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Proper Bra Sizing: What Every Woman Should Know

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.

Décolleté – 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

(ArticlesBase SC #67110)

Finding the Right Nursing Bras

Shopping for bras is challenging enough, but when it comes to nursing bra shopping it can seem nearly impossible. There are so many variables to bra fitting when shopping for a nursing bra including whether or not you are still pregnant and then trying to guess what your size you will be after you deliver your baby and begin nursing. Whether or not you plan to nurse your baby full time also factors into your prospective nursing bra size. Also, every woman's body reacts differently to nursing, some women may go up one cup size third trimester pregnancy when they begin nursing, others may increase as much as 2 cups sizes and still others maybe only a half cup size difference if any. Here are a few suggestions and recommendations in shopping for your nursing bras to try to make this task a little less daunting:

If you are expecting your first baby, it is hard to know what to expect with your future bra size when shopping for your nursing bra as you have no history to draw on. The best rule of thumb is to wait until as close to your due date as possible before buying a nursing bra so that you can best gage what your size will be. If you do plan to nurse, you can expect your milk to come in within 2-3 days after you deliver. When you milk does first come in, some women experience a huge temporary uptick in their cup size. However, once your hormones settle down and your milk supply adjusts to a more predictable demand, your size should settle down. You should expect some natural size fluctuation during the day and before and after nursing, so it is best to pick a comfortable stretchy bra which will accommodate these changes while providing the support that you need for heavier lactating breasts.

The second rule is to not buy too many bras until your size has settled down after the first few weeks. You will probably only need about 3-4 bras at most that you can wash and wear so you always have one on hand to accommodate those early weeks. My best advice is to find several styles you like, that are very stretchy and can accommodate several cup sizes to safely fit your fluctuating and uncertain size. The Bravado Original Nursing Bra is an excellent choice. This bra comes in 3 size categories and 4 band sizes to accommodate a range of cup and band sizes and stretches easily while offering good support. Since there are no hooks on the back and a stretchy wide T-back fit, you can even comfortably sleep in this bra if you choose. If you are larger busted, I do recommend buying sleep bras for evening and nighttime wear which will also fit a range of cup sizes. The Majamas Easy Bra is an good choice which comes Small to XXL and fits from a 32A to a 48G. This bra has no hooks in the back and is a simple pull down style for nursing. The Easy Bra now also comes in an Organic Cotton which is very comfortable fabric for sleeping and loungewear.

Once you have survived the early weeks of nursing and motherhood, you will probably want to find a bra that is flattering to wear under T-shirts and gives you a bit more support and shape. Melinda G has a number of bras to choose from that come in a range of sizes. Melinda's G's Tee Shirt Soft Cup Nursing Bra is a smooth cup wireless bra that gives a clean look you can wear under a tee shirt or tight fitting shirt. This bra also has support comparable to an underwire bra without the associated risk of mastitis from an underwire bra. The Tee Shirt Soft Cup bra also stretches to fit several cup and band sizes which makes it an excellent nursing bra.

If you are bigger busted and really need the support of an underwire bra, Melinda G's T-shirt Underwire Nursing bra is a very good choice. Like the Tee shirt soft cup bra, this bra also provides a clean seamless and smooth look that can be worn under a tight fitting shirt while also giving your breast shape and definition without restrictions. This bra comes in sizes 34C to 38F and is cup and band size specific, so it is best to buy this bra after your milk supply has settled down and you are a more exact size. The hooks on the cups do allow you to adjust the size of the cups to smaller or larger for before and after nursing to help with that size variation and superior fit.

If you are looking to get back your pre-pregnancy figure and hit the gym, you will probably feel more comfortable in a nursing sports bra when exercising. Bella Materna offers a highly supportive and comfortable Nursing Sports Bra that stretches to accommodate up to 2 cup sizes for your normal size fluctuation. The quick drying Italian Lyca/Nylon fabric will not pill or fade or show sweat marks. This bra has a 4 hook closure on the back for maximum support and adjustable wide straps with clip nursing access. You will probably want to wear this bra even after your baby is weaned for its support, comfort and flattering uplifting design.

Once you find comfortable supportive nursing bras to accommodate your size variations and daily life routines, you will find your quality of life improves tremendously as you reclaim your body, your life and embark upon the joys of motherhood.

(ArticlesBase SC #601349)

A Guy’s Guide: How to Buy a Bra for Your Girlfriend or Wife

I'm not about to call myself a bra expert. After all, I'm a guy; I don't need a bra. I rarely pay attention to their size, shape, or cost. But recently, when I went Christmas shopping for my girlfriend, my bra ignorance haunted me.

My girlfriend had told me a number of times about a bra. I remember her mentioning one brand in particular, a brand that was comfortable and had a sexy design. But I couldn't remember the name of the brand.

I visited a lingerie store. I browsed. I saw many, many bras. They were colorful, but beyond that I couldn't really see any difference between them.

A saleswoman approached. She asked me what I was looking for, my girlfriend's size, and if I had a particular brand in mind. I gave an embarrassing, ignorant answer.

"She's a little taller than you. Maybe a bit bigger," I said.

The saleswoman shook her head, smiled consolingly. I left, but not before promising I'd be back with more information.

I sat down at the computer and researched bras. My first step was to find the brand my girlfriend wanted. But I also wanted to understand how bras affected women's posture, what made a bra comfortable. Before long, though, my curiosity got the best of me. I started reading about the history of bras, their place in fashion history.

I have to admit it. I found the story interesting.

Women wore different types of undergarments as far back as the 1400's. The 1500's witnessed the advent of the corset, a garment that elevated the breasts. As time passed, bras evolved into girdles, a garment that restrained a woman's stomach and suspended her breasts from her upper torso and shoulders.

The Chinese invented the first cloth and cup bra, with shoulder straps and a girth seam that locked behind the back. This bra was popular among many wealthy women, and paved the way for variations on the contemporary bra.

The modern fashion era produced diverse styles and designs. Some bras had padded cups, which often increased comfort. Others focused on backstraps and underbands, which provided support and good posture.

Eventually, my search reached the present day.

I needed to find that particular bra, the one that would fit my girlfriend perfectly. A sexy, comfortable bra, the one she wanted as a Christmas present.

But searching for bras online is like flipping through a year's worth of junk mail. In order to find a specific letter, you have to be patient and know what you're looking for.

Then I remembered France.

France was instrumental in the evolution of the bra. The manufacturers there are widely considered the best in the world. My girlfriend loves France. I remembered her bra of choice was French.

OK. Search French bras. Result: Chantelle.

Chantelle has over one hundred years of manufacturing experience. Their bras are designed to enhance a woman's comfort and image. They use exclusive laces and embroideries, bringing a superior standard of quality to their products.

This sounded familiar. I visited their website. Now I was confident I had found the right brand. I wasn't ready to buy yet, though. I went into my girlfriend's bureau. I confirmed her bra size. Then I read some more.

Here's some advice from Lilliana Mann, a bra size expert:

1) Buy the best bra you can afford.

2) Larger breasted women should avoid smooth cups because there is not enough support.

3) Bra straps should not slip off the shoulders.

4) Try on every bra. Brands and styles vary.

Armed with this information I returned to the lingerie store. I knew my girlfriend wanted a Chantelle bra. I knew her size. But I also knew that she should try on her bras herself.

The saleswoman approached. I said Chantelle. She looked impressed. I found the size. The woman explained the choice was a sexy, comfortable bra. I said I’d take it.

At the checkout counter, I bought a gift certificate--enough to buy two more Chantelle bras. This was the best of both worlds.

I gave my girlfriend the bra she wanted. But it was no harm if it didn't fit perfectly. She could return to the lingerie store, find one that did, and pick out two more while she was at it.

(ArticlesBase SC #683792)