Unfortunately, the vast majority of women are not wearing the right bra size or shape. Over the years our bodies changes but many of us are still wearing the same size or style bra we bought very many years ago. It is vitally important to get properly fitted, no matter what size you are. We should get measured at least once a year, especially after losing or gaining a lot of weight, after childbirth, or menopause.
Selecting the right bra is important for both your health and how your clothes look and fit – I can work miracles in a changing room or in your wardrobe but no outfit is going to look good if your bra isn’t the right size!
How to get your bra size correctly
In theory, to ascertain the right cup size, you need to measure around your torso, underneath your boobs (whilst wearing a bra!) – This will give you your back measurement…make sure it’s directly parallel with the bottom of the bra band.
Let’s assume you measure 41″
Then measure around the fullest part of your breasts (you may need a friend to help you with this!). Let’s assume you measure 38″
Subtract the back measurement from the bust size. Example: 41″-38″=3″
The difference between the two measurements will indicate the correct cup size (1” difference = 1 cup size).
Find the final number below to get your CUP SIZE. Example: 3″ = C cup
1″ = A cup
2″ = B cup
3″ = C cup
4″ = D cup
5″ = DD cup
6″ = DDD cup
7″ = F cup
8″ = G cup
9″ = H cup
10″ = I cup
11″ = J cup
12″ = K cup
Your BRA SIZE is your band size and your cup size. Example: 38C
This is only a rough guide but it at least gives you a starting point. However to be sure I would recommend going to a trained bra fitter. If you go to have a proper bra fitting the fitter may not even use a tape measure – she can often work out your best bra size based on the size you are wearing.
There could be a difference in sizes between different brands and sometimes between different styles, so you do need to try bras on before buying. And even with an experienced fitter, there can be an element of trial and error. (As a general rule if you go up a back size, you would go down a cup size, and vice versa.)
The actual size doesn’t necessarily matter, what’s important is that it fits properly. And once you wear the right bra, one that fits properly you will never go back!
Fit
There are 6 areas to consider when looking for the right bra
1. The back strap or under the band
This should provide approximately 80% of the support and it should lie horizontally around your back. Most people get the fit wrong because they base the back measurement on their dress size. If the back strap is up around the shoulder blades you need to go down one (or two!) sizes. When you buy the bra it should initially fit on the first row of hooks as the bra will stretch with washing and wearing.
Most bras will have 3 different stages so that you can go tighter as the bra stretches. When you try on your bra you should be able to slide just 2 fingers underneath the under the band.
You also have the option of different numbers of hooks to fasten the backstrap – 1 hook is only okay if you have a small bust; 2 hooks are the most common option and will give good support; but if you have a fleshy back and/or a big bust look for 3 hooks as this will give you much more support and some strapless bras will have 4 hooks to ensure as much support as possible.
2. The center front
The wires at the front of the bra, in between your breasts, should lie flat against your ribcage – if they are sitting away from your body the cup size is probably too small.
3. The side wire
All of your breast tissue should be encased within the cup, if the wire is cutting in at the side it can be painful and cause damage to the tissue. Be aware of this if you have wide breasts &/or full breasts.
4. Cup capacity
If you are spilling over the top or at the sides of the cup, you need to look for bigger cup size. Likewise, if you don’t fill the cup you need to look for smaller cup size. An underwired bra gives you more support, lift and shape than a soft cup bra.
5. The shoulder straps
These shouldn’t dig into your skin or fall off your shoulders – you can adjust the length of the strap to ensure the most comfortable length and again you should be able to slide just 2 fingers underneath the strap. Check the length of the shoulder straps regularly as they tend to slip in the wash.
6. The shape and style
Once you have found the right bra size, there are a number of different shapes and styles of bras that will suit different types of breasts and the clothes that you want to wear. Look at the various options to find the right shape for you and ask for advice! So whether you want a t-shirt bra, a balconette, a sports bra, or a full-on bolder holder, finding the right bra can be a revelation!!
Thank you for spending time with me. Now, have fun while following the tips and I’ll see you in my next article. Kindly leave a comment below and share the article you like.
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So educative. Thank you so much
Thank you very much for the BRA education. I have learned how to determine the right bra size…though I got lost on how you arrived at 32E in your illustration. Could you please elaborate? ^BC
I just realized that I didn’t expound on how I got to that answer, that is why I edited to explain further ad to provide a chart as well. I hope that answers any further questions you may have had.
Thank you! i have re-read the edit. Now I know how to do it!!!
^BC
Thanks for sharing
Aaw! You’re welcome darling.