Bra Fitting
Prior to World War I, a womans breasts were stuffed into corsets and other uncomfortable single-fabric contraptions. The two cup bra was first designed by a woman named Caresse Crosby. She sold the patent for her idea (simply two handkerchiefs sewn together with attached ribbon straps) in 1913, and the beginning of the billion-dollar lingerie business was born.
Below are tips to help you get the bra that fits the best, is more comfortable, and is the most flattering... check the "Glossary" page for a list of terms & phrases that you will run into while shopping for a bra.
How to find your bra size:
Wearing the right bra size is just as important as choosing the right bra style. Why? Improperly sized bras contribute to back problems, bad posture, and poor overall self-esteem. It is estimated that 75-80% of women wear the wrong bra size. Most bra fitting problems are attributed to band size being too large and the cup size too small.
Follow the steps below to find your correct size. As you know, your body changes over time... and your fit will change as well. If you are experiencing discomfort ~ spillage over your cups or over your back strap, or straps that are simply too tight, it's quite possible that you are wearing the wrong size.
Getting Started
It's best to measure when you are wearing your most comfortable bra - one that has no padding and is not a "minimizer".
First find your Band Size:
With the measuring tape parallel with the ground, measure around your bra directly under your bust ~ after expelling all air from your lungs to get this measurement as small as possible.
Round all fractional measurements to the nearest whole number.
If the measurement is an even number, add 4 inches,
if the measurement is an odd number, add 5 inches.
Then find your Cup Size:
Standing straight and with your arms at your side, measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust. Then subtract the band measurement you got earlier from your bust measurement; each inch of difference represents one cup size.
For example: if your band measurement is 36" (measured 32 plus the 4 inches as shown above) and your bust measurement is 39", the difference between these measurements is three inches - so you'd wear a C-Cup.
Getting the best, most flattering fit:
Now that you know your size, you need to test the fit: Take the opposite hand from the side you are adjusting and gently bring the breast tissue from the back to the front. This exercise will help settle your breasts correctly into the cups.
Does it feel good? A properly fitted bra will not dig, pull, poke or cause discomfort while moving around. If it does, it's not the right bra for you. Make sure it feels comfortable when you sit, stand, stretch, lift and move around.
Does it look good? It's best to check how your bra fits while wearing a t-shirt ~ it's easier to see what it's doing for your figure. A bra that fits properly can make you look taller, it will help define your waist and can even make you look slimmer.
What to look for while fitting a bra:
Is the band straight? Check your silhouette in the mirror, the band should be at the same level all the way around. If it is riding up in back it's too big: Try tightening the band or going down a size.
The band should do most of the work. If the band is too big, the straps have to carry too much weight and put too much pressure on your shoulders.
Getting the band just right: The band should be firm and secure, but at the same time you should be able to slip two fingers under the band in the back, and one in the front center. If it's too tight for that try loosening the band a little, or go up one size.
Is the cup size too small? From the front, check for spillage over the top or sides, or falling out of the bottom of the cups. Try a larger cup for a more natural looking fit.
Do you see any wrinkles? A cup size that is too big for your breasts will cause wrinkly, baggy cups.
Is the center front of your bra flat against your breastbone? The center part should not be on top of any breast tissue. If there's a large gap, try going up a cup size.
Underwire bras should provide support, not dig into your skin. The underwires should lie flat at the front, right up against your ribcage. If they are digging into your breast tissue, either try a larger cup size or a different style altogether.
When you've got the fit just right, your breasts will feel like they are just "sitting" in the cups. It will feel comfortable and supportive, it will make you look better and feel better.
Remember ~ your body will change over time, and bras stretch and loose their shape after wear and repeated washings... You should check your fit and sizes every six months or so.