Wearing the wrong bra size is not only a problem from an uncomfortable aspect, but also it can make your clothes look like they don't fit you properly. This in turn could lower your self confidence, and make you not appreciate your body's natural shape. Every woman needs a great bra, that fits her breast size, and shape.
Evaluating the Proper Style Bra and Bra Size for You Takes 4 Easy Steps.
- Step 1: Measure for your bra size
- Step 2: Evaluate your breast tissue's natural shape
- Step 3: Search for bras in your size, and a style that will suit your breast tissue shape
- Step 4: Double check the bra that you find designer's sizing guidelines to ensure that you get the correct size. If they tell you specifically how to measure for your bra size, remeasure using their guidelines, as this is how they expect the bras to fit, and measuring in different styles can lead to different results.
Step 1: Measure for Bra Size
Start by getting a fabric measuring tape, or a tape that is soft and allows for bend. You should be wearing a bra that is not padded, but can have a lined cup, it should have underwire, and not be a sports bra.
Stand up straight, with your shoulders back. Run the measuring tape along the underneath of your bust. This is directly under the cups of the bra you are wearing, but should not go across them. This measurement will be your band width. Holding the band tightly, but not cutting off circulation measure your band width measurement in inches. Write this number down. Do this a couple times to ensure that you are getting the same measurement each time. If the number is odd add 5", if the number is even add 4".
Now measure across the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the tape is straight across your body and parallel to the floor. This measurement will be your cup size. See the chart bellow to know what your final bra size is. If one breast is a slightly different shape or size than the other, buy for the larger side to avoid spillage, padding the other side as needed. You can use you're old swimsuit pad, or find a new one in our accessories section.
| Rib Cage | Band Size | A | B | C | D | DD |
| 25" - 26" | 30 | 30" - 31" | 31" - 32" | 31" - 32" | 32" - 33" | 33.5" - 34" |
| 27" - 28" | 32 | 32" - 33" | 33" - 34" | 33" - 34" | 34" - 35" | 35.5" - 36" |
| 29" - 30" | 34 | 34" - 35" | 35" - 36" | 35" - 36" | 36" - 37" | 37" - 38" |
| 31" - 32" | 36 | 36" - 37" | 37" - 38" | 37" - 38.5" | 38" - 39" | 39" - 40" |
| 33" - 36" | 38 | 38"- 41" | 39" - 42" | 39" - 42.5" | 40" - 43" | 41" - 44" |
| 37" - 40" | 40 | 42" - 45" | 43" - 46" | 43" - 46.5" | 44" - 47" | 45" - 48" |
Step 2: Evaluate your breast tissue shape and style of bra that best suits you:
While standing without a bra, look at the natural shape of your breast tissue. It maybe easier to turn to the side, and look in a mirror. Evaluate how your breast tissue falls on your body to know what kind of bra cup will fit you best.Wide Set Breasts
If your breasts are set wide on your chest, you will most likely feel comfortable in a balcony cut bra. These bras have a wider set cup and strap. You can even find these bras with lined or padded cups that will help bring your breast tissue closer together, and provide a more rounded shape. A great bra for your breast shape is the Cosabella Ceylon Push Up bra. This bra provides wide set straps, shape, and lift and is very seductive and beautiful.
Sagging, or Downward Pointing Breasts
If your breasts are heavier toward the bottom, or tend to point downwards, you will most likely feel comfortable in a contoured underwire demi cup bra. These bras offer support, and shape the breast tissue to a more rounder shape. Demi bras can also come in a pushup or padded version if you are looking for more enhancement than just lift. A great bra for your breast shape is the Natori Body Double Contour Push up Bra. This bra provides lift, and shape and is a great everyday pretty t-shirt bra.
Pointed, or Cone Shape Breasts
If your breasts are more pointed than round, you will most likely feel most comfortable in a demi bra with a side pad. These bras will help provide lift, while the side pad will even out your shape to give your breasts a nice full round shape. A great bra for your breast shape is the The Little Bra Company Lucia Push Up Bra. This bra provides your breasts with a nice rounded shape, lift and support in a beautiful lace bra design.
Full or Large Breast Size
If your cup measurement is above a C cup, you will most likely feel most comfortable in a full cup bra. These bras are designed for full breast tissue, and will offer the most amount of support and comfort. The straps are generally slightly wider to allow for a heavier weight support without digging into your shoulders, and some still come with a lined, or even padded cup to provide shaping, and lift. A great bra for your breast shape is the Natori Reflex Memory Foam Contour Full Fit Bra. This bra provides the ultimate in comfort, with smooth cups, wider straps in the fuller cup sizes, and a contoured cup for shape, and lift.
