I am going to go out on a limb here, and tell you that bras sizes and bra sizing is a sham.
You've surely all read instructions on how to find your bra size, and for completeness sake, here is what is generally agreed upon (For US sizing):
Hint: It helps to have a friend or husband do this with you.
Put on your most comfortable bra.
With a tape measure, measure the distance around your chest directly under the breasts. Let's assume, you measure 34"
Next, do some math:
If the number is less than 33", add 5" (It's not)
If the number is greater than 33", add 3" (34" + 3" = 37")
If you end up with an odd number, add one additional inch (37" + 1" = 38")
This number is your band size. Write it down or remember it (38 = Band Size)
Next, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of the bust. This is your bust measurement. (Let's say it's 41")
Next, do some more math
Subtract your band size from your bust measurement. (41" - 38" = 3")
The number that remains is used to determine your US cup size. See the following chart:
If... Your Cup Size is...
Band Size - Bust Measurement = 1/2" AA
Band Size - Bust Measurement = 1" A
Band Size - Bust Measurement = 2" B
Band Size - Bust Measurement = 3" C
Band Size - Bust Measurement = 4" D
Band Size - Bust Measurement = 5" E (DD)
Band Size - Bust Measurement = 6" F (DDD)
Band Size - Bust Measurement = 7" G (DDDD)
According to the chart, you are a 38C.
Congratulations, you now have the skills to pick out the wrong bra size 85% of the time!
Yes, it's (apparently) true. 85% of women wear the wrong bra size...Do you?
Here's how to find the perfect fit, and become part of that 15% wearing the right bra size...
You know your "size", so you should find a few bras in styles that you like. However, you should also pick up the same styles in their sister sizes.
Sister Sizes: An explanation.
Sister sizes are bras that have the same cup size, but a different band size. In the case of the 38C, the sister sizes are 36D and 40B.
Many women don't known this, and simply go up or down a band size without looking at a different cup size. If you think the bra is too tight, you'll be inclined to go up to a 40C, rather than the correct size of a 40B. If you think it's too loose, you'll go down to a 36C.
This is probably a big reason why 85% of women are wearing the wrong size!
Here's the trick, If your band size goes up, your cup size goes down. As your band size goes down, your cup size goes up.
Here comes the next problem: What if despite trying on various sizes, the bra still doesn't seem to fit right?
You have to move on to a different bra style. Here are some ideas:
If you have a wider breast that protrudes from the chest less: Try a soft cup style.
If you have a narrow breast that protrudes from the chest more: Try a minimizer or full coverage bra
If your breast doesn't fill the cup: Try a soft cup, a non-molded cup, a demi cup bra, a padded bra, or go down a cup size.
If your breast is too large for the cup: Try a full coverage, a soft-cup, a minimizer style, or move up a cup size.
If you have non-symetrical breasts (Different sized breasts): Try going down a cup size, or a half cup size, if you can find a half cup sized bra. This is very common, by the way.
After doing all of this work, you should be able to find a perfect fitting bra.
Here are some recommendations: First of all, visit a larger department store or a shop that specializes in bras. Next, you'll want to take some time to try them on--You don't rush when you buy shoes, nor should you rush when you buy a bra. When you try one on, pay close attention to anything that rubs or pinches, even if it only does a little--just imagine how annoying it will be over the course of a day. Make sure you're trying out a few different brands. Just like shoes, bra sizes fit differently based on who makes them. Get rid of all of your biases, let the measurements do the talking. Lastly, when you find a bra that you like that fits, remember it! You'll likely want to buy it again in the future.
Alright ladies, with this new knowledge in hand, you are now ready to find that elusive perfect fitting bra.
Classy Bras is dedicated to helping women find the best bras at the best prices. We are also on a mission to help every woman achieve the perfect bra fit.
By Alan Bayer