Find Your Perfect Bra

Are you wearing the right bra? Or do you look like the don't picture for bra fitting? Don't feel bad 75% - 80% of all women are wearing the wrong size bra. Weight changes, pregnancy, and as us busty girls know gravity plays a big part in our bra size. On average a women's bra size changes 6 times over a lifetime, so it may be time to whip out that tape measure and see if it is time for a change.

Measuring your cup size - Measurement # 1

Stand up very straight. Measure at the widest part of your bustline, over the nipples. This measurement should be relaxed (not snug). Make sure the tape is straight across the back.

Measuring your band size - Measurement # 2

Measure around your ribcage, directly under your bustline. The tape should be snug and must be absolutely straight in the back.

To save you from having to do math and formulas we have a link to an easy to use chart once you have your measurements (insert link to chart).

How many of you are surprised by what the chart had to tell you?? In know I was, I was off on both the band and cup size. Like many women I purchased bra's in the size I was prior or the size I wanted to be. Don't fall into that habit, remember size doesn't matter, we are looking for comfort and a bra that make you look great. I went out and purchased bra's in the size the chart told me and was amazed by the difference. The right fitting bra can make you look trimmer, slimmer, and taller. Your clothes will fit better, your back will hurt less and your spirits will be up.

Now with your new size in hand make a trip to your favorite bra shop and try out some new bras. Keep in mind that not all bras are created equal and there still may be slight variations in the size you will purchase so I have included a checklist to ensure that you have the best bra for you body. It is certainly more work but trust me the end result is worth it.

 

The Perfect Fitting Checklist

Smooth fitting cups: If you don't fill out the cups, you need a smaller size. If you are "overflowing" in the cups, try a larger cup size or a style with a fuller cup design. The edges of the cups should also lie flat against your breast. If there is a gap (especially with padded bras), you should go down a cup size.

Center panel lays flat against your breastbone: If it does not, this could be a sign that your cup size is too small, or the panel is not large enough to accommodate the separation between your breasts.

The bottom of the bra in the front and back is parallel to the floor or slightly lower in the back: The lower edge of the band should anchor below the shoulder blades. The lower the back fits, the better the support.

Straps stay put and don't dig into your shoulders. Consider a different bra style with straps closer together if straps keep falling. A smaller band size should reduce the strap's strain on your shoulders.

Cup fabric should be stable enough to give support as well as a good breast shape.

An underwire should encircle your breast without poking, protruding or pinching.

Good breast uplift so that the apex of your breasts is mid-way between your shoulders and your elbows. Uplifted breasts look more youthful and give a slimming appearance.

Breasts face the front and do not sag or fall to the sides. This breast position allows you to freely swing your arms.

A finger can be run under the front band: Your bra should be snug, but not too tight. If it's tight, you need a larger band size or a looser hook placement.

Feels comfortable when sitting. Our ribcages tend to expand when we are seated. If you're not sure your band is big enough, this quick test will answer your concern.

Consider an alteration. Still not the perfect fit? We alter our clothes for a better fit, why not a bra? One woman in our office really measures to a 35 band size. She therefore buys a 36D and has a dart put in at the sides.

An important point when zeroing in on your correct bra size is when you try on a bra and go one cup size larger, you are keeping the band size the same and increasing your bust line by 1". However, when you go up a band size (keeping the cup size the same) you are increasing your band circumference by 2" AND increasing your bust line circumference by 2" as well. The point here is that changing a cup size within a band size is fine-tuning your bra size. Changing a band size is a much more significant size change.

I hope this has been helpful!