Article Fashion

Most women do not wear the correct bra size. With monthly water retention cycles
dieting
and general aging
it also should not be assumed that the size you were two years ago is the same size you are today (or that a bra can be worn that long
for that matter). Even a change of 5 pounds can change your bra size. This guide will help you to properly measure your bust
so that you can find the size for you.

While most shops will have a salesperson to assist you in proper measurements
in order to buy sexy lingerie from a catalog
it is important to know your size.

How To Know If Your Current Bra Does Not Fit

The back rides up. This may mean that the cups are too small
or the band is too tight. The front of the band is too tight to get a finger under it. This means you need a larger band.

The bra cups should be entirely filled
or you may need a smaller cup. If
on the other hand
the cups are overflowing
you may need a larger cup or a different style of bra.

If the underwire digs in
you may need a larger cup size. (Or your bra could just be very old. In either case
it's time to replace it.) This could also be an indication that the side wings of the bra are not large enough.

Proper Measurements

First
you will need three measurements: under bust
upper bust
and full bust.
For under the bust
measure directly under your bust. With all measurements
hold the tape secure but not too tight. For the upper bust
measure above the bust and below the arms.

If the difference between the under and upper bust is less than two inches
the under bust is your band size (round up to nearest even number). If the difference is more than two inches
add 2-3" to the under bust measurement to get an even number and use this as your band size. For the full bust
measure around a fullest part of your breast. Make sure the tape is secure around the back.

Your cup size is determined by your full bust measurement - your upper bust measurement. If the difference is less than 1"
you are a AA
1
is an A
2
is a B
3
is a C
4
is a D
5
is a DD (or an E)
etc.

Beyond Measurements

Of course
your measurements are just the beginning. There are other things to keep in mind when looking for a comfortable
yet sexy bra.

When trying on different bras
make sure that the area in between the two cups actually comes into contact with your chest. Do not make the straps support your breast alone! This will be very uncomfortable over long periods of time
the bra will wear out quickly
and the pressure on the straps can cause back problems.

If you are finding the band sizes to differ for a different brand
you may also need to change your cup size. Generally
as you decrease the band size
you will need to increase your cup size
while a larger band will call for a smaller cup.

Bra Styles

Different styles of bras have different fits. Beware the convertible bras: while they may sometimes work
it is rare that every possible style will work for your body.

Full Cup / Full Coverage - Designed for support
these bras cover the entire breast.

Half Cup / Demi Cup - These bras cover 75 percent of the breast. This is a sexy cut that increases cleavage
but make sure your breasts are not "cut-off" in the center. Your profile should still be smooth
and if it isn't
you need a larger cup size.

Underwire Bras - These bras give the most support.

Racerback Bras - These bras have a crossover pattern in the back. They can have a front or back clasp
or can simply pull over the head. This is a common style for a sports bra.

Halter-Top Bras - As the name imply
these bras have a strap that loops around the neck
rather than the usual shoulder straps. These bras can increase cleavage
and can be worn with both halter tops and tops with low center coverage.
Backless Bras - While some backless bras literally have only front coverage
generally this refers to bras with extremely low backs
so that many dresses with low backs can be worn without the bra showing.

Strapless Bras - These bras have no straps at all
only the band. Some of these can cover the stomach area as well
and some even cover the body like a leotard. These longer strapless bras tend to stay in place better.

Padded Bras / Push-Up Bras - These bras have extra padding in the cups in order to give the illusion of a larger breast and/or to increase the cleavage. The padding can be made of the same material as the bra
foam
or gel. Gel is becoming more popular because of its more natural look. In some bras
the padding is removable.
D้collet้ - These bras are lower cut than a demi bra
allowing you to wear something even lower cut without revealing your bra.

Light-Support Bras - These bras have no underwire. While you may be tempted to wear one to an all-day event
if you are larger than an A cup
you may not be getting the support you need. A properly fitted bra will be comfortable whether or not it has underwire.

Sports Bra - These bras are designed to minimize bouncing during athletic activity. While some inexpensive varieties do this by squishing your breasts
it is better to find on that is sized by cup sizes (as opposed to small
medium
and large) and get fitted as you would with a regular bra. Over the long term
this will increase your comfort.

Nursing Bras - For the convenience of nursing mothers
these bras have a snap on each of the shoulder straps
so she can easily remove them to feed the baby without taking off the entire bra. Generally
nursing bras are full-coverage for the added support a new mother needs.

Now you can order all your intimate apparel with confidence! So next time you find the perfect little black dress
you can be sure you will look your best