How to select the right bra size

           I often wonder why it seems to be so difficult for women to select the right bra size.  I think, since some women spend so much time shopping for fashionable clothing, they often forget about the "underwear" and have little or no time to shop for what most people would not see them in.  It seems a little sad to me to think that this little something might find itself being neglected by the ones who actually use them.  

           It is true that around 85% of women select the wrong bra size.  It reminds me of a funny commercial from Wacoal that shows how the cup did not fully cover the top of the breast.  Wacoal has a great selection of bras that are designed to properly enhance a woman's bosom (which can be found at KTs Lingerie.) Usually, women select a cup size that is too small and a band that is too big or vise versa.  Here are a few tips for those who really want to have a comfortable and perfect fitting bra.

How to Measure Bra Size

          The best way to start is to find your favorite bra that you feel fits the best and that makes you feel comfortable. For the best measurement, you should use seamstress measuring tape that you would find in your mother's old sewing kit.

1.  The first measurement to take is around your ribcage, just below your breasts.  Make sure the tape measure rests flat on the skin and goes straight across your back ( You might need a boyfriend to help you).  After finding the measurement, add 5 to the number of the length, this will give you your band size.  Although, adding only 2-3 inches (instead of 5) works far better for most women.  If the number is resulting in an odd number, round it up to the next band size, bra bands only come in even numbers.  When you put on a new bra during fitting, it should fit snugly around your rib cage but you should be able to fit one or two fingers under the band without it feeling too tight. If you are pulling down or finding yourself adjusting your bra throughout the day, your band size is too big.  The band needs to be able to support 80 to 90% of the load.  Since of course, the band is elasticated the remainder of the weight is transferred to the straps, the straps (shoulders) only carry about 10-20% of the load.  Never leave a store without trying on the bra you want, even if it is too cute to leave behind. 

Finding the right cup size

           2.  With your favorite bra on, measure at the fullest part of your breast. This measurement will determine your cup size. Next subtract your band size from your cup size to determine the correct cup size.  Measuring the cup size is a little more difficult; even if you have a good measurement, it is always better to try on different bras and find out which one fits more comfortably.  If you already own a well-fitting non-padded bra, you can wear it while taking this measurement, make sure that it does not 'flatten' your breasts, it will create an improper measurement and give the illusion that your breast are smaller in cup size.  Remember this number, and find the difference between that and the band-size. The difference tells you which is your correct cup size.

Use the sizing chart below to get the right fit:

Click to enlarge

Pamper your breasts and let them have a little time away from being held against their will throughout the day.  Give them at least twelve hours free from being caged up, this will help the lymph flow inside your breasts, and it will help them from feeling like caged animals.  It is recommended that when selecting a perfect fitting bra, you should go with what makes you feel good, and that fits your breast the best.  Some recommend getting help from a professional, but that is almost too embarrassing for a woman to admit that she, as a woman; cannot determine for herself what is best for them or how to correctly support her two friends.

How to tell if your bra fits correctly.

1. 
   
   1. If you can fit 1 to 2 fingers under the band comfortably, then you selected the right band size.
   2. Place the band at the tightest hook while fitting, if you are having a hard time putting one finger under the band, then move the hooks to the loosest fitting eyes. If it is still tight on the loosest fitting, then try on another bra in a larger band size.
   3. If the band can easily be pulled away from your body, or if the band rises up your back, then go down one in the band size.
2. If you are wearing an underwire bra, the wire that comes up between the breasts should lay flat and comfortably against your breast bone. If you are wearing a bra with no underwire, your breast should remain as two separate breasts, not one single bundle on your chest.
3. If the bra is a soft cup bra, you shouldn't have any extra, gaping fabric. If the bra is a molded cup you shouldn't have any extra room in the cup. Your breast should completely fill the cup. If it is gaping and the band feels fine, then go down in the cup size.
4. You don't want to be spilling out of the cup - not from the top, bottom or sides. If the band feels fine then go up a cup size.
5. To check if your bra will remain comfortable throughout the day, it is recommended to do a quick test.  Raise your arms up (do this as if you are working out), the bra should stay against your body, the straps should not lift up or fall off your shoulders. If they do you should try a few of these things;
   1. adjust the shoulder straps? (No dough!.)
   2. Pay attention to the band. Is it too tight? Or too loose? Or just right?
   3. If the band is just right, and if after adjusting the shoulder straps, it still acts up, then go up a cup size.
6. If you have a small frame or are petite, and you find a bra that fits the band, and you don't quite fill the cup and you have already tried the next cup size down and it's still not quite right - or if the you have the proper size, or the band fits you right and fills the cup, but the wire is sticking into your underarms, the best bet is to try a Demi bra. The Demi bra has less of a wire, by about an inch or more, and will fit more comfortably.
7. Never assume that every bra is created equal.  Bra sizing varies just as much as shoe sizes.  European and Japanese fittings are very different.  Try on different styles of bras. Every style fits and fills different and can "shape" your breast differently.
8. Enjoy your bra, it should never be uncomfortable or bothersome throughout the day.

 I felt it is always necessary for someone with a blog that deals with lingerie should at least mention once the proper way to finding the right bra size, so I decided to get it out of my system as soon as possible.  I hope this little tutorial was insightful, and hopefully, you are not one of those who are in need of such advice, but I am sure it was fun finding where you might have gone wrong when you were shopping for a bra.

Let us know if we missed something.