Bra Sizing Hints & Helps
Are you wearing the right
size?
Almost 8 in 10 women are wearing the wrong size - you may be one
of them. Why? Your body changes over time, and your fit will change year to
year as you lose or gain weight, exercise more or less, and so on. If you are
experiencing discomfort, spillage over your cups or back strap, tight straps,
or a gap between your cups, you are most likely wearing the wrong size.
Measuring yourself for a
bra is an art, not a science
Our fit guide can provide you with a good starting point. If
you're not sure what size you wear, or fall between two sizes, you may want to
try several sizes and styles as a starting point.
Getting Started
It's best to measure when you are wearing your most comfortable
bra - one that has no padding and is not a minimizer.
STEP 1: BAND SIZE
Measure under your
arms, high on your back, across the top of your chest. If this measurement is
an even number, this is your band size. If an odd number, add 1" to
determine your band size.
STEP 2: CUP SIZE Measure loosely
around the fullest part of your bust. Next, subtract your band measurement from
your bust measurement; each inch represents a cup size. For example: if your
band measurement is 34" and your bust measurement is 36", the
difference between these measurements is two inches, and you'd wear a B-cup.
|
DIFFERENCE
(BAND MINUS
BUST MEASUREMENT)
|
US CUP SIZE
|
|
Less than 1"
|
AA
|
|
1"
|
A
|
|
2"
|
B
|
|
3"
|
C
|
|
4"
|
D
|
|
5"
|
DD
|
|
6"
|
DDD
|
|
7"
|
DDDD
|
|
8"
|
FF
|
|
9"
|
G
|
|
10"
|
H
|
|
11"
|
I
|
|
12"
|
J
|
Try these tips and tests to see if your bra is flattering you as
best it should.
Place yourself in your
bra
Now that you've found your size, test your fit. Take the
opposite hand from the side you are adjusting and gently bring the breast
tissue from the back to the front. This movement will help you settle your
breasts correctly into the cups.
It should feel good
A great fitting bra shouldn't dig, pull, poke or otherwise cause
discomfort. If it does, it's not the right bra (or size) for you. Make sure it
feels comfortable when you sit down and move around.
It should look good!
Always try your bras on wearing a t-shirt – it's the best way to
see what it's doing for you. A great fitting bra can make you look taller, will
define your waist, and even make you look slimmer!
Don't settle for wrinkles
If you see extra fabric or wrinkly, baggy cups, the cup size is
too big. Try sizing down.
Don't fall out
Take a look at the front of the bra. There shouldn't be any
breast tissue spillage, puddling, or falling out of the bottom of the cups. If
there is, your cup size is too small. Try sizing up for a flattering, more
natural looking fit.
Straps shouldn't work too
hard
Your bra's support comes from the band, not the straps. So be
sure that you're wearing the correct band size. Too big, and your straps will
end up taking the weight, which will cause them to put pressure on your
shoulders and dig in.
Is your band straight?
Look in the mirror from the side. Your band should be at the
same level all the way around. If it is riding up in back, it's probably too
big. Try sizing down a band size or tightening your band.
Mind the gap
The center front of your bra should lie flat against the breastbone.
It should not lie on top of any breast tissue. If there's a large gap, you may
need to go up a cup size.
How tight is right?
Your band should feel firm and secure, but you should also be
able to slip two fingers beneath the band in back, and one in the center in
front. If you can't, you may need to loosen your band a bit, or go up a size.
Underwires shouldn't dig
Underwires should lie flat at the front of your bra, against
your ribcage. If you feel your underwire digging into any breast tissue, you
should try a larger cup size or a different style.
Bras stretch over time
Be sure you're wearing your bra on the loosest hook. Your bras
can stretch with washing and wear, so when you buy a new bra, it's best to
ensure it fits properly on a loose hook, so you can tighten it as needed.
How to know when you've
found a perfect fit?
Your breasts will feel like they are "sitting" in the
cups, you will not feel any underwire pinching and your bra will feel
comfortable and supportive. You shouldn't have to settle for a so-so fit.
Sometimes you will have to go up a cup size or two. Don't let it concern you –
sizes do vary among brands. Finding the perfect bra takes time and patience,
but the way you will look (and feel) once you have found it will be worth all
of your effort.
Reminder
Check back in six months or so. You should re-evaluate your bras
regularly to be sure they are fitting you the way they should – because a
woman's body does change over time, and bras stretch and lose shape with
repeated wear and washing. It may be time to stock-up again, soon!
Top
