Bras
Privacy Please
on 3/27/11 1:35 pm
on 3/27/11 1:35 pm
Here's the thing - most bra fitting methods are horribly outdated. They tell you to measure under the bust, then add 4 or 5 inches. I would ignore this completely. Bras used to be made without spandex, and I'm sure that method was accurate then, but not now.
If I were you, I'd measure under my bust, making sure the tape was straight across my back, and I would try on a band in that size. If you measure 32, try on a 32 band. No, I'm not kidding. I'm a 30 band in some UK brands, and mostly a 32 in US brands. If you can fasten the bra on the loosest hook, it fits. Seriously, that's my guideline. If I can get the band fastened, it fits. Most of us wear bands that are too big initially, and then when they stretch with wear, they don't offer any support at all. The band is right when it's snug enough not to move when you raise your arms, jump up and down, etc. The right band size will make you forget you're wearing a bra.
Now on to the cup size. If you have spillage, it's too small. Once you determine your band size, measure straight across your bust wearing the best fitting bra you have. Subtract the difference and that will give you a starting point to determine your cup size. For instance, I'm a 30G or a 32F. I have about a six - seven inch difference between my ribs and my bust. And I only mention that because it's more common than people think. I'm not a rarity - most women are just wearing bands that are too big - ride up in the back, make their back hurt, leave red marks from the straps on their shoulders. A good fitting bra derives only about 10% of its support from the straps. The straps should not be holding your bust up. No wonder women hate bras.
When you put the bra on, bend over at the waist and scoop everything from under your arms toward the bra cups. If there's no spillage when you straighten up, it fits. If you have double boob, go up a cup. Keep trying until you find something that works - and you'll probably be different sizes in different brands, just like clothing. Hope this helps. :)
If I were you, I'd measure under my bust, making sure the tape was straight across my back, and I would try on a band in that size. If you measure 32, try on a 32 band. No, I'm not kidding. I'm a 30 band in some UK brands, and mostly a 32 in US brands. If you can fasten the bra on the loosest hook, it fits. Seriously, that's my guideline. If I can get the band fastened, it fits. Most of us wear bands that are too big initially, and then when they stretch with wear, they don't offer any support at all. The band is right when it's snug enough not to move when you raise your arms, jump up and down, etc. The right band size will make you forget you're wearing a bra.
Now on to the cup size. If you have spillage, it's too small. Once you determine your band size, measure straight across your bust wearing the best fitting bra you have. Subtract the difference and that will give you a starting point to determine your cup size. For instance, I'm a 30G or a 32F. I have about a six - seven inch difference between my ribs and my bust. And I only mention that because it's more common than people think. I'm not a rarity - most women are just wearing bands that are too big - ride up in the back, make their back hurt, leave red marks from the straps on their shoulders. A good fitting bra derives only about 10% of its support from the straps. The straps should not be holding your bust up. No wonder women hate bras.
When you put the bra on, bend over at the waist and scoop everything from under your arms toward the bra cups. If there's no spillage when you straighten up, it fits. If you have double boob, go up a cup. Keep trying until you find something that works - and you'll probably be different sizes in different brands, just like clothing. Hope this helps. :)
Good WikiHow about fitting & buying bras - www.wikihow.com/Measure-Your-Bra-Size-and-Find-a-Great-Bra
One thing to remember - just like most clothing, bra sizes change with the brand. Just because you wear a 38DD at VS doesn't mean you'll wear a 36DD in a Bali or Maidenform.
If you change band size, the cup size will probably change too.
One thing to remember - just like most clothing, bra sizes change with the brand. Just because you wear a 38DD at VS doesn't mean you'll wear a 36DD in a Bali or Maidenform.
If you change band size, the cup size will probably change too.
Go spend the money on good bras. It will make all the difference in the world. As someone else said, you don't need dozens of them. Look for a VS sale and make use of it. Sign up for their email list. Google up coupons.
Or go to a place like Macy's or Nordstrom's and get properly fitted there. With a good bra you'll feel like a new woman! It's money well spent.
Or go to a place like Macy's or Nordstrom's and get properly fitted there. With a good bra you'll feel like a new woman! It's money well spent.
I always expect to spend at least an hour or more shopping for bras. I have to try on a dozen or more pairs in different sizes up and down depending on the make, style, and material - and yes I have been fitted professionally, recently. I've found that the size just isn't reliable from bra to bra. But I usually do find one or two styles/sizes that work great - and then I'll buy several of them (I like to have different colors going with the one-in-the-wash and one-to-wear mix!).
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