At least 80% of women wear a bra that is not right for them.Most people wear a bra that is too big in the back and too small in cups.All brands follow a basic measurement system that you can use at home to measure your bra size.
Step 1: You should know that cup size isn't absolute.
The biggest myth about bra sizes is that a D cup looks the same on every band size, or that having small breasts means you're an A cup.The cup size is dependent on your band measurement.A 32 D will fill out less volume than a 36 D, but they're both D cups.The cup size is determined by the difference between your bust and underbust measurement.A 32D would mean that you have a 32 inch underbust and a 33 inch bust, whereas a32A would tell you the opposite.
Step 2: Understand how a properly fitted bra should look and feel.
There are a few signs that a bra isn't right for you.A snug band is what should do the majority of the work supporting your breasts, not the straps.You should be able to put one or two fingers under the band, but not anymore.The straps on your shoulders can be a sign that you need a smaller band.There shouldn't be any tissue coming from the sides of the cups.If the end of the underwire is pointing toward the middle of your body, you're good to go.The part of the bra band that's between the cups should sit flat against your chest.You're wearing the wrong bra if it doesn't happen.A smooth curve means avoiding the "quad-boob" that occurs from the top of a too-small cup cutting into breast tissue above the bra.Look for a fit that results in a clean silhouette with no stray tissue.
Step 3: You should be aware of the different breast shapes.
What happens if you find a bra that doesn't fit in your size?It's likely that you don't pick the right bra for your breast shape.You probably have a shallow shape if your breast tissue is spread evenly over a wider area.Having breast tissue near your collarbones is a tell-tale sign.A cup that's open on top and cut horizontally is the best way to fit shallow breasts.Don't wear plunge styles.If the base of your breast is relatively narrow, but the actual tissue hangs down quite a bit, don't despair!Look for bras with underwires, well-separated cups and full breast coverage.Don't wear plunge bras.
Step 4: Know the sister sizes.
Try a sister size if you find a bra that's close to a perfect fit but not quite there.It might be able to correct the slight differences between manufacturers.Take your cup size up one interval, but reduce your band size by two.You can go from a 36 C to a 34 D.You could go from 36 C to 38 B.Some women may still choose a sister size even after finding their true bra size.If you go up or down by more than one size, you will end up with a band that is too large or small.
Step 5: There are different fitting styles that you can navigate.
There are two different bra fitting styles.More manufacturers are using the modern measurement, while some still use the traditional style.It's difficult to know which system individual designers use.It's a good idea to know your size when shopping for bras in a store.If you're ordering online, look for a site that has a flexible return policy.
Step 6: Be careful with professional fittings.
Asking for a seasoned professional to measure you is a great idea if you're starting from square one, she'll be able to suggest cuts and styles that could work for you.Don't go to stores that have a limited range.A fitter at one of these shops might try to sell you a size that they have on-hand, instead of your true size.Before you commit to a fitting, make sure the store has smaller band sizes and larger cups.Department stores are good choices in the US.To be fitted with both measurement systems, ask.If one style produces a completely wrong fit, you have an idea of what size to try.Don't remove your bra.It's probably not going to be the correct measurement if your fitter tries to measure you with your bra still on.If you're concerned about modesty, wear a thin but close-fitting tank top to your fitting, and remove the bra underneath.
Step 7: Measure the size of the band.
The easiest part of the process is your band size.Take a measurement in inches by running a tape measure all the way around your body.The tape measure should be horizontal and snug.Your arms should be down.Write down the number.If it's an odd number, you should try out bras in both the size below your measurement and the one above.If you measured 31 inches, your band size could be 30 or 32.If your measurement is already an even number, you may need a smaller or larger size depending on your body type.If your band size is less than 28, you may want to go up a size.If you go down a cup size, your cups will have the same volume.If you are a 26C, a 28B may be more comfortable.
Step 8: Determine how big your cup is.
Your cup size is in proportion to your band size.If you want your chest to be parallel to the ground, bend over.This will allow you to measure all of your breast tissue, not just what is visible when you're standing up.To make sure the tape is over the fullest part of your breasts, measure around your torso.Pull the tape tight, but not so tight that it's pressing into your breast tissue.Take the number and write it down.Make sure the tape measure is level.You'll end up with an even measurement if it's a few inches down your back.If you can't measure yourself in front of a mirror, ask your partner or close friend to help you.Do you know the cup size?You have to subtract the band measurement from the cup measurement to do this.The cup size is determined by the difference between the two numbers.If you're shopping in the US, you might see cup sizes such asDD.You can refer to an international bra size chart if you're not sure.
Step 9: You can try on a bra with the band and cup size you've arrived at.
If you don't try on a few bras, you will often find you need a different size in different brands or styles of bra.
Step 10: Put the bra on correctly
The "scoop and swoop" is a more correct way to make sure all of your breast tissue is in the bra.Your bust will fall into the cups if you lean forward with your arms through them.Attach the bra to the hooks and eyes.If you're trying a smaller back size, you will notice that you need to stretch it around to make the hooks and eyes meet.If you're still leaning forward, take hold of the underwires and give them room to wiggle from side to side.Lift each breast towards the centre by slipping your hand into the side of the cup.The shoulder straps may have to be adjusted.If you want the straps to stay in place, you have to remove them from your shoulders and adjust the sliders.
Step 11: Check the band's size.
The smallest you can comfortably wear is the correct band size.The underbust measurement-bra bands are quite stretchy, especially at 42+.The bra needs to be firm so that it doesn't weigh down on the shoulder straps.You should be able to run your fingers around the inside of the band.A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit a fist under the back of the bra.If you try to fit it on the smallest size, it will probably be too tight.Bras are designed to fit like this so that you can tighten the band as the elastic wears out.If the band is large enough for you to be able to fit it on the tightest adjustment, try a smaller band.You have to change the cup size for every band you go down in order for the cups to remain the same.If you find the band tight, it's a good idea to go up a cup size because too small of cups can make a band too big.If going up a size doesn't work, try going a band up and a cup down.28G to 30FF.Try the first method.
Step 12: You can check the cup size.
The cup size should be completely filled out with no wrinkling of the fabric or space in the cups, but any spillage or double boob means the cup is too small, even in low cut or pushup bras.The cups should be checked for any bulging under your arms and at the front.Make sure the underwire is tight against your rib cage.To make sure the underwires are on your ribs, check the sides of your arms.You need a larger cup size if they are cutting into your breasts.If you have been wearing a bra with a too big band and too small cups, you may have ended up with migrated tissue, which will look like back rolls.After getting a well fitting bra, this can be fixed.If the underwires are pressing against your breastbone at the centre front, you may need a smaller cup size or a plunge style, which is more likely to be an issue with the cups than the band.It's the shaping of your ribcage that makes you human.You can either wait for the bra to be broken in and see how it fits, or you can go with the lower centre front.Try on a bigger cup size as well to double check if you think the cups are too small.If the smaller size fits better, it will be obvious.
Step 13: You can see how it looks with your shirt on.
You've found a new bra that fits well, maybe in a different size or style than the ones you're used to.It's time to see what it does for your figure.It's important to make sure you get a smooth line under your clothes if you're trying on a t-shirt bra.If you look in the mirror, you should be able to see that your bust is about halfway between your elbow and shoulder.Your bustline will be supported at the right level in a well fitting bra.A lot of people find that their clothes fit better, and they discover a waist that has never been seen before.If your bustline was low because of a poorly supporting bra, you may need to wear a smaller dress size.A fitted t-shirt will show bulges from cups that are too small, and a moulded bra that is not filled out will have lines at the bust where the edge of the cups are visible.If you need to make your bra invisible, go for seamless cups which match your own skin colour rather than the colour of your top.A lot of people worry that wearing a smaller band size will make their back bulge.The bulges are caused by the back of the bra being too large.When the band sits at the back, it fits firmly and stays horizontal, rather than being pushed upwards.
Step 14: You can measure the band size.
Wrap a tape measure around your ribcage.If the measurement is even, add 4 inches.Add 5 inches if the measurement is odd.Most brands have stopped using the band measurement system.The "add four" method was popularized by Warners in the 1930s, but it doesn't work with modern bras.It's good to know that it is out there.
Step 15: Measure the cup.
Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your breasts.Make sure the tape isn't sagging around your back by keeping it horizontal.Subtract your band size from the new number to calculate your cup size.