Tips on Finding the Perfect Fit Bra

This post comes courtesy of Classy Bras, a blog about bras! In addition to tips about fitting and style, there is an very complete Bra Buyer's Guide with a list of 100 top-rated bras. 

How to Find the Perfect Fitting Bra

Anyone who watches Oprah already knows what million of lingerie stores all over the world have been telling us for years; most women wear the wrong size bra! It’s true that up to 80% of women are in bras that they spill out of, bras that are not supportive, bras where the straps fall down constantly and bras that flatten, squish, droop or just plain look unattractive on the body.

So how do you find the perfect fitting bra? Well, the simple answer is to go to a custom professional bra fitter. They can be found in higher end lingerie shops as well as many department stores. However, many women either can’t afford this or are too embarrassed to stand in front of someone who pokes, prods, measures and lifts. If this is you, don’t be concerned; there are other ways to find the best fitting bra for your needs.

Take Your Measurements

First and foremost, you must take your own measurements immediately. Step away from the computer, put down the remote and run, don’t walk, to find your measuring tape. Stand up straight in front of a mirror, lower your shoulders breathe normally and most of all just relax. Using a soft measuring tape, make sure to measure all the way around your body, placing the tape right below your breasts. If you have someone else to do it for you, it is preferable so you can make sure the tape stays completely straight and as parallel to the ground as possible.

Once you have your measurement, you'll need to add 5" if the measurement was less than 33". If the measurement was more than 33", add 3". If you come up with an odd number, or a measurement with a fraction of an inch, round up to the next even number. For example, you measure around your body, and get 34". Because you're more than 33", you add 3". Your size is 37", but since that's an odd number, you round up to 38". Confusing? Sure. Is it necessary? Absolutely!

Now that you have your band size you need to work on your cup size. While wearing a traditional bra, not a padded one, you need to measure the fullest part of your breast making sure to go directly over the nipple without pulling the measuring tape too tight. Again, having someone do it for you makes this step much easier but if you don’t, take the time to look in the mirror confirming the tape is straight all the way around.

Using the following guide, take the difference to find your cup size. 

• 1" is A cup
• 2" is B cup
• 3" is C cup
• 4" is D cup
• 5" is DD cup
• 6" is DDD cup

And so on…

For example, if your band size is 38 and your measurement around the bust is 3 inches more than that then you would be a 38 C cup. It’s just that simple!

But wait…

Bras also have “sister sizes.” Most women don’t realize that each bra you try on has a sister size. That simply means that since bras differ depending on brand, style and manufacturing, sometimes a sister size in a certain style or from a different brand will fit you better than the size you just measured. For example, if while wearing a Bali bra you feel very comfortable and supported in a 36C, you may need to wear a 34D in a Playtex or maybe a 38 B in a Victoria's Secret bra.

Basically, if the band size goes up the cup size goes down and if the band size goes down the cup size goes up. So, if after finding the perfect bra you want to try different brands but they are too tight in the band or too loose in the cup size follow the rule that says “Band size up cup size down” and “Band size down cup size up.” Never just go to a smaller band with the same cup or a larger band with the same cup. That will again lead you down the path of the ill-fitting bra.

In short, whenever you try a new bra brand or style, always try on your sister sizes to make sure you get the best fit.

What Else Is There to Know About a Perfect Fitting Bra?

We’re not done yet… there are a few more things you need to take into consideration. The underwire for instance; it’s everyone’s favorite look but often the most difficult to master. Wire circumference is so important. Your underwire should surround and support your breasts, not poke you! If the wire pulls away from the body in the center, your cup size is too small. To find out if you are living with the wrong underwire, sit down while wearing your bra to make sure the bra isn’t pulling away from your body. If the cups stay secure against the breasts then you are in the right cup size.

Final Tips:

• A new bra should fit a little more snug at first so don’t be surprised if the bra that is the right size feels a bit tight. The Lycra will become looser as the bra gets a little more wear.

• Women who are petite or full figured need a bra with a defined or structured cup to help the body look better under clothing also known as your silhouette.

• When your clothing size changes, you need to measure your bra size again. As little as 5 pounds can make a huge difference in bra size.

• Never wear the same bra you wear everyday as the bra you wear to workout in. You need a special sports bra to support you during any strenuous activity so remember, make sure you have both work bras and work out bras.

Ladies, a bra is something you need to wear for the rest of your life, you might as well make it as comfortable as it can be. Make sure you are a part of the 20% of women who DO wear the right size!