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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
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