How to Find the Right Size
In order to measure yourself, you will need a soft measuring tape, and for best results, remove your bra.
Now, measure directly underneath your breasts on the rib cage, making sure to keep the tape level all the way around your torso. Pull the two sides together until they meet and lie flat against your body, but be careful not to pull too tightly. The tape should feel snug, but not constricting. Round up the measurement to the nearest even number. For example, if you measured 31″, then round up to 32. This will be your band size. However, if you measure slightly over an even number, such as 32 1/4″ or 32 1/2″, you may want to round down because bras do lose elasticity over time and will only become less supportive with frequent wear. If you are on the borderline between two sizes, personal preference will dictate which band size you should purchase.
Next, measure around the fullest part of your breasts (usually across the nipples) and round up to the nearest number. For example, a measurement of 40.5″ would be rounded to 41″.
Finally, subtract your band size from the measurement taken across your bust. From our current example, 41 – 32 = 9″. Use the information below to find your corresponding cup size.
1″ = US A or UK A
2″ = US B or UK B
3″ = US C or UK C
4″ = US D or UK D
5″ = US DD/E or UK DD
6″ = US DDD/F or UK E
7″ = US G or UK F
8″ = US H or UK FF
9″ = US I or UK G
10″ = US J or UK GG
11″ = US K or UK H
12″ = US L or UK HH
13″ = US M or UK J
14″ = US N or UK JJ
15″ = US O or UK K
16″ = US P or UK KK
Thus, the woman from our example would be a UK 32G or US 32I; however, European and US styles tend to be cut smaller both in band and cup. If you need to size up in the band, remember you need to size down in the cup, meaning a 32G becomes a 34FF. Because manufacturers all utilize different cuts and sizing, finding the right fit can be challenging.
Double Check the Fit
Now that you have a general idea about what size you need, take a moment to review some of these tips to ensure that you have the proper fit.
- Your band should fit snug (but not tight) on the loosest set of hooks. The elastic in all bras deteriorates with everyday wear, and your bra will last longer if your start with a snug band on the loosest set of hooks.
- The band of your bra should be centered across your back with the straps adjusted to the tops of the shoulders. It should not ride up the back or cause the straps to fall off the shoulders as this will mean your breasts hang low in the front. At least 80% of the support from your bra comes from the band, so it is important that the band fits perfectly.
- Adjust your straps. Again, the majority of weight is supported by your band, but you may need to adjust your straps looser or tighter to provide you with optimal support and comfort. Properly fitted straps will pull the cup against your breast so that it sits nicely under clothes and supports the full breast tissue.
- Check your underwire. The underwire of a bra should encase the breasts and rest firmly against your ribcage, especially in the center where the underwire meets. The wire should lie flat, completely separating your breasts. On the side of your torso, the wire should not mash your breasts or dig into the skin. Many women do not realize that there is breast tissue on the side that needs to be scooped into the cups as well. When the bra fits properly, the cup of the bra should enclose the breast tissue and be filled out and shaped by your breasts.
Common Problems
Majority of women are wearing a bra with a band size that is too big and a cup size that is too small. Thus, if the average woman buys a 34D bra, she most likely wears a 32DDD. Here are a few easy ways to tell you are in the wrong bra size:
- Your breasts pop out the bottom of the bra, especially when you raise your arms.
- Your breasts overflow from the cups of the bra causing “muffin top” or lumps.
- The straps of your bra give you deep shoulder indentations.
- The band rides up in the back.
- Your breasts are smashed together at the center of the bra or compressed by the underwire on the sides.
- The underwire digs into the your breasts or sides.
- You have frequent infections or rashes underneath the breasts.
If you ever have any questions about what size you should wear or how to fit yourself, please don’t hesitate to email us at sophisticatedpair@gmail.com.