The Modern
Brassiere
Bulletin Page
Established 8th March, 2000
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The Comfortable Bra Size
It is important to have your bra fit properly not only for comfort, but also for your health. A bra that does not fit properly can cause aches and strain on the back and shoulders. Also, an incorrectly fitted bra can cause damage to your breast tissue. Breast tissue does not repair itself once damaged and it can lose its firmness over time. For these reasons, it is important to wear a properly fitted bra. Also, bras only last with good support for 6 to 9 months so you will need to replace them.
Your best bet in choosing a bra is to be fitted for a bra. Most major department stores and lingerie shops offer this service to their customers. Here is some general size information for yourself so you can take some measurements.
Note
The sizes of the brands of modern bras vary, and this is the reason why the measurements have been standardized in this web page.
Bra Size
Bra size = band size + cup size
Band Size
Wearing a good-fitting, unpadded bra, begin by using a cloth tape measure to check your band size. Measure around the rib cage directly under the bust with arms at sides and standing erect. Make sure your tape is straight. Remember to keep the tape level without pulling tight and don't hold your breath. If your band size is an odd number add 6", or if your band size is an even number add 5". Double check your band size by measuring around the chest, just under the arms and above the breast and add 1 inch. If your band size is an odd number, round up to the next even number. The numbers should be about the same.
Cup Size
To determine your cup size, measure around the fullest point of the bust (bust size), keeping the tape slightly snug. The difference between this number and your band size translates into your cup size according to the chart below.
1 inch difference = A cup
2 inch difference = B cup
3 inch difference = C cup
4 inch difference = D cup
5 inch difference = DD cup
6 inch difference = DDD/E cup
7 inch difference = F cup
8 inch difference = FF cup
9 inch difference = G cup
10 inch difference = H cup
Bust Size
To measure your bust size, measure under the arms, around the fullest part of the bosom.
Take the measurements (bra size = band size + cup size) above and see if the size your bra is matches the measurement. Also, if the bra fits tightly or is uncomfortable, you may need a new bra or bra size. Finally, examine your breast with your bra on to see if you have breast tissue bulging out of the top, bottom or sides of the bra.
The Principles of the Comfortable Bra
| 1.The comfortable bra shall support your breasts. 2. The comfortable bra shall have straps that remain comfortably on the shoulders. 3. The comfortable bra shall not dig into your sides or underneath your breast. 4. The comfortable bra shall have bra cups that fill in smoothly over your breasts. 5. The comfortable bra shall not ride up your back. |
Checkpoints for the Comfortable Bra
Use these point whe you are testing your bras at home or bras in the lingerie shop.
1. Proper positioning. Be sure the breasts are placed correctly in the center of the bra. Your body should be bent over when fastening the bra to allow the breasts to fall into the cups naturally.
2. Good fit. Be sure the cup is large enough to give you your preferred coverage and depth for the breast.
3. Bad fit or inadequate coverage.If the cup is not large enough to provide proper coverage, some of the breast tissue may spill out, resulting in inadequate support.
4. Bad fit, band riding up. Be sure the bra is snug in the girth around the bottom band. If not, the back may "ride up," causing the breasts to drop in front. If the bra seems to fit properly but the bra is riding up in back, go to a larger cup size before trying a larger girth size.
Hints on Putting on Your Bra
1. Start by putting the straps over your shoulder.
2. Bend your body forward. Gently place your breasts into the cups. Adjust the cups so that your nipples are in the center and fullest point of the cup. Each breast should completely be in the cup.
3. Hook the back closure in the most comfortable and supportive position.
4. Stand and adjust the straps so that your breasts are comfortable.
5. Check that the hook is comfortably snug. It should not be tight and painful.
6. Many adjustments can be made to an individual bra using the straps and hooks. Try different settings to see which allows you the most comfort and support.
7. Stand erect and look sideways in your mirror to control the position of your bra.
8. Take on your blouse and look in your mirror from different positions to control your look.
9. Smile.
Make Your Bra Last
1. Handwash
To keep the fabric of your bra delicate and pretty keep your bra out of the washing machine.
2. Drying
Never put your bras in the dryer, but clip it to a clothesline or hang them on a drying rack. Keep your bras away from the sunlight to avoid fading.
Good luck!
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