Proper Size & Fit
Wearing a bra should not
be uncomfortable. Unfortunately, 80% of woman don't know
their accurate bra
size. Most likely, it's due to improper measuring and the
continuing change in a
woman?s shape due to water retention, dieting, exercise and
the natural aging
process. A bra that once fit properly will likely continue being
worn beyond its
proper fit.
A properly fitted bra is
comfortable to wear and,
ultimately, will feel as if you are not wearing a bra. It's
recommended that you
visit your favorite lingerie store at least twice a year and,
ideally, each
quarter to ensure your bra fits properly.
While the guidelines below will
help a woman achieve a
general idea of her bra size, the actual bra size purchased
may vary because of
the lack of true standardization among bra manufacturers. For
this reason, a
woman should always be willing to focus more on fit and
comfort than her
historical or projected bra size based upon measurements
with a tape measure.
FINDING YOUR BAND SIZE:
First, place the measuring tape
directly beneath your
breasts and measure around your rib cage. Be sure the
measuring tape is straight
across your back. Hold the measuring tape snug, so that your
measurement will be
accurate, but not to tight that you can't take a breath.
General rule of thumb
is: less than 1/2" round down, more than 1/ 2" round up. For
example, your
measurement is 32 1/4, you're a 32.
If your measurement is under
33" then add five (5) inches
.
If your number turns up an odd
number, then round UP. For
example, you add 5 to 32 and get 37, you're a 38.
If your measurement is above
33" then add three (3)
inches. If your number turns up an odd number, then round
UP to the next even
number.
FINDING YOUR CUP SIZE:
Measure around your bustline,
(the largest point of your
bust). Be sure the tape measure is straight. You want the tape
measure to fit
loosely around your chest, without applying any pressure. For
example, let's say
your measurement is 41.
Subtract the two measurements,
band size and bust size.
Using the examples, your band size being 38 and your cup
size 41. Subtract
41-38=3. Three would represent your cup size. Follow the
chart below
accordingly.
- 1 inch = A cup
- 2 inch = B cup
- 3 inch = C cup
- 4 inch = D cup
- 5 inch = DD cup
- And so on ...
With each inch, generally the cup
size goes up a
letter.
According to the example we
used above, your band size
being 38 and your cup size 3, your bra size is
38C.
BRA
FITTING PROBLEMS &
SOLUTIONS:
Problem: The
band at the back of the bra
rides up.
Solution: The band of the bra
is too big. You need a bra with a small back size.
Problem: Underwire
digging in under the armpit.
Solution: Your cup is too
small. You need a bra with a bigger cup size.
Problem: Indents in the
shoulder, ( straps dig in
).
Solution: Your bra is too
big in the back and not
big enough in the cup. You need a bra which is smaller in the
back and bigger in
the cup.
Problem: Breast falling
out of the bottom of
underwire.
Solution: The band of your
bra is too big and the cup is too small. You need a bra which
is smaller in the
back and bigger in the cup.
Problem: Bumpy
silhouette under clothes.
Solution: Your cup is to
small. You need to
increase your cup size.
| 
