80-85% of all women are not wearing the correct bra size!  How do you know if you are wearing the correct size?  If you haven't measured yourself lately, you should take time to do so now.  Looking and feeling great starts with a good fitting bra! 

Traditional Method

1. Using a soft tape-measure, measure around the ribcage directly under the bust. The tape should rest on the lower band of your bra. Be sure the tape is snug, smooth across the back and level with the front.
2. Add 5 to this measurement.  If you end up with an odd number, you could go up or down.  For example: if you measure 34, add 5.  34+5=39, you will be a 38 or a 40.
3. Measure around the fullest part of your bust.  Hold the tape measure straight but not tight. Subtract the band size from the bust size to determine your cup size.  Use the chart below to determine your cup size.

Alternate Method

1. Using a soft tape-measure, measure around the ribcage directly under your armpits. The tape should rest right under your armpits. Be sure the tape is snug, smooth across the back and level with the front.
2. If you are odd number, add one to this measurement.
3. Measure around the fullest part of your bust.  Hold the tape measure straight but not tight. Subtract the band size from the bust size to determine your cup size.  Use the chart below to determine your cup size.

Less than 1 inch=AA
1 inch=A
2 inches=B
3 inches=C
4 inches=D
5 inches=DD, E in some styles
6 inches=DDD, F in some styles

Every body is different.  If you measure and it seems way off, you can go to most lingerie shops and some department stores for help in finding the right size.
If your measurements are very different, determine if you are falling into one of these common problems:

Up, Up and Away--The band is riding up your back.
Your band is might be too large or needs to be tightened. Adjust your band so it's not so loose.  If you are already on the tightest setting, you may need a smaller size.

Your cup runneth over--Your bust is spilling over or bulging under the cup.
Your cups are too small, and you will need a larger cup size.

The world is on your shoulders--The straps are digging into your shoulders.
You may need to loosen the straps. Or, your cups may be too small.  This pulls the bra down and creates tension in the straps.  You may need a larger cup size.  Bra straps account for about 20% of breast lifting.  The cup design and the band do the rest of the work.  Tightening your straps to create more lift, only creates more strain on your back and shoulders!  If the straps are falling off your shoulders, most likely, your band size is too large and you will need a smaller band. It's also possible that your bra has lost its elasticity. Or, if you have sloped shoulders, you may want to try a racerback style.

The gap...and I don't mean the store--The cups in your bra are puckering or gapping.
If you're not filling out the cup, then your band and/or cup size is too large and you will need a smaller size.

I am so into you--The wire in your bra is digging in or poking you.
If your bust is being forced to find somewhere else to go, and you are being poked by the underwire in the process, then your cup size is probably too small and you will need a larger size.

There is no reason to be stuck in an uncomfortable bra!  Ebay offers a terrific selection of bras way below retail. 

~Kat~
K's Corner Lingerie Shoppe K's Corner