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Determining Cup Size
By:
Published: September 20, 2006
Trying to find the best-fitting bra size is not only intimidating, it can be downright terrifying. Not only do you have to worry about how the bra looks and fits, but there also are pushy salespeople and unflattering fluorescent dressing room lights to worry about.
Finding a comfortably fitting bra seems to be the biggest issue facing women; more than 75 percent are wearing ill-fitting bras. Well fret no more, the following tips are meant to help you find the best fitting bra size.
Bra Sizes
Two things determine bra size: band size and cup size. Band size refers to the circumference of the bust, not including the breasts, while cup size relates to the volume of the breasts. To determine your bust size, pull a tape measure tightly around your torso, underneath the breasts. Make note of that measurement. Add five to this number and this is your band size. Example: if your frame measures 33 inches, your bra size will be 38 inches. If you end up with an odd number or a fraction, then round it up to next even number. Determine your bust size by measuring across the fullest part of your breasts, this time without pulling the tape measure tight. Take note of this number as well.
Now that you have your band and bust size, it is time to find out your cup size. To find your cup size, subtract your brand size from your bust size. For example, if your bust measures 42 inches and your band size is 38 inches, then the difference is four inches; therefore, you are a 38 D. Cup size is commonly identified by the following: 1 inch difference or less equals an A cup, 2 inches or less create a B cup, 3 inches or less make you a C cup and 4 inches or less constitute a D cup.
This test, though helpful, is not always accurate. If you are having problems determining your cup size, have a bra-fitting specialist help you.
Fit
By now you should know your bra size and be ready to try on many bras. More than likely, this part will take some trial-and-error. Bra sizes run differently among different companies and the bra’s brand name will affect how it fits. On that note, here are a few general fitting guidelines.
1. Make sure the cups are neither too big nor too small. If the fabric bunches or puckers, then the cup is too big. If your breasts are pouring out of the bra in what some professional bra-fitters call bubbles on either the side or the top, then the cups size is too small. If any of these happen, move up or down a cup size accordingly.
2. The underwire of the bra should lie flat against the ribcage. If it is poking your skin or if you can put more than one finger between the underwire and your ribcage, you will need to move up or down a band size accordingly.
3. Many women make think support should come from the bra’s straps and hooks. This is not so. Try the bra on with the hook on the loosest setting and do not adjust the straps too much, they are not designed to take too much strain.
4. Depending on type of bra you are hoping to buy, you will want to bring a shirt you might wear with it. For example, if want to buy a push-up or plunge bra, bring a deep-cut v-neck shirt or a button-down shirt. If you are looking to buy a full-support everyday bra, bring a t-shirt. You want to make sure your bra looks good by itself and underneath clothing.
5. Here is a test to see how the bra will do under wear and tear: Bend down at the waist and then bend back up. Now, jump up and down a few times. If you have to do a lot of readjusting to get the bra or your breasts to sit properly, the bra size does not fit accordingly.
Fabric and Color
The fabric and color of bras may also be taken into consideration. Generally speaking, if you need a bra to wear everyday, comfort is top priority. Although it is pretty, satin does not allow the skin to breath, and lace can feel uncomfortable against the skin. Cotton or micro fiber bras are comfortable and are less likely to irritate the skin. A hot pink bra or something with polka dots might not be a wise choice either. Have you ever been caught in the rain wearing a white shirt? I rest my case. Play it safe and go with something flesh-toned.
Sources:
“Bra Fitting Tips.” Fitting Guides. 19 September 2006. <http://www.figleaves.com/uk/fitting_room />
“Brassiere” 18 September 2006. Wikipedia. 19 September 2006.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/brassiere/
“Determining Bra and Cup Size.” The Breast Guide. 19 September 2006. http://www.afraidtoask.com/breat/breastmeasuringcu p.html/
Finding a comfortably fitting bra seems to be the biggest issue facing women; more than 75 percent are wearing ill-fitting bras. Well fret no more, the following tips are meant to help you find the best fitting bra size.
Bra Sizes
Two things determine bra size: band size and cup size. Band size refers to the circumference of the bust, not including the breasts, while cup size relates to the volume of the breasts. To determine your bust size, pull a tape measure tightly around your torso, underneath the breasts. Make note of that measurement. Add five to this number and this is your band size. Example: if your frame measures 33 inches, your bra size will be 38 inches. If you end up with an odd number or a fraction, then round it up to next even number. Determine your bust size by measuring across the fullest part of your breasts, this time without pulling the tape measure tight. Take note of this number as well.
Now that you have your band and bust size, it is time to find out your cup size. To find your cup size, subtract your brand size from your bust size. For example, if your bust measures 42 inches and your band size is 38 inches, then the difference is four inches; therefore, you are a 38 D. Cup size is commonly identified by the following: 1 inch difference or less equals an A cup, 2 inches or less create a B cup, 3 inches or less make you a C cup and 4 inches or less constitute a D cup.
This test, though helpful, is not always accurate. If you are having problems determining your cup size, have a bra-fitting specialist help you.
Fit
By now you should know your bra size and be ready to try on many bras. More than likely, this part will take some trial-and-error. Bra sizes run differently among different companies and the bra’s brand name will affect how it fits. On that note, here are a few general fitting guidelines.
1. Make sure the cups are neither too big nor too small. If the fabric bunches or puckers, then the cup is too big. If your breasts are pouring out of the bra in what some professional bra-fitters call bubbles on either the side or the top, then the cups size is too small. If any of these happen, move up or down a cup size accordingly.
2. The underwire of the bra should lie flat against the ribcage. If it is poking your skin or if you can put more than one finger between the underwire and your ribcage, you will need to move up or down a band size accordingly.
3. Many women make think support should come from the bra’s straps and hooks. This is not so. Try the bra on with the hook on the loosest setting and do not adjust the straps too much, they are not designed to take too much strain.
4. Depending on type of bra you are hoping to buy, you will want to bring a shirt you might wear with it. For example, if want to buy a push-up or plunge bra, bring a deep-cut v-neck shirt or a button-down shirt. If you are looking to buy a full-support everyday bra, bring a t-shirt. You want to make sure your bra looks good by itself and underneath clothing.
5. Here is a test to see how the bra will do under wear and tear: Bend down at the waist and then bend back up. Now, jump up and down a few times. If you have to do a lot of readjusting to get the bra or your breasts to sit properly, the bra size does not fit accordingly.
Fabric and Color
The fabric and color of bras may also be taken into consideration. Generally speaking, if you need a bra to wear everyday, comfort is top priority. Although it is pretty, satin does not allow the skin to breath, and lace can feel uncomfortable against the skin. Cotton or micro fiber bras are comfortable and are less likely to irritate the skin. A hot pink bra or something with polka dots might not be a wise choice either. Have you ever been caught in the rain wearing a white shirt? I rest my case. Play it safe and go with something flesh-toned.
Sources:
“Bra Fitting Tips.” Fitting Guides. 19 September 2006. <http://www.figleaves.com/uk/fitting_room />
“Brassiere” 18 September 2006. Wikipedia. 19 September 2006.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/brassiere/
“Determining Bra and Cup Size.” The Breast Guide. 19 September 2006. http://www.afraidtoask.com/breat/breastmeasuringcu p.html/
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