How to Find the Correct Bra Size

Amazingly, most women are in the dark about how to determine correct bra size. Often content to buy what is on sale or available in local lingerie stores, woman often find themselves making do with an improper fit. Wearing the right bra size is crucial not only for comfort, but for creating the right look in your clothes. As our bodies change throughout our lives, so too do our bra sizes, even if only incrementally. Rather than staying with old bra styles, it is best to do a periodic update, which requires proper measuring techniques. When shopping for a bra, note that the band size signifies the width around the base of your breasts, and is designated by a number. The cup size determines the actual size of your breasts and is designated by a letter. For example 34 B means a 34-inch band and a B cup.

Effects of a Bad Fit
A bra that is too tight is not healthy for your breasts. By the same token, a loose bra will not give you the necessary support. Cups should not wrinkle, nor should they pinch the breasts. Make sure that your breasts do not fall out of your bra when you raise your hands above your head. If they do, go down a band size. The center area of your bra should remain even around the full circumference of your body. If the band rises up, go down a band size. The middle area between the two cups should sit flat against the center of your sternum. If it does not, go up a cup size. Bra straps should not have to do all the work to keep your breasts supported. If you feel that they are pulling, go down a band size, which will provide you with a more efficient lift. If the band is too tight, the fat on your back will often be pinched, causing discomfort as well as creating a lumpy look. Go down a band size or find a different style of bra if you find that the fatty areas around the armpits or back are evident.

Rules for the Right Fit
For a comfortable and elegant fit, your breasts should fit comfortably into the bra cups, and the band width should support you without pinching. A proper circumference fit is one that allows you to fit one or two fingers underneath the band. Try on various styles in your size to find the right bra for you. As bras come in even size numbers, it can be challenging to find the shape that complements your breasts. If you have small breasts, try a demi-bra, which may fit you better than those that provide full coverage.

Measuring for Size
The best way to measure for your size is to use a soft measuring tape, preferably with the help of a friend. Measure around your rib cage, just below your breasts, then add 5 to get your band size. If you get an odd number, round it up to the next even number, as bras never come in uneven-numbered sizes. Then measure the fullest part of your breast, which will give you your cup size. If you have a large or sagging bosom, wear a bra while measuring and pull up the straps so that the tape can fit easily under your breasts. Once you have these two sizes, subtract the band size from your cup measurement to get the right bra cup size. If the difference is 1 inch, you are an A cup; if it is 2 inches, you are a B cup; 3 inches larger makes you a C cup; and 4 inches larger puts you at a D cup.

Expert Insight
The best way to determine your bra size is to be measured by a professional. She will also know what models may be best for your size and shape, helping to make bra shopping easier and faster. Once you find the size that feels and looks good, stock up on that style in various colors, ordering it from online stores, where you may get the best value. Through trial and error, you are bound to find the exact bra for you--one that makes all the difference in the way you look and feel.