Find Your Perfect Fit: A Comprehensive Guide to Bra Sizing

Most women do not wear the correct bra size.  With monthly
water retention cycles, dieting, and general aging, it also
should not be assumed that the size you were two years ago is
the same size you are today (or that a bra can be worn that
long, for that matter).  Even a change of 5 pounds can
change your bra size.  This guide will help you to properly
measure your bust, so that you can find the size for you.

While most shops will have a salesperson to assist you in proper
measurements, in order to buy sexy lingerie from a catalog, it
is important to know your size.

How To Know If Your Current Bra Does Not Fit

The back rides up.  This may mean that the cups are too
small, or the band is too tight. The front of the band is too
tight to get a finger under it.  This means you need a
larger band.

The bra cups should be entirely filled, or you may need a
smaller cup.  If, on the other hand, the cups are
overflowing, you may need a larger cup or a different style of
bra.

If the underwire digs in, you may need a larger cup size. 
(Or your bra could just be very old.  In either case, it’s
time to replace it.)  This could also be an indication that
the side wings of the bra are not large enough.

Proper Measurements

First, you will need three measurements: under bust, upper bust,
and full bust. For under the bust, measure directly under your
bust.  With all measurements, hold the tape secure but not
too tight.  For the upper bust, measure above the bust and
below the arms.

If the difference between the under and upper bust is less than
two inches, the under bust is your band size (round up to
nearest even number).  If the difference is more than two
inches, add 2-3″ to the under bust measurement to get an even
number and use this as your band size. For the full bust,
measure around a fullest part of your breast.  Make sure
the tape is secure around the back.

Your cup size is determined by your full bust measurement – your
upper bust measurement.  If the difference is less than 1″,
you are a AA, 1″ is an A, 2″ is a B, 3″ is a C, 4″ is a D, 5″ is
a DD (or an E), etc.

Beyond Measurements

Of course, your measurements are just the beginning.  There
are other things to keep in mind when looking for a comfortable,
yet sexy bra.

When trying on different bras, make sure that the area in
between the two cups actually comes into contact with your
chest.  Do not make the straps support your breast
alone!  This will be very uncomfortable over long periods
of time, the bra will wear out quickly, and the pressure on the
straps can cause back problems.

If you are finding the band sizes to differ for a different
brand, you may also need to change your cup size. 
Generally, as you decrease the band size, you will need to
increase your cup size, while a larger band will call for a
smaller cup.

Bra Styles

Different styles of bras have different fits.  Beware the
convertible bras: while they may sometimes work, it is rare that
every possible style will work for your body.

• Full
  Cup / Full Coverage – Designed for support, these bras cover the
  entire breast.
  
• Half Cup / Demi Cup – These bras
  cover 75 percent of the breast.  This is a sexy cut that
  increases cleavage, but make sure your breasts are not “cut-off”
  in the center.  Your profile should still be smooth, and if
  it isn’t, you need a larger cup size.
  
• Underwire
  Bras – These bras give the most support.
  
• Racerback
  Bras – These bras have a crossover pattern in the back. 
  They can have a front or back clasp, or can simply pull over the
  head.  This is a common style for a sports bra.
  


• Halter-Top Bras – As the name imply, these bras have a strap
  that loops around the neck, rather than the usual shoulder
  straps.  These bras can increase cleavage, and can be worn
  with both halter tops and tops with low center
  coverage.
  
• Backless Bras – While some backless bras
  literally have only front coverage, generally this refers to
  bras with extremely low backs, so that many dresses with low
  backs can be worn without the bra showing.
  


• Strapless Bras – These bras have no straps at all, only the
  band.  Some of these can cover the stomach area as well,
  and some even cover the body like a leotard.  These longer
  strapless bras tend to stay in place better.
  
• Padded
  Bras / Push-Up Bras – These bras have extra padding in the cups
  in order to give the illusion of a larger breast and/or to
  increase the cleavage.  The padding can be made of the same
  material as the bra, foam, or gel.  Gel is becoming more
  popular because of its more natural look.  In some bras,
  the padding is removable.
  
• Décolleté – These bras
  are lower cut than a demi bra, allowing you to wear something
  even lower cut without revealing your bra.
  


• Light-Support Bras – These bras have no underwire. 
  While you may be tempted to wear one to an all-day event, if you
  are larger than an A cup, you may not be getting the support you
  need.  A properly fitted bra will be comfortable whether or
  not it has underwire.
  
• Sports Bra – These bras are
  designed to minimize bouncing during athletic activity. 
  While some inexpensive varieties do this by squishing your
  breasts, it is better to find on that is sized by cup sizes (as
  opposed to small, medium, and large) and get fitted as you would
  with a regular bra.  Over the long term, this will increase
  your comfort.
  
• Nursing Bras – For the convenience of
  nursing mothers, these bras have a snap on each of the shoulder
  straps, so she can easily remove them to feed the baby without
  taking off the entire bra.  Generally, nursing bras are
  full-coverage for the added support a new mother
  needs.

Now you can order all your intimate apparel with
confidence!  So next time you find the perfect little black
dress, you can be sure you will look your best.