A potentially great day can be ruined if you wear the wrong bra.It is possible to measure yourself for the right bra size.It is easy to choose a style that will keep you comfortable once you know what you are looking for.The perfect bra can be found with a bit of planning.
Step 1: Put on a well-fitting bra.
The bra should be snug but not dig into your sides.Your nipples should be between your elbow and shoulder.Lift the straps if they are lower.It is possible to measure without a bra, but it may be more difficult when things are moving.
Step 2: You can find your band size.
Measure around your ribs with a soft tape measurer in front of a mirror.This is where your bra wraps around you.The tape needs to be pulled tight.Write down the measurement.Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor by using the mirror.You can get an accurate measurement if the measuring tape is in a straight line around your body.It's like you are wearing a corset if you pull the tape tight.It's important to make sure it is squeezing your body.If your measurement is less than 33 1/2 inches, round it up to the nearest whole number.If your measurement was odd, you may want to try one size up and another size down, but round up for now.
Step 3: You can find your bust size.
Measure your breasts at their fullest point, usually at the nipple, by wrapping the measuring tape around your back.Write down the measurement.Measure on a day when your breasts feel normal because your cup size can change based on hormones.If you're worried about your posture, try to bend forward at the hips until your body forms an L shape.Measure your bust from that position.Don't pull the tape tight.If your measurement is a fraction, round up to the nearest whole number.Again, make sure the tape is straight across your back.The measuring tape shouldn't be pointed toward your nipples.All women have one breast that is larger than the other, so be sure to measure to the fullest breast.
Step 4: Subtract your bust size from your band size.
The key to finding your cup size is the difference between these two numbers.A cup is a 1 inch difference.B cup is 2 inch.C cup is 3 inch.A cup is 4 inches.The cup is 5 inches.Cup sizes will vary with each company once you go above 5 inches.You can use your band and bust measurement to find the cup you want on the company's website.
Step 5: If you combine the cup size with your band measurement, you have your final bra size.
A 34C means you have a 34 inch band and a cup.
Step 6: The band size is not the same as the cup size.
The cup will be smaller if it is a 34B cup.If you change band sizes, you will also have to change cup sizes.Go for a cup size if you need a bigger band.You will want 36A instead of 34B.Go up a cup size if you need a smaller band size.Go for 32C instead of 34B.The cup measurement is more important than the band measurement.A band size change is more significant than a cup size.First, get a comfortable band, then tune it with the cup size.
Step 7: If you need assistance, get it from a professional.
If you don't feel like measuring yourself or want a second opinion, stop into any bra or lingerie store or department and ask a sales associate for help.Helping customers find the best bra is part of their job, and they will know exactly what to do.
Step 8: You want the bra to hang around your waist.
You can tighten the straps later if you need to.If you have trouble hooking a bra behind your back, you can twist it around so the hooks are at your spine.
Step 9: Pull the bra up from the front only by sliding your arms through the straps.
The cups may feel empty at this point, but that's okay.The band should be low on your back.
Step 10: Lean forward and, using the opposite hand, pull the flesh from your body into the cup.
Pull the soft flesh up.Hold the bra in the center between the cups and jiggle it.
Step 11: Check the fit and tighten the straps.
There should be no slack because straps shouldn't be so tight.Does the bra make you look like you have four boobs?It's the wrong size.Your nipples should be between your elbow and shoulder.You need a different size if your breasts are spilling out of your bra.
Step 12: Your bra size isn't permanent and will change with your body.
It doesn't mean that you will always have the same measurement.If your bra doesn't feel right or you've gone through a body change, take your measurements again.If your weight has fluctuated more than 10 pounds, you should get refitted.
Step 13: Get to know your breasts.
The shape and size of your breasts can affect your bra size.Breasts and bodies come in all shapes and sizes.Dressing for your body is more important than worrying that your breasts don't look right.A lot of bras are recommended for different shapes and types of breasts.They make suggestions for women with large areolas.
Step 14: The bra you are buying has a function.
Is this a regular bra to wear under a t-shirt?Are you going to wear a backless dress or a lot of low-cut shirts?Is it possible that you can only afford one bra and need something else?There are many options for different styles, cuts and fits.There is a guide to the pros and cons of different bra styles, and on which bodies and breast shapes they work best.A seamless bra is a great everyday bra to wear under a T-shirt or other form-fitting clothes as it will be almost invisible underneath.
Step 15: A sports bra is good for exercising.
If your breasts bounce or move too much, the supportive ligaments will break.Bouncing can become very painful, and it may prevent you from participating in activities.When shopping for a sports bra, check the impact level.A bra is great for yoga or hiking.Running requires a high-impact bra.Smaller-breasted women are usually comfortable in compression bras and look like a tank top.A bra that cups and covers each breast may be more comfortable for largerbreasted women.There are wide straps and clasps in these bras.A bra that combines compression and encapsulation will give you the best support.
Step 16: The cups are smooth and the edges are flat.
You may not need a smaller cup if the cups are wrinkled.If you feel pinched, try a larger cup size.
Step 17: The bra band needs to be low in the back.
The band should not angle higher than parallel to the floor.The bra cannot provide proper support if the band is too high.If you want to tighten the straps, try a smaller band size.
Step 18: Don't dig into your shoulders if the straps stay in place.
The majority of the support should be provided by your straps.If you rely on the shoulder straps to keep your breasts lifted, you may need a smaller band size.If you have sloping or narrow shoulders, try a bra with a leotard back, racerback bra, or a special clip that will keep your straps from slipping off your shoulders.
Step 19: The underwire doesn't pinch your skin or dig into your chest.
The wires shouldn't bend in the center.If you want a bra without an underwire, try a larger size.Many women choose to wear a bra with an underwire, but a soft-fit bra that is properly fitted can provide equal support.Go with what feels most comfortable to you.
Step 20: The band should not be too tight.
You can run a finger under the front of the band.If you can't slide your finger under the band, your bra may be too tight or you need a larger band size.If your bra becomes uncomfortable when you sit, try a larger band or bra with arched center panel.When you are sitting, your ribs expand.Whether you're sitting in a chair or on your feet, you want your bra to be comfortable.