Size Me Up Please!

First of all, I would like to address the fact that no women has ONE bra size.  Wouldn't that be nice if we could just buy bras that are appealing to us without taking the time to try them on?  Well sorry ladies, it just doesn't work that way.  We see it all the time.  Women come into the store and buy bras in "their size" without trying them on and most of the time they come back unsatisfied.  

So what are some reasons for this madness?

1.  All companies cut their bras using their own measurements.

2.  All styles are cut differently.  For example, full coverage bras run differently than demi cut bras, etc.

3.  The material that the bra is constructed out of plays a big roll.  Does the cup have a lining in it?  Is there a pad?

So the why take measurements at all?

Measurements really just give the professional who is doing your fitting an approximate size to start at.  Honestly. as a professional I could come up with a more accurate size by just looking at you than I do with the measuring tape.  It is after the measurements when trying on bras that we find customers correct sizes.

How do you get measurements using the tape?

Make sure you are wearing you most supportive, non padded bra in order to get the most precise results.

STEP 1:  Take the measuring tape and measure directly under your bust line with the tape parallel to the floor.  Pull the tape together tightly so that the tape is snugly against the skin.  Round up or down to the closest whole number of inches.  Add 4 to that number and this will give you your likely band size.

STEP 2:  Measure around the fullest part of your breast with the tape parallel to the floor.  Round up or down to the nearest inch as you did with the band size.  Subtract the first measurement from the second measurement.  Use the chart below to match the difference with the projected cup size.

Difference (inches) / Cup Size

0-1 / A

1-2 / B

2-3 / C

3-4 / D

4-5 / DD

5-6 / DDD or E

What is the best way to bra shop?

Find a small boutique that performs bra fittings.  Here they will be able to spend the proper amount of time with you that you need.  Make sure it is a place that you feel comfortable with because bra fittings can be a vulnerable experience for some ladies.  Also, make sure that you trust the employee's there and are confident that they have your best interest at heart and nothing else!