresses with low backs can be worn without the bra showing.
Strapless Bras – These bras have no straps at all, only the band. Some of these can cover the stomach area as well, and some even cover the body like a leotard. Longer strapless bras tend to stay in place better.
Padded Bras / Push-Up Bras – These bras have extra padding in the cups which give the illusion of a larger breast and/or to increase the appearance of cleavage. The padding can be made of the same material as the bra, foam, or gel. Gel is becoming more popular because of its more natural look. In some bras, the padding is removable.
Décolleté – These bras are lower cut than a demi bra, allowing you to wear something even lower cut without revealing your bra.
Light-Support Bras – These bras have no underwire. While you may be tempted to wear one to an all-day event, if you are larger than an A cup, you may not be getting the support you need. A properly fitted bra will be comfortable whether or not it has underwire.
Sports Bra – These bras are designed to minimize bouncing during athletic activity. While some inexpensive varieties do this by squishing your breasts, it is better to find one that is sized by cup sizes (as opposed to small, medium, and large) and get fitted as you would with a regular bra. Over the long term, this will increase your comfort.
Nursing Bras – For the convenience of nursing mothers, these bras have a snap on each of the shoulder straps. This allows for easy opening so the baby can be fed without taking off the entire bra. Generally, nursing bras are full-coverage for the added support a new mother needs.
With proper bra sizing you can order all your intimate apparel with confidence!
Related Posts: