Anyone who has ever worn an incorrectly sized or poorly fitted bra understands how easily it can spoil an otherwise perfect outfit, or even worse, an entire day. (It’s not funny to talk about the backaches and breast pain that come with a day-long of wearing an unfitted bra.) Finding and purchasing a set of underwear with the proper cut, fit, and size is the answer – everyone knows it, but it’s not an easy one.
Knowing the terms and your number
A C-cup at one retailer can easily be a D-cup at another, and some bra sizes can expand and shrink (particularly in band size) over a day or between washings. Bra size is famously inconsistent among different lingerie companies. The simplest way to determine your bra size is to use these easy measuring instructions to take your bust measures. This will guarantee that the band and cup fit perfectly, and it can even help you choose how much support is appropriate.
Little equipment is needed to measure bra sizes: With just a tape measure and some spare time, you may avoid enduring a lot of distress. Two measurements must be taken to determine bra size:
Widths under and over the bust
Under-bust: Hold the tape measure straight with the centimeter side facing out and wrap it around your torso beneath the bust. It needs to be tightly wrapped around the body. As soon as you release your breath, take your measurement.
Over-bust: Lay the tape measure loosely across the widest area of your bust, horizontally, with the centimeter side facing out while maintaining its original position on your back. You must take this measurement as well.
Band size and Cup size
Traditional bra sizes are a combination of letters and numbers. The number portion of the size (the 34 in 34C for example) represents your band size or the measurement around your rib cage just below your breasts. To get this number pull a soft measuring tape tightly around the bottom of your bra band while wearing it. Round to the nearest whole number and add four (five if the number is odd). This is your band size.
The letter portion of your bra size is your cup size. To get this you’ll need your bust measurement. Measure around your chest again this time placing the measuring tape at nipple level. This is your bust measurement. Get your cup size by subtracting your band size from your bust size. If the difference is a 1 your cup size is an A, 2 a B, 3 a C, etc. Now you should have a letter and a number to use as your bra size. Your band size goes first and is followed by your cup size. Bear in mind that even after all this effort, this is just a guide. Bra sizing isn’t standardized and each manufacturer determines their fit. Use this as a starting point, but don’t be surprised if you have to experiment a bit to find the right fit.
Beware of your body change, don’t hesitate to change or re-measure them.
Although measuring bra sizes can be uncomfortable at first, it will be much easier to search for bras online if you know your measurements and have them written down in a note on your phone or anywhere else you can easily access when you want to buy one strike.
The best part is that understanding how to measure your bust can make it much easier to respond to changes in your breasts, whether they result from weight loss or gain, hormone fluctuations, aging, pregnancy, and other factors.
This is some sign that you need a new bra:
- Shoulder straps that slide: Your bra is not fitting correctly if you have to reach down all the time to pull your shoulder straps back up. Adjusting the shoulder straps slightly could be beneficial. If, after being tightened, they still slip, you are most likely wearing a band that is too big, which puts the straps too near to your shoulder’s edges.
- Pain in the back: Back pain is more likely in women with bigger breasts who wear bras that are too small. You may overestimate your cup size when, in reality, you need a larger band for better support in a smaller cup. Alternatively, the band can be too big on you, causing it to ride up your back and exert pressure on your shoulders. Lack of bra support-related back pain typically becomes more apparent at the end of the day or after extended periods of standing.
- Headaches and Neck Pain: Uncomfortable bra fittings can put a strain on your shoulders, which can lead to headaches and neck pain. Muscle strain can be the cause of many headaches, at least partially. A supportive bra that fits properly relieves shoulder strain and promotes muscular relaxation in the shoulders, neck, and back of the head.
- Room at the Top of Each Cup: A bra should have all of the cups filled in when it fits correctly. If there’s a big gap at the top of your cups. For example, you may be mistakenly wearing a C when your true size is a B. The cups may rub and buckle beneath some types of clothes due to the space within them. Additionally, the extra room may force you to tighten the straps excessively, which could place too much strain on your shoulders.
- Something’s wrong look & feel: You appear sleek, attractive look under your clothing when your bra is fitted properly. Your bra is probably too small and tight if you can see skin bulges around it when you wear a t-shirt. On the other hand, you may be wearing an overly large band if your breasts look flat and unsupported beneath your clothes. Different bra styles go well with different types of clothes, but if you find yourself needing to try on three or four before you find one that matches your outfit, it’s time to have your measurements taken again.
It shouldn’t be necessary to guess a bra size. Finding the most supportive bras that fit you precisely will allow you to put an end to aching, achy breasts from poorly fitting bras. With this guidance, managing irregular bra cup sizes— yes, even for sports bras — should be a breeze. We hope our information is helpful to you, remember: Comfort is key! The most important thing is to find a bra that feels comfortable and supportive. Don’t be afraid to try on different sizes and styles to find what works best for you.
