All these years you might have been wearing the poorly-fitted bra that is making your breasts look saggy and uneven. There are numerous signs that indicate that your bra does not fit well. These signs include the underwire poking the sides of your boobs, wrinkling in the fabric of the cups, cup spillage, a band that rides up your back, slipping shoulder straps or a bra that treks up when you lift your arms.
In the article, you will find the bra size chart to help you determine your correct bra size. In addition, we have also added some helpful tips on how to measure bra size. At the end of the article, you’ll find wonderful suggestions to assist you in taking care of your inner clothing.
Let’s start with the ways to find out the right bra measurement.
1. Understand That Cup Size Is Directly Proportional To Band Size
Women usually think that a D cup of one particular brand of bra looks the same on every band size. Also, they consider that having small breasts qualifies you to choose an A cup. However, the fact is that cup size is directly proportional to band size. This simply means that the cup size is dependent on the band measurement of a bra.
2. Know The Basics Of The Bra That Fits Correctly: Don’t Forget To Check The Breast Size Chart Later
There are many signs that indicate if your bra fits you effortlessly or not. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when you are measuring yourself and trying different bra sizes:
– The gore of a bra should lie flat. The gore is the part of the bra that lies between the two cups. When you wear the right bra, it should lay itself flat on your chest. It should not dig into your skin and you should not feel its presence. If you do feel uncomfortable because of the gore, you are wearing the wrong sized bra.
– The band of the bra should be sung. Most women think that straps are effective in supporting their breasts. However, the fact is that the band does a more important job than the straps. The band of the right bra should fit seamlessly. It should be snug and not tight. You should be able to slip one or two fingers under the band easily.
– The right fitted bra creates a smooth curve. When you wear a bra with small cups, you will notice the appearance of “quad-boob” above the bra. The right bra will not cut into the breast tissues to form another pair of small breasts. Instead, it should produce a clean outline with no wandering breast tissue.
– The perfect bra sufficiently provides side coverage. If your bra lacks sufficient side coverage, you will notice breast tissue hanging out from the sides of the cups, underneath your armpits. If you are purchasing an underwire bra, check the side coverage with the underwire. The end of the wire should be aimed towards the middle of your armpit.
3. There Are Numerous Breast Shapes: Classify Your Breast Shape
Eventually, you may get hold of a bra that is rightly your size, but still the bra fit is not accurate. Unfortunately, you are not picking the right bra that is in accordance with your breast shape.
Read below to know more about various breast shapes:
– Tuberous Or Pendulous Breasts: The base of such types of breasts is considerably narrow and the actual breast tissue dangles down quite a bit.
Women with such breasts should find bras with underwires. They should have all-around breast coverage and separated cups. Avoid buying bras that plunge and have demi cups.
– Archetype Breast Shape: This is a standard breast shape that many women like to have. Such breasts are round and full and come to a small point at the nipple. Maximum ladies with breast implants have this breast shape.
Usually, most manufacturers use this breast shape when designing their bras. Thus, almost all of the bra types available on the market are good for this breast shape.
– Shallow Breasts: These types of breasts spread evenly over a big area. They are less projected and the breast tissue is near the collarbone despite being of small size.
Demi cups bras and balconettes are best for the shallow type of breasts. Such bras have cups that are open on top and cut horizontally. Women with shallow breasts should avoid plunge styles.
4. Bra Sister Sizes: Learn About Sister Sizes
If even after measuring bras of various sizes and styles, you are unable to pick a perfect size, go for a sister size. This will help to rectify the slight differences in the different bra sizes.
– Sister Size Down: Decrease your band size by two and increase the cup size by one interval. For example, if your bra size is 34 C, you should try 32 D.
– Sister Size Up: Increase your band size by two and reduce the cup size by one interval. For instance, if your bra size is 32 C, you should try 34 B.
5. Check Different Bra Fitting Styles With Bra Measurement Chart
At present, there are two types of bra fitting styles. Many of the manufacturers are using the modern method of bra measurement. However, a few are still following the old bra size chart. The unfortunate thing is that it is not easy to know which system of bra measurements individual manufacturers are using.
Here are a few things you can do to ensure that you get the right sized bra:
– If you are buying bras from your local store, you should find out your bra measurement for both of the styles. You will find the bra measurement chart later in the article.
– If you want to order your bra online, find the website that allows smooth refund or exchange of their items. This will ensure that you will get the right-sized bra.
6. Consult With A Professional Fitter To Take Your Bra Measurements, But First Read These Tips
Getting measured by a professional is a surefire way to find the right fitting bra. They will be able to advise you on the right cut and style that will enhance the appearance of your breasts and provide the exact fit. However, there are a few things that you should be aware of when consulting a professional fitter in a bra store:
– Do not visit a lingerie store that carries only a limited range of clothing. If this is so, the fitter might try to sell you a wrong-sized bra that they have. Before you ask for their fitting services, make sure that they carry smaller band sizes such as 28, 30 and 32. Besides, they should also have larger cups such as DDD and more. The large list of bra sizes and styles will ensure that you will get a perfect piece of clothing for your assets.
– Once you are satisfied with their collection, ask the fitter to measure you both ways. This will help you find the right size if any style or measurement produces a totally wrong fit.
– While getting yourself measured, do not leave your current bra on. This may produce a wrong measurement. If you are embarrassed to get measured without your bra, you may consider wearing a thin and close fitting tank top, without wearing a bra underneath.
7. The Modern Method To Measure Your Band Size
The simplest part of measuring your bra size is finding the size of your band. Just take a tape and run it all way around your body just beneath your breasts. Make sure to take down measurements in inches. It is imperative that the tape remains horizontal and is fairly snug. You should also keep your arms down.
– If the measurement taken in inches comes out to be odd, then you should try bras of two sizes, one above this number and one below this number. For instance, if your band size is 31, you should try both sizes 30 and 32.
– If the measurement of your band size is an even number, the chances are this is your perfect band size unless or until it interferes with your body type or cup size.
8. The Modern Method To Determine Your Cup Size: Check The Bra Size Chart
It is worth noting that your cup size is not an absolute measurement. It is in proportion to your band size.
Find out Your Cup Measurement
In order to measure your complete breast tissue, you should stand in a way so that your chest is parallel to the ground. Now, take a measuring tape and put it around the fuller part of your breasts. Avoid pulling the tape too tightly.
Make sure that the tape does not move, but it should also not dig into your breast tissue. Also, your tape should be straight or you will end up with a wrong measurement. You can use a mirror to measure yourself or ask for the help of a close friend. Note down this number in inches.
Find Out Your Cup Size
In order to find your cup size, you need to subtract your band size from your cup measurement you just noted. The number you get after subtraction determines your cup size. Here is the list:
– Less than one inch: AA
– One inch: A
– Two inches: B
– Three inches: C
– Four inches: D
– Five inches : DD
– Six inches: DDD or E in UK sizing
– Seven inches: DDDD/F or F in UK sizing
– Eight inches: G/H or FF in UK sizing
– Nine inches: I/J or G in UK sizing
– 10 inches: J or GG in UK sizing
Just remember to check the brand of bras you are buying and then determine the right cup size. Even though there are many bra size charts, it is best to refer to an international correct bra size chart. For your reference, check this breast size chart:
| Band Size | |||||||
| 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | ||
| Upper Bust | |||||||
| 24, 25, 26 | 26, 27, 28 | 28, 29, 30 | 30, 31, 32 | 32, 33, 34 | 34, 35, 36 | ||
| Cup Size | Over Bust | ||||||
| A | 29½ – 30¼ | 32¼ – 33 | 34¼ – 35 | 36¼ – 37 | 38¼ – 39 | 40¼ – 41 | |
| B | 30¼ – 31 | 33 – 33¾ | 35 – 35¾ | 37 – 37¾ | 39 – 39¾ | 41 – 41¾ | |
| C | 31 – 31¾ | 33¾ – 34¾ | 35¾ – 36¾ | 37¾ – 38¾ | 39¾ – 40¾ | 41¾ – 42¾ | |
Here’s a good source of bra size chart with pictures, it helps. Here’s a funny one.
9. Wear The Bra Correctly: Most Women Wear It Wrong
After you have found the measurement, go to your preferred store and ask for a bra with your band size and cup size. However, remember that this is not your definite size. You need to check out various types and styles of bra to look for the right fit.
It is important to ensure that all of your breast tissue remains inside in your bra cup. Before trying on the bra, lengthen the bra straps. Now, slide the straps into your arms and bend a little forward so that your breasts fall into the cups. You may also slip your hand into the side of the cup and ensure they are towards the center. Attach the bra on the largest set of hooks.
You need to adjust the length of the shoulder straps too. Hang them off your shoulders and use the slider to adjust the length. It is imperative that the straps fit on your shoulders snugly instead of cutting into the flesh.
10. The Band Of Your Bra Should Be Snug
Make sure that your band is effectively firm and able to support your breasts without putting too much pressure on your shoulder straps. In order to check that your band size is perfect, run your fingers around the inside of the band. The rule is that you should be able to comfortably fit no more than a fist under the back of your bra.
Your new bra should fasten on the longest adjustment and should feel tight when fastened at the tightest adjustment. Usually, the manufacturers design the bra in this way so that you can easily tighten the band when the elastic starts to wear out. If you find that there is plenty of room, even when you fasten at the tightest adjustment, try bras with smaller bands. For instance, if you are trying 34D, go for 32 DD.
Remember: It is worth noting here that when you decrease the band size, you should go up by one in the cup size and vice versa.
11. The Perfect Cup Size Encloses Complete Breast Tissue
To identify if you are wearing the right cup size, check if there is any spillage or wrinkling of the fabric. Wrinkling indicates that the cup size is too big, while on the other hand the formation of double boobs means that you are wearing too small a cup size.
Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when checking your cup size:
– You should check for any bulging under your arms and at the front.
– If your bra has underwire, it should encompass your complete breast. They should lie flat against your rib cage and not on the breast tissue. If you find that underwire is cutting into the sides of your breasts, then you should certainly try a bra with a larger cup size. Otherwise, you can go for a plunge style with a lower center front.
– You need to be aware of the fact that women who usually wear a bra with large band size and small cup size often have migrated breast tissue that looks like back rolls or armpits rolls. Fortunately, such issues can be corrected by wearing the right-sized bra.
12. Found the Right Bra, Now Check How It Enhances Your Figure
Finally, you’ve selected the bra that fits perfectly on your breasts. It might be in a different style or type that you have not worn before. Therefore, it’s wise to find out how it enhances your personality. The right bra should give a smooth line under your dress.
– Stand in front of the mirror and look to your sides. Your breasts should lie approximately midway between your shoulder and your elbow.
– The right-fitted bra helps support your breastline at the perfect level and makes your dresses fit a lot better. Ill-fitting bras often create low bustlines and spoil the look of dresses.
– When you wear the fitted T-shirt over your bra, you will be able to spot any overflow of breast tissue from the cups if they are too small. Besides, if you are wearing a molded bra, you will be able to see the edges of the cups if the bra is poorly-fitted.
– You should check if the color of your bra is not visible through your thin colored top. There are bras with seamless cups. You can opt for such bras if you want to make your bra invisible.
– Check your back to see if there is any bulge. Some women think that a smaller band size creates a big bulge around the back. However, the fact is that such bulges are caused when the band size is large and it keeps on riding up. The right band size sits lower at the back and remains horizontal.
13. The Traditional Method To Measure Your Band Size
We have talked about the modern way of measuring your breasts. Let’s look at how to do the measurement by the traditional method. Here is how to do this:
– Take a tape and measure around your rib cage just underneath your breast tissue.
– Note down the measurement in inches. If the measurement is an even number, add four inches to this number. For instance, if you get 32, add four to make it 36.
– If the measurement obtained is an odd number, add five inches. For instance, if you get 31, add five to make it 36.
14. The Traditional Method To Measure Your Cup Size
After you have calculated your band size, put the tape on the fullest part of your breasts. It is crucial to keep the tape horizontal and secure. Make sure that it does not slack at the back. Note down the measurement in inches and subtract this number with the above obtained band size to find your cup size.
Here is the list of bra sizes in order:
– Less than one inch: AA
– One inch: A
– Two inches: B
– Three inches: C
– Four inches: D
– Five inches: DD
– Six inches: DDD or E in UK sizing
– Seven inches: DDDD/F or F in UK sizing
– Eight inches: G/H or FF in UK sizing
– Nine inches: I/J or G in UK sizing
– 10 inches: J or GG in UK sizing
Remember: This is an old method of measurement and most brands do not rely on this measurement. This is known as the ‘add four method,’ which was designed by Warners in the year 1930. Even though this system is outdated, it is important to be aware of its existence.
15. Bra Care Tips and Advice: How To Extend The Life Of Your Bra
In order to lengthen the shelf life of your bra, check these tips:
– Never try to buy the wrong sized bra, even if it is low-priced, since most of these bras will not offer the right fit. It is best to buy a few bras that fit well rather than purchasing bras in bulk that are uncomfortable.
– To ensure that the elastic of your bra remains intact for a longer time, avoid wearing it for two days in a row. At least have three bras that you can rotate and wear. When you give a one day rest to your bra, its elastic recovers from the stress and does not spoil easily.
– Do not think that the measurement of your current bra will work for every style of bra available on the market. Remember that various styles of bra will suit different breasts. Thus, you might need bras of different sizes and different styles.
– The band of the bra offers 90 percent support as compared to the shoulder straps that offer only the remaining 10 percent.
– Many women have uneven cup sizes, and if you are one of those women then don’t despair. Buy a bugger sized bra to support the bigger breast. You can shorten the shoulder strap of your smaller twin to provide sufficient support to it.
– Women who have an extreme difference in their breast sizes may opt for silicone bras. Otherwise, they can go for removable padded bras and use the padding for the smaller breast.
– Do not rely on the traditional method of bra measurement. Today, most of the named brands use the modern method to measure the breast size.
Suggestions
– You might want to click this link to find the bra size calculator, which you can help to calculate your right bra size.
– If you prefer shopping for bras online from another country, bra sizing system may be different. Click this bra size conversion link and locate the bra size conversion chart.
It is not unusual that you may have been wearing the same sized bra for so many years. Most women do not refer to the bra size chart in order to find the bra that fits them perfectly. We hope this article has helped you find out how to measure your bra size perfectly so you can choose the right bra that enhances the look of your breasts and thus your figure.
Find the right bra today and delight in your beautiful body.