How to find the size of a bra

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Knowing how to find the size of a bra will make a difference in your appearance

If you?ve been wearing a bra for a while (seems like a lifetime, right?) then you probably have a general idea of what size bra you wear. However, you might be surprised at the number of women who aren?t wearing the correct size, which is creating problems for them, such as discomfort and gouges in their shoulders.

Breast size can change due to weight gain or loss or pregnancy, but many women do not change the size of their brassiere when these body alterations occur.

A bra must provide adequate support and protect your breasts. A good bra makes you look better and boost up sagging breasts. Underwear, including bras, is considered a foundation garment because it provides a base or foundation for the rest of the clothing that you put on.

The band width of a bra is the size around and under your bust line. Sizes run from 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and on up.

To measure for your bandwidth, use a measuring tape and, after letting out all the air in your lungs, measure the distance around this area of the body. If the measurement is a fraction then even it out to the nearest whole number.

For example, if it is 30.5 inches consider yourself 31 inches around. If it turns out that the measurement is odd (e.g., 33 inches) add five inches to make a total of 38 inches. If the measurement is even (e.g., 32) add four inches for a total of 36 inches. This is your band width.

To measure for cup size, use the measuring tape and measure around the fullest part of your bust while wearing a bra that is not padded. Stand straight while doing this. The measuring tape must be parallel to the ground while you are measuring.

At this point, calculate the size of the bra you need according to the measurements. Subtract the band measurement size (e.g.., 31 inches) from the cup measurement (e.g. 36 inches) for a result of five inches. The rule of thumb is that for every inch in difference between the band measurement and the cup measurement the cup size goes up by one size.

In this case, the under measurement is 31 inches and the cup measurement is 36 inches. The difference is five inches. Add five inches onto the under measurement of 31 inches and that equals a band size of 36.

A small breasted woman may wear an A cup or AA. An average-size bust is in the B cup range. The bigger your breasts, the bigger the cup size that is needed.

Every bra has a label

A tag or imprint on the inside of the back fastener of the bra reveals what size it is. However, sizes can vary depending on the manufacturer of the garment. If you normally wear a 36-C don?t assume that such and such bra is going to fit you just because it says it is the size that you usually wear.

Try it on before purchasing it. Bras can very tremendously in size and fit and design.

Many women are not wearing the correct size bra, which is a mistake. When wearing a properly sized brassiere, it lifts your breasts off of the chest wall and keeps your breasts in place so they don?t jiggle around while you are moving. Some breasts are not symmetrical, meaning one is larger than another, which does present a problem when purchasing a bra. Choose a bra that fits the larger breast because if you don?t that breast is going to pop out of the bra.

If you are completely in the dark about what is your correct bra size, go to a professional bra fitter. She can measure and fit you so that you know precisely what size bra you are supposed to be wearing.

You may have to ?kiss a lot of frogs? before you find the perfect bra.