Determining Your Correct Bra Size

Unbelievable but true. 8 out of every 10 women wear the wrong size bra. I think all women have experienced the problems associated with a poor fitting bra. Besides being uncomfortable, they can make you look very unflattering, cause back and shoulder pain, mimic the pain of heartburn and most importantly, over time an incorrect size bra can be harmful to your breast tissue. Whether you are searching for a bra for daily wear or an athletic sport bra, good support comes from a proper fit.

This guide is intended to give you accurate measurements in just a few easy steps.

First, let’s determine your correct band size. With a soft, cloth measuring tape wrap the tape around your ribcage, keeping it snug, directly under the bustline. Below is the band size chart equal to your measurement in inches:

BRA BAND SIZE CHART          

BAND SIZE    32           34          36            38          40           42           44          46           48           50
RIB CAGE   27-29"     29-32"     33-34"     35-38"     39-41"     41-43"     43-45"     46-47"     48-49"     50-51"

If the number is odd, add 1 inch - to round up to the next even number - if you measured 33", add 1 to get 34". Your bra should fit firmly on the loosest hook when it is brand new. Bras tend to stretch out in the back band first after extended wear. Many women depend on their bra straps to give them support. Only about 10 percent of support will come from your straps. Your main support area will be the side panels.
 
Step Two: Determining cup size. Breast cup size is determined by one of the three following categories:

Shallow – The breast tends to fill more of the lower cup area. A shallow cup bra may require a smaller cup, or a push-up style cup to help place the breast in a more rounded position.
Average – The breast equally fills the cup in both the lower and top cup area giving a round appearance.
Full – More of a round appearance than an average cup but provides lower cup support, yet gives ample coverage on the top part of the bra so that the breast stays in place and will not spill out.

Next, complete your measurements without your bra by taking the tape measure around the back as you did for the band measurement. Bring the tape measure across the largest part of the bust. This measurement should be comfortable, not so snug that the tape measure makes a dent in the breast tissue, but not loose enough that the tape measure falls. Write this measurement down. Note: never round this number up or down.

Take the bustline measurement and deduct the band measurement. This difference will determine the cup size. For example, if the band measurement were 33", it would be rounded to 34", and if the bust measurement were 37", the difference is 3". According to the table below, I would recommend a 34C.

CUP SIZE CHART       

Difference in Inches   0 to 1-1/2      1-1/2 to 2-1/2      2-1/2 to 3-1/2      3-1/2 to 4-1/2      4-1/2 to 5-1/2
Cup Size Chart            A                        B                      C                       D                   DD/E

Other Fitting Tips & Solutions to Common Problems

• The band fits if it's level - not riding up or drooping - across your back. It should be snug, but not too tight for comfort, when you use the center hook(s).
• Bend slightly at the waist and let the bust fall into the cup, then stand up. Reach under the strap and pull all of underarm flush, into the cup. Cups should be full and smooth, with no spillage. If you do experience spilling out of the cup, go up one cup size.
• If the cups of your bra are puckering or gapping, you are not properly filling out the cup. You will need to go down a band or cup size, or both. If you should find that dropping down a size is too uncomfortable because it is too tight, then try a different cup coverage style bra.
• The center section between the cups should lie flat against your chest, not riding up on top of breast tissue.
• If the straps keep falling off your shoulders, this is where most women would make the common mistake of adjusting the straps.the band size is more than likely too large. You need to go down to a smaller band size. If you have rounded, or sloped shoulders you may find that a racerback style is the most practical solution.
• The underwire is cutting into you or poking you – The breast is being forced into an area too small to accommodate it. Go up one cup size.
• The band size/cup size combination is a flexible one. So if, the band isn't snug enough, try a smaller band and a larger cup size. For example, if you try a 36B, and the cups are a good fit but the back is too large, a 34C should fit.

This guide should have you on your way to a better fitting, body flattering bra! I hope you found this information useful.

Kristine
Oper8ionsmanager
Athletic Body Zone - Enter Athletic Body Zone